In May 2009, timed to coincide with the launch of our new website, CTE began to use the centrally-supported Enterprise Learning Management system through Human Resources, just like the Safety Office before us, and other support units considering the same system on campus. You can use the self-service function in myHRinfo (not far from where you can see your paycheque and benefits!) to register yourself in most of our workshops and events. For specific instructions, click on the tab “Registration Procedures” from our CTE Events page. Below, I’ve reproduced some questions and answers that have arisen as we’ve planned and implemented the Enterprise Learning Management System (I’m told this has nothing to do with the Starship Enterprise, which makes me just a little sad, but hey, at least I can pretend).
Why are we changing systems?
Until now, we have been using “Easyform” registration. The functions are, as you can probably tell from the name, simple. As we have increased the number and kind of workshops and events we run, tracking everything has become very difficult. With a centrally-supported, database-driven system we can automate tasks, track the impact measures of our work more effectively, and give you more control over your own enrolment record. That means that you can enroll yourself in events and also see your own enrollment history.
What are the direct benefits of this move?
In short, you’ll have more control over your own records in a secure, anywhere / anytime environment. We’ll be able to set it up so that you get automatic reminder emails, the chance to go on a waitlist for full sessions if you so choose, and a direct way to see available offerings plus a full archive of events as of Spring 2009. On our side, we’ll be able to interpret attendance patterns and workshop ratings in order to serve you all the better.
How did we decide on the Human Resources system?
After surveying teaching centres across Canada, considering our own in-house resources and expertise, and looking at external solutions, we decided that a centrally-supported system that other UW groups are or will be using would bring the most benefits to us and to you. Other possibilities, although perhaps having more attractive or intuitive interfaces, lacked the security levels appropriate for faculty and graduate student information and privacy, or they required a level of expertise we do not have on staff in our Centre.
What will change?
Rather than linking directly from our site to a registration page for a particular workshop, a link from our site will lead to the myHRinfo page, where you will need to log in with your UW credentials (the same user id and password you would use, for example, to access ACE and Nexus mail, or your server on your office computer). You’ll then search for a course number, view its associated information, and click register on the session that you want. Instead of “workshops,” you’ll see “courses” and “session offerings” of the courses. You’ll see numbers 001-499 for graduate student course sessions, 500-599 for new faculty, and 600-999 for faculty. There’s no other meaning for the finer slices of those numbers.
Questions?
If you are a graduate student, CUT participant, or ITA participant, contact Darlene Radicioni at ext. 33132.
If you are a faculty member, teaching staff, or post-doc, contact Verna Keller at ext. 33857.
Feedback on the new system?
Contact Trevor Holmes at ext. 33408, who would love to hear your thoughts now or any time.
