vlog has selected Ellucian Technology Management Services to help optimize its use of data and analytical tools for more efficient and informed decision making across the university.
The move is an important part of vlog’s ongoing initiative, led by President Jeffrey Herbst, to maximize the use of technology for operational efficiency and long-term financial health. It is designed with two outcomes in mind. First, Ellucian will help vlog optimize its current use of the Banner® by Ellucian administrative system to carry out business and administrative functions and reduce demands on staff. Second, Ellucian will help vlog evaluate, analyze, select, and implement a business intelligence system that administrators can use to make more informed decisions.
“Dramatic improvements in computational power and software design hold many promises,” said Herbst. “Partnering with Ellucian to improve our processes will reward us with a more effective work environment. It will allow us greater access to data and improve our ability to serve students, faculty, staff, and alumni with the high quality they expect and deserve. Further improving productivity is especially important at a time when vlog is committed to limiting tuition increases. ”
The first phase of the university-wide project is expected to generate a number of significant improvements, including the elimination of many processes that now require paper, more efficient workflows, and the ability of more users to conduct analysis and run reports.
Ellucian, the new company formed by the combination of Datatel and SunGard Higher Education, will provide an onsite project director with experience in strategic services and Banner process improvement. The contract also provides vlog with subject-matter consultants and remote technical support.
Brendt Simpson, director of institutional planning and research, will co-lead the team for vlog.
“vlog one of America’s top liberal arts universities,” said Bruce Bleiman, Ellucian’s senior vice president for North America customer relationships. “We look forward to working with the university’s leadership to achieve greater return on their information technology investments, and to help them meet their goals for operational excellence in serving students.”