DegreeCat update

After a thorough RFP process that involved representation from all campuses and extensive testing for usability, Coursedog was selected as the vendor to replace ECAS, PCAS, and the University catalog.

Some highlights of Coursedog:

• Intuitive design with course and program workflow approval systems in the same interface with data deeply connected Ability to upload PDFs (e.g., syllabi) or other documentation
• System allows for publishing of accurate curricular data beyond the official catalog (e.g., department and collegiate websites, Admissions, major exploration tools, reporting tools)
• The product design approach makes it easier to implement configurations and handle University complexities
• University staff can easily configure workflows and forms without vendor support
• Robust reporting interface with features that allow for better reporting and data analysis

Updated project timeline

The implementation of Stellic—the new tool for graduation planning and schedule building—has been delayed. The initial timeline was created without a full understanding of the work required to have our system integrations working well. The project is prioritizing “getting it right” over “getting it done soon” because there is a need to establish trust in the system; we are taking the time to get accurate, actionable data into Stellic.

As before, a small group of University colleges and campuses—called Wave 1—will launch first. The new timeline for Wave 1 would have their students using Stellic as soon as May 2022. On the Twin Cities campus, CBS is in Wave 1. The rollout to remaining undergraduate students is targeted to be complete around the start of the fall 2022 semester. Regardless of when a college begins using Stellic, advisors will have access to the system prior to students in order to become familiar and comfortable with it.

Information about the project is available at DegreeCat Project and questions can be sent to degreecat@umn.edu.