Update on Graduation Planner replacement

In April 2022, the Stellic project (to replace Graduation Planner and Schedule Builder) was paused because we were not confident in the project’s launch based on its progress, and we needed to shift resources to the Coursedog project. At the conclusion of the pause, it was determined that there was not a good path forward to launching Stellic. The contract has now been terminated. 

ASR is currently evaluating potential options for a Graduation Planner replacement. This includes working with Purchasing to determine if we need to re-issue an RFP, or if we can look to the 2nd and 3rd choices from our previous RFP. ASR will also be reviewing the tool offered by CollegeSource (our vendor for APAS) to learn what improvements have been made to their product since the RFP.  

The timing of a new project is dependent on several factors. In addition to the potential of needing to complete a new RFP, resources are currently dedicated to the Coursedog project, and there is other work that needs to be completed after that concludes. For these reasons, the earliest a project could be launched with an identified solution would be in 2024. Until a replacement is in place, Graduation Planner and Schedule Builder will remain available. 

FERPA Q&A

Q: Can a student challenge a grade by using their FERPA right to request an amendment to their student record?

A: No. The right to amend a student record is for information that is inaccurate or misleading due to a recording error. It does not apply to a substantive decision, such as what grade was awarded. Students do have the right to receive an explanation for their grades under University policy, and can seek assistance from the Student Conflict Resolution Center if needed.

FERPA Q&A

Q: Our Events staff have asked for student names, email addresses, and mailing addresses to forward to the commencement photographer who will use the information to mail photo proofs taken at the ceremony to students. This information is considered limited directory information. Does this mean we need to receive permission from each individual student in order to release their information to the photographer? Or can we share the information so long as the student has not fully suppressed this information in their record?

A: Student contact information that hasn't been suppressed is in the "limited directory category," which means we can share it within the institution.

In a case like this, there are two potential options:

1. The photographer has a contract with the University, and the contract designates the photographer as a school official and obligates them to securely handle student data.
2. Students provide consent.

ASR recommends option 2. Most graduation processes have a student consent component built into them. This is typically for the student to give consent to have their name in the program or to have content on a website, regardless of whether they change their directory suppression status. Consent for the photographer can be built into this process similarly.

Grade Accountability Policy

The updated Grade Accountability Policy has been published in the policy library. Minor edits were made for clarity and to respond to community feedback received during public comment.

Completion of Parchment storefront upgrade

The University’s transcript vendor, Parchment, completed a storefront upgrade on March 21, 2023. This upgrade improved Parchment's interface, making it easier for users to order transcripts and duplicate diplomas. Single sign-on with internet ID and password continues to work, but anyone who created a Parchment account prior to March 21, 2023 will need to create a new account when they log in for the first time after the upgrade.

Fall 2023 registraion times

Fall 2023 class registration begins Thursday, April 13. Registration appointment times were posted for students in MyU on Monday, March 27. Students can find their appointment time by logging into MyU and selecting the "Academics" tab, then selecting the "Registration" sub-tab. Registration times and information on how to register for classes are available on One Stop.

If a student needs their appointment time adjusted because of a system error, contact One Stop Student Services (onestop@umn.edu). Include the student's internet ID, student ID, and name.

Coursedog update: Timeline adjusted

The project team is currently completing Quality Assurance (QA) testing for configuration and data integrations into the Coursedog curriculum and catalog products. While their QA testing is almost complete, the team encountered more issues than initially expected. As a result, they’ll need more time to resolve the issues, and the go-live date will need to be adjusted. Coursedog will now go live at the end of August 2023 (originally June 2023).

The team’s primary goal is to ensure that the Coursedog product is of the highest possible quality for University staff at go-live. The additional 8 weeks of time will allow the team to deliver a best-quality product for users participating in User Acceptance Testing in May 2023. This will result in a better product at launch in August. Over the next week, communications regarding this change will be sent to current ECAS & PCAS users and additional stakeholders.