Datatel program coming to Doane

Tosha Rae Long
Staff Writer
Mar. 11, 2004, Page 1

The signing of a contract between Doane College and Datatel in September 2002 marked the beginning of a long journey toward technological bliss.
Datatel is a computer software program Doane will be using for administrative purposes. Every office will be able to utilize this software, including human resources, business, payroll, personnel, student life, etc.
This program will allow for students to register online, check financial aid packages, check grades and search for classes.
The switch in systems came after the old system, Poise, which Doane has been using since approximately 1988, went out of business. This event set in motion what would turn into a three year project.
“We were due [for a system upgrade]”, said Rebecca Gonzales, institutional research specialist. “That is a long time for a computer system to last, 15 years.”
The project began with a year long process of deciding which software to purchase. Many faculty members were involved in choosing Datatel.
“It was the best all around,” Gonzales said. “It was the best software for Doane. We are light years from where we were.”
In order to implement software of this magnitude, many factors must come into play. According to Gonzales, the effort has been unanimous.
“I think that everyone has been involved,” Gonzales said. “It has been a huge undertaking. All the offices, student life, everyone has helped. It has really been a team effort.”
July 2003 marked the first milestone in implementing Datatel with the Business Office, the first to come online.
Admissions switched in October 2003, and Payroll is predicted to convert in June 2004.
The Doane-Lincoln campus started registration yesterday with the new software.
Currently, faculty is being trained to register students.
According to Gonzales, as of April 7, Crete campus students will be able to register with the new software. By July 1, the entire program should be live.
“It is going to be better for the students and for the faculty,” Gonzales said. “It is going to provide you with a better service, because isn’t that the whole point?”
The road to employing Datatel has been a long one Gonzales said, one that she is definitely ready to finish.
“The whole thing will be up and running July 1,” Gonzales said. “And on July 2, I am going to take a nap.”