A new website, http://projectlionpath.psu.edu, has recently been launched and a project director has been chosen for Project LionPATH, the ongoing, multi-year initiative to replace Penn State’s Integrated Student Information System (ISIS) with a new, modern system.
A phased roll-out of the system is scheduled to begin in fall 2015 and will be completed in fall 2016. The new system will enable Penn State to better support students, faculty and staff by improving current features, as well as allowing for additional capabilities, process improvements and internal efficiencies to be integrated into the infrastructure. The system will be provided by an outside vendor, expected to be selected this summer.
The newly launched website, which will become a clearinghouse of information for Project LionPATH (Penn State Academic Technology Hub), includes content on the project’s background, executive team and working team information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding project governance, scope and staffing. Future content will include news announcements, project updates, and a blog, along with a complete list of project team members.
A project director, Michael J. Büsges, has been hired to oversee the initiative. Büsges arrives at Penn State with considerable experience managing strategic university initiatives, including a two-year student system implementation at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He has also participated in the implementation of student systems at several other universities.
According to Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Robert Pangborn, “While the initiative to replace the student system will be a major undertaking for the University, we are convinced that the benefits will make this effort well worth the investment and enhance services, improve the student experience, increase efficiency, and save Penn State resources in the long run.”
ISIS is integral to the work and academic needs of tens of thousands of Penn State community members daily. Not only is ISIS used to manage billing, student aid awarding, course scheduling, transcripts, and student records for Penn State students from admission through graduation, but it is also the backbone for eLion, Penn State's Web-based system for students, advisers and faculty.
To learn more about Project LionPATH, go to http://projectlionpath.psu.edu.