SMC offers students PRISM system
By KATIE MILLER
News Writer
Saint Mary's students can now access their schedules, academic transcripts, grades, addresses, financial aid and billing information online through PRISM, a new service offered by the College on its website.
According to the registrar, Lorraine Kitchner, Saint Mary's has been working on PRISM, an extension of the CST Banner administrative software for two years.
"It was part of the original package bought two years ago," she said. "We've successfully converted information from legacy, our former software, to CST Banner."
While transcript access was denied to several students who logged on Friday, Dec. 1 when PRISM was accessible for the first time, the office began working on getting transcripts onlie today, Kitchner said.
By spring semester 2001, students will be able to register for their general education and elective courses online as well.
"As soon as a comparison with the old software is done, it will be released for students. It will be a long tedious process [for the registrar's office]," Kitchner said.
So far, Kitchner has not found any problems with the new software.
"There have been no problems. I was aware of one in our practice database, but it did not show up in our live database," she said.
According to Kitchner, PRISM will be convenient for students, and will eliminate the need for paper transcripts.
"You have access to looking at grades online," she said. "During finals week, grades will be posted no later than the day after they are due to the registrar's office. Instead of waiting to receive grades in the mail, students will have immediate access to their grades."
The new system will also provide students with the opportunity to acess academic records with ease.
"With transcripts, students will not have to come by the registrar's office for a copy; they can just print up what's on the web. It provides great access," said Kitchner.
As of Monday, Dec. 4, 220 Saint Mary's students had signed onto PRISM.
"Checking current billing information online will be very helpful for students and their parents," said junior Mary Brennan.
"I'll appreciate receiving my grades earlier than before," said junior Katie McIntyre.
PRISM can be accessed directly through Saint Mary's web site.
All News Stories for Tuesday, December 5, 2000
