UNews - Debi Sandul

Banner revitalization underway

caroline.zentner — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 18:12:28 +0000

The Banner system, the platform for most administrative operations at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, is undergoing some reconstructive surgery. With some nips here and tucks there over the next couple of years, Banner will emerge sleek, smooth and more nimble.

“We are going to a baseline, Banner-delivered, best practices system,” says Susie Kennedy, registrar. “As enterprise solution providers, Banner by Ellucian supports best practices in the post-secondary system. We can appreciate and take advantage of those features once our revitalization project is completed.”

Right now, the Banner system is a hybrid of the baseline Banner product and additional modules developed in-house. The IT Services department provides the infrastructure for the Banner suite of applications that includes student information, finance, human resources and alumni systems.

When Banner was first adopted in the late 1980s, it was largely a place to record and store student information. The system wasn’t set up to perform certain functions the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ required, so U of L programmers and analysts were tasked with developing their own solutions to Banner’s shortcomings and embedding them into the system.

“We had to build functionality onto their system,” said Debi Sandul, program manager for Banner Revitalization.

A few years later, the parent company added finance, human resources and alumni applications to the Banner system. Those applications and the in-house modules have created the system in use today.

One of the biggest problems the U of L experienced with the system was that its own customizations of Banner interfered with performing system upgrades.

“We can’t just lay their new services over top of the existing because our U of L modifications are in the way. As a result, we haven’t been able to implement many of the improvements in the Banner system,” says Kennedy.

Banner has evolved over the years and a Canadian solutions centre was added to ensure the system met the needs of Canadian post-secondary customers. The Banner suite is now robust enough to perform all the functions the U of L needs. The Banner Revitalization project was launched earlier this year to begin the process of removing U of L customizations from the Banner system.

The revitalization of Banner is more complex than just hitting the delete button. Because U of L customizations support local processes and are implanted into many facets of Banner, removing them requires planning and organization.

“It’s going to feel different for some users but it’s definitely going to streamline some processes and result in some procedural and administrative efficiencies,” says Kennedy. “Letter generation will be automated, as an example, and there will be improved online self-service.”

Admissions and registration will be simplified, making it easier for prospective students to apply, enroll and manage their academic life from the device of their choice.

“Our whole communication plan with students will change for the better,” says Sandul. “If we can automate some of the more tedious types of tasks then our staff can spend more time on providing student support where it’s required and where it’s requested.”

Improving service to students is something Andy Hakin, vice-president (academic) and provost, wholeheartedly supports.

“Whether someone is considering studying at the U of L, is already a student or an alumnus, they expect an easy and smooth online experience,” says Hakin. “Once the revitalization process is completed, the Banner system will allow us to provide better service and better meet user expectations.”

Initial work is being done behind the scenes and it should take another four or five months to complete. A core technical team of eight to 10 people is working on the project, with additional personnel called in as needed. The majority of the work should be completed in early 2016. Anyone with questions is welcome to send an email to revitalization@uleth.ca.

“Once we’re done the revitalization, the stage is set for major enhancements to the system. We’ll be able to implement new features and technology as part of regular system upgrades,” says Sandul.

Significant And Mentionable

trevor.kenney — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:54:14 +0000

HISTORIANS SCORE 100%

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge History Department celebrated 100 per cent participation in Supporting Our Students for the second year in a row.

"This is an incredible accomplishment," says Debi Sandul, who is co-chairing this year's SOS campaign. "Students have always been at the centre of what we do and this demonstrates the continued commitment of the History Department to enhance the student experience and create opportunities."

Supporting Our Students is an annual internal fundraising campaign to raise money for student awards. Faculty and staff donations are matched by the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund, doubling the impact of all contributions.

The goal for this year's campaign is 300 contributions and thanks to the dedication of faculty and staff like those from the History Department, the campaign already has 255 participants.

"This year's campaign is about participation and this group has come together to demonstrate the strength of the U of L community," explains Dr. Rob Wood, the campaign co-chair.

"We are very proud of what we've been able to do as a group and I hope this is just the beginning," says History Department Chair Dr. Chris Epplett, who went on to issue a friendly challenge to other U of L departments.

GRAD STUDENTS HONOURED

When the School of Graduate Studies and the Office of Research Services handed out their Research Excellence awards recently, there were no trophies, only cold hard cash to the tune of more than $700,000, which was shared by 36 student recipients of graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral studies awards.

The investment in research funding directed toward candidates in master's and doctoral programs is critical to help grow the
U of L's research programs and its place as a comprehensive research university.

The research funding was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Alberta-based agencies Alberta Ingenuity Fund, Alberta Innovates Health Solutions, the Alberta Cancer Foundation, and the Alberta government-funded Ralph Steinhauer Awards of Distinction.

NATIONAL RANKING SHOWS DRAMATIC GROWTH FOR U OF L RESEARCH FUNDING

The U of L is ranked second nationally by Re$earch Infosource in terms of research income growth over the decade 1999-2009 for undergraduate universities – with an overall growth rate from $3.295 million to $15.956 million.

"This is the highest gain of any Alberta school and any Western Canadian school – and we are still growing," says U of L Vice-President (Research) Dr. Dan Weeks.

"These figures do not reflect the additional people we have attracted, the income from this past year or the many new programs that we have launched."

As assessed by RE$EARCH Infosource, the list ranks universities by their research income and research intensity (research funding per faculty member).

ACCESSIBILITY AND INNOVATION LEAD TO RECORD ENROLMENT

This September brought with it the largest student enrolment in the U of L's history. The official enrolment number is 8,472, with the growth being credited to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's dedication to being an accessible and innovative institution.

EDUCATION STUDENTS TAKE A STAND AGAINST BULLYING

The third annual ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Anti-bullying and Cyberbullying Awareness Week was held Oct. 4 to 6. Organized by the Education Undergraduate Society, the event is the only student-organized anti-bullying campaign in Alberta and aims to increase the awareness of cyberbullying and bullying in the community.

The ever-increasing use of technology among children is rapidly leading to a transformation in the traditional forms of bullying, with cyberbullying becoming more prevalent.

The anti-bullying campaign highlighted the need for schools to develop policies and procedures related to cyberbullying, while providing teachers with techniques and tools to address the issue.

STUDENTS' UNION HELPING PAINT A BRIGHTER FUTURE

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union Executive Council worked on their home-improvement skills this past summer by volunteering with Project Paintbrush.

Working with Volunteer Lethbridge and Project Paintbrush, the students laboured to fix up homes for those who are not able. Specifically, the four council members grabbed brushes and aided in painting the exterior of a local home.

Project Paintbrush focuses on assisting seniors and individuals with special needs who are physically and/or financially unable to maintain the exterior of their property. There is no cost to the homeowner and the program operation is based solely on volunteers.

Taz Kassam, SU president, believes that "making positive changes through volunteering in the community provides for greater experiences and opportunities for all. Lethbridge supports its students and it is important for students to support Lethbridge, too."

By taking part in this project, the ULSU hopes to not only spark knowledge of Volunteer Lethbridge and Project Paintbrush, but also showcase the impact volunteering has on individuals and the community.

"At the end of the day, we can look back and realize that we made a difference, and the families are more than grateful for the help," says Kassam.

IGEM TEAM CLEANS UP

A group of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge undergraduate chemistry, biochemistry and neuroscience students has been awarded a $20,000 international research grant from the Oil Sands Initiative to find a biological solution to improving the environmental sustainability of Alberta's oil sands.

The students are members of the
U of L's multiple-award-winning International Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) team, which competes each year at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, Mass. Regarded as the premier undergraduate synthetic biology competition in the world, the conference attracts competitors from around the world but the U of L group was the only team to receive a $20,000 award.

The money will help support the development of a petrochemical-eating bacteria that the group plans to design. If successful, the bacteria could be used to help clean up water in ponds that have been polluted in the refining process.

CONGRATULATIONS

The U of L extends sincere congratulations to the following members of our community for their awards and recognitions this fall.

U of L Chancellor Richard Davidson was named one of the 50 most influential people in Alberta by Alberta Venture magazine.

Dr. Trevor Harrison, sociology professor, was awarded a Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in Canadian Studies at Kennesaw State ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

The Honourable Rick Casson, who is a Member of Parliament for Lethbridge and a former U of L employee, was appointed to the Queen's Privy Council of Canada.

Dr. Susan McDaniel, director of the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, was named Vice-Chair of the Council of Canadian Academies' Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).

Dr. Joseph Rasmussen, biological sciences researcher, was appointed to the National Oil Sands Review Panel.

GLOBE & MAIL REPORT CARD

The Globe and Mail's annual report card on Canadian ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ performance is out and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has been given high marks, ranging from B's to A's in more than 80 per cent of 17 categories.

The survey was prepared by higher Education Strategy Associates in partnership with the Globe and Mail, and asked more than 35,000 students 100 questions that were distilled down to the final 17 categories. Individual scores (such as the U of L's) are based on a minimum number of responses from U of L students.

The Faculties of Health Sciences and Management recorded high marks from students for providing a quality education, and "A" level grades were received for the number of small class sizes, the quality of student/professor interaction, and the institution's athletics and recreation services.

"This survey is a solid reinforcement of our strength as an undergraduate university, but we're moving along a new path to become a comprehensive research university – without losing sight of the very important factors that put all of our students first," says U of L President Dr. Mike Mahon.

U OF L'S CANDO PARTNERSHIP NETS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

Faculty of Management student Shermayn Menicoche (photo, right) is one of three people to receive a $3,000 National Indigenous Economic Education Foundation (NIEEF) scholarship from the charitable arm of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO).

CANDO is an Aboriginal-controlled, community-based group that builds partnerships with educational institutions, Aboriginal leaders and senior corporate and government representatives.

The U of L is now one of nine post-secondary institutions accredited by CANDO to deliver courses that help economic development officers working in First Nations communities obtain an Aboriginal Economic Developer Certificate in addition to their U of L degree.

For a look at the full issue of SAM in a flipbook format, follow this link.

History Department leading SOS charge

trevor.kenney — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:07:44 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge History Department is celebrating 100 per cent participation in Supporting Our Students for the second year in a row.

"This is an incredible accomplishment," says Debi Sandul, who is co-chairing this year's SOS campaign.

"Students have always been at the centre of what we do and this demonstrates the continued commitment of the History Department to enhance the student experience and create opportunities."

Supporting Our Students is an annual internal fundraising campaign to raise money for student awards. Faculty and staff donations are matched by the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund, doubling the impact of all contributions.

The goal for this year's campaign is 300 contributions and thanks to the dedication of faculty and staff like those from the History Department, the campaign already has 243 participants.

"This year's campaign is about participation and this group has come together to demonstrate the strength of the U of L community," explains Rob Wood, the campaign co-chair.

"We are very proud of what we've been able to do as a group and I hope this is just the beginning," says History Department Chair Chris Epplett.

"I would like to see more departments on campus with 100 per cent participation. Consider this a friendly challenge."

To accept the challenge and make a donation, visit www.ulethbridge.ca/giving/SupportingOurStudents

SOS campaign full of optimism

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:44:03 +0000

Supporting Our Students (SOS) co-chairs Debi Sandul and Rob Wood are remaining positive despite the tough economic times. Drawing on the strong tradition of faculty and staff support at the U of L, these co-chairs are refusing to back down.

"We're all facing some level of economic uncertainty," acknowledges Wood, "but none more so than our students. This is not the time to hold back. This is the time to give more."

In their time on campus, both Sandul and Wood have seen the difficulties students face when pursuing a university education. They can also attest to the difference scholarships and bursaries make.

"Students should be focused on their studies instead of worrying about tuition, rent or groceries," says Sandul. "Students are the reason the rest of us are here, and we need to be a part of keeping them here. Your support allows students to focus on being students by alleviating some of the financial burden."

This year's campaign focuses on addressing the growing student need by educating faculty and staff on how they can make a difference in the lives of our students.

"I hope to lead by example," says Sandul who has been a part of SOS since it's inception five years ago. "I want to raise awareness and educate people on what we're doing and how they can help in a positive way."

"We've got a great team of volunteers this year as well," recognizes Wood. "This group includes representation from across the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, including our campuses in Calgary and Edmonton. Each volunteer will be fostering momentum in his or her own department or unit and helping to build that team spirit that is so important to SOS."

Both Sandul and Wood emphasize that the success of this year's campaign will be measured by the number of donors who give, as well as by the dollars raised.

"The goal for this year's campaign is 300 contributions, but I would like to see many more than that," says Wood.

"I want people to understand that every little bit helps," explains Sandul. "The amount you choose to give is not nearly as important as your participation. If everyone on campus made just a small donation, we'd be able to do some amazing things."

Sandul, Wood and a team of SOS volunteers are out in full force and are asking for your support.

"I am perfectly happy to pester my colleagues for money," jokes Wood.

Consider yourselves warned.

For more information on how you can contribute to SOS 2010, please visit www.ulethbridge.ca/giving/SupportingOurStudents or call ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement at 403-329-2582.

Supporting Our Students surpasses $1 million in funds raised

trevor.kenney — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:36:20 +0000

This year's Supporting Our Students campaign kicks off on a high note as co-chairs Debi Sandul and Robert Wood announce $1 million in support for students since the campaign's initial launch in 2005.

"This demonstrates an outstanding commitment on the part of faculty and staff to support our students," says Sandul. "In the last five years,
U of L employees have generously donated more than $1 million to Supporting Our Students, increasing funds for scholarships, bursaries and support for the institution."

Donations from the annual campaign are matched by the Government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund.

"Students have always been at the centre of what we do and this milestone demonstrates the continued commitment of U of L employees to enhancing the student experience and creating opportunities," says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Bill Cade.

The announcement is particularly encouraging given the current economic challenges.

"This is a tough year, but now more than ever, students need our help," says Wood. "We are very proud of the $1 million dollar milestone, but we hope that this is just the beginning."

For more information on how you can make a difference in the lives of students, or to donate visit the Supporting Our Students website.

Watch the May edition of the Legend for a full interview with Sandul and Wood, the co-chairs of this year's campaign, where they will discuss their goals for the 2010 campaign.

Long service awards and honoured retirees

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:27:38 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ recently honoured 83 employees at the annual Long Service Awards and Retirement Recognition Ceremony.

Employees who have completed 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service, as well as 18 retiring employees were all honoured at the ceremony.
Following is a list of those employees.

Retirees
Lynn Arnold, Judith Droessler, Eileen Ferguson, Peter Haney, Marilyn Hawryluk, Helen Henderson, Beatriz Housley, Luke Kwong, Ian McKenna, Linda Nicol, Ron Perverseff, Terry Prociuk, Lorraine Schimpf, Hiroshi Shimazaki, Helen Smith, Sara Stanley, Johnel Tailfeathers, Marie Yolland

Long Service Recipients

40 Years | Michael Kubara and Frank VandenHeuvel

35 Years | Lynne Brown, Gary Cunningham, Rose Helmer and Barbara Wolstoncroft

30 Years | Doris Kostiuk and Wendy Vogel

25 Years | Doran Anderson, Deb Bullock, Hank DeRidder, John Federkeil, Carol Gaetz, Ken Nicol, Stewart Rood, Linda Sebastian, Penny Secretan, Jerzy Szpakowski and Guy Vervoort

20 Years | John Bain, Allan Besplug, Craig Bullock, Cynthia Chambers, Helena Danyk, Lisa Doolittle, Marty Gadd, Andrew Hakin, David Kaminski, Luke Kwong, Judy Lavorato, Ian MacLachlan, Edward Malinsky, Duane Rockerbie, Gloria Samuels, Michael Stingl, Carrie Takeyasu, Pat Tanaka, Barb Thomsen, Gitte Villiger, Kathleen Willms, Shelly Wismath and Sajjad Zahir

15 Years | Jim Booth, Teresa Heyburn, Joan Kendall, Rob Kern, Richard Lutwick, Ron Schreiber, Terri Thomas, Nicholas Wade and Judith Whitehead

10 Years | Andrea Amelinckx, John Bronk, Adam Carter, Yllias Chali, Margaret Cook, Robert Cooney, Dennis Fitzpatrick, Fred Greene, Shauna Haag, Geoffrey Hale, Susan Hill, Shahadat Hossain, Charlene Janes, Harold Jansen, Randy Joseph, Edward Jurkowski, Catherine Kingfisher, Laurie Martin, Cathy Newman, Margot O'Donnell, Steve Patitsas, Michele Roberts, Chris Robinson, Debi Sandul, Stephane Simard, A. William Smith, Mike Spiteri, Stuart Thomas, Dawn-Ann Thys, Edwin Wasiak, Cheryl Wheeler and Jim Wills

Long service awards, Wednesday

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:52:19 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is holding its annual Long Service Awards and Retirement Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, May 6, beginning at 1 p.m. in the Students' Union Ballrooms. A total of 83 employees who have completed 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service, and 18 retiring employees will be honoured at the event.

All employees are invited to the ceremony and reception to honour the award recipients listed below. The reception will include light refreshments.

Retirees

Lynn Arnold, Judith Droessler, Eileen Ferguson, Peter Haney, Marilyn Hawryluk, Helen Henderson, Beatriz Housley, Luke Kwong, Ian McKenna, Linda Nicol, Ron Perverseff, Terry Prociuk, Lorraine Schimpf, Hiroshi Shimazaki, Helen Smith, Sara Stanley, Johnel Tailfeathers, Marie Yolland

Long Service Recipients

40 Years

Michael Kubara and Frank VandenHeuvel

35 Years

Lynne Brown, Gary Cunningham, Rose Helmer and Barbara Wolstoncroft

30 Years

Doris Kostiuk and Wendy Vogel

25 Years

Doran Anderson, Deb Bullock, Hank DeRidder, John Federkeil, Carol Gaetz, Ken Nicol, Stewart Rood, Linda Sebastian, Penny Secretan, Jerzy Szpakowski and Guy Vervoort

20 Years

John Bain, Allan Besplug, Craig Bullock, Cynthia Chambers, Helena Danyk, Lisa Doolittle, Marty Gadd, Andrew Hakin, David Kaminski, Luke Kwong, Judy Lavorato, Ian MacLachlan, Edward Malinsky, Duane Rockerbie, Gloria Samuels, Michael Stingl, Carrie Takeyasu, Pat Tanaka, Barb Thomsen, Gitte Villiger, Kathleen Willms, Shelly Wismath and Sajjad Zahir

15 Years

Jim Booth, Teresa Heyburn, Joan Kendall, Rob Kern, Richard Lutwick, Ron Schreiber, Terri Thomas, Nicholas Wade and Judith Whitehead

10 Years

Andrea Amelinckx, John Bronk, Adam Carter, Yllias Chali, Margaret Cook, Robert Cooney, Dennis Fitzpatrick, Fred Greene, Shauna Haag, Geoffrey Hale, Susan Hill, Shahadat Hossain, Charlene Janes, Harold Jansen, Randy Joseph, Edward Jurkowski, Catherine Kingfisher, Laurie Martin, Cathy Newman, Margot O'Donnell, Steve Patitsas, Michele Roberts, Chris Robinson, Debi Sandul, Stephane Simard, A. William Smith, Mike Spiteri, Stuart Thomas, Dawn-Ann Thys, Edwin Wasiak, Cheryl Wheeler and Jim Wills

Online application system tests well

trevor.kenney — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:09:29 +0000

It's a one-stop application shop intended to streamline the process of applying to Alberta's post-secondary institutions and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is at the forefront of its implementation.

By the fall of 2009, all public post-secondary institutions in Alberta will be using ApplyAlberta – an innovative, made-in-Alberta online application and transcript transfer system.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge recently welcomed a group of high school students and some family members from three local high schools to participate in the ApplyAlberta pilot – and the system passed with flying colours.

"On average, it took students approximately 20 minutes to enter their personal information, select the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge as their institution of choice, complete that portion of the application, pay their application fee and submit the application electronically for processing," says Debi Sandul, the U of L's Associate Registrar and project leader for the ApplyAlberta system on the U of L campus.

ApplyAlberta is a new secure online application and transcript transfer system that has been developed by Alberta's public post-secondary institutions in partnership with the Government of Alberta.

Through ApplyAlberta, students will be able to apply to multiple public post-secondary institutions and authorize the transfer of their Alberta high school and post-secondary transcripts between participating institutions.

"After they had completed this process, students and parents were invited to share in their experiences. One parent indicated that it was 'so slick' he wanted to apply too! Another student indicated that the online process was very easy to follow, especially the U of L section," says Sandul.

Sandul added that the first person in the province to apply using the new ApplyAlberta system is a future U of L student.

Leslie Lavers, Associate Vice-President (Students) and Registrar, was pleased by the turnout and sees the value in having students apply using the new system.

"The test worked, and provided us with feedback that we can use when the final system is released later this year."

The ApplyAlberta concept was important enough that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge provided substantial resources in the way of people, time and effort to see the pilot through to completion, according to Dr. Andy Hakin, the U of L's Vice-President, Academic.

"We are very excited to see the potential for students across Alberta – and beyond – to apply to the Alberta Post-Secondary System."

It is anticipated that the U of L will fully implement ApplyAlberta later this spring, with other institutions joining over the summer. By fall 2009, applicants to all public universities, colleges and technical institutions will be using ApplyAlberta. It is estimated that the number of applications through the new system will account for more than 100,000 students annually.

UNews - Debi Sandul

Banner revitalization underway

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