Charity,
Here at MSU, in addition to the licensing, we contracted for the initial scribing (coding). This is a catch .22. Schools who pay for scribing tend to be disappointed because the non-local scribers do not understand the nuances of the local curricula. Conversely, local experts do not understand the nuances of the scribe (code) capabilities when they gear up for initial scribing. I think you are OK either way – ultimately I think it is probably a similar cost (either extend the time it takes to learn scribe and complete it locally, or pay to have it done more quickly and then go in and clean it up). We also contracted for some Ellucian-hosted project management oversight and this was very expensive and somewhat helpful. I have heard there are private companies that do this as well and I have heard good things about them.
The other expense was really time from people across campus(es). We had a core team that included 2 representative from IT , one from the Office of the Registrar (technical in nature), one from an academic department, and a project manager (also from the Office of the Registrar with a policy/management focus). Additionally, each MSU campus had a similar core-team structure. We had weekly and then bi-monthly phone calls to keep all of the campuses moving forward at approximately the same pace. This team approach helped all of us as we all learned from one another and collaborated on many of the obstacles we came across. The team members on each campus, solicited the help of people in their division and from across campus throughout the implementation. The amount of help needed from across campus is inversely proportional to how confident you are in the clarity and consistency of your published degree requirements. We had great support from each of the offices mentioned and the academic departments. This is a large undertaking and requires input from all areas of campus (some more than others depending on your structure and culture). Regardless, you need top down support and grass-roots buy-in.
We started planning in January and went live the following October. I served as project manager in my new role as Associate Registrar. Luckily I was new in the position without a desk-full of other ongoing projects. Several months I spent about 50% of my time working as PM for degreeworks for the 4-campus MSU implementation.
While there were (and continue to be) cultural and technical hurdles. I don’t think anyone would want to go back to the old patterns of advising and degree check-out. The benefits far outweigh the costs here in Bozeman (I hope that is true at the other MSU campuses as well).
If you would like to discuss this further, please call
Tony Campeau
406.994.2604
From: MACRAO Listserv [mailto:MACRAO@listserv.gfcmsu.edu] On Behalf Of Charity Walters
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2014 2:01 PM
To: MACRAO@listserv.gfcmsu.edu
Subject: Degree Works Question
Hi All,
I have a few questions for those who are currently using degree works.
1. In addition to the license costs, what additional cost did you have to consider for implementation of the program? What departments and/or budgets paid for the costs associated with Degree Works?
2. What was the general time line for implementation of the program? As an estimate how much departmental staff time was required to get it up and moving?
3. What have been the benefits or hindrances to your departments or the overall campus?
Thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate it.
Have a wonderful thanksgiving week!
Charity
Charity Walters| Registrar and Director of Institutional Research | The University of Montana Western | 710 South Atlantic Street | Dillon, Montana 59725 |
Phone 406.683.7471
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