Working together
Software and Vendors
Key Users
Administrative departments within the college are supported by Key Users. These individuals possess a wealth of application-specific technical knowledge and should therefore be your first point of contact for administrative computing assistance.
In addition, there are seven Divisional Key Users who are responsible for answering users' system related questions and serving as the liaison between administrative users and the MIS Department. They work closely with the Technology Deployment and Integration Managers to identify, prioritize and execute the college's administrative computing needs.
Divisional Key Users:
Ronald Ardizzone - Student Affairs
Jeff Forte - Development, Corporate & Alumni Relations
Joanne Cantone - Human Resources
Bonnie Lowney - Enrollment Management
Pam Sherman - Information Technology/Academic Services
Matt Homer - Academic Affairs
Maria Meehan - Business, Finance & Treasurer
Divisional and Departmental Key Users meet on a regular basis. These meetings are coordinated by Ron Ardizzone. For additional information, please email Ron or call him at extension 2229.
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MIS Responsibilities
The principal activities of MIS include the research, selection, development, deployment, and support of computer software used in Bentley's business operations. To this end, MIS regularly monitors the release of new versions of software products from current college vendors and evaluates new information technologies for possible future application.
Supported Software
MIS maintains a list of supported computer software. Software is removed from the list when:
- It is no longer supported by the vendor
- The version is not compatible with current versions
- The software no longer runs on the college's infrastructure
- New software providing the equivalent or superior functionality has been identified, evaluated and implemented
- The software does not easily integrate with more commonly used, current software versions
- Legal restrictions require that we discontinue operating the software
To allow sufficient time for departmental planning and adaptation, clients generally receive a minimum of six months notice prior to the discontinuation of support and/or the removal of software from the college's microcomputers and servers.
Access and Availability
MIS, in conjunction with other units in the Information Technology/Academic Services Division, strives to ensure that administrative computer hardware and software is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, essential maintenance and backups may require some downtime. Such work is generally scheduled for times least likely to interfere with normal business. If it is necessary to interrupt service, prior notification is given whenever possible.
Third Party Products
MIS works with clients interested in purchasing third-party software products to serve specialized business needs. A systematic comparative analysis of competing commercial products is performed, including their technical properties and suitability for the Bentley environment. MIS can assume no responsibility for products acquired without this vetting process.
Technology Planning
Each fall in connection with the budget request process for the upcoming fiscal year, MIS provides technical assessments and cost estimates for software initiatives requiring capital funding. Departments seeking such funding should discuss their plans with MIS in early October. For additional detail, go to Policies and Procedures.
Each spring MIS asks divisional vice presidents to identify software priorities for the upcoming year. Such requests are assessed in terms of their urgency, cost, availability of technical resources, feasibility and range of potential impact and value. Typically, demand out distances development resources. Projects for the upcoming year are selected in June and scheduled throughout the next academic year.
User Responsibilities
Ethical Use
All members of the Bentley community use college resources in the pursuit of their primary endeavors at Bentley. The college requires that such use comply with the Using Computing and Network Resources Policy at Bentley policy.
This policy ensures that computing resources are not abused, wasted, or employed in ways which interfere with, or cause harm or damage to another person, institution or company within or outside the Bentley community.
User Competence
Staff, faculty, and student users are expected to familiarize themselves with documentation, and to avail themselves of formal training to enable effective use of the computing resources provided by the college. Users are obliged to stay current as new functionality is introduced; and supervisors are obliged to foster professional growth in the technical areas.
Impending Purchase Consultation
Offices contemplating the purchase of commercial software packages for use in the Bentley environment should request MIS consultation services prior to purchase by contacting Barbara H. Palmer, Dean for Information Resources and Systems.
Non-standard Software
MIS regrets that it cannot help offices making use of non-standard and/or unsupported software, though referral to outside vendors may be arranged at the client's expense.
Software and Vendors
The major software supported by MIS includes:
Cognos Impromptu
Impromptu is an end-user reporting tool. Web Based and Desktop Local Client are the Impromptu reporting products currently in use.
CollegeNet Schedule25/Resource25
Schedule25/Resource25 is a campus-wide space utilization software used by Bentley's Conference Center whose focus is bringing people together in an educational setting.
Infor EAM (formerly Datastream)
Infor EAM is our Enterprise Asset Management system, automating much of the work of our Facilities Management Department. This software identifies, tracks, and locates physical assets; controls the work order processes for maintenance; streamlines material management by monitoring inventory online; and computes the cost of services.
Open Source Portfolio (OSP)
OSP is an electronic portfolio (e-portfolio) application that provides students, faculty, and staff with convenient, secure, everywhere-accessible on-line space for document/file storage, tracking, and reflection. It allows the owner to select work for presentation, submit work to an advisor for review, give and receive feedback, and reflect on feedback and progress. Use of an e-portfolio allows students to demonstrate skill and/or knowledge in particular areas. It can add value to work completed in a particular course by providing a way to organize work across courses and create a cohesive presentation demonstrating growth and knowledge.
Oracle Corporation Database, Portal and Data Warehousing Products
Administrative computing at Bentley relies heavily on Oracle products. MyBentley uses Oracle portal technology, as does the BEAR, our enterprise reporting environment. Bentley is a charter member of CampusEAI, a consortium of colleges and universities who collaborate in the development and use of Oracle Portals.
SungardSCT Advance
Advance is a software product that supports institutional fund raising and donor relations for colleges and universities. With it we sustain our relationships with Bentley alumni, with parents and with friends and donors from far and near. It renders fund raising activities more cost effective and helps our development officers in bringing valuable resources to Bentley to enhance teaching and learning.
SungardSCT Banner
Banner supports most administrative practices at Bentley, from student recruitment and application, to financial aid awarding, to course enrollment and grade submission, to financial operations and human resources services to faculty and staff. In addition, all members of the community benefit from the convenience of Banner's self-service web-based modules where we enroll in courses, choose health plans, and
Serena Collage
Collage is a web content management tool that simplifies the creation and editing of web content and ensures that content is presented in a consistent and uniform manner. Since web sites are a critical part of a college's educational mission, they should reflect the college in the best possible light. Each department or organization designates an individual as its PageMaster responsible for crafting and maintaining its site.
