Discussions over the value of acquiring a truly integrated administrative software system have been occurring at Whitman for more than 10 years. While there can be little doubt that the present system has served us well - particularly in the early years - there also can be no question that the various utilities on Narcissa that we've all been using over the years are beginning to experience "chronic entropy" - i.e., they're starting to lose their "punch." What's more, many users feel that the present system has been "fixed" just about as many times as it possibly can be, and that some fundamental changes are necessary.

In order to bring Whitman up to speed in terms of administrative software, with the guidance of Keiko Pitter an advisory panel consisting of John Bogley, Walter Froese, Deborah Hopkinson, Rich Jacks, and Ron Urban is working on a strategic proposal to submit to the top-level administration of the College. This proposal will review the various administrative computing options available to Whitman, and then probably will make a recommendation about which solution seems to make the greatest sense in terms of our needs. Looking at the advisory panel's report, along with other information, the top decision-makers then will decide which direction to follow in order to get us solidly pointed toward the next century in terms of administrative computing.

A number of users already have participated in the earliest phase of the proposal development process. On February 10 a small group met with Paul DesForges of SCT Banner and got a brief introduction into the world of solutions available from commercial vendors. A similar presentation took place February 26-27, when a representative from Datatel was on campus to review Datatel's capabilities. Additional visits from vendors such as People Soft, Computing Options, and other firms may be scheduled, as well. These initial visits are intended to be very preliminary and general, and as the picture becomes a bit clearer in terms of a short list of vendors, campus-wide meetings with company representatives will be held in order to encourage input from all users. Once the administrative advisory panel gets as much information as possible, it will study the various options and submit its proposal.

Of course there's not universal agreement among current users regarding the direction that the College should choose in terms of administrative software solutions. Some users are "quite satisfied, thank you" with the present arrangements, while others are crying out not only for improved capability within their offices, but for truly effective data exchange with other departments as well. The advisory panel faces the unenviable task of addressing the needs of all users, and then making a recommendation to upper management that best serves the interests of the College.

Regardless of the ultimate direction that Whitman selects, don't expect any major changes soon. Best estimates are that a completely functioning system wouldn't be up and running for perhaps two years. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions or concerns, please feel free to contact anyone on the administrative computing advisory panel.