About the programme

For an overview of the work of the Student Systems Programme and benefits to Oxford, download the Programme leaflet (2,341kb)

The focus of the initial phase of work, which started in August 2011, is to replace the functionality currently provided by the Oracle Student System (OSS) with the new system, SITS:Vision. In essence, this includes the management of undergraduate and postgraduate applications, on-course student records and examination and assessment components. Phase 2 will involve further improvements to our student systems and administrative processes. 

The programme as a whole will: 

  1. Prioritise the replacement of the functions of the University’s existing core student records system, OSS. Oracle support for OSS ends in August 2013. Oxford will take over support of OSS from this point until the replacement is complete;
  2. To work on better integration and data-sharing between the new student records system and other systems that are used in support of applicants and student administration, and to improve administrative processes;
  3. To review those other systems to determine whether they are meeting requirements, and if they are not, to carry out development or replacement work where appropriate.

Systems affected

The systems which connect with OSS and that will undergo evaluation include, but are not limited, to:

  • for student progress reporting: the Graduate Supervision System (GSS) and the Oxford Colleges Online Reports for Tutorials (OxCORT);
  • for the management of teaching and learning provision: the Student Enrolment System and DAISY;
  • Examination timetabling system (CMIS);
  • for support of postgraduate applications: Embark (a third-party product);
  • for support of undergraduate applications: ADSS (Admissions Decision Support System) and ADMIT. 

Benefits

The work of this programme has important implications for the collegiate University, affecting academic and administrative staff, students, applicants and enquirers. The identified benefits are:

  • a single intuitive online interface providing staff access to different areas of work;
  • where possible, a consistent ‘look and feel’ for our student systems;
  • a web self-service portal for applicants and students to view and interact with their information;
  • a modern online enquiry and application service;
  • effective and easily understood ways of carrying out tasks with some freedom to customise interactions, for example, setting the frequency at which reminders arrive in your inbox;
  • replace time-consuming paper processes and duplication of data entry;
  • automatic system notifications, prompts and reminders;
  • more comprehensive, accurate and accessible information;
  • efficient shared processes to underpin academic and financial planning, oversight and decision-making;
  • easier data analysis and decision recording;
  • enhanced reporting across multiple systems and the provision of tools that will help staff to produce reports;
  • secure information-sharing;
  • systems that enable rapid and cost-effective responses to changes in policy.