Managing the Process

Office of the University Registrar continuously looks for opportunities to innovate registration services, student record services, and services for faculty & advisors. Our collaborative work is organized around our mission and grouped into two major operational initiatives:

• Project Stella - The impetus for Project Stella was a desire to systemize decision-making through the use of data, and to design and deliver customized information and decisions to the customers.
• Project Atlas - The goal for Project Atlas was to innovate new solutions as interconnected systems align to institutional goals to support Temple’s vibrant academic community.

For each of the services we offer, we leverage technology to maximize the efficiency and the effectiveness of the delivery of that service. Our notable accomplishments include:

• 40+ task specific bots that monitor, track, report, and support administrative functions.
• Manage 17+ portal features that supports service improvements.
• 50+ experimental projects in machine learning, chatbot, Portal Apps, and other data projects.
• Over 90% of official transcripts orders are processed touch-free.
• Automated majority of our administrative transactions.
• Transitioned to a digital-first diploma issuance model.
• Improved diploma issuance.
• Improved veteran education certification.
• Contributed to efficiency within the advising units.

Technology plays a very critical role in our operation.  We select tools or services that add value to our day-to-day work and supports student success. Our digital ecosystem consists of these technologies or platfom:

Sandbox Initiative

As the Office transitioned to a technical orientation model, an opportunity existed to capitalize on having students work in the office to engage in professional level activities.  The purpose of the Sandbox Initiative is to provide students with an opportunity to participate in the day-to-day operation of the Office and be assigned to mission critical tasks, as well as ensure that the students gain transferable experience and skills. The Office of the University Registrar offers three focus areas for students:

1. As a customer service agent, students support our customer service operation and have access to the same technologies that our full-time staff use to conduct their day-to-day work.  Students develop skills such as:

   • Using Salesforce for case management
   • Written and oral communication
   • Dealing with difficult situations
   • Solving complex problems

2. As a student-developer, students work on production level or experimental web projects that will live in TUportal. Working as a developer, students will develop or enhance their skills in the areas of:

   • Designing user experience
   • Coding in Javascript, Ajax, JQuery, JSP, Oracle
   • Communicating project status to the management team
   • Documenting business requirements

3. In the media and design role, students support our communication initiatives and develop skills such as:

   • Communicating using brand guidelines
   • Writing contents for social media
   • Producing media using Adobe Creative Suite
   • Storyboarding contents