Colleague Software Updates

A Software Update is a mini upgrade of the Colleague software. They include fixes of bugs, additional functionality that has been requested by users, new fields and files, new screens and new programming for existing screens and processes. Any Saint Mary's customizations to the Colleague software are reviewed when installing a Datatel-delivered software update. We try our best to catch the changes so our users are not negatively impacted.

We initially install the updates in our test environment, which is a copy of the actual database and environment, so that any changes created by the software update can be addressed prior to its installation in our live account. It's important that we review and test the areas affected by the software updates as best as we can so that the impact to our users will only be good ones.

The AIS blog is off and running

AIS is bringing up a new website, and a new blog at the same time. Our intent is to create multiple methods of communication with our constituents, with multiple forums for retrieving information. Feedback is requested.

A New Look for Colleague

Datatel is developing a new interface that will transform the way users interact with Colleague. The new interface is web-based, and provides new ways to accomplish repetitive tasks and improve user efficiency.

The new "User Experience", as it is called, is still in development, but information is available on the Datatel web site. Delivery is expected in 2009

Watch the Demo "Transforming the User Experience"

Get answers to commonly asked questions about the new Colleague interface (this link requires a Datatel web site login. If you do not have one, sign up now. Call AIS at X4375 for our customer number.)

HINT: Quick Lookup with @

We hop all around Colleague, looking at different forms for the same person, typing in the name over and over. It's so annoying and time-consuming.

There is a shortcut! After the initial lookup, simply type an @ sign at the next lookup and it will bring up the same person.

Example: You look up a student in student records. You enter Smith, Mary and a list of 17 records comes up. You scroll through, and select number 6. Then you go to admissions to look at her original application. Type @ at the lookup prompt, and the record pops right up. Or you need to look at a program evaluation. Use @ to bring the same record up quickly.

This works with almost any kind of record: employees, vendors, applicants, students.