What exactly are we trying to achieve with the R3 Project? Here are our three key purposes

Posted on Thursday, June 16th, 2022

If you hear the words, R3 Project, you may think about how it means we’re bringing in a new Student Information System. Well… you’re not wrong. But it’s also not entirely the full story.

Here’s what we mean: the R3 Project actually has three key purposes (among many others, including security and data quality) that are tied to fulfilling the Project’s five main objectives. These three key purposes help us answer the following question: What are we trying to do? And just like the five main objectives, these three key purposes are very much interconnected.

Okay, so what are we trying to achieve? To sum it up, the following are three main things we’re focused on achieving for the R3 Project:

Key Purpose #1: Implementing the new Student Information System

First, a little bit of background: our current Student Information System, GeneSIS, was developed using a programming language that was common during the 1970s all the way through to the 1990s. As you might be thinking, this programming language is not supportable on newer technologies—like mobile devices—and is more susceptible to privacy and security challenges.

Even though GeneSIS served its purpose well, it’s time to introduce a new Student Information System (SIS) that is more technologically advanced and that can do even more for the College. Enter: Thesis SM.

Thesis Student Management (or Thesis SM) is a cloud-based platform built on modern technology. Algonquin College has acquired this new system from Thesis, a company which specializes in providing technical solutions to universities and colleges around the world. Thesis SM will provide automation throughout the entire student lifecycle, including Admissions, Academics and Billing.

Key Purpose #2: Rethinking and redesigning AC’s Business Processes

We’ve got a few Project objectives that are tied to efficiency, satisfaction and success, and one way of bringing those objectives to life are through redesigning our Business Processes at Algonquin College.

A Business Process is a procedure that has a sequence of steps to get from a Start to an End. Throughout the R3 Project, we’ll be reviewing our Business Processes at Algonquin College and determining whether they need to be updated (and if new ones need to be created).

For instance, we’ll review how we currently schedule courses each semester as well as the process for posting those schedules for students and faculty to see.

We’ve also asked our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to provide feedback and give us their own, unique perspective on how we can use the new SIS and tie it in to being as efficient as possible with our Business Processes.

Key Purpose #3: Implementing a new Student Portal

One of the best ways to improve student satisfaction and success is to make it easy for them to access information tailored to their student journey. And that’s why we are excited to integrate a new cloud-based Student Portal, which will replace the current ACSIS platform.

The new Student Portal will include improved security, integration, data and configuration. The Portal will provide access to their own student journey including their schedule, fees owing, program status and more through the Thesis SM Portal.

These three key purposes are quickly summarizing all the work that will go into fulfilling our R3 Project objectives. Surrounding these three elements are all the people working on Data Migration and Management, Identity and Access Management, Integrations and Testing.

If you’re wondering where you can find more information about the Project, then the R3 Project FAQ and Glossary sections are great resources!

Additionally, don’t miss our next R3 Showcase Event to receive important updates and learn more about the R3 Project. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions that you might have.

Register Now for the next R3 Showcase Event!


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