Purpose
The purpose of this document is to identify some of the common tools or software that are used at Saint Mary's University and may be referenced during meetings or discussions. We commonly use acronyms or short form names for tools and concepts and it can be confusing to new employees or those who are not familiar with the term being used.
A
Activate
A toolset that automates the process of creating and maintaining user access to the Saint Mary's University computer network and related applications.
Application Navigator (AppNav)
Introduced with Banner 9, the Application Navigator is the entry point for Banner Administrative Pages and includes a unified menu, search features, and a customizable landing page. New administrative modules require Application Navigator.
Application Navigator also enables navigation between Banner 8.x “forms” and Banner 9.x “pages”, allowing them to behave like a single application.
Artez
Artez is fundraising platform for peer-to-peer campaigns, national events, and online appeals.
B
Banner
https://www.ellucian.com/student-information-system/
Banner is an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planner) designed specifically for higher education institutions. Banner is used across all functions of the University including administration, faculty, and students.
Banner Administrative Applications (Banner 9)
Banner Administrative Applications includes applications utilized by the administrative system. It is primarily used by administrative offices in the student and financial areas to view and maintain data and process transactions. It is also used by support to view student and financial information. Banner Administrative Applications have moved away from the reliance on Java Plug-Ins that accompanied previous versions of Banner.
Banner Forms (Banner 8)
Within each application in Banner there are forms (known as “Pages” in Banner 9) that can be used to add, view, and update information.
Banner: Internet Native Banner (INB) (Banner 8)
Internet Native Banner (INB) includes applications utilized by the administrative system. It is primarily used by administrative offices in the student and financial areas to view and maintain data and process transactions. It is also used by support to view student and financial information.
Banner Student Aid (BSA, formerly BSAC)
Banner Student Aid collects a range of aid processes in a comprehensive solution that is customizable with institution-specific processes. Banner Student Aid helps the finance department coordinate and track aid applications, manage budgets, conduct needs analysis, and distribute aid.
Banner Pages (Banner 9)
Each application within Banner has “pages” (previously known as “Forms” in Banner 8) that can be used to add, view, and update information.
Banner: Self Service Banner (SSB) (Banner 8)
Banner Self-Serve Applications encompasses all applications found within Banner that have been enabled for each user. Applications available will depend on the user and usage rights as set by ITSS.
Banner Self-Service Web Apps and APIs (Banner 9)
Similar to the Banner Self Service Applications in Banner 8, Self-Service Web Apps and APIs include all applications found within Banner that have been enabled for each user. Applications available will depend on the user and usage rights as set by ITSS. Banner Self-Service Web Apps and APIs have moved away from the reliance on Java Plug-Ins that accompanied previous versions of Banner.
Brightspace
https://www.d2l.com/higher-education/products/
Brightspace is a cloud based Learning Management System (LMS) that allows faculty to design courses, create content, and grade assignments. This system communicates with the Banner database but exists externally to Banner
Business Objects Enterprise (BOE)
BOE is a reporting tool set that allows users to view pre-developed reports, create custom reports, and create ad hoc queries. It provides access to Crystal Reports. Reports are distributed internally to academic and administrative departments, faculty and staff within the university.
C
Central Authentication Service (CAS)
CAS is a single sign-on (SSO) protocol that authenticates the end user for all the applications within Banner that the user has been given rights to and eliminates further prompts when the user switches applications during the same session.
ClockWork
Clockwork is a scheduling and data management system designed to streamline and simplify processes for accommodated testing requests for students. Students can make accommodation requests including scheduling for appointments and tests/exams. Instructors can verify quiz and exam information, accommodations, and upload testing materials.
D
Database Extension Utility (DBEU)
DBEU is a database utility that is required to run Banner. Introduced for Banner XE, this tool has been a requirement for Banner installations since 2014. Its initial purpose was to improve the database that Banner is built upon.
E
Ellucian Ethos Identity (Ethos, EEI)
https://www.ellucian.com/Software/Ellucian-Ethos-Identity/
Ellucian Ethos Identity is an identity management tool for Banner which provides a secure single authentication (SSO, Single Sign-On).
Ellucian Luminis Platform (Luminis, SMU Port)
https://www.ellucian.com/Software/Ellucian-Luminis-Platform/
SMU Port’s platform is provided under the trade name “Ellucian Luminis”. The platform creates a common gateway to the information students, faculty, and staff use every day.
Ellucian Solution Manager (ESM)
https://www.ellucian.com/Software/Ellucian-Solution-Manager/
ESM is an application to help manage environments and software received from Ellucian. The application may be used to install upgrades, execute deployments, install new Banner applications, view release dependencies and documentation, and provision new Banner environments.
Enterprise Resource Planner (ERP)
An ERP is software that is used to collect, store, manage, and interpret data from multiple sources on multiple areas of interest. ERPs are used in virtually all industries including higher education. Saint Mary’s University uses Banner.
F
Faculty 180
https://www.interfolio.com/products/faculty180/
Faculty 180 is an SAS analytics cloud based faculty activity reporting system. This software is designed to track, manage, evaluate, and report on faculty credentials.
FormFusion
https://evisions.com/solutions/formfusion/
FormFusion is a document enhancement tool for Banner that allows complete control over the design and delivery of an electronic document. FormFusion converts standard application output into more attractive, functional, and efficient electronic documents.
Users can rearrange data, add images, change the layout, formatting, color and fonts, as well as add information not included in the original output file.
I
ICE & ICE Online (Instructor Course Evaluation)
ICE is a course evaluation software.
Infosilem
https://infosilem.com/
Infosilem is a scheduling software for classes, courses, exams, and student schedules. It is an sql database that communicates with Banner to obtain information.
IntelleCheck
https://evisions.com/solutions/intellecheck/
Intellicheck is a payment process tool for Banner. It provides security and streamlines output for AP, Payroll, student refund payments, and direct deposits.
L
Lightweight Direct Access Protocol (LDAP)
An internet protocol that is used to query a server. LDAP defines the language used for client programs to talk to server. LDAP can be used to look up encryption certificates, pointers to printers and other services on a network, and provide single sign-on (SSO) where one password for a user is shared between many services.
M
Moneris
https://www.moneris.com/
Moneris is an online payment processing platform.
Multiple Application Platform Server (MAPS)
MAPS is a server software framework that configures connections to Banner and allows IntelleCheck and FormFusion to communicate with Banner.
S
Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
SSL is a security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
Single sign-on (SSO) is a session and user authentication service that permits a user to use one set of login credentials (“S number” and password) to access multiple applications within Banner.
The service authenticates the end user for all the applications the user has been given rights to and eliminates further prompts when the user switches applications during the same session.
StarRez
https://www.starrez.com/
StarRez is a student housing application which provides online web-based student self-service, built-in reporting, room assignments, conference, judicial, inventory, maintenance, and student property management.
T
TeamDynamics
https://www.teamdynamix.com/
TeamDynamics is the project management IT service platform used by the ITSS department to track projects, provide support, and present an IT knowledgebase for frequently asked questions and important information.
TerminalFour
https://www.terminalfour.com/
TerminalFour is a digital marketing and web content management platform used for the Saint Mary's University website.
V
Vena
https://venasolutions.com/
Vena is a budgeting, planning, and revenue forecasting application used by the Finance Services department.
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Obsolete
EZ Recruit
http://www.ezrecruit.com/
EZ Recruit is a customer relation management (CRM) tool used by the Recruitment department.