Hillsdale College’s registration software of 18 years, WebAdvisor, is serving students and employees in its last academic school year.
In the fall, students, professors, and employees will all switch to a new software system that will replace WebAdvisor. Information Systems Manager Kevin Mauer said the system linked to WebAdvisor is shutting down, taking WebAdvisor with it.
“WebAdvisor is part of a third-party student system that we use on campus,” Mauer said. “It is being phased out in favor of the more modern Ellucian Self Service product.”
The new software includes all the features of WebAdvisor with additional perks and easier navigation.
“The improvements gained by the change in software from WebAdvisor to Self Service is vast,” Mauer said. “Self Service is mobile friendly and has a much nicer user interface. All of the functions from WebAdvisor have been included in Self Service and improved as well.”
This software change will impact all students, professors, and employees at Hillsdale.
“Incoming students are already taking advantage of Self Service Financial Aid and bill payment,” Mauer said. “In fall 2022 we will be delivering student planning, time entry, grades, and employee options.”
This new software will replace WebAdvisor, which has been in use at Hillsdale almost as long as Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn.
“We started using WebAdvisor in 2004 when we started the implementation of the new Student System,” Mauer said.
Registrar Douglas McArthur said the first online registration was through WebAdvisor in fall of 2009, according to a 2019 Collegian article.
Admissions Counselor Ben Strickland ’16 said he is glad the days of WebAdvisor registration have ended.
“I woke up at 6:53 a.m to register by 7 a.m., and it didn’t work,” Strickland said, “and I was sitting there in turmoil with none of the classes I wanted.”
Strickland said he is thrilled current students will have access to the new system.
“A system that works so that you actually sign up for the classes you signed up for?” Strickland said. “I’d say that’s pretty ideal.”
Junior Will McIntosh said he thinks a new system is greatly needed and will benefit all of Hillsdale.
“I think that WebAdvisor cannot go sooner,” McIntosh said. “It is an antiquated system that no longer is capable of satisfying the needs of the college.”
McIntosh said he looks forward to new, quick software, and smooth class registration.
“The capabilities that can be provided by a new software should increase what we are able to do as students,” McIntosh said. “Also, a new software, one that doesn’t crash with class registration is a great need.”
Professor of Psychology Collin Barnes expressed relief and hesitation at the learning of a new system.
“WebAdvisor is pretty darn clunky,” Barnes said. “ I’ve adjusted to it over the years, and am not frequently bothered by its idiosyncrasies. I’m enthusiastic for a faster, more user-friendly platform, but learning the ropes of a new system is not an experience I relish. It’s better than doing your taxes, just not that much better.”
Mauer said he recognizes the extent of the task at-hand.
“The switch of software is always challenging.” Mauer said. “But, we have a good team of professionals that are working on the switch.”
In the fall, Self Service will serve all of Hillsdale.
“We are very excited to get Self Service off the ground,” Mauer said. “I have great hope that students appreciate the new look and find value in the ease of navigation.”
