Sabre, Web Survey, Library Database

SABRE: Taking Stock

When asked to comment on the SABRE Web-based registration system, one student wrote, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So much better than the way we used to register!" But another warned, "Don't get too cozy; it's not perfect yet."

The SABRE team is now assessing the first phase of the system—online registration—and is preparing to fully implement the entire student services package by the end of the academic year.

SABRE team members held 11 feedback sessions and offered three online surveys in September. More than 1,300 faculty, staff, and students weighed in with their comments on the pros and cons of the first round of online registration at Buffalo State.

Nearly 1,200 students participated in the survey. Here are some highlights:

-86 percent reported that they used SABRE with no problems or minor problems that were easily overcome.

-50 percent did not require assistance when registering, while 19 percent asked a faculty member or adviser for help, 17 percent asked a friend, and 11 percent took advantage of support in E. H. Butler Library.

-59 percent reported that the process took 30 minutes or less, and 23 percent said they finished in less than an hour.

-When asked what they liked about SABRE, 81 percent of respondents cited the ability to register from almost anywhere, 75 percent said they liked the ease of printing schedules, and 73 percent said they appreciated the ability to drop and add courses easily.

-When asked how satisfied they were with the SABRE registration system, 62 percent said they were "satisfied," 29 percent were neutral, and 9 percent said they were "dissatisfied."

-46 percent of students reported that they check their Buffalo State e-mail accounts "at least once per day"; 43 percent check their accounts "at least once per week"; and 10 percent check in "a few times per semester."

Students, faculty, and staff all noted the need for better communication, clarification, and possible policy changes concerning the electronic waitlist function. These concerns were referred to the Academic Affairs Council for action. Students also voiced concerns about slow dial-up connections to the system from off campus and a strong desire for the system to be available around the clock.

The college will use the same version of the Oracle Student System this fall for Winterim and spring 2004 registration sessions. By April 2004, the SABRE team expects to implement a new version of the software that will address some of the concerns aired through the feedback sessions. The other components of the system-admissions, student records, student accounts, and financial aid-will be phased in throughout the spring 2004 semester.

Annual Web Survey Assesses Site Effectiveness

Over the past three years, the Buffalo State Web site has seen a steady rise in traffic. As of September 2003, more than 78,000 unique visitors accessed the Buffalo State site each month. But how do these visitors feel about the experience? Love it or hate it, the college's annual Web survey gives users a chance to share their thoughts about the site firsthand.

And the time to share has come again. Weigh in by taking the fall 2003 Web survey yourself. Buffalo State alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends are all invited to share their opinions about the college Web site by taking the brief online survey. Look for a link to the survey on the Buffalo State home page.

Library Launches Periodical Database JSTOR

The scholarly journal archive JSTOR (Journal Storage) is now available through the E. H. Butler Library's Web site. JSTOR, a periodical database, provides full-text back issues of more than 300 core scholarly journals in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.

Buffalo State's access to JSTOR is partially funded by SUNYConnect, a joint initiative between the State University of New York Office of Library and Information Services and SUNY's 64 campus libraries.

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