The English Language Institute at the University of Florida needed a centralized business management system. Having a unique set of needs apart from UF, the institute was to a large degree operating autonomously and was unable to take advantage of the university’s existing information management systems. ELI’s database of student information was stored in Microsoft Access, and much of the session and course information was passed around within the administration and brainstormed on paper documents. Students did not have access to a central automated system for tracking their academic progress. The application, registration, evaluation, grading, and billing systems had also evolved separately. ELI needed to bring all these processes together into one system that would give all users the access and tools they need to accomplish the tasks specific to their roles.

CHALLENGE

The institute’s disparate methods and systems needed to be brought together into one over-arching system to facilitate all business operations.

SOLUTION

CIMES developed the new system in two phases. The first was a discovery phase in which CIMES analyzed ELI’s business processes. The second phase included engineering the actual system, migrating the database, and training ELI staff. CIMES continues to provide maintenance and support through a renewable contract.

PRODUCTS

• System specifications/documentation
• Design mockups
• System prototype
• Website
• SQL database
• myELI information management system
• Secure hosting and server maintenance
• Five job aids
• Week-long series of training workshops
• Ongoing system maintenance