As an employee of George Mason University, I was asked to create a database that could be used to track the statistics associated with services offered by unit within the Department of Instructional Technology (DoIT). To make a long story short, I designed and coordinated the development of WEMS (workshop, walkins, events, equipment, and evaluation/survey management system).
This is an online system used by multiple departments and units to manage their services via the Web. In order for this to be successful, the following had to happen:
- The system had to accommodate the information requirements of multiple departments and units
- Departments/units would not be able to access content entered by each other
- Workshops and events calendars and enrollment had to look like it was coming from their department site (branding)
- Within the branded page, departments/units would need to be able to show workshops and events from other partner departments/unit
- Processes needed to be put into place to manage the smooth transition from legacy tools to WEMS
- Departments/units needed to have ownership in the requirements and be supportive of the process
Through a team effort, the Information Technology units cooperated and supported the process of change. Their positive experience caught the interest in departments across campus and other departments added their workshops and events.
