By next semester a new system for registration is set to take the place of the antiquated TVR system.

Parts of the new system, CheckMarq, are already functioning. An admissions module of the CheckMarq system has been operational since September for all prospective freshmen to submit applications. Since November, staff members have also been entering course catalog and timetable information, and financial aid scholarships for 2005 were packaged in the new system in February.

"In short the system, although not used by students yet, has been in use for some time now," said Kathy Lang chief information officer of Information Technology Services.

Because this is a different system than TVR, ITS arranged for several registration demos to be conducted in the Weasler Auditorium on various dates. One-hour help sessions are scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m., Thursday at 11 a.m., March 15 at 4 p.m., March 15 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Thursday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

"We highly encourage all students to attend one of these sessions," Lang said. "In addition, registrar and help desk staff will be available in Raynor Library and Cudahy 108 during most of the registration period to help students with questions. Also, a student self-service tutorial will be available for download on the student self-service tab within CheckMarq that can be accessed when the CheckMarq Website is available to students."

Although the system is new, it will be maintained in the same way the old system was, according to Lang.

"Since this is a replacement of our current system the same people that managed the current student system will manage this system," Lang said. "The individual functional offices, Bursar, Registrar, Financial Aid and others will maintain the business processes and ITS will maintain the technical aspects" of the system.

Up to now students have been registering for classes via the TVR phone system. That system however, was outdated and could no longer be supported. CheckMarq will provide all the modern functionality of a modern Web application including around-the-clock access to the system, according to Lang.

Director of University Communication Ben Tracy said it was time for a change from the older methods to new methods of class registration.

"Overall CheckMarq will be more user-friendly," Tracy said. "The new system will provide flexibility for students to find the info they need. It's simply easier to give the students a type of one-stop shopping."

The new system is meant to be an integrated student administrative system that would provide more comprehensive access to information for students. The system should greatly improve the access and speed at which information is available to students, faculty and staff according to Lang.

CheckMarq will not just be used as a place where students will register for classes in their next semester. It can also be used to view the course catalog and schedule of classes, registration appointments, grades and advisors, help students apply for and monitor federal aid, view bursar accounts and help students access information about where to find a job on campus according to Dan Smith senior director of ITS.