University News
New STARS on the Web at WIU
February 5, 2002
MACOMB, IL -- Thanks once again to technological advances, Western Illinois University students can now use a new STARS (Student Terminal Assisted Records Systems) web interface.
According to Elvin Hodges, a senior systems analyst at WIU, the interface, developed by University Information Management Systems (UIMS) staff, is the most recent enhancement to WIU student information systems and is part of an ongoing process to provide students, faculty and staff with timely, accurate and reliable information services. A select group of WIU students has been using the new system since mid-December.
One of the highlights of the enhanced STARS includes Secured Socket Layer (SSL) implementation with 128-bit encryption that allows students to access their accounts securely from any location in the world. Another benefit is a transition from a three- to a two-tiered system which permits UIMS developers to make changes and enhancements to the STARS system more quickly.
"This approach has made it possible to eliminate some of the hardware and software platforms, which reduced some of the overhead required to support earlier versions of STARS," Hodges explained.
In addition, because of previous software licensing restrictions, access to earlier STARS versions was limited to 100 simultaneous users. This restriction has been removed with the new implementation.
Hodges added that students will find greatly improved response times for the STARS system. Evaluations from students have included: I just tried the new STARS. It is much faster." Another said, I just want to say that the updated STARS is much easier and faster. Good work to all the web designers.
Besides the new interface, UIMS developers have redesigned several STARS screens to make them easier to use. Six new menu choices were added to increase the systems functionality.
For more information on STARS, visit mvs.wiu.edu/stars.shtml.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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