Application Development and Database Management, a unit of EITS, is implementing a multi-phased project to upgrade MyUGA, the UGA student portal.
MyUGA is a Web site that provides access to a diverse set of resources
and online services such as e-mail, course information, student services, news, announcements, campus maps, etc.
Many of these services are accessible through MyUGA to everyone with a University of Georgia MyID. MyUGA was designed for students. Faculty and staff also use it to provide services and interact with students.
The next-generation MyUGA will be a source to access resources and connect with UGA, taking advantage of the one-stop shop that MyUGA offers.
“The current MyUGA architecture is not supported by the vendor and is limited in its ability to extend new functionality, Web applications and services,” said Rehan Khan, associate CIO for ADDM. “Maintenance, support and enhancements to the current portal to meet UGA student needs are difficult and costly.”
Khan, who is overseeing the implementation of the next-generation MyUGA, said that the new portal project addresses student-stated goals of offering a modern, fluid and intuitive Web experience combined with new and enhanced services that are of interest to students.
These include greater use of single sign-on to applications, links to UGA units serving students such as the bookstore, libraries, parking services, announcements, calendars, sports and news, as well as access to Google and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
“The project plan includes engaging with students and faculty to identify and establish new channels and a variety of Web resources customized for their individual needs,” said Khan. “These may include secure access to schedules, grades, student account information, e-mail, etc.
“The current portal has made significant progress toward that benchmark, and the next-generation MyUGA will help us build upon that success,” he added.
The implementation of the next-generation MyUGA is a multi-phased project:
• Phase 1 (March 2): MyUGA will be moved to a new platform with new software and hardware. The new portal software, uPortal, will modernize and stabilize MyUGA while creating an environment that will allow for future enhancements and improved services.
• Phase 2 (March 2-Aug. 1): Focus groups, surveys and input mechanisms will be used to gather information from UGA students, faculty and staff on new features and services to be added. These requests will be prioritized and implemented as feasible.
• Phase 3 (Aug. 15 and continuing forward): Features and services not implemented in Phase 2 will be used as the basis for ongoing and continued improvements.