What is happening?
The infrastructure of Banner – the student records system – is being upgraded to Oracle 19c.
Background
A lot of work has been happening beneath the Banner bonnet to upgrade our infrastructure and other systems that sit within it so that we can stabilise and modernise our student database system. This is the largest upgrade undertaken since we first adopted Banner in 2002/03.
When is it happening?
The scale of the upgrade will mean that it will need several days of Banner downtime.
- Start: 17:00 – Thursday 5 May
- Finish: 08:00 – Tuesday 10 May
Why is this being done?
We know that our student systems need to be improved, this is the first step in the Banner Stabilisation and Modernisation programme. It will mean greater system efficiencies behind the scenes and make it a stable platform for the other improvements that we want to make. Our database environment will be up to date, improving security, upgrade processes and ensuring that we are using software supported by Ellucian, our provider.
How might this affect me?
During the downtime:
- Administrative and academic staff will be able to view your data through a copy of Banner so that if you have a query, they can still look into what has been happening for the period before. However, they won’t be able to process or save changes in Banner so that means, for example, they won’t be able to update your assessment grades, contact details, special considerations or make non-scheduled payments.
You will be able to access:
- Your timetable
- Room bookings
- All other services such as The Student Hub, SUSSED pages, Library Services, Careers, Blackboard, eAssignment, PGR Manager
- You will receive your studentship payments as normal
You won’t be able to:
- Access Banner Self Service which means that you won’t be able to download Enrolment letters or see your assessment marks
- Apply for PGR and PGT courses
- Make new accommodation applications
Following the upgrade
As a student you won’t notice any difference other than the systems that were removed will be back again. However, due to the scale of the upgrade there will be an at-risk period (two weeks) where a team will be on hand to rectify any technical issues, and any necessary changes will happen in downtimes at 17:00, messages will be placed on the Banner Self Service Log in page.
If you have further queries, please raise a ServiceLine ticket for the Student Systems Team.
