This position is essential to properly support the Student and Financial Aid modules of Banner. It has been staffed until 2 years ago when the incumbent left and salary resources were diverted to create a Student Support Functional Analyst position in anticipation of DegreeWorks. There is a definite need for this position, especially in light of the many software initiatives being examined in order to support the MSU Strategic Plan Objectives of growing the student body and increasing retention and graduation rates. This position supports the activities of all 4 MSU campuses yet no funding is provided by other campuses. There are no salary savings opportunities within the Division of Student Success with which to fund this position.

The Student Success MTL works with directors and managers from the 4 MSU campuses in identifying new functionality in Banner and/or other software products that would enhance MSU’s ability to recruit, retain and assist students.  The MTL works to ensure that access to Banner and other software systems is assured at all times and functionality is utilized in an optimum manner.

The MTL also works closely with the Financial Aid Business Area Analyst and Student Support Functional Analyst, assisting users of all 4 MSU campuses in the management and refinement of software-based business processes. The MTL communicates frequently with Financial Aid and Student Module users as well as technical support staff on all 4 MSU campuses, including but not limited to biweekly conference calls with each team. The MTL also represents the Financial Aid and Student Banner Module memberships in discussions with the Module Team Leader Group and the Administrative Systems Group, working cooperatively with these groups to maintain the security and integrity of the enterprise system.

This position benefits the student and financial aid staff of all 4 MSU campuses. Similar to the Finance and Human Resources MTL positions, this individual will work with ITC staff to assure that there is a cooperative effort to development of future technical initiatives. Additionally, staffing this position will provide much needed backfill for the other 2 MTL’s and lead to knowledge sharing. This proposal is consistent with recommendations made by the ITC administrative staff.

The MTL supports the activities of diverse student service related offices (including but not limited to Registrar, Admissions, Financial Aid, Provost, Dean of Students, Student Success, Career Services) of the four MSU campuses: MSU-Bozeman, MSU-Billings, MSU-Great Falls College of Technology, and MSU-Northern.

The role description and vacancy announcement have been prepared and approved by Human Resources. A search committee is being assembled. The position will be posted when funding is identified with the intent of filling the position as soon as possible.

The effectiveness of this proposal will be evident in the selection of the most qualified candidate. Annual performance reviews will be performed and decisions about future employment will be made consistent with those of other division staff.

There is no sunset plan. This is an essential position whose minimal functions have been effectively assumed by a part time post retirement employee.