Faculty/Staff Ursa FAQ
Q: What is Ursa?
A: Ursa is a new, secure electronic gateway to information and tools for University of Northern Colorado faculty, staff and students that will replace Webster and myUNC.
Ursa is the result of a two-year process to integrate UNC’s informational databases and systems in order for us to operate more efficiently and achieve our mission to be student-centered – a need that was identified during the Charting the Future process.
Q: Why are we changing to Ursa from Webster and myUNC?
A: To provide students, faculty and staff with enhanced one-portal access to a single database of information and the functions that they regularly use to conduct university business. When the implementation is complete, Ursa also will provide additional information and functions that Webster and myUNC can’t.
Q: How will the access be enhanced and what types of additional information and functions will be available?
A: Ursa will improve the speed and reliability of many functions because it will pull information from a single database rather than multiple databases like Webster and myUNC do.
You’ll also be able to personalize your view of Ursa based on your interests. This will make it easier for you to find and access the information you need and want, and to share information with other users. Ursa is more intuitive to use, making it relatively easy to learn.
Q: Will Ursa look and operate differently than Webster or myUNC?
A: Yes, but the differences in the look and operation will be very much for the better. You’ll be able to access the information you want and need more readily through one source. You’ll be able to get more information and perform additional functions. And you’ll be able to customize what types of information appear where within your personal Ursa pages.
Q: When will the switch happen?
A: Students and faculty will have limited Ursa functionality in late March for viewing current class schedules. Registration for fall semester classes will be done using Ursa and for summer semester using Webster beginning April 3. The switch to Ursa will happen in stages and for several months we’ll be using both portals, depending on the function needed. We’ll provide updates on the implementation process as the situation warrants.
Q: Why will we have to use the old systems and Ursa for awhile?
A: Due to the sheer amount of data that has to be integrated and the complexity of the integration and testing processes, it’s not feasible to switch all the functions from both old systems to Ursa simultaneously.
Q: Will I have to use a new username and password for Ursa?
A: No, the first time you log in to Ursa, you’ll use the same username and password you’re using to log into the UNC computer network and myUNC.
Q: Will I receive training on how to use Ursa and what I can use it for?
A: Yes. More information on training will be available soon. Specific information on which functions you’ll use Ursa for and which you’ll use Webster or myUNC for also will be provided in the near future.
Q: Has Ursa been tested and are you sure it’s going to work?
A: Each aspect of Ursa is being tested extensively before taking it live to work out any bugs and minimize problems. Representatives from the supplier of this new software, Sungard, which is a recognized leader in the field of information portals and infrastructures, are assisting our Information Technology staff in the testing and implementation processes to ensure that problems are kept to a minimum.
Q: Is Sungard’s software used by other universities?
A: Yes, many other schools use Sungard’s software and are extremely pleased. They include Lehigh University, Colorado College, The College of William and Mary, LaSalle University, The University of Denver and Northeastern University.
Q: When Ursa is completely implemented, what types of things can I use it for?
A: Faculty will use Ursa for:
- View and search catalog and class schedule
- Release students into courses (“green card”)
- View and print class rosters
- Enter grades
- CAPP compliance for student advising
A: Staff and faculty will use Ursa for:
- Enter hours worked and request leave time
- Access departmental budgets
- View your paycheck information
- View leave time
- View pay advice
- Change address and deductions electronically
A: Students will use Ursa for:
- Accept or decline financial aid awards
- See balance of remaining work-study
- Check financial aid status
- View and search catalog and class schedule
- Register for classes
- Check e-mail
- Get campus announcements directed at students
- View grades
- View progress toward degree
- View and pay account balances
- View and order transcripts