1. How do I get access to it?

Your supervisor will need to submit a work request [Heat Ticket] to the Management Information Systems [MIS] unit specifying the type of data you will need to view or edit. The Datatel system has in excess of 5,000 data fields in about 450 screens, and based on the access your supervisor has requested, you will only be able to view that limited set of data. You will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement before any access will be granted. Your supervisor will review that form, and its implications, as part of your orientation. Each Administrative Unit will have their own Datatel Module/Application. There is the ST - Student System; CF - Finance Office; HR - Human Resources and a shared set of data called CORE. When the merger of Benefactor and Colleague Production is completed, the new name for the Alumni / Development module will be CA - Advancement.

2. How do I get trained?

Your department will have specifically identified Datatel trainers for the access you have been granted. The amount of training will vary with each task you have been assigned. If you have problems with accessing the screens or with their function, you should contact your supervisor. There are a few rudimentary classes taught by the IT training staff, but that should not be used as a replacement for the training within your department.

3. How do I get into the system?

If you have a WINDOWS PC, on campus you can access Datatel through an icon on the desktop. If you have a MAC, or have been granted permission to access Datatel from off campus, you will be given the encrypted website and instructions on access. You will be given a user name and password as your initial login. The password will require changing on the initial login; and will expire every 6 months. This password is NOT in sync with the Identity Manager.

4. When is Datatel Accessible?

Datatel is available 24/7 except during regular scheduled maintenance and back-up times. That schedule is Monday - Friday from 5am to 7am; and, Sunday from 5am to noon.

5. Limited number of simultaneous licenses to use the system.

There are a limited number of concurrent Datatel user licenses available to Valparaiso University.   We would ask that you be aware of this limitation and if you have completed your Datatel needs, that you logout of the program to make sure other users are able to access the database.

6. Accessing Datatel from off campus.   

The Datatel screens are available for use from off-campus through a web site.  However, you will need to access that website after logging in through the VPN-Client; and then accessing the Datatel internal website.  That specific set of instructions is available through your department's authorized Datatel trainer.

7. If I have a problem with Datatel, what should I do?

Start with your supervisor. Most departments have selected specific staff people with permission to put in Heat Tickets.