MU Unveils myZou Student Information System

New Computer System Combines Student Services Into Easy-To-Use Web Format

COLUMBIA, Mo. –A new student information system at the University of Missouri-Columbia that will combine student services such as admissions, class enrollment, financial aid and student accounts into one system for students, faculty, staff and administrators will become operational this spring. The system, named myZou, has taken approximately 18 months to implement since the November 2005 campus-wide kick off. It will initially be used for the fall 2007 term, for which registration starts March 5.

“This is a very exciting time for the campus community,” said Brenda Selman, University Registrar – MU and director of the project implementation. “The myZou system replaces a very old, and in many ways, outdated system. We implemented it in 1975. The new system will provide us Web access so it is easier to register, submit grades, pay bills and complete many other functions. We believe that this will increase our efficiency and help students manage their enrollments, financial aid and bill payment with less difficulty. The lines students need to stand in will be reduced as well.”

Users will be able to access the system 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals will be able to access the system through their Web browsers. For example, faculty submittal of grades on-line will replace paper forms. Students also will not have to go to Jesse Hall for overrides. The new system provides a process that uses electronic permissions for granting exceptions to students, reducing the time that they spend on the process and standing in line. Students will be able to easily update addresses, check on financial aid and review their financial account from a variety of views.

“The new system is integrated, which is wonderful for students,” Selman said. “They no longer have to go to one site for the Schedule of Courses, another site to check financial aid and yet a third to review their billing information. In addition, the information and access are customized to that individual.

Faculty, staff and students will receive individual notification when they may access the system. Because everyone will not receive access on the same day, students, faculty and staff should review their MU email accounts over the next few weeks to look for their individual notifications.