Glossary and Definitions
Glossary of Terms
Admissions Dashboard
A centralized interface within Slate where admissions staff can review, filter, and manage submitted applications. The dashboard displays applicant information, statuses, and assigned checklist items.
Applicant Personas
Pre-defined profiles simulating various types of applicants (e.g., first-time freshman, transfer student, international student) used during testing to validate application workflows and data accuracy.
Application Workflow
The sequence of steps an applicant goes through when completing an application, from submission to review and decision-making.
Banner
An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system used by higher education institutions to manage student records, financial aid, and other administrative tasks.
Checklist Assignment
The process of dynamically assigning checklist items to applicants based on their responses and application type (e.g., "Submit Transcripts" for transfer students).
Conditional Logic
Rules applied to the application to show, hide, or require certain fields based on an applicant’s responses. For example, additional fields may appear if an applicant indicates interest in financial aid.
Data Mapping
The process of defining how data fields in Slate correspond to fields in Banner. Ensures seamless data integration between the systems.
Error Handling
System functionality that identifies and responds to incorrect or incomplete data submissions, providing users with guidance to resolve issues.
Field Validation
The process of ensuring data entered into application fields conforms to expected formats and values (e.g., valid phone number formats, mandatory fields).
Feedback Collection
The process of gathering insights from testers to identify usability issues, technical errors, or areas for improvement in the application process.
Integration Flow
The bidirectional flow of data between Slate and Banner, ensuring that application information is accurately transmitted and stored in both systems.
Slate
A comprehensive CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform used by higher education institutions for admissions, communication, and application management.
System Emails
Automated communications triggered by specific events in the application process, such as submission confirmations or notifications about missing documents.
Test Case
A detailed description of a scenario used during testing to ensure functionality works as expected. Test cases may include steps, expected outcomes, and notes for error scenarios.
User Testing
A process in which individuals (staff or students) interact with the application to identify usability issues, validate workflows, and ensure the overall user experience meets expectations.
Definitions of Key Roles
Test Lead
Oversees the testing process, coordinates activities, and ensures all test cases are executed. Responsible for consolidating feedback and reporting results.
System Tester
Focuses on the technical aspects of the integration, such as query functionality, field mappings, and data integrity.
Admissions Tester
Admissions staff responsible for testing workflows, checklists, and system emails from an operational perspective.
Support Team
Provides technical assistance during testing and resolves issues related to the integration or application process.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
ASAP: Advancing Success in Associate Pathways
CPL: Credit for Prior Learning
CRM: Customer Relationship Management
ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning
PTO: Paid Time Off
SUNY: State University of New York