Unlocking the Power of Ellucian Banner API for Creating Chosen Names
The world of higher education is evolving, and with it, the need for institutions to be more inclusive and cater to the diverse identities of their students. One way to do this is by offering students the ability to choose their own names, distinct from their legal names, for academic and administrative purposes. Ellucian Banner, a widely used student information system, provides a powerful tool for enabling this: the Banner API.
So, how can you leverage the Banner API to create a streamlined process for managing chosen names?
1. Understand the Chosen Name Concept:
The concept of a "chosen name" is not always the same across institutions. It's crucial to define what "chosen name" means within your context:
- Scope of use: Is it for academic records, official documents, or both?
- Verification: Will you require verification of chosen names, or will self-identification suffice?
- Data storage: How will you store and manage chosen names within Banner?
2. Explore the Banner API's Capabilities:
The Banner API offers various functionalities for managing student data. The key to creating chosen names lies in identifying relevant endpoints. These can include:
- Student Profile API: This API allows you to access and update student profile data. You'll likely need to create a new field or modify an existing one to store the chosen name.
- Name API: If Banner provides a dedicated "name" API, it may offer endpoints to manage different name types.
- Custom API Development: If the existing Banner API endpoints are not suitable, you might consider developing custom API endpoints to specifically manage chosen names.
3. Design Your Integration:
How will you integrate the chosen name functionality into your existing workflows? Here are some key aspects to consider:
- User Interface: Will you create a dedicated interface for students to update their chosen name? Consider student-friendly options like self-service portals.
- Data Validation: If you require verification of chosen names, how will you handle this process? Will you implement an approval workflow or rely on a third-party verification service?
- Data Security: Ensure that chosen name data is stored securely and in accordance with relevant privacy regulations.
4. Implement and Test:
Once you've designed your solution, it's time to implement the Banner API integration. Remember to:
- Thorough testing: Test all aspects of your chosen name system, including data input, validation, and display.
- Documentation: Create clear documentation for both staff and students on how to use the chosen name system.
- Training: Provide training for relevant staff on the new chosen name functionality and how to manage it within Banner.
5. Continuous Improvement:
The implementation of chosen names is an ongoing process. Collect feedback from students and staff to identify areas for improvement and adapt your solution accordingly. For instance, you might:
- Refine workflows: Make adjustments to your workflow based on user feedback and changing requirements.
- Enhance security: Continuously evaluate and improve your security measures to protect student data.
- Explore additional features: As your understanding of chosen names evolves, consider adding more features to your system, such as the ability for students to choose preferred pronouns.
The Banner API is a valuable tool for creating a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment. By understanding the API's capabilities, carefully designing your solution, and continuously seeking improvement, you can empower students to express their identity and feel respected within the university community.
In conclusion, the integration of the Ellucian Banner API for chosen names offers a powerful way for educational institutions to enhance their inclusivity. By following these steps, you can create a seamless and respectful process that empowers students and fosters a more welcoming campus environment. Remember, the journey towards inclusivity is a continuous one, and it's crucial to remain adaptable and open to feedback to ensure that your chosen name system meets the needs of your diverse student body.