ConnecTech
Admissions (MERLIN)
Overview
Presently, supplementary admissions information is collected through various web-based applications, including several customized TechSIS applications. The TechSIS student system will be replaced by the Banner Student Information System as part of the ConnecTech initiative. With the move to Banner SIS, TTUHSC will be changing the processing of admissions applications. Information Services is currently collaborating with the admissions offices for each Health Sciences Center school to develop a consolidated web-based application for the capture supplemental information and consolidate the current functionality provided by TechSIS. This consolidated application will be called MERLIN (Modular Enhanced Registration through a Linked Interface).
Proposed TTUHSC Supplemental Application Process
Prospective students will first complete the Texas Common Application known as "Apply Texas". This application gathers information that is generally common to all schools and also allows each school to add some custom questions and essays. Once the student has completed the Texas Common Application, their information is electronically supplied to each school that they indicated they wanted to the application sent. These students are also provided with a link to the supplemental applications for each school they indicated.
Students who have indicated they are applying to a program at TTUHSC, access TTUHSC's supplemental application by clicking the link provided on the Texas Common Application. This link will pass the student to the web-based application at TTUHSC called MERLIN along with several pieces of information about the applicant.
MERLIN takes the information passed about the applicant from the Texas Common Application and sets up TTUHSC supplemental admissions application for the specific program the student indicated. MERLIN collects supplemental information that is required by each TTUHSC school but is not gathered by the Texas Common Application such as more specific details on course work and information on immunizations. MERLIN also performs GPA calculations based on the course work entered and stores immunization data and nursing specific licensing and certification information.
Proposed Review of Applications
Several schools have made steps forward moving from a manual process of reviewing hard copies of applications to a more electronic process where applicant information can be reviewed through shared file systems. However, some schools still manually review printed files or copies of information that an applicant has turned in to make sure the files are complete during an initial screening or to rank an applicant for admission. MERLIN will enable all schools to have a paperless review process by allowing admissions officers and faculty to review applicant information including access to scanned images of student documentation online during the admissions decision making process.
Proposed Additional Features
MERLIN will also include online Interview scheduling, plus notifications for position offer and position acceptance. In addition, MERLIN will be used to facilitate electronic communications between each school and its applicants.