Erik J. Lauffer

Data Architect/Administrator
Institutional Research & Planning
Savannah State University
 (912) 691-6880
lauffer@savstate.edu

Major Responsibilities:   

  • Ad-hoc retrieval, organization, and "cleaning" of data from the university's master database per request by the director.

  • Systematic retrieval of "snap-shot" data from the university's master database.

  • Administration of local databases.

  • Application design and programming.

  • Maintenance and further development of IRP Website.

  • Maintenance of IRP file server.

  • Maintenance of local IRP PC hardware and software.

  • Maintenance of internal IRP networking.

Current Projects:

  • Strategic Planner:

    IRP is currently developing a management information system which will assist the planning, budgeting, and overall operations and development of all administrative units within the university.  This application will be a GUI designed with Visual Basic 6.0 which connects to a backend relational database implemented with MS Access. The application will be implemented over the campus network and will communicate with a central RDB stored on the IRP file server.
     

  • Just-in-time Project:

    IRP has developed a method of delivering real-time data into the hands of key decision makers just at the time they will be making the decisions.  This is accomplished by scheduling automatic reports based on live BANNER data.  A Crystal Enterprise Server and Crystal Reports is used to develop and deliver  these reports via email attachment without any human intervention.  Some reports include Student Athlete Academic Status, Instructional Faculty Normative Teaching Load Analysis, Faculty Teaching Load Policy Compliance,  & Curriculum Efficiency.
     

  • Data Retrieval Engine:

    The Data Retrieval Engine is a GUI which will automate common and repetitive data retrieval and reporting tasks based on data from the university’s master database.  It supports various common queries and reports in the areas of financial aid, graduate data, student data, course data, and admissions data.  In the long run this application will allow for an individual, not trained in information systems, to effectively and efficiently perform common data retrieval and report generation.
     

  • Common Data Set:

    The IRP common data set is currently being updated to reflect data for the 2005-06 academic year.  In addition, a new indexed navigational format is being implemented to ease the reading of the CDS. 

     

Educational Background:

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC; BSBA, Management Information Systems