SlideRoom has just released a new form builder so that Administrators can build application forms. This interface features drag and drop and functionality to add questions, which also makes it easy to reorder questions later. Answer types include short text, long text, drop-downs, multiple choice and checkbox lists. The SlideRoom dev team has worked hard to display this powerful feature within a clean interface that is simple to use.
We are very excited to have just released the new Applicant Manager.
The SlideRoom team has been working all year to incorporate your feedback and implement new features that provide more power and flexibility. In addition to all the individual improvements, this release also represents a new foundation for future development.
The website has been updated with images and explanations of the new system, as well as added a YouTube Channel with a variety of video tutorials. While these videos are built into the system for your convenience, we also wanted to provide external access.
We launched the new system Tuesday night without 2 of the new features: The Form-builder and Letters of Reference. These will be added in the coming days. We just wanted to make sure that all of the pre-existing features translated perfectly before adding these very significant features on top.
We would love to hear your impressions. While we always love compliments, please let us know if you find any problems or if you have any suggestions for future enhancements. We look forward to hearing from you!
We are very proud to announce the NEW applicant manager is going to launch this Summer 2010. This release is a response to requests for every part of the application process to be online: Application Forms, Media, References and the Review/Administration of applicants. The new features and interface streamline various parts of the admissions process in one place. Some of the new features include: Email, References, a Form-Builder and a Search area that allows lists of applicants to be found/displayed according to your specific preferences.
(Note: the area where applicants apply is not changing during this release, only the administrative side is getting the update. Applicant portals are already fully equipped).
Many schools have two different online systems for the various parts of their application process (some for good reason). But it sure is nice to have everything go through one place: easier for applicants and for administration. Parsons Paris has consolidated both application forms and media for admissions into their SlideRoom portal. Notice (above) how they are taking advantage of custom application forms. They have separate steps for Personal Info, Education, Statement, Adding Media and Payment. SlideRoom’s merchant services are even handling international payment currency conversions.
Having all the information in one system (including media) is going to really create efficiencies for administrators. See everything first hand at http://parsonsparis.slideroom.com
For the second year in a row, UT Austin’s Department of Art + Art History runs portfolio submission and review completely online (no exceptions). Many schools try to be accommodating by also allowing for items to be physically mailed in, but this really hurts the review process and administrative efficiency. Because UT Austin has established themselves as a thought-leader in this realm, I would like to highlight them here. They have done a marvelous job of streamlining the whole process for applicants and reviewers. In particular, they have done a good job at separating information from instruction, and displaying each at the appropriate time in the process (rather than all at once).
Their process starts with a very complete informational overview for applicants on their admissions website. Then, they use very brief instruction on their SlideRoom portal. This maintains a very smart division between information and instruction. When applicants are trying to first get oriented, their website provides all the information necessary. And just as important, when their undergraduate applicants arrive at their SlideRoom portal, they switch to giving very concrete instruction.
Shane Sullivan is the man coordinating their undergraduate admissions. And most of the compliments above can be attributed to him personally as well. He states:
The system is very easy to work with from both sides…I tested it out in student mode and administrative mode on my end and found it very easy to use and to train faculty on (yes, the faculty did learn how to use it) … As for mode of submission, SlideRoom is the only form of submission we now accept for undergraduate and graduate portfolio-driven admissions and for studio-based faculty searches. This has saved us HOURS of processing time in that we are not having to sort and open mail, log mail, keep track of SASE returns, AND most importantly to me, no more paper cuts and my office doesn’t look like Kodak exploded in my office.
Applicants love being able to preview the application process before they begin. This is commonly attempted with a PDF or extremely long instructions, but we believe in the power of video. Above is a brief video that will be displayed on all new SlideRoom login portals. This allows applicants to see the process and get oriented with the system before they ever begin.
If you are an administrator wanting to add settings for the next year, you can go ahead and start. When the new portals launch next week, there will be some new spaces for extra instruction.
Our team is excited to announce the redesign of SlideRoom Submission Portals, launching early this September. The enhancements are a direct response to your requests and our analysis of usage trends over the last two years. Thank you for your feedback! Not only are they enhanced for better usability, but they come with a variety of new features.
SlideRoom provides a web-based applicant management system to gather & review application forms, media and more.
This blog is a discussion of our news and the growing role of technology in art, admissions, contests and more. If you have questions about our service or would like to contribute an opinion, contact us
