This Sunday will see the launch of a new version of Opus. New features include faster page load times in the native app, salary and APU enhancements, and improved flexibility for the linkage between cases in Opus and Interfolio cases. The system will be down from noon to 6 pm that day, but everyone can continue working in Interfolio through this time.
Interfolio Gets a New Look
Interfolio will launch major revisions to their interface next week, bringing improvements that will impact Opus users across the board. Improved messaging is one prominent update — replacing the ‘bell’ button on the upper right corner of the webpage will be a new list of “action items.” Other interface features will be consolidated to provide a more streamlined experience. For more information, be sure to sign up for the next online training session, mentioned below.
Make Your Voice Heard
Would you be interested in having an impact on Opus development? Would you like to help us make the application easier and more useful? We’re currently seeking volunteers to participate in our user research program. Our approach will be low-impact, involving just a short visit (about one hour) to your office, where we’ll ask you about your experience. We’ll supply any materials required. If you would like to participate, please write Opus Help.
Limited Review Templates
Next week, you’ll notice a new item appearing in your template selection list: the Limited Review template. These templates have fewer steps and no default candidate requirements. For more on how to select the correct template, see What Are the Differences Between Interfolio Templates and Which Should I Use?
Each academic unit will have their own version of the template (titled “Limited Review - [unit name]”) and will need to update the committee assignment on each step before starting any case with this template. For information about which committee should be at which step, please see Who Should Have Access to Case/Template Steps in Interfolio?
Support
Interfolio 101
We’ll host the next entry in our Zoom with Opus online training series on Monday, April 2nd at 11 am. This session will feature a tour of Interfolio, including the new case management interface (see article above), as well as a more general outline of concepts involved in working with that system. This information should prove useful for new users and seasoned admins alike. Note that because of the three-day weekend, this session will be shifted from our normal Friday morning schedule. You can sign up, as always, on our attendance spreadsheet.
Reminders
Missing Emeriti? We Can Help
If your department is missing emeriti faculty on the Opus Roster, please email opushelp@ucla.edu with the list of the missing (names, UIDs, start date of their emeriti appointment). Appointees with joint appointments prior to retirement will have emeriti status in their home department only.
Put Current Actions Into Opus
If you’re processing a paper case, don’t forget to put the action(s) into Opus. Even if the case contents won’t be in Interfolio (for example, if the case was started on paper before your department started using Opus), the action(s) need to be in Opus. After doing so, you will be able to track the case location on the Active Cases screen and approved actions will automatically update the Opus appointment on their effective date.
Every Form in Its Place
The cover page from the Data Summary form should be uploaded as its own document to the Data Summary section of the Interfolio case. If the case is a Dean’s Final, the approval should be recorded on the Dean’s Approval form and uploaded to Dean's Office Review section.
Jonathan Smith
Updates
Opus Launch
This Sunday will see the launch of a new version of Opus. New features include faster page load times in the native app, salary and APU enhancements, and improved flexibility for the linkage between cases in Opus and Interfolio cases. The system will be down from noon to 6 pm that day, but everyone can continue working in Interfolio through this time.
Interfolio Gets a New Look
Interfolio will launch major revisions to their interface next week, bringing improvements that will impact Opus users across the board. Improved messaging is one prominent update — replacing the ‘bell’ button on the upper right corner of the webpage will be a new list of “action items.” Other interface features will be consolidated to provide a more streamlined experience. For more information, be sure to sign up for the next online training session, mentioned below.
Make Your Voice Heard
Would you be interested in having an impact on Opus development? Would you like to help us make the application easier and more useful? We’re currently seeking volunteers to participate in our user research program. Our approach will be low-impact, involving just a short visit (about one hour) to your office, where we’ll ask you about your experience. We’ll supply any materials required. If you would like to participate, please write Opus Help.
Limited Review Templates
Next week, you’ll notice a new item appearing in your template selection list: the Limited Review template. These templates have fewer steps and no default candidate requirements. For more on how to select the correct template, see What Are the Differences Between Interfolio Templates and Which Should I Use?
Each academic unit will have their own version of the template (titled “Limited Review - [unit name]”) and will need to update the committee assignment on each step before starting any case with this template. For information about which committee should be at which step, please see Who Should Have Access to Case/Template Steps in Interfolio?
Support
Interfolio 101
We’ll host the next entry in our Zoom with Opus online training series on Monday, April 2nd at 11 am. This session will feature a tour of Interfolio, including the new case management interface (see article above), as well as a more general outline of concepts involved in working with that system. This information should prove useful for new users and seasoned admins alike. Note that because of the three-day weekend, this session will be shifted from our normal Friday morning schedule. You can sign up, as always, on our attendance spreadsheet.
Reminders
Missing Emeriti? We Can Help
If your department is missing emeriti faculty on the Opus Roster, please email opushelp@ucla.edu with the list of the missing (names, UIDs, start date of their emeriti appointment). Appointees with joint appointments prior to retirement will have emeriti status in their home department only.
Put Current Actions Into Opus
If you’re processing a paper case, don’t forget to put the action(s) into Opus. Even if the case contents won’t be in Interfolio (for example, if the case was started on paper before your department started using Opus), the action(s) need to be in Opus. After doing so, you will be able to track the case location on the Active Cases screen and approved actions will automatically update the Opus appointment on their effective date.
Every Form in Its Place
The cover page from the Data Summary form should be uploaded as its own document to the Data Summary section of the Interfolio case. If the case is a Dean’s Final, the approval should be recorded on the Dean’s Approval form and uploaded to Dean's Office Review section.