Introduction to

Acuity STAR

Author: Paul Malcomson

What is STAR?

• STAR is an acronym for “Staff Tracking & Activity Reporting”

• Custom developed Web based application• Vendor is Acuity Software Inc., Ottawa Ontario• Current version is STAR v5.5b

Accessing STAR

• Use Mozilla FireFox as this offers the best experience http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/

• FireFox is acceptable by all hospital IT departments

• No cost, similar experience to Internet Explorer• Disable pop-up blocker for STAR application• https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/star/ • https://star.schulich.uwo.ca *application site

Logon Menu

Main Navigation Menu

1. Your Department – this is automatically set.

2. UWO Standard CV View – a useful view that emulates the UWO CV report

3. All Activities View – the main view for data entry

UWO Standard CV View

• Follows the flow of a Western University CV

• Specific for an individual (pick from member list)

• Allows you to narrow in on data that needs work

• Useful to compare to printed/exported MS Word CV

Common CV View

• Follows the flow of the Common CV requirements

• Specific for an individual (pick from member list)

• Allows you to narrow in on data that needs work

• Ability to export Common CV data

All Activities View

• Most work occurs through this view

• Follows the flow of a CV• Grouped in logical

sections of information• Visibility to all members

you have access to

Data Grid Menu

• Shows only member information based on your role• Filter data based on what you want to see or find• Date range can reduce data set• Use Refresh button often• To Excel exports to .xls format• Import – used for Pubmed NLM formatted

Publication data

Data Grid Details• Double scroll bars can be confusing• Click to highlight record(s) ctrl+click or shift+click (yellow)• Columns are sortable and can be resized• Page through many rows of data• Cannot modify data • Similar to Excel

Pop-up Data Forms • Accessed by clicking Edit or Clone• Use pick lists top of form downwards• Avoid using “Other – please specify”• Save • Save/Clone• Reset• Cancel

Pop-up Data Forms • Data form is specific to the section you are looking at

from the Data Grid screen.• * indicates a mandatory data point

Tips and Tricks

• If the Buttons disappear in the Data Grid:– Check to see if the double scrollbars are offset– Right hand side of the Browser

• If you enter a record and do not see it in the data grid:– Check to see if you have data filters set prohibiting

you from seeing all data records.

Tips and Tricks• Three sample documents offer great guidance

– Example Standard CV– Example Promotions CV– Example Teaching Dossier

• Each document has highlights of ‘what goes where’

STAR Support

• Help buttons for specific data questions• STAR Coordinators across all departments

https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/star/contacts • Bugs and system errors

– Capture as much information as you can and contact your STAR Coordinator or AO

• Always looking for suggestions to improve

Frequently Asked Questions1. Where do these activities go in STAR? (Refer to Documentation)

2. What if I forget my username / password? (Contact your STAR Coordinator)

3. How can I change my password? (General Menu)

4. Who can see the data I put in STAR? (Talk about Security)

5. How do I print my UWO Standard CV? (Reports Menu)

6. Is there a manual or a guide available? (Talk about Documentation)

7. How can I get more information about this activity? (Monthly update form)

8. What are the APCV and the APTD? (Talk about Promotions Documents)

9. How can I move things around in STAR? (Bulk data edit)

10. Who do I talk to about questions I have? (Contact your STAR Coordinator)

Next StepsGoing Forward:

• Login once a day for two weeks, make small changes• Add Months to publications from 2006-present• Ensure at least the last 12 months of data is up to date• Keep STAR database updated once per month• Print original CV and STAR UWO Standard CV to compare• STOP using the original CV• Certify the CV is up to date whenever possible.• Prepare for Academic Promotions Cycle 6 Months in advance