Mechanisms of Learning

The Basic Story

Ask a Michigan alumnus who graduated between 1975 and 1999 about CRISP, and you will most likely see a twinkle of remembrance flash across their face. What exactly this twinkle represents—horrific memories of eternal lines and malfunctioning terminals, or fond nostalgia for the series of routines that became rites of passage for all Michigan students across departments and class years—depends on who you ask. Nonetheless, there is a discernible spark of recognition, often followed by a story about a system which became a unique, if quirky, facet of
Michigan students’ experiences for over 25 years.

The design of the CRISP system began as part of a computer course (CSS 673) taught by Professor Bernard Galler. In this course, students conceived of a computer system that would allow them to register for courses, ending the long lines, confusion, and paperwork associated with analog registration. IN 1975, the University initiated CRISP as its official registration system. Initially, colonies of CRISP computer operators in sites at Angell Hall and alter at the Chrysler Center assisted students with the registration process. Students wishing to enroll in courses were eventually issued a CRISP appointment—a window of time in which they could complete the registration process. The term "CRISPing" also became part of the campus vernacular. In 1994, a new phone-in CRISP system was launched allowing students to access the computer registration system via touch-tone telephone. Within a few years of its launch, all students registered for courses via the telephone system, but CRISP appointments were still issued, keeping the system from becoming overloaded while ensuring that upper-classmen maintained registration priority. Ironically, Wolverine Access—the web-based system through which students currently register was launched in the same year. Students could access course database information via Wolverine Access to view their course schedule,s but all changes were conducted via the dial-in interface. The CRISP system remained a campus staple until 1999. when its capabilities were fully replaced by registration processes available on Wolverine Access. Nonetheless, nearly 30 years worth of Michigan students have memories of the CRISP system—everything from getting life-changing advice from the computer operators in the 1970s to spending countless hours on the phone with the "CRISP Lady" in the 1990s.

Links
CRISP Users
CRISP Developers
CRISP Operators

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