Iowa State’s new A-Plus information system has received high marks from students.

The data system, which allows students access to their university records at kiosks resembling automatic teller machines, was activated on Aug. 22. Since that time the machines have been accessed more than 8,000 times.

It took two California universities with similar systems 45 days to get the reaction ISU received the first week, said Larry Newhouse, ISU’s information systems director.

“We’ve had a lot of really good reactions from students,” Newhouse said. “Now that we have had some reaction time, we are trying to make it easier for them to use.”

Kiosks are located in the Memorial Union, Recreation Center, Carver Hall and Parks Library.

“The system originated as a way to access students with their information at their convenience,” Newhouse said. With the kiosks, students don’t have to deal with office hours or waiting in lines, he added.

The A-Plus system has a touch screen and step-by-step instructions for various options. First-time users must change the temporary personal identification number (PIN) assigned by the university to a four-digit number. “Once you get over the initial PIN change, it’s easy,” Newhouse said.

Class schedules, unofficial transcripts, financial aid status and updated university bills can all be accessed through the kiosks. Other general campus information is also available including: a calendar of events, final exam schedules and a campus map.

Most information can be printed for 25 cents a page. A fax may also be sent or received from the kiosks.

“Hopefully, by next week the ISU phone book and class schedules will be available,” said Kathy Jones, associate registrar. “What we have is something that will grow. As the students get more used to it, it will be more popular.”

Students who want to try the new A-Plus system, but don’t know where to begin, can attend demonstrations being held Sept. 25-29 in Carver Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Parks Library.