UW CORAL : User Registration Introduction

Coral keeps user data in many different places to provide the flexibility necessary to run a recharge center lab. The system only works properly, however, if all the data are provided. In order to keep all the data consistent, then, we don't create users by hand, but use a web-based form system to guide prospective users through the process of providing us all the necessary data in the proper form to make everything work properly.

The UW WNF/NTUF is funded in part by NSF, and as a condition of this funding we are asked to collect certain information from our users (in particular, field of research and type of organization, from given categories, as well as optional demographic information).

In addition to gathering user data, the registration system is structured to allow the lab management to consider these questions:

• What work is the user intending to perform in the facility?
• Does the lab have the tools and/or expertise required to do the work desired?
• Is the user sufficiently experienced to be allowed to use the facility?
• Can the user offer a viable means of payment?

The approvals of the lab manager, faculty director, and administrator are required before a Coral ID is created, to ensure an affirmative answer to all of the above questions.