Case Study: Boston University achieves 50% faster student check-in and instant document audits with Claris FileMaker Platform

FileMaker solution for iPad tames paper chase at Boston University

Boston University’s Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (CELOP), a leading intensive ESL program serving about 1,700 students a year, faced a paper‑heavy, time‑consuming admissions process for incoming international students and scholars. Check‑in required multiple copies of visas, passports, SEVIS/I‑901 and other documents, creating long lines, borrowed copiers, thousands of pages processed each term and a slow, 20‑minute audit process.

CELOP implemented a custom FileMaker solution running on iPads (FileMaker Go) and desktops, integrated with a barcode app to scan and tag documents to student IDs and store data securely on FileMaker Server. Built and deployed in days, the system cut up‑front document collection time by more than 50% (scanning time from ~2 minutes to <1), reduced audits from 20 minutes to seconds, decreased student wait times, improved advising time and overall satisfaction while keeping sensitive data encrypted and centrally managed.

Boston University

Hakan Rudy Seber

systems support specialist, Boston University Global Programs