ICS-ASTRA
Overview
ICS-ASTRA (Institute of Computer Science-Alumni System for Tracking Relations and Advancement) is a web-based platform designed for the Institute of Computer Science at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). The project aims to replace manual record-keeping with a centralized system that helps the institute maintain current records of its graduates, organize fundraising, and streamline communication.
Purpose and Goals
Currently, the institute does not have a central system to manage alumni tasks efficiently, which makes it difficult to track graduates or keep them engaged. The primary goals of this project are:
- To create a single location for managing alumni records rather than relying on scattered files.
- To make it easier for the school to communicate with alumni and for alumni to connect with each other.
- To provide a system that is easy to navigate and works on various screen sizes, including mobile phones and tablets.
Key Features
The system is designed to balance security with usability. It includes the following core functions:
- Profile Management: Alumni can register and update their own personal and professional information (such as employment status and contact details). This keeps the database current without requiring administrators to enter data manually.
- Search and Networking: Verified users can search for other alumni using filters like graduation year, industry, or location to foster professional networking. Privacy is protected by limiting what information is visible based on the user's role.
- Job Board: The system features a section for job postings where alumni can share career opportunities exclusive to the ICS community.
- Event Management: This module allows the institute to organize events like reunions or conferences. Alumni can view details, mark their interest, and RSVP directly through the platform.
- Donations: A structured feature allows alumni to view fundraising projects and donate financially to specific causes or scholarships.
- Communication: Administrators can post newsletters and announcements to keep the community informed about institute news.
User Roles
The system supports four distinct types of users, each with different permissions:
- Visitors: Non-registered users who can view public events and limited information.
- Alumni: Verified graduates who can update profiles, search the directory, post jobs, and donate.
- Moderators: Users responsible for fact-checking information and moderating content shared by others.
- Administrators: Staff who manage the entire system, including records, event organization, and analytics.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to our instructor, Ms. Mirella Arguelles, and to Bernard Jezua Tandang, FRG Aguitez, John Paul Minoc, Jan Neal Isaac Villamin, Psymon Sez Arcedera, Mark Neil Autriz, Axel Balitaan, Joenzsen Jonner Camara, Riggs Mikael Tomas, John Nico De Castro, Ashton Stephonie Matias, Julius Christian Namata, Clarence Manzanido, Armie Casasola, Jake Laurence Neverida, Jon Alem San Gregorio, Bryan Kyle Delfino, and Dominic Abelarde (in no particular order).Contributions
- Led a team of 19 students as project manager in developing a comprehensive alumni management system for UPLB ICS, facilitating enhanced tracking of alumni relations and career progression.
- Engineered a robust backend using Node.js and Supabase to manage user authentication, data storage, and complex relational queries.
- Implemented role-based access control (RBAC) using CASL to secure sensitive alumni data and functionalities.
- Developed and executed unit and integration tests with Mocha and Chai to ensure code reliability and maintainability.
- Managed deployment and hosting on DigitalOcean to ensure stable production environment.