February Update(pdf version)

Summary:            

With only a few remaining go-lives left during the Implementation Phase of the ERP efforts at Kent State University, members of the original module teams will soon refocus their efforts on the continued improvement and upgrade of the system. During the Spring semester, the Financial Aid go-live marks the final installment of a major component into the Banner Student module. During the course of the winter and into the Spring, preparations will continue not only for this important date, but the team will also be focused on the mid-term grading period and adjustments to both the student schedule and billing.

Project Objectives Completed or Activities during January 2008

Student Implementation

·         The Student team finished preparations for the upcoming conversion of Academic History on February 2 and 3. Also, CashNet has been converted to allow for the use of the Banner-generated ID for Students. The team also continued work on the components for the production of a student’s class schedule and bill for Spring 2008 semester. The PASS program, which introduces newly-admitted students to KSU before their entering semester, began using Banner for their January PASS program. The Financial Aid team also converted the past years award data into Banner. Plans for the upcoming semester include the final tests for midterm grading, final grades, and transcript production.

Finance

·         Training continues on the Cognos/Finance reporting relationship. The Finance team is also working on a solution to improve the reporting views available through Cognos. Since the go-live last summer, the team has identified several adjustments that need to be addressed. The team will build a schedule for the remaining improvements. The team is also developing the Banner/FAMIS interface.

Training

·         Financial Aid staff at all campuses are being introduced to Banner through training sessions. Bursar staff and student services staff who view Banner information received training in December. Over 100 job aids, documents, and movies are now online at www.kent.edu/erp/training. Advancement is the first division to engage in a “round two” training update for all staff. The team is also working on materials in preparation for the rollout of more Cognos reporting capabilities. May departments are booking customized training and personal training reviews for new employees, and those who are not sure what they need to learn.

Progress continued

Summary

Portal Team: -          Integration between FlashLine, Banner, and WebCT vista occurred on January 6th. This enabled real time events to WebCT Vista and allowed all courses to be represented and full roster integration. This integration also added functionality to upload grades directly from the Vista grade book into Banner. -          New Student and Faculty/Advisor Tabs are coming in early February. With the reduction in need for the WFS and WFFA systems this spring, we can begin to take advantage of more Banner Channels in the portal. These channels will enhance experiences in scheduling, registering, advising, and course instruction.   Technical Team: -          The Student Financial Aid Mock 5 was completed. The team also completed the conversions for the remaining Academic History and General Student tables. Work continued on the Student Phase II integrations. -          In February, the team will continue to make preparations for grading in the Banner environment, as well as continue data conversions and integrations for the Student Financial Aid go-live.

Upcoming Project Events during the month of February 2008

The Project K.E.Y.S. Team is scheduled for the following activities:

·         February  – Student Financial Aid Mock 6 (Finance Team)

Upcoming Project Milestones

Milestone Event	Date
Financial Aid Go-Live	3/1/2008
Budget Go-Live	3/31/2008
Phase I completion	Summer 2008