Tell me more about the new Banner project. How and why did it come to fruition? 

In 2010, Yeshiva University embarked on a multiyear project to replace its legacy administrative systems for Finance, HR/Payroll, and Grants Administration with modern software that integrates and streamlines various processes across the institution, including previously implemented student and institutional advancement systems.

This was not YU’s first experience with Banner: it had earlier implemented the Banner systems from SunGard Higher Education for Student Registration and Records, Student Financial Aid and Accounts, and Institutional Advancement. Based on the success of the earlier implementation, it was determined that the Banner modules to replace our financial accounting and legacy payroll systems would be the best course for providing a robust and reliable system for University administrative operations.

The Banner project was undertaken because of the inefficiencies and continuing risks of the legacy systems. Not only do these systems employ obsolete hardware and systems, the skills to maintain the systems are not readily available in the modern technology workforce. Additionally, the previous systems were not integrated with one another, and this continually led to information integrity issues and problems with compliance for financial reporting and sponsored research accounting.

With the initial investment in the Banner system for student and institutional advancement functions, the University is able to leverage its investment for support of the systems. This will also make things simpler for administrative users who currently use Banner.

Who will be affected by the new Banner project?

The core system components we are implementing include modules for:

• Financial Accounting
• Procurement
• Accounts Payable
• Grants Administration
• HR Administration
• Payroll

Therefore, these are the groups who will likely experience the most immediate impact.

How will all this affect what I do? What are the improvements?

The Banner project will provide a robust environment for user reports using an Operational Data Store/Data Warehouse and a reporting tool from Oracle Business Intelligence. We will provide a user-focused portal for interaction with the various system functions by users including students, faculty, employees and administrators. The system accommodates well those users who have multiple roles.

Integration of Banner with principal third-party systems for key University operations—such as SciQuest, Kronos, Maximus and others—is also part of the project.

What initial changes I can expect?

Many people may initially see only the change of the GL number that they use for procuring goods and services or how their paychecks are printed. Others who currently do transaction processing will have a significantly improved experience with Banner Self-Service and third-party systems aimed at making things simpler and also more powerful.

When will the new Banner go live, and when will training begin? 

We are working to achieve a January 2013 go-live with transition functions from the legacy systems to start in early December 2012. Testing is commencing in June to last for several months and a robust training program is being developed with end-user training to begin this fall to prepare users for the transition.

Go to the Banner Training web-site to view the Training Calendar, to view documentation and training materials, and to register for training sessions.

How will employees be notified of training dates and details? 

Training is underway now beginning with the Banner Project Overviews, proceeding with the Business Module Overviews for Finance, Procure to Pay, Sponsored Research Grants, and HR/Payroll. Subsequent training is being provided for SciQuest and other specific user processes. See below for dates and registration links.

November 6th Announcement of Banner Training – includes details about Banner Project Overview, Business Module Overviews, and Chart of Account training including dates, locations, and registration instructions 

Announcement of Maccabuy (SciQuest) Requestor and Approver Training – sessions at Resnick and Wilf campuses for Requestor and Approver hands-on training

Go to the Banner Knowledge Center web-site to view the Training Calendar, to view documentation and training materials, and to register for training sessions

1. May 14, 2012—New Banner Go-Live Targeted for January 2013 (PDF)
2. Oct 18, 2012 - Monthly Payroll 12-31-2012 Check(PDF)
3. Banner Project Update - 11-12-2012 (PDF)
4. Banner Project Update - 11-19-2012 (PDF)
5. Banner Project Update - 11-27-2012 (PDF)
6. Go Live Announcement - 01-02-2013 (PDF)