September 13, 2023
With the procurement process for the new student information system (SIS) beginning in 2021 and the formal launch of Banner as the District’s new SIS announced in Spring 2023, this district-wide project is expected to be fully implemented in Summer 2025. After nine months of project design and its first stages of work, we are happy to share that the project is proceeding on schedule. We are committed to sharing progress with the campus community throughout the project. Below is our first update.
What's Completed
Design and convene the Implementation Team:
Prior to the official launch in March 2023, SRJC, in partnership with Strada Information Group SIG (a consulting company specializing in higher education technology) designed a team comprised of Project Managers, Project Leads and the Sponsorship Team to carry forward the initial work. Learn more about the Banner Implementation Team here.
Aligned approaches for project implementation:
A project of this magnitude required a close look at how Ellucian structures the work associated with the implementation and how to align with SRJC needs. The way we structure regular meetings, schedule work sessions, and our District communication plan is part of this alignment.
Developed and implemented a resource staffing plan:
There are many weeks when the Implementation Team is dedicating up to 65% of their time to this project. As such, there was a need to develop and implement a plan for backfill. Each of the functional areas have teammates who are taking on extra duties to ensure regular college business continues as usual.
Identity Tactical Planning:
This is the process for configuring appropriate access and identity management for Banner and integrated systems.
Integration Architecture Planning:
An analysis of currently utilized third-party applications and SIS modules to determine ongoing needs, the scope of the work, and planning for each integration to occur within the appropriate weeks of the implementation timeline.
Intro to Banner General, discovery, overview design, simulation training and data mapping work sessions:
All the Banner modules, such as Student and Financial Aid, interface with General Person. The primary components are person records and communication management. Data mapping crosswalks our SIS data to Banner tables. This serves the upcoming first round of data migration from system to system happening in October 2023.
Intro to Financial Aid module, overview, design, and training of four major components:
This project brings SRJC the first integrated financial aid module, which allows real-time relevant info enhancing the student experience, as well as colleague processing steps. Their work sessions have been comprised of process discussions and actual module setup.
Intro to Banner Student, a comprehensive design, discovery, and data mapping work sessions:
The Banner student module manages student data and related processes. Discovery and design sessions and the data mapping sessions that crosswalk student data from SIS to Banner are completed.
Bravo to Deepa Desai!
Often, in the process of discussing how our existing SIS works, we are impressed by the depth of information SRJC users poses. It is evident when working with Payroll Manager Deepa Desai who not only demonstrates knowledge of our SIS but how it interfaces with Escape. Deepa’s expertise in payroll processes and the supporting software tools make her a valuable member of the Banner integration team. We are about to embark on a deep dive into Escape to enable the programming team to write integration software connecting the two software environments. We are grateful for Deepa’s help in this endeavor
Another round of applause for Gina Waggoner!
During the discovery phase of the Banner Integration Architecture Planning sessions, Gina Waggoner in Human Resources (HR) showed a keen understanding of how Escape handles all the processes associated with HR. Her in-depth understanding of the new employee onboarding process led to a discussion of how that process can be improved and automated. Gina was able to describe how Escape interfaces with the current SIS in support numerous HR activities that will be integrated with the Banner SIS. We appreciate Gina’s expertise in HR, Escape, and the current SIS to enable a successful integration of Escape with Banner.
Beyond the Project Managers and their respective Project Leads (based on functional area), the IT Programmer Team has attended ALL work sessions for completed and in-progress activities! Many hands are on deck in this work, and a big kudos goes to their dynamic dedication. Are you curious about how much time is being dedicated to this project? We were too! In the month of August alone, SRJC person-hours equated to 638 hours, shared by 20 dedicated teammates!
What to expect in the next two months:
Ethos Design and Architecture Work Sessions: Ethos is the cloud ecosystem that allows multiple platforms to connect with Banner avoiding on premises integrations.
Design and configure Argos Reporting Solution: An assessment of SRJC reporting use and needs, and the Argos reporting solution is in progress. The training is set to kick off at the end of September. \
Data Migration: The first pass of data migration is set to occur in October, and once complete, will allow for testing and improvement, as well as more in-depth training and simulation.
Financial Aid Simulation and more design: Work sessions when FAFSA file requirements and communications are simulated. Following that work, the design of funds, awards and disbursements will occur.
As always, please reach out with any questions.
Thank you for your support of these impacted departments during thisproject!
Kate