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1. What is 1College Project?
1College Project is a campus-wide initiative sponsored by Dickinson College to integrate our administrative processes and technologies in the following areas:
- Finance
- Development
- Student
- Financial Aid
- Human Resources
- Payroll
This consolidation will be accomplished though the implementation of Systems and Computer Technology Corporation's (SCT) Banner Software of Malvern Pennsylvania. The project formally kicked off in December of 2004.
2. What is Banner?
Banner is an administrative software application developed specifically for higher education institutions which integrates student, financial, human resources, financial aid and alumni data.
The Banner system is highly integrated because each module shares a common database. This common, shared database makes it easy to maintain records on someone who applies to Dickinson College, becomes a student, graduates, and then becomes an alumnus. One of the primary distinguishing features of the Banner system is its database structure which allows for online, real time access via the web.
3. Why does Dickinson need the Banner system?
Dickinson cannot continue to operate its current administrative environment in its present state without exposing the institution to considerable risk; nor can it meet its goals as stated within the College's Strategic Plan. In addition, Dickinson's current administrative system, Datatel is 15+ years old and is based upon a system that cannot easily share data. At the time of its implementation, Datetel represented industry and higher education standards. As technology has changed, Dickinson's processes have been modified and updated, but the technology does not support a fully integrated and secure data solution needed for the College to effectively and efficiently manage today's need for accurate, sophisticated financial and administrative information.
4. What systems will Banner be replacing?
Banner will be replacing the existing Datatel system.
5. Is Banner software proven and reliable?
Yes, SCT has over 35 years of experience in higher education and a track record of success stories. Over 800 institutions world-wide have implemented the Banner software. Select SunGard SCT Clients - 4yr Colleges for links to other institutions of higher education that are using or are currently implementing the Banner system.
6. What is the 1College Project timeline?
Dickinson's 18 month Banner migration process is scheduled for 3 "Waves" of implementation as follows:
- Wave 1 - Financials & Development - July 1, 2005
- Wave 2 - Student & Financial Aid - December 1, 2005
- Wave 3 - HR/Payroll - January 1, 2006
7. What are the benefits to Dickinson College in implementing the Banner system?
Banner will provide Dickinson College with integrated, database-driven information that when fully implemented, will replace Dickinson's current financial, human resources, student and alumni development system. The new Banner system will provide 24/7 Web access to College data and services for students, faculty, alumni and staff. College records will be housed in one large relational database so that information retrieved and reports generated will draw from current, non-duplicative system information. Banner will bring closure to the problems associated with the current systems that "don't talk to each other" and it will allow access to information in a highly secured and stable environment.
8. What are the benefits of Banner to me?
Some of the highlighted benefits are as follows:- Accommodate employee enrollment in benefits via web.
- Allow employees to update personal information (tax exemption, directory profile, biographic info.) via web.
- Provide for employee entry of time sheet data and leave via the web.
- Allow managers and supervisors to approve timesheets and leave request via the web.
- Allow Alumni to update their personal profiles, learn about upcoming campus events and news, and easily make donations to Dickinson College via the web.
- Permit students and faculty to view grades, account balances, transcripts, and degree evaluations via the web.
- Permit faculty with the ability to track grants and sponsored projects.
- Allow students to complete financial aid requirements; accept, decrease, and reject awards; and communicate with the financial aid office over the internet.
9. Who is on the project team and where are they located?
The project team consists of Dickinson College employees as well as support from our consultant's from Smart and Associates LLP. The project team is located on the 2nd floor of South College. For a complete list of all project team employees view the organizational chart.
10. Where can I find more information on 1College Project and Banner?
Information pertaining to 1College Project can be found at the project's website at http://1college.dickinson.edu.
Additional information on SCT Banner can be found at SCT Banner website.
11. How will we be prepared to use the new Banner system?
We will be utilizing a formal classroom training approach in which Dickinson College staff will be delivering the training to those impacted by the implementation. Training will occur approximately 4 - 6 weeks prior to each wave of implementation. We will also pursue opportunities to conduct web-based training for more routine types of transactions that need to be performed in Banner. In addition post implementation training support will be provide as well as a user support help desk.
12. How can I get my questions answered regarding 1College Project?
We encourage any questions to be submitted via the project team website at http://1college.dickinson.edu/ask.cfm. The project team will commit to answering your questions within a 48 hour period.
