So what is this PE thing anyway?
Why did the UMS decide to implement PE?
What is PeopleSoft?
What's so great about converting to this new system?
What administrative functions are included?
What is the timeline for the project?
Who is involved in the project from USM?
What does this mean for me?
What can I do to prepare for this?
When will the training program be announced?
Who do I call/contact with questions?
Will I be able to use my Mac?
So what is this PE thing anyway?
PE stands for "Project Enterprise." In the context of the new administrative
computing system for the UMS, it means a computing system that is integrated
across all of the administrative computing functions. So, instead of having
separate HR, financial, students and advancement systems (like we have now),
we will have a single, integrated system.
Why did the UMS decide to implement PE?
Discussions had been going on since the early 1990's about the status of the
student system, ISIS, which was becoming outdated and, as users know, was not "user friendly." Various vendors were asked to present at the time
- based on the state of technology at that point, a decision was delayed. As
time went by, it became very clear that implementing a separate student system
did not make good sense since so much of the information in all of the systems
is interrelated, and getting information out of our current "stand alone" systems was so cumbersome. In 2000/2001, the UMS made the decision to explore
an enterprise wide system
What is PeopleSoft?
PeopleSoft is our software solution for PE. After an exhaustive look at vendors
over a period of several years, we, as a system, determined that PeopleSoft
would best fit our needs. PeopleSoft 8 will provide UMS with an integrated administrative
computing application as well as a new student information system. All modules
are seamlessly integrated, allowing a more collaborative means of passing data
from one system to another in a real-time environment. PeopleSoft 8 runs on
a pure internet platform and requires only a standard internet browser. Built
on the concept of "self service," you, as a student, faculty or staff
member, will find yourself using PeopleSoft for ALL of your university-related
administrative needs. Our partnership with PeopleSoft will enable us to manage
change, maximize resources, and deliver better service to our students, faculty
and staff.
What's so great about converting to this new system?
There are a lot of great things about converting to the new system. Here are
some of them:
o The system is user-friendly, web-based, portal-driven.
o All modules are completely integrated.
o Social security number will no longer be used as the student/employee identification
number.
o You will have your own secure self-service access to your records 24/7/365
as long as you have access to a web browser.
o You'll be able to work autonomously - no more waiting for forms or waiting
for a call back.
o There will be less room for error.
o You will have clear self-service access to your own records whenever you want,
and you will have the ability to update these records.
What administrative functions are included?
o Human Resources (payroll services, employee benefits, HR information systems,
employment services, student payroll)
o Finance (budget information, accounts payable, purchasing)
o Student Administration (academic records/registration, admissions, financial
aid, student billing, advising)
o Advancement (donor and alumni relations)
What is the timeline for the project?
Human Resources - Implementation is scheduled for July 2003
Finance - Implementation is scheduled for July 2004/October 2004 (with GL/AP/PO
being brought up together).
Student Administration, Advancement - 2004-2006
Who is involved in the project from USM?
USM has an PE Core Committee comprised of individuals from the functional areas
impacted by the project. This committee meets on a monthly basis for updates,
information sharing and problem solving. The committee is comprised of the following
individuals/areas:
What does this mean for me?
All of us will be impacted by this system, some more than others depending on
their job function. As employees, the "self service" or "client
service" approach utilized in portions of the HR module will enable us
to perform functions including time inputting, sick/vacation inputting, checking
our benefits, etc. For those who work in departments that utilize the systems
for budgeting, for financials, for student functions, the impact will be greater
as this will be the system that takes the place of FAST, HRIS, ISIS, FINANCIER,
BENEFACTOR. Learning the system will be very important; taking advantage of
every training opportunity will be key. When implemented, all reports about
systems like this indicate a higher satisfaction on the part of faculty, staff
and students in the accessing and delivery of service.
What can I do to prepare for this?
The conversion to any new system may seem confusing but our goal is to make
it straightforward and understandable. This new system will not be difficult
for the general employee population, and short training sessions will be available
either in person or on line for those components that impact all employees.
More in depth training will be available for employees who utilize other portions
of the system. We suggest the following as some standard things you can do to
help aid in the transition:
First, make sure that the software and hardware in your office conforms to the standards required for the computing system. These standards can be found on the UMS PeopleSoft/ERP website: http://www.maine.edu/system/pe/hardware_software.php
Next, if you are unfamiliar with web based, point and click technology, start learning!! The more comfortable you are with this kind of technology, the easier the transition to a new system will be.
Finally, stay tuned to the updates on this website, attend all appropriate training sessions, and spread the word to your colleagues so that as many people as possible receive the training and support they will need as we transition to a new system.
When will the training program be announced?
All training for this project will be coordinated by Employee Education and
Development and will utilize area experts within each module.
Who do I call/contact with questions?
Feel free to contact anyone on the USM
Core PE committee or send your question to PeopleSoft@usm.maine.edu.
The coordinator of the committee is Rosa Redonnett (rosar@usm.maine.edu).
She is available to meet with any interested group that would like to hear more
about this project.
Will I be able to use my Mac?
As long as you follow the recommended hardware/software requirements, PeopleSoft
will work with a Mac. For specification, please visit the UMS "PeopleSoft
Hardware and Software Requirements" at http://www.maine.edu/system/pe/hardware_software.php.
Directions for OS (Operating System) X users:
Run the software update in “System Preferences,” which includes Internet Explorer security updates and upgrades.
Directions for OS 8.1 to 9.x users:
1. Log onto http://www.microsoft.com/downloads
For further help or instructions, please contact the UNET Help Desk at 561-3587.
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University of Southern Maine
P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104
(207) 780-4141 or 1-800-800-4USM
A member of the University of Maine System