1. Next Generation Student Systems
A View from the Functional Side

2. Agenda
What is NGSS
Our Panel
Directed questions
Open forum
Wrap up

3. Our Panelists Adam Sherr, University Registrar
Business Owner for Pennant Records
Ashley Thompson, IT Senior Project Leader
Functional Lead, Pennant Records
Rob Tisot, IT Systems Director
Lead Functional and Technical Expert for Pennant Aid and Records
Elaine Varas, Director of Student Financial Services
Business Owner for Pennant Aid
Jane Gilbert, Sr. IT Director SRFS
NGSS Project Owner
Ask panel from left to right to into themselves, share their experience and describe their role in the project.

4. What is this thing we keep hearing about?
High level – Multi year project to basically overhaul/transform our current SIS. Move to current technology after many years of patching and piecing together older mainframe systems.
Who benefits – Everyone. Students with newer, modern technologies they are accustomed to.
Faculty – Giving them new tools that allow them to guide our students in their academic journey.
Staff – New technologies create efficiencies allowing for better service to our students and technologically, will position us to be more responsive as even newer technologies are introduced.
Collaborative Effort – Provost, ISC and SRFS
A Few Established Principles –
Strategic Alignment with Penn initiative and priorities;
Use Vendor Solutions for managing regulatory functions;
Have Vision for long term; Strengthen core functions and improve the user experience;
Leverage Vendor Features – Only customize where essential
Phased Releases – Student Accounts – October 2015 – in tandem with SRFS initiative new Billing, Payment Portal PLUS core student data conversion and reporting for SAR
Currently – Records and Financial Aid – More aggressive timeline for Aid to deliver in October 2017 the ability to review our Early Decision Candidates and Records working on delivery of multiple subparts of the overall project
Very large that affects nearly everyone in the university.

5. Let’s hear from the Panel

6. How to reach us
General Information Website
Adam Sherr –
Ashley Thompson -
Rob Tisot –
Elaine Varas –
Jane Gilbert –
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