Finance & Business: Information Technology

Information Technology

In the present strategic plan, the e-Business Key Initiative is being expanded into the new Information Technology Key Initiative. This updated key initiative will have a broader mission and will be vital in efficiently directing F&B’s information technology needs and planning. By evaluating F&B’s current systems, the Information Technology Key Initiative can advance the proper, convenient, and resourceful use across all units.

Elements of the e-Business Key Initiative will be included in the Information Technology’s goals by focusing on new opportunities and processes in the area of e-Business. Newer goals will focus on evaluating policies and practices of business systems across F&B.

Vision
The Information Technology Key Initiative will continue to maintain and evaluate F&B’s IT strategies and develop strong, efficient, and innovative practices for all F&B systems.

Accomplishments
F&B has had great success in the development of e-Business initiatives (many of which were collaborative efforts with other Penn State departments) that impact students, customers, faculty, and staff. From student services to employee and business services, F&B has made tremendous strides to improve and expand the electronic processes and communication which enable the University to better serve its students, customers, faculty, and staff. F&B can measure the success in cost savings, creating efficiencies in operations, generating revenue growth, and providing increased customer and student satisfaction.

Student Services

  • Electronic Tuition Billing
  • eChecks
  • Perkins and University Loans eSignature Promissory Notes
  • id+ Online
  • LionCash+ Flexible Spending Account
  • Web Application and Payment for Fitness Passes
  • Parking Registration and Permits
  • RESCONNECT System
  • eLiving Housing System

Employee Services

  • Web Employee Self-Service Information Center (ESSIC)
  • Employee Job Management System (EJMS)
  • Electronic Vacation/Sick Attendance System
  • HRDC Online Registration

Business and Related Services

Registration System

  • Direct Billing and email invoices
  • Purchasing Card (P-Card) Training System
  • Vehicle Online Reservations (VRES)

Goals

  1. Develop a comprehensive Information Technology strategy for F&B.
  2. Promote strategic IT planning and foster cooperation within and between F&B and administrative departments.
  3. Provide services that meet and/or exceed customer and user needs.
  4. Review and promote best practices to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
  5. Where applicable, implement common business applications and systems to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.
  6. Ensure vital information resources are secure and protected.
  7. Develop a business continuity and disaster recovery plan for essential IT systems.

Metrics and Timeline
The initial deliverable of the IT Key Initiative team will be the development of a detailed set of activities, expected timelines, future deliverables, and metrics. The team will provide the initial recommendations of activities, expected timelines, future deliverables, and metrics by October 1, 2008.

Key Initiative Manager
Rich Pearce — Auxiliary & Business Services
814-865-3061 - rhp1@psu.edu

Team Members
Jan Barnoff — Office of the Corporate Controller - jab3@psu.edu
Francie Brown — Auxiliary & Business Services - fac1@psu.edu
Jan Grasser — Administrative Information Services - jmg1@psu.edu
Ann Gray — University Budget Office - abg2@psu.edu
Joyce Haney — Auxiliary & Business Services - jzh8@psu.edu
Mike Hartman — Office of Human Resources - mwh2@psu.edu
Debbie Meder — Office of the Corporate Controller - dmm4@psu.edu
Steve Neeper — University Budget Office - sdn2@psu.edu
Ron Rash — Administrative Information Services - rhr@psu.edu
Dave Rose — Finance & Business Central Office - dar1@psu.edu
Steve Savard — Administrative Information Services - sds3@psu.edu
Mike Sherlock — Auxiliary & Business Services - mts9@psu.edu
Jim Smith — Office for Physical Plant - jas4@psu.edu
Joel Weidner — Auxiliary & Business Services - jlw2@psu.edu

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Employee Ethics and Compliance Hotline
Address your concerns about workplace issues anonymously with the Ethics and Compliance Hotline. This service will assist you with problems including financial matters such as fraud, theft, conflict of interest, and other violations of University policy, including research compliance matters, discrimination, athletics-compliance issues, and more. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-560-1637.
F&B Newsletter
View current and past issues online.