Cornerstone is a multi-year strategic initiative to transform the administrative and student information systems and processes for Rutgers University.
HR/Payroll Transformation
The project team recently completed interactive design prototype workshops, which lay the foundation for the future state design as the team will soon transition into configuring the new system.
Similar to the future state design phase, representatives from Chancellor-led and central administration units, including Human Resources, Payroll Services, Institutional Planning and Operations, Division of Continuing Studies, and Information Technology, continue to provide direction toward reviewing and confirming the configuration of the new system
The project team is conducting functional business process review sessions to assess current processes, issues, and potential opportunities for improvements and automation. The success of implementing an initiative of this magnitude is reliant on the project team’s ability to help the university navigate change through disciplined change management, communication, and training plans. The change agent network drives awareness and adoption universitywide.
The Chart of Accounts Phase 2 project continues to leverage synergies with the HR Payroll Transformation initiative. The team offered guidance on the Activity segment rollout, programs, and Unrestricted Fund Type 100 project closure to Chancellor-led units and central areas.
Scarlet Journey
Positive trends remained since the August 1 launch of Salesforce and Common App applications for academic year 2024-2025. As of the December 1 application deadline, Rutgers has received over 150,000 applications.
In September, Rutgers Foundation successfully launched “email concierge” campaigns for several Rutgers units and launched Salesforce Commerce Cloud as the primary online giving site, along with the new Rutgers Foundation website. Phase 1 was completed in October, which included data conversion from the existing constituent relationship management system to Affinaquest. This will modernize the technology used by frontline fundraisers and improve the management of giving opportunities. The team is working on Phase 2 which incorporates gift engagement, reporting, analytics, and document management.
Student Experience Improvement Initiative (SEII)
This project advances the university’s dedication to providing seamless, integrated, and responsive services that meet Rutgers students’ needs. A major element of the SEII implementation of a single, universitywide student information system was completed in 2021 with the launch of a financial planning module to replace the legacy financial aid system. The team is now preparing to implement the new federal Consolidated Appropriations Act requirements including the Free Application for Financial Student Aid or FAFSA Simplification Act.
Beginning in January 2024, the team will conduct an extensive business process review to prepare for Oracle Student Management Cloud, which will serve as a single, universitywide student system, and replace the Banner and legacy Rutgers mainframe student information systems. Ahead of the anticipated business process review, the team is managing a student continuum operational and organizational assessment of various functional areas including Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, the One Stop Student Services Center, and Student Accounts, Billing, and Cashier Services.
Travel and Expense
In conjunction with the launch of the Rutgers Concur online booking tool in the spring of 2022, a universitywide initiative is underway to develop an interface to integrate both booking travel and managing expenses online. The tool will continue to be available on the computer and will also be mobile-friendly. It will further offer 24/7/365 customer service and optimize user experience while conforming to policies. User feedback testing is in progress with system integration testing to follow. Campus rollout is anticipated for mid-2024.
The Accounts Receivable project, which focuses on leveraging existing Oracle Cloud Receivables functionality for monthly processing activity, was restarted. Initial meetings were held with Research Financial Services and the University Controller’s Office.
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