Rider Will Replace Administrative Technology Systems

Rider University is about to begin a multiyear, university-wide project to replace our administrative technology systems, some of which are nearing obsolescence. This new system, called the Banner Unified Digital Campus, was selected through an 18-month-long competitive selection process that included input from an array of information technology users on both campuses. Banner will replace the multiple systems that currently run the University’s major business functions including admissions, financial aid, student records, student accounts, human resources, payroll, budget, finance, fixed assets and grants management. When Banner is fully implemented, Rider will have all of its major administrative technology operations on a single, integrated system for the first time in its history.

Carol Kondrach, associate vice president for Information Technology, said “The new system has many new services built-in that we also plan to implement and take full advantage of during the project. They include document imaging, constituent Web portals, a new content management system that will replace RedDot for the university Web site, and an enrollment management suite of applications to enhance student recruitment and relationship management.  Banner will be much more effective and efficient for campus users.”

A key goal and focus throughout the project will be to stay closely aligned with the University Strategic Plan and enhance administrative processes and procedures to strengthen efficiency, student service and user satisfaction. Long in the planning, this system conversion is a major undertaking that will impact the entire community and require close oversight and monitoring to ensure its success.

The current systems nearing obsolescence will be implemented first and include finance, human resources, payroll, fixed assets and grants management. Beginning in January, the Information Technology staff will report to Bill Roell, senior associate vice president for Finance. Kondrach and Roell will collaborate closely on the transition of the new IT modules for the Finance Division. “I look forward to working with Carol and her staff on this important project and on their continued strong support for technology needs campus-wide,” Roell said. “OIT will continue to work closely with the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and will play a significant role in support of academic affairs priorities and faculty academic and research needs, as well as the technology goals of Rider’s other campus divisions.”

President Rozanski also voiced his support for the project. “The organizational realignment of Information Technology will help balance the demands of our major Strategic Plan initiatives, with Academic Affairs continuing its work to implement major initiatives related to student learning outcomes, internationalization, the freshman year experience and the new Westminster College of the Arts and Finance Division taking the leadership role on the Banner implementation and IT services for both campuses,” Rozanski said. “I encourage the University community to offer its support and appreciate the enormous staff efforts that will be required for the success of the Banner implementation.”

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