Frequently Asked Questions
Why migrate?
Lake Superior State University is currently using SCT's IA-Plus software. This
software was designed over 20 years ago and is very difficult to provide, in
a cost-effective manner, the functionality needed to keep LSSU competitive.
There are many advantages to migrating from our SCT IA-Plus environment to
SunGard SCT Banner, including:
- Banner supports 24/7 operation. Currently, our administrative system is
taken offline each night at about 8:00 p.m. for batch processing. Banner's
relational database will eliminate this offline need.
- Banner will offer new and enhanced reporting capabilities. Banner will provide
users with dynamic reporting within and across administrative areas.
- Banner is user friendly. Banner will enable users to see all information
in one place as opposed to accessing several separate systems for information.
Banner will support self/service applications for students, faculty, staff,
alumni, etc. The system is decentralized and empowers each user to do what
he/she needs to do when ever necessary.
SunGard SCT Banner rests on an Oracle-based relational database platform.
Once a record is created in a relational database, it becomes part of a data
pool and can usually be used system-wide. This means that there is less duplication
of effort in file creation and once created, there are significant increases
in processing efficiency.
Apart from Banner's increased speed, efficiency and reliability, the SunGard
SCT Corporation has signaled SCT Plus customers that product development of
SCT Plus is on a downward slide. Though product support may continue, fewer
and fewer innovations to make SCT Plus a better product are likely.
Why migrate to SunGard SCT Banner?
Two replacement software packages were evaluated – PeopleSoft and SunGard SCT
Banner. SunGard SCT Banner was selected because 1) SunGard SCT's experience
with a large variety of schools with different implementation strategies 2)
the conversion tools available to deploy Banner 3) appropriately sized product
for our University
SunGard SCT has strong experience to demonstrate the feasibility of this project.
SunGard SCT is the leading provider of administrative systems to higher education
institutions of 2,000 to 20,000 students, and SunGard SCT Banner has been successfully
implemented in more than a dozen universities and community colleges throughout
Michigan .
What does SCT stand for?
SCT stands for Systems and Computer Technology Corporation.
What modules are available in SunGard SCT Banner?
The new SunGard SCT Banner systems will replace most of LSSU 's current administrative
systems. LSSU's current SCT Plus LMS (Student Loan Management System) is incorporated
into SunGard SCT Banner software components.
The new SunGard SCT Banner Systems will include the following software components:
• SunGard SCT Banner Student
• SunGard SCT Banner Financial Aid
• SunGard SCT Finance
• SunGard SCT Alumni
• SunGard SCT Human Resources
• SunGard SCT Banner Web for Students
• SunGard SCT Banner Web for Faculty & Advisors
• SunGard SCT Banner Web for Finance
• SunGard SCT Banner Web For Employees
• SunGard SCT Banner Web for Alumni
• SunGard SCT Luminis
• Campus Loan Manager
• Touchnet 1 Payment Gateway
What are some of the features of these modules?
Banner Finance includes
- Contracts and Grant Administration
- Cash Management and Disbursements
- Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
Banner Student includes
- Recruitment
- Admission
- Registration
- Enrollment Management
- Degree Audit
- Graduation
Banner Financial Aid includes
- Scholarships
- Waivers
- Tuition Management
- Federal grants, loans, etc
- Class Fees
Banner HR (Human Resources) includes
- Applicant Tracking
- Employee recruitment
- Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
- Benefits Administration
The list above is a not a comprehensive listing of all the features available
in each module.
How much will upgrading to SCT Banner cost?
Funding of about $2.4 million is earmarked for the Banner project. These funds
are part of the additional state support for the Arts Center. Since the holder
of the bonds will not sell them, we must use the funds for other campus capital
needs. The Banner project is one of these needs. Most of the dollars for Banner
will be spent on SunGard SCT implementation support and services.
How long does a typical installation of SunGard SCT Banner normally take?
Banner implementation will occur over approximately 30 months and will begin
July 2004 and end December 2006.
How do I obtain access to Banner and/or Banner Self-Service?
Enrolled students will automatically be granted access to the Student Self-Service
Module as soon as the implementation is complete. Employees requiring access
to Banner or Banner Self-Service must fill out a Banner Access Form. The completed
form must be signed by the employee and the employee's Director and submitted
to the Human Resources Office. The Human Resources Office will verify employment
and forward the form to the I.T. Helpdesk for processing. Please allow 2-4 days
for processing. Your signature on the Banner form ensures your adherence to FERPA
and LSSU's Network, Computing
Equipment and Electronic Use Agreement.
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