Computer Information – Project Oz is Coming!

Everyone has days here where they feel like they’re in the land of Oz. You may have even heard the term in a meeting recently. You’re not hearing things – there is a “Project Oz,” and it will be vital to college computer operations.

Here’s several common questions about Project Oz and the appropriate answers from Computer Services:

What is Project Oz?
Project Oz is the marketing name that was made up for new Administrative software system that Cuesta will be implementing.

What exactly is Administrative software?
Software that runs HR, Fiscal, Payroll, Purchasing, Curriculum, Schedule, Admissions, Registration, Financial Aid, Counseling, etc… Anything that in today’s world you use Reflections for.

I have heard the terms ERP and Integrated Software. What are these compared to Project Oz?
ERP = Administrative Software = Integrated software system = Project Oz
(ERP = Enterprise Resource Planning; this acronym is more relevant in manufacturing businesses)

Why are we doing this?
Our current software runs on the HP3000 hardware. HP has announced that after December 2006 it will no longer support this hardware and operating system. For the last 20 years Cuesta has been running its administrative software on the HP3000 and HP has been providing hardware and operating system support for the system.
It is not advisable that the college run its mission critical software applications on hardware and operating system that isn’t supported by the vendor.

So what exactly are we doing?
We took this situation as an opportunity to evaluate our current software and how well it meets our needs (now and in the future) compared to other software that is available to us. We have determined that the vendor SCT/Banner has the software that best meets our needs.

So what does this mean?
Cuesta is going to start a multi year project to implement this new software. All departments who currently use Reflections for their daily work will be involved in the project. It means a lot of work for a lot of people for a long period of time (2-3 years).

Will it only affect people who use Reflections?
No. All employees will be affected. The PAWS system will change for the students. The IRIS system will change for the faculty. There will be a web system for all employees, not just faculty with the new system.
So when does this all happen?
The project must receive Board approval to move forward. It is anticipated that this will happen soon. Once approved, we will implement a communications plan with more information about the project, the timeline, etc.

How much will this cost? How is this being funded?
The list for the Bond measure has Project Oz at $6 million.

For more information about Project Oz, contact Janice House at ext. 3248 or email her at jhouse@cuesta.edu.