A New SIS – Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need to replace the existing SIS system?
The existing system is almost twenty years old. Support from the existing system’s vendor is decreasing and scheduled to end completely by 2009. This puts the University at risk of not being able provide essential administrative services to students and faculty. While the existing SIS has served the University well, newer systems have improved features that can help provide better service to students, faculty and staff.

What is timeline for replacing the existing SIS?
Preliminary research and initial vendor demos started in 2003. In early 2005, work became more concentrated and a Project Charter was developed with input from a very diverse group of administrative and academic units from all campuses and the System Office. A multi-campus SIS Project Advisory Committee comprised of student services, administrative, and academic leaders from all of the campuses led these efforts, and continues to oversee the pre-implementation and pre-RFP phases of the project.

The Advisory Committee discussed and developed preliminary project goals, objectives, and scope in the context of feedback from key campus stakeholders, including faculty and students, and key student service office staff and other experts. The Project Charter was presented to a number of campus executive committees and Faculty Council. Feedback was positive, with a general understanding of the need to replace SIS and the proposed phased strategy for moving forward.

The next phase of the project is to conduct a pre-RFP detailed requirements analysis. This will begin in early 2006 and should be completed by late Spring or early Summer. It will involve a comprehensive array of stakeholders throughout the University community from all campuses. Information will be gathered to issue an RFP in the Summer of 2006. Before that occurs, University executives will be given a decision document on which to base a decision to go forward and commit the University to acquiring a new student system, with the requisite resources to implement a system. Given the size, complexity, and scope of an SIS, the project will take three years to fully implement. See the Timeline Overview for more information.

What systems are being considered to replace the existing SIS?
SunGard-SCT and Oracle-PeopleSoft are two vendors that have significant market share and state-of-the-art systems for large, complex research universities like CU. The current SIS is an SCT product. The University uses Oracle-PeopleSoft HR and Financial systems. The University has significant experience with both vendors. The SunGard-SCT product under active consideration is the Banner student system. SAP and other vendors also have products but none with the significant market share in large universities, nor a mature product with the functional richness required by CU. For more information see Vendor Selection and RFP Strategy.

Will the new system be used by all University campuses?
The plan is to implement a single new SIS system for use by all CU campuses, but one that is flexible enough in configuration to allow for differences among the campuses. Using a single system is more feasible, easier, and less costly. It will provide for a single University transcript, and integrated student services and course availability across the campuses. A single system also has the advantage of building shared cumulative knowledge, and precludes the need to develop costly individual campus systems.

What will a new system cost?
We understand the desire to know the cost of purchasing and implementing a new SIS, but it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate until we have undertaken and completed the project’s detailed requirements definition and implementation planning phases. We do expect that the cost will be in the tens of millions, and within the range which other institutions similar to ours have experienced when replacing their SIS in the recent past. We continue to work on and study the cost issue carefully, and are aware of its importance in the context of a final decision to proceed with an SIS replacement. We ask for understanding from interested University constituents that until further requirements and implementation details are known, it is not possible to provide accurate and meaningful cost estimates.

Who do I contact about my requirements in a new system?
Specific information can be sent to the SIS project office using the email address sisproject@cusys.edu. You may also contact your campus Registrar. Various “town hall” meetings will be held on the campuses at which you can provide input. A web-based system will be used to collect and validate requirements from all interested stakeholders. More information will be forthcoming about how to use that system. Special interest groups are being formed for the following areas: Faculty use of SIS, Academic Administration, and Information Reporting & Analysis. You may also contact a campus representative on the SIS Project Advisory committee. See Project Committees for more information about the Advisory Committee and special interest groups.