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BEN Financials Open for Business

We are pleased to announce that the upgrade from FinMIS to BEN Financials was completed successfully over the winter break, and BEN Financials was available for business on January 2.

BEN Financials introduces a new, web-based purchasing environment featuring the Penn Marketplace, where users can select from thousands of products and services offered by dozens of Penn's contract suppliers. In addition, it includes updated, web-based versions of the payables and general ledger functions, known as BEN Pays and BEN Balances, respectively. BEN Financials, and the Penn Marketplace in particular, are recognized within the higher education community as outstanding examples of how a large research university can apply technology to meet its unique business needs.

The upgrade from FinMIS to BEN Financials is the culmination of much hard work within a cooperative enterprise. The project team, comprised mainly of staff from ISC, the Comptroller's Office, and Acquisition Services, has spent more than two years on the planning, development, testing, and implementation of this complex, multi-faceted system. Staff and administrators across the University have participated in numerous feedback forums and contributed their insights throughout the development process.

On the front lines, BEN Reps have ably managed the transition within their respective Schools and Centers. The Financial Training Department has created and delivered comprehensive online and classroom training, assisted by trainers and proctors from across the University. Financial Support Providers (FSPs) have been on hand to answer questions about the applications, and local support providers (LSPs), to update hardware and software.

We thank each of them for their commitment and efforts and proudly applaud their achievement.

--Robin H. Beck, Vice President, Information Systems and Computing

--Kenneth B. Campbell, Comptroller

--Michael J. Masch, Vice President, Budget and Management Analysis

--Robert Michel, Director, Acquisition Services

Almanac, Vol. 48, No. 17, January 8, 2002

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:

Tuesday,
January 8, 2002
Volume 48 Number 17
www.upenn.edu/almanac/

Dr. Jonathan E. Rhoads, provost emeritus and pioneering professor of surgery, leaves a legacy after a life-long career at Penn. Services will be held on January 12.
Dr. Alvin Rubinstein, professor of political science, died December 18 after teaching here for 44 years.
President Judith Rodin welcomes back the Penn community and encourages participation in the MLK celebrations and community service projects.
Penn and other organizations founded by Benjamin Franklin participate in the fourth annual celebration of his life on January 17.
Dr. Susan Fuhrman will be recommended to the Trustees for reappointment as dean of the Graduate School of Education.
Out with FinMIS and in with BEN Financials as Penn rings in the new year as a successful upgrade to a new, web-based purchasing environment is complete.
Procards no longer permitted for purchases from suppliers who are in the new Penn Marketplace; BEN Buys is the new system for placing orders.
Postdoctoral Stipend levels for FY03 are no longer based on NIH guidelines.
The Sexual Harassment Policy is published OF RECORD to familiarize the University community with the resources available for resolving complaints.
Blood Drives this month target faculty, staff and students.
Doctoral students and postdoc fellows interested in pursuing the academic job market are invited to the sixth annual series beginning January 18.
Corrections to the Faculty/Staff Directory are due January 23 so they can be included in the upcoming addendum.
The Penn's Way campaign announces the winners of the week four and week five raffles. Week six winners and the grand prize winner will be in next week.