NGSS (Next Generation Student Systems) Project Update	Print Issue
March 15, 2011, Volume 57, No. 25

The Next Generation Student Systems (NGSS) team has completed the preliminary work to develop a roadmap for the replacement of Penn’s aging core student systems (Registration and Student Records, Student Billing and Financial Aid).  The roadmap identifies the next steps, called Foundational Activities, in this multi-year project and is based on the broad needs and recommendations of many members of the Penn community who participated in interviews and focus groups over the past year.  In addition to the recommendations of the Penn community, the team sought out best practices from various peer institutions, numerous vendors and research and professional organizations.  We extend our thanks to the University community for your support and participation in this initial phase of the project.

The team will next complete Foundational Activities that are crucial to the effective design of future systems and services to meet the changing needs of our University. Over the coming months, the NGSS team will work with stakeholders from across the University to articulate key process and data definition strategies; document detailed requirements; continue vendor engagement to negotiate the best fit and features for Penn; manage an RFP process from creation to final vendor selection; refine timeline, cost, and scope estimates for both up-front and ongoing costs; and bring implementation options forward to university management for consideration and approval.

The project team is currently developing a working plan for the next 12-18 months, including the proposed resources and timelines for the next level of engagement from key stakeholders in schools and centers. Working sessions will be initiated this spring, to discuss key policies, processes, data flows and definitions.  NGSS is a significant effort with a large potential impact on the University, and we again thank the University community for its continuing support. 

Please watch closely for announcements regarding this important initiative. For further information regarding the project, please refer to the Almanac article dated September 8, 2009, or contact the project managers at NGSS-mgmt@sfs.upenn.edu

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

—Michelle H. Brown-Nevers, Associate Vice President,
Student Registration and Financial Services