In early June, the Human Capital Management (HCM) Transformation Initiative was launched University-wide. Much more than a technology project, HCM is a full-scale re-visioning of how Penn manages critical resources that support Schools and Centers, from hiring and recruitment to benefits administration to time reporting and payroll.

Over the next two years, this innovative endeavor will streamline human resources—and payroll-related processes, modernize our systems and position the University for the future. Executive sponsors of the initiative are Jack Heuer, vice president for human resources; MaryFrances McCourt, vice president for finance and treasurer; Trevor Lewis, vice president for budget & management analysis; and Tom Murphy, vice president for information systems and computing and chief information officer.

Implementation of the HCM Transformation Initiative is led by the HCM Program Office, which includes program manager Manny Ramirez, functional managers Chris Blickley and Julie Shuttleworth, and technical manager Julie Meyer. A Steering Committee composed of representatives from across the University will help guide the initiative and ensure ongoing collaboration with Schools and Centers. After a rigorous evaluation process, Penn has selected Workday as the HCM software provider and Deloitte as the systems integration partner. Interra Consulting will continue to provide Program Management Office, process, and change management assistance.

Planning for HCM began in 2015, and more than 300 individuals from across the University have contributed valuable input and feedback. This collaborative effort included mapping processes, assessing current systems, reviewing a model for service delivery and evaluating the proposed technology solutions. Involving Schools and Centers is key to the initiative, and the team will continue to deepen engagement across the University to ensure success.

When complete, HCM’s streamlined processes and agile cloud technology will help us keep pace with the complex needs of a world-class educational and research institution. They will also help us better support faculty and staff, who bring to life the University’s commitment to inclusion, innovation and impact.
A town hall on the HCM Transformation Initiative was held on June 27. The town hall presentation and more information about HCM is online.

—Jack Heuer, Vice President for Human Resources
—MaryFrances McCourt, Vice President for Finance and Treasurer
—Trevor Lewis, Vice President for Budget & Management Analysis
—Tom Murphy, Vice President for Information Systems and Computing, University Chief Information Officer