Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CUNY FIRST Project?
CUNY FIRST (Fully Integrated Resources & Service Tool) is an initiative to implement an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system on all of our campuses. CUNY FIRST will play a key role in the transformation of the University and the promotion of an integrated CUNY. CUNY FIRST is a suite of software that will replace aging computer systems overseeing Student Administration, Finance and Human Resources that have served CUNY for over a generation. The overall implementation will be conducted in multiple phases over the duration of approximately 5 years. Access to the various functions will come via the Internet.
How will this affect me?
The implementation means that many processes we have used for years will be altered to meet the high standards of our students, faculty and staff. There will be subject matter experts from every campus who have and will analyze our current processes and look for ways we can improve. Every member of our CUNY community will participate in the implementation of the Project and everyone will be trained on the systems that will affect them.
If my campus is not involved in the current activities to implement Finance, Human Capital Management, or Campus Solutions, how will my ideas and concerns be addressed?
Each campus has identified campus liaisons who will be reviewing our activities. All decisions regarding new processes or procedures will be referred to these liaisons for input. Eventually, each campus will have the opportunity to participate in a “hands on” development phase of the system.
You mentioned Human Capital Management or Campus Solutions. Is that different from Human Resources or Student Administration processes?
No. Those are the “pillar” names used in PeopleSoftTM software for HR and Student processes respectively. They are the subject headings for the modules that will function in those areas and will integrate together and with our Finance modules for the future.
What will the Human Resource processes allow me to do?
A major feature of the CUNY FIRST will be its self-service functions, allowing faculty and staff to view portions of their HR records, including a listing of current chosen benefits.
If I know someone who wants to work for my college or CUNY, will CUNY FIRST streamline that?
At the end of Phase One, around January 2009, applicants will be able to apply for all open jobs at CUNY on-line.
Will I hear more about this project?
Yes! The Project Team is committed to keeping you informed on its progress, changes related to work processes that affect you, training plans and product support. Each college has a CUNY FIRST Liaison team that will lead and support campus implementation. Its membership, and all CUNY FIRST News and Information are available on the Project website.
Can’t we just implement the software immediately? Why will it take so long?
If we had a community of only 50 people, possibly, but this is something that is affecting over 35,000 people on our faculty and staff and over 400,000 students at 23 campus locations. It’ll take time. We have chosen to cut this up into phases – like a building, we must first build the base for our financial work, our Human Resources, Payroll and Academic structures. Later, we’ll add on more detail – Purchasing, Accounts Payable and Expense, Benefits Administration, Student Admissions, Financial Aid. The building will take time so we get everyone’s input on what it should look like, and then train everyone on how to use what they need.
