FAQs
- What is Banner?
- Why is MSU moving to Banner?
- When will MSU begin using the Banner system?
- When will the current systems be closed down?
- What are the advantages of migrating from our current system to Banner?
- Will MSU lose any existing functionality with Banner?
- What will the Banner migration mean to me?
- How do I find out information about the project and/or the Banner system?
- Is this an Information Services (CTLT/Helpdesk) project?
- Will I be able to access Banner from home or when I am traveling on business?
- Will Banner training be available to everyone on campus?
- What's the difference between myGate and Banner?
- Will data from the current systems be converted to Banner?
- Will Banner be customized to fit MSU’s needs?
- What does "Best Practices" mean?
- What are the computer requirements to run Banner?
1. What is Banner?
Banner is a suite of administrative software applications developed by SunGard Higher Education specifically for higher education institutions worldwide. Banner for MSU will consist of 4 integrated components (Finance, Student, Financial Aid, and Human Resources) which share a common database. Banner will replace the functionality currently provided by homegrown independent systems.
2. Why is MSU moving to Banner?
MSU is currently operating on systems that stand to lose vendor support and the current systems are not well integrated, and depend heavily upon mainframe architecture. The new Banner system will provide the University with modern, user-friendly student, finance/accounting, human resources, and financial aid systems.
3. When will MSU begin using the Banner system?
The timeline for each module going live is as follows:
- Finance --- middle of 2008
- Human Resources --- beginning of 2009
- Financial Aid --- first quarter 2009
- Student --- first quarter 2009
- Luminis ---- middle of 2008
4. When will the current systems be closed down?
Current legacy systems will remain in place and be supported for the entire length of the appropriate phase of the project (see the timeline). Mandatory changes, regulatory changes, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting will continue; however, all modification and enhancement requests for the legacy system must be evaluated and approved through the Core Team.
5. What are the advantages of migrating from our current system to Banner?
Listed below are only a few of the major advantages of Banner over our legacy systems. Visit the Benefits page for more.
- 24 x 7 system access
- Intuitive and user-friendly system
- College-wide ID numbers will replace the use of social security numbers
- Improved reporting capabilities with access to real-time information
- Availability of electronic forms, reducing printing costs and speeding transactions
- Eliminates data redundancy and double entry of records
6. Will MSU lose any existing functionality with Banner?
Some existing functionality may not be available in Banner or may differ in how a task or transaction is ultimately accomplished. MSU and individual departments will be conducting a Business Process Analysis in an effort to streamline campus processes and implement best practices where possible.
7. What will the Banner migration mean to me?
Students, Faculty, and Staff will be integral to the implementation and success of this new system. In the estimation of those who have seen the features of Banner compared to our legacy systems, the difference is amazing. A vigorous training plan is a large part of the implementation cycle. Visit the Training page for more details.
8. How do I find out information about the project, MSU’s progress, and/or the Banner system?
The myGate (hyperlink to homepage) website contains the most up-to-date information about this project. Updates will also be distributed through other campus publications and news outlets.
9. Is this an Information Services (CTLT/Helpdesk) project?
Absolutely not, this is a university-wide initiative. Banner will provide a new set of tools to better serve all our constituents and improve our business practices. Although there is heavy technology involvement in the implementation, this is not a CTLT/Helpdesk project. The project is business driven to design and implement processes that are standardized, efficient and easy to use for all campus users. With the adoption of this cutting edge administrative computing solution comes vastly improved system performance, availability and capability that will positively affect every member of the university community.
10. Will I be able to access Banner from home or when I am traveling on business?
Banner is a browser-based system that can be accessed from off-campus via the Internet once fully implemented. During the project planning phase, determinations will be made regarding what resources will be made available outside of the University's secured network.
11. Will Banner training be available to everyone on campus?
Yes. Banner training will be offered at different levels to different audiences depending on their needs. Training will be announced as the different Banner modules approach their implementation dates. Some training will be done in a classroom setting, but other training will be available in self-paced modules on the Web. Visit the Training page for more details.
12. What's the difference between myGate and Banner?
Banner is the name of the new system software. myGate, is the name of the project that includes all of the Banner modules being implemented as well as the customized Luminis portal through which individual users will access the system.
13. Will data from the current systems be converted to Banner?
Some data will be converted from the legacy system to Banner for all base Banner modules. Data not converted will remain available through a mechanism that remains to be determined.
14. Will Banner be customized to fit Murray State’s needs?
Yes and no. The University teams will be focused on implementing the “Best Practices” contained in Banner while maintaining the culture and feel of MSU. We are not implementing a system to simply replicate our current actions. We are implementing a system through which our services can be enhanced, streamlined and improved.
15. What does "Best Practices" mean?
The term “Best Practices” refers to the processes that are built into the Banner software as a result of research, examination and review of other higher education institutions.
16. What are the computer requirements to run Banner?
The minimum PC requirements as specified by SunGard for INB (Internet Native Banner) & SSB (Self Service Banner):
Banner (INB) Users :
• Pentium IV 1 GHz or greater (2 GHz recommended)
• 512MB RAM minimum
• 1024 x 768 resolution
• Internet Explorer 6/7 or Netscape 7.x
• Oracle Jinitiator
• Adobe Acrobat reader
Self-Service Users :
• Any PC or Mac with Internet Explorer 5.x or Netscape 4.x or greater.
• SGHE suggests IE 6 or Netscape 7.1 for best viewing.
Safari 1.2 is supported on MAC OS X.
According to SunGard there are not specific hardware or operating system requirements to access the Luminis portal. It is assumed that if it can connect to the Internet and has a browser fitting one of the supported vendor/versions (see below-Browser Support) then individuals will have access to the portal.
Supported browsers for Luminis Platform IV :
Vendor Operating System Versions
Firefox Windows 1.5.0.1
and 2.0.0.1
Macintosh 1.5.0.1
(OS 10.3 and 10.4)
Netscape Windows 7.2 and 8.1
Macintosh 7.0 (OS9), 7.2 (OS 10.3 and 10.4)
Internet Explorer Windows 6.0 SP2 and 7.x
Macintosh None
Mozilla Windows None
Macintosh 1.7.12 (OS 10.3)
Safari Windows NA
Macintosh 2.0 (OS 10.4)
1.3.9 (OS 10.3)
