Banner Finance Discovery Phase Chart

Banner Milestone Timeline Graphic

About the Banner Finance Reimplementation Project

Oregon Tech is undertaking the re-implementation of Banner Finance to replace Blackbaud FENXT, with the goal of modernizing financial processes, optimizing system configuration, and ensuring data integrity. The project will integrate seamlessly with existing Banner Student Information Systems (SIS) and Human Resources Systems (HRIS). CampusWorks has proposed an 18-month structured approach that began in January 2025 and includes a dedicated team of experts, such as an ERP Project Manager and Banner Functional and Technical Subject Matter Experts.

Guiding Principles

We will use Banner Finance functionality whenever reasonable, standardizing business processes and relying on configuration rather than customization.

We will focus on the institutional value of the function being delivered over individual preferences for  the form of delivery.

Banner Finance will be Oregon Tech’s primary system of record. We will look to Banner Finance first, considering outside solutions only as needed and approved through project governance structures.

We will make decisions for the greatest good, designing for the needs of the 80%, not the 20%, remaining mindful that the design must focus on the core activities, not the exceptions.

The Banner Finance Re-Implementation Project is an Oregon Tech project. It will touch all areas of  the community and require us to intentionally foster a culture of collaborative working. Although  not every suggestion will be adopted or acted upon, all members of the Oregon Tech community are  invited to share their ideas and suggestions throughout the project.

All members of this project have a shared goal in mind – to re-implement Banner Finance successfully and collaboratively at Oregon Tech. However, we come to the project with varied backgrounds and priorities, and team members will have varying opinions. Even in times of  disagreement, we will show respect to each other and demonstrate a willingness to compromise.

We additionally recognize that the work of adopting an Enterprise System is time-consuming. To demonstrate respect for our colleagues, we will make thoughtful, deliberate, timely decisions that move the project forward responsibly and prudently. These decisions should, when practical, move 
processes toward a “self-service” model that empowers students, staff, and faculty to complete tasks seamlessly and independently. These decisions should similarly make processes widely accessible to users of all abilities and backgrounds, working to eliminate unwanted disparities.
 

Banner Finance is more than just new technology. As a fully integrated enterprise system, it will transform the way we manage our data and our processes across the community, and may require changes not only to technology, but also to mindsets and behaviors. This is a moment of growth for Oregon Tech, and it is important to acknowledge that the process of growing is often uncomfortable in the moments that lead to breakthroughs.

We will keep an open mind to growth and to change, seeking excellence but not perfection, with an appetite for improvement. We are open to changes that help us create equitable, contemporary, sustainable, secure, and user-friendly tools.
 

We are committed to keeping the Oregon Tech community updated about all aspects of the Banner Finance Project through the project website and other community updates. We will use these opportunities to present information along with clarifying any previously communicated information.

We will provide updates in a predictable and systematic way, so that the community will always know when and where to find the information. Throughout the project, events and trainings will be held to gather feedback from the community and assist faculty, staff, and students in the transition to Banner Finance.
 

Project Scope

Oregon Tech is partnering with CampusWorks to lead the re-implementation of Banner Finance, transitioning from Blackbaud FENXT to a more integrated and efficient Banner Financial Information System (FIS). This project is a key step in modernizing our financial operations, ensuring better alignment with university systems, and improving overall efficiency.

Oregon Tech’s Role: Oregon Tech is driving the project’s vision, defining institutional requirements, and ensuring alignment with our operational and financial objectives. Our team is responsible for decision-making, providing institutional knowledge, and coordinating internal stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition.

CampusWorks’ Role: CampusWorks, as our implementation partner, brings deep expertise in higher education financial systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) transformation. They will lead the project management efforts, provide technical and functional expertise, guide business process transformation, manage organizational change, and oversee data migration and system integration. Their role is to ensure that Banner FIS is configured effectively to meet Oregon Tech’s needs while minimizing disruptions during the transition.

This 12–18 month project, which began in January 2025, will include readiness assessments, system design, testing, deployment, and post-implementation stabilization, with a strong focus on change management and user training to support a successful adoption across the institution.

The project has begun with comprehensive planning to define governance structures, stakeholder roles, and key milestones. A thorough analysis of existing financial workflows will help identify inefficiencies and process gaps as Oregon Tech transitions from FENXT to Banner Finance. Based on this assessment, functional and technical requirements will be documented, and system configurations will be optimized for enhanced performance. Integrations with Etrieve document retention, budget software, and capital asset software will also be developed to ensure a seamless financial management ecosystem.

Data migration will follow a carefully planned strategy to maintain accuracy and reliability, accompanied by rigorous testing phases, including unit testing, system integration testing, and user acceptance testing. A structured training and change management program will be implemented, equipping faculty and staff with the necessary knowledge to operate the system effectively. The project will conclude with go-live support and post-implementation reviews to assess overall success and identify further improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The project aims to replace Blackbaud FENXT with Banner Finance, improving financial processes, system configuration, and data integrity while ensuring seamless integration with Banner SIS, HRIS, and other enterprise systems.

The project, which kicked off in January 2025, is expected to last 18 months and will cover planning, system design, data migration, testing, training, go-live, and post-implementation support, with an anticipated go-live date of July 1, 2026.

The new system will streamline financial operations, significantly reduce manual processes, improve reporting accuracy, enhance data security, and support better integration with other campus systems.

The project includes optimizing system configurations, enhancing workflow automation, improving budget tracking, and integrating with document retention and capital asset management tools.

Oregon Tech is partnering with CampusWorks to transition from Blackbaud FENXT to the Banner Finance system. CampusWorks is handling the project management, system migration, and change management, ensuring a smooth rollout and ongoing support. Oregon Tech’s Office of Finance and Administration is overseeing the project, providing key insights, and making sure the new system meets the university’s needs. The goal is to improve efficiency, streamline financial processes, and set Oregon Tech up for long-term success.

A comprehensive training program will be provided, including Train-the-Trainer sessions and ongoing user support to ensure a smooth transition.

CampusWorks will provide post-go-live support, troubleshooting assistance, and a post-implementation review to assess project success and identify areas for continuous improvement.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) will include system usability, data accuracy, process efficiency, and user adoption rates, ensuring the system meets Oregon Tech’s operational needs.

The total cost is $1.4 million, including staff augmentation, with over $1 million funded through legislative sustainability funds. The remaining cost will be covered by an institutional investment, which will be fully recouped with less than three years' worth of FENXT software cost savings. No additional software costs are required for Banner Finance. 

Teams

Executive Steering Committee Diagram

Executive Steering Committee

DepartmentName
Finance and AdministrationJohn Harman
Information Technology ServicesTony Richey
Academic AffairsFarooq Sultan

 

 

 

Functional Teams Diagram

Note: These will change and that subject matter experts from the functional area will be involved

Project Governance Diagram

Project Team

DepartmentName
Information Technology ServicesAlan Wallace and Scott Adams
Finance/BAO/BPOAlicia Dillon, Anna Clark, Victoria Seward, and Anna Fowler
Audit and ComplianceMichelle Meyer