Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions are technology platforms utilized by numerous institutions including universities. Generally, these solutions might include financial and human resources data and functions. In JMU's case, we have used ERP broadly to include Finance, Human Resources, Budget/Financial Planning as well as the Student functions. Oracle's cloud platform will replace the current PeopleSoft systems as JMU's ERP.

JMU leaders believe the Oracle Cloud platform and vision will best serve us 10, 20, 30 years into the future. The capabilities and technology in the HR and Finance solutions will afford us opportunities for automation, efficiency, and a modern user experience. The vision for the Student solution is highly focused on the student experience and upon completion, we believe it will offer the richest set of functionalities in the market.

1. Data warehouse technology included with the core solution, including pre-built pipelines for data in the HR, Finance, and Student solutions 
2. Student platform very focused on the student experience 
3. Best in class Financial Aid solution, which is in use at numerous Higher Education institutions 
4. Model that includes non-traditional students and programs 
5. Collaborative approach affording JMU the opportunity to influence the development of the student product along with Oracle involvement with JMU and our partner during implementation

Yes, PeopleSoft is also owned by Oracle. The move to a modern, cloud-based platform is imperative for JMU for a variety of reasons. After an extensive assessment and evaluation process, JMU determined that Oracle's cloud platform is the right fit for our university.

Yes- PeopleSoft was developed nearly 30 years ago and JMU is constrained in terms of new capabilities we'd like to implement. A modern user experience and user interface, including being mobile friendly, is desired. Also, JMU's current solutions are not integrated as tightly as we'd like resulting in data siloes. Additionally, it is our expectation that Oracle will at some point announce a date in which PeopleSoft will no longer be supported. JMU determined we need to be proactive in selecting and moving to a new solution.

With an ERP implementation, it is common to work with a third-party implementation partner. These partners bring expertise with the platform and industry. JMU has selected Drivestream to partner with us for our implementation. Drivestream focuses on Oracle Cloud implementations exclusively and has experience with numerous Higher Education institutions. JMU team members will work closely with Drivestream consultants throughout the project to ensure a successful implementation.

Drivestream Academy is an educational platform developed by Drivestream which offers comprehensive, self-paced online training designed to help organizations effectively implement and utilize Oracle Cloud solutions.

Prosci created a leading change management methodology that provides a structured approach to managing the people side of change. It focuses on ensuring that individuals are supported throughout the change process, increasing the likelihood of successful adoption and usage of new systems and processes.

Prosci's change management approach will be applied to ensure that all students, faculty, and employees are effectively supported throughout the ERP implementation. Key support activities will include: 

1. Communication Plans: Regular updates and clear messaging about the changes. 
2. Training Sessions: Comprehensive training to help users understand and utilize the new ERP system. 
3. Feedback Mechanisms: Opportunities for users to provide feedback and voice concerns during the transition. 

Throughout the Oracle implementation, you can expect: 

1. Awareness Campaigns: Initial communications to create awareness about the upcoming changes and their benefits. 
2. Training Opportunities: Scheduled training sessions tailored to different user groups to ensure everyone knows how to use the new system effectively. 
3. Ongoing Support: Access to resources, FAQs, and support channels to address any questions or challenges encountered during and after the transition.

The ADKAR Model is a framework used by Prosci to guide individuals through the change process. It consists of five elements: 

Awareness of the need for change 

Desire to support and participate in the change 

Knowledge on how to change 

Ability to implement required skills and behaviors 

Reinforcement to sustain the change 

This model will be used to assess and support each individual's journey through the ERP implementation. 

Success will be measured by evaluating: 

1. The level of adoption, utilization and proficiency of the new ERP system by faculty and staff. 
2. Feedback from users regarding their experiences and challenges. 
3. The achievement of project objectives, such as improved efficiency and user satisfaction.