As we move closer to the Financial Management Modernization (FMM) go-live, which includes the implementation of a new financial management system, Oracle Financials Cloud (OFC), I want to take a moment to outline the importance of our collective readiness for the changes that will take place over the next nine months.

Future State Operations Planning

  • The new financial management system represents a significant transformation in how we manage, process, and report financial information. Transformation will occur for daily transactional activities as well as campus-wide budgeting and reporting. Our future state operations will be characterized by the following key elements:
  • Standardization: We are shifting towards more standardized processes across all departments to ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency. This will reduce variability, improve our ability to scale operations when needed and position our campus to make use of new technologies that facilitate our work. In particular, we have been focusing on budgeting, reporting, and management of sponsored projects and other types of faculty funding.
  • Automation: Manual tasks that currently consume valuable time and resources, particularly around reporting, will be more automated. This automation should reduce errors and allow valuable personnel time to be spent focusing on more strategic activities.
  • Integration: The new system will integrate with boundary systems like Gateway, Concur, and UCPath, ensuring that data flows smoothly between the different systems. This will enhance our ability to make data-driven decisions and improve overall operational transparency.
  • User-Centric Design: The system is being designed with the end-user in mind. In particular, we have prioritized user training, which will support the learning curve and improve expertise in the new system.

Preparing for Change: The Next Nine Months

  • The transition to a new operating model will require a concerted effort from all of us. The next nine months are critical as we prepare for the system's go-live on July 1, 2025. Here's how we can collectively ensure a smooth transition:
  • Change Readiness: It is essential that all staff engage in change readiness activities. This may include attending training sessions, participating in user acceptance testing, and becoming familiar with the new system's functionality. Change champions from across campus have begun participating in our Change Leader Network. This group will advise project leadership as well as help guide and support their areas through this transition.
  •  Communication: Clear and continuous communication is essential. We will continue to provide regular updates on the project's progress, including key milestones, upcoming training opportunities, and resources available to assist you. Please review these communications as they are distributed.
  • Feedback: Your feedback is invaluable. Please share your experiences, concerns, and suggestions over the next nine months so we can address issues promptly and improve the transition experience for everyone. There is a contact form available on the Financial Management Modernization (FMM) program website, and you are also encouraged to share feedback directly with your divisional control points or change leader network members in your area.
  • Leadership Alignment: Divisional leaders are actively involved in the transition process, and working to ensure their teams are engaged, informed, and prepared.

Next Steps

In the coming months, you will receive more detailed information about the implementation timeline, training schedules and resources, and how you can remain informed about the project. I encourage you to take advantage of these resources and begin preparing now for the changes ahead.

This is an exciting time for our campus, and I am confident that with your commitment and cooperation, we will successfully navigate this transformation and realize the full benefits of our new financial system.