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Banner

Banner is a tightly integrated administrative software suite for managing student information, finance, financial aid, and human resources, using a single Oracle database. Banner is widely used among colleges and universities.

Oberlin College implemented Banner modules beginning in 1998. The modules we have incorporated include Human Resources, Finance (with Accounts Receivable), Financial Aid, and Student Records (including Admissions).

The Human Resources (HR) module, which has been live since January of 1998, provides functionality for staff in the Office of Human Resources and in the Payroll division in the Controller's Office. Some of these processes include:

• Benefits management
• Position budgeting
• Payroll management and processing
• Student employment

The HR module also include a web interface for College staff and faculty, called Web for Employees, which is accessible through the PRESTO system (Personal Records for Employees and Students at Oberlin). This web interface allows employees to view information regarding their personnel data.

The Finance module, which has been live since July of 1998, provides functionality for staff in the Controller's Office and in the Office of Purchasing and Auxiliary Services. The Finance module is also available to selected individuals in offices around campus for purposes of online requisitioning. Some of the processes which run out of the Finance module include:

• The College's General Ledger
• Budgeting
• Accounts Payable
• Purchase orders and invoices

The Student Records (SR) module is the largest and most complex of the four modules. The SR module encompasses functionality for the Registrar's Office, which went live in April 1999, the Admissions Office, which went live in October 1999, and the Student Accounts Office, which went live in July 1999. Academic departments and other College offices that involve student affairs and services also use the Student Records module for various processes.

The SR module includes another layer of complexity in that student registration is accomplished via a web interface accessible through the PRESTO system (Personal Records for Employees and Students at Oberlin). Web registration involves another set of technical and functional issues.

The Financial Aid module went live in October 2000, and provides functionality for the Financial Aid staff. Some Financial Aid processes also provide functionality for Student Accounts, Admissions, and the Office of the Registrar. The Financial Aid module includes processes such as:

• Need analysis
• Loan management
• Application tracking
• Award letter processing

Access to Banner files and information is tightly-controlled. Personnel requiring Banner accounts first need approval from the applicable module leader. See information for Banner Accounts.