NOTE: This message was sent May 13, 2021, to faculty, the Joint Council, and staff at the Office of Research & Economic Development.
Dear colleagues,
We recognize that the transition to Oracle has been frustrating for researchers and wanted to provide an update and anticipated timetable for improvements. The key to improved accuracy of reports is our data consistency; that is, consistently recording financial information from our legacy system over to Oracle as well as ensuring campus users properly record the data in Oracle. The Alpha Financials team in the Division of Finance and Administration has reprioritized its workflow to focus intently on data consistency throughout the month of May, and the result should be a significant improvement in the accuracy of data starting in June.
Until that time, however, it is very difficult and slow for the Research Administrators in Contract and Grant Administration (CGA) to pull reports for you and to properly check them for accuracy. Accordingly, priority will be given to grants that are expiring so they can be closed out properly. If you have an urgent need for reports before the end of June, please let your RA know. Please understand that the Alpha Financials team and CGA staff are working very hard to support the campus’ use of our new financial system, so we ask that you be patient with them. As always, you can come to either of us directly with your concerns.
Yours,
Kurt Schnier
Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer
Marjorie S. Zatz
Interim Vice Chancellor, Office of Research & Economic Development
