2011 Timeline Confirmed for New HR Administration System

Last week the QUASR Executive Steering Committee and Board Audit Committee confirmed December 2011 as the launch window for implementing the new HR PeopleSoft system at Queen’s.

It was noted that, although there is “no perfect time” for this type of transition on a busy campus, the revised date reflects the desire to balance competing priorities and work demands with risks and costs.

Detailed Review

The decision follows a detailed review of alternative timelines and their implications for administrative processes, project needs, and busy periods for academic and research activities. Care was also taken to avoid overburdening staff during the spring implementation of the new Student administration system.

The December 2011 date also provides better timing for the HR Department to focus its attention on negotiations, contracts and the results of an internal review of operations, prior to implementing the system change.

Other Factors Considered

These detailed assessments considered support and production requirements, testing, training and transfer of detailed PeopleSoft knowledge to Queen’s administrators. Feedback from the campus community has also underscored the lesson that those touched by the new PeopleSoft systems need time to learn how to use the new software and understand changing business processes.

What’s Next

Project work will continue at an active pace over the next couple of months as QUASR achieves its HR development and testing milestones, followed by a busy period of transition for the new Student administration starting next March and then a fall ramp-up with training and support for the HR implementation by year-end.

More details on implementation plans will be communicated to the Queen’s community in January as they are confirmed by project advisory groups and leadership.