Introducing the Modernization
ETSU is modernizing its student information system by moving to Ellucian Banner Software as a Service (SaaS), a cloud-based platform that supports admissions, financial aid, registration, student records, billing, and other essential services.
This project is more than a technology upgrade; it is an opportunity to improve business processes, enhance user experiences, and better serve students, faculty, and staff.
Why ETSU is Making this Change
Banner SaaS will provide ETSU with a more secure, reliable, and modern system while reducing the need for major software upgrades. It will allow the University to streamline processes, receive regular enhancements, improve efficiency, and better adapt to the evolving needs of higher education.
Ultimately, Banner Modernization will modernize the technology that supports ETSU while allowing us to continue delivering the services our campus relies on every day.
| Key Benefits | Project Highlights |
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Meet MyETSU
One connected experience for students, faculty, and staff.
Banner Modernization introduces MyETSU, the next generation of GoldLink. Designed to be more streamlined, personalized, and mobile-friendly, MyETSU centralizes the information, tools, and services you use every day into one intuitive portal.
As MyETSU continues to take shape, students are actively participating in the design process by providing feedback to help create an intuitive, user-friendly experience. Faculty and staff engagement is planned for the coming months as the project continues to move forward.
Project Timeline
Current Status: Project teams are configuring Banner SaaS while preparing technical implementation activities. Students are actively helping shape the MyETSU portal through feedback while Faculty and Staff engagement will begin in the coming months.
FAQs
General Questions
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What is Banner SaaS Modernization?
Banner SaaS Modernization is ETSU's initiative to move our student information system to Ellucian's cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. This project will modernize how we support students, faculty, and staff by improving system functionality, increasing automation, enhancing reporting, and creating a more user-friendly experience.
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Why is ETSU making this change?
Our current Banner environment requires significant local maintenance and customization. Moving to Banner SaaS allows ETSU to:
- Receive regular system updates from Ellucian.
- Improve security and system reliability.
- Reduce manual processes.
- Standardize business processes.
- Provide better tools for serving students.
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Who will be impacted?
Ultimately, everyone who uses Banner will experience changes. Faculty, staff, and students will all benefit from updated technology, although the specific changes will vary depending on their role.
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Will my daily work change?
Some business processes will change as we align with Banner SaaS best practices. Throughout the project, departments will be involved in reviewing and validating new processes before implementation.
Login & Access
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Will my username or password change?
Currently, no changes to university login credentials are anticipated. Additional information will be shared if any changes are necessary.
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Will Banner still be available?
Yes. Banner will remain available throughout the implementation. Planned maintenance windows and any service interruptions will be communicated well in advance.
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Will I still use Banner?
Yes. While Banner remains the core student information system, users will also begin using the new MyETSU portal for many everyday tasks and self-service functions.
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What is MyETSU?
MyETSU will become ETSU's new personalized portal, providing students, faculty, and staff with a modern dashboard for accessing university information, services, and resources in one convenient location.
Mobile Experience
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Will Banner SaaS work on mobile devices?
Yes. Banner SaaS and the MyETSU portal are designed to provide an improved experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
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Will there be a mobile app?
The MyETSU portal is being designed with mobile responsiveness in mind. Additional information about mobile capabilities will be shared as development progresses.
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Can students complete tasks from their phones?
Many student self-service functions will be accessible through mobile devices, making it easier to complete common tasks wherever they are.
Training and Support
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Will training be provided?
Yes. Comprehensive training will be offered before any new functionality is implemented.
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When will training begin?
Training will occur in phases throughout the project. Awareness sessions will begin early, with role-based training occurring closer to system configuration and testing.
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Will everyone receive the same training?
No. Training will be tailored to each user's responsibilities. Employees will only receive training relevant to their role.
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Will resources be available after training?
Yes. Recorded demonstrations, FAQs, and additional support resources will be available throughout the implementation.
Data & Security
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Is my data moving to the cloud?
Yes. Banner SaaS is a secure cloud-hosted solution managed by Ellucian.
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Will my data remain secure?
Yes. Protecting institutional and student data is a top priority. Banner SaaS includes modern security practices and complies with industry standards for protecting sensitive information.
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Will any data be lost during the transition?
No data is expected to be lost. Data migration and validation are key components of the implementation process and will undergo extensive testing before go-live.
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Who will have access to my information?
User access will continue to be based on job responsibilities and university security policies.
Transition and Updates
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When will Banner SaaS go live?
ETSU's planned go-live is October 2027.
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What phase is the project currently in?
The project is currently in the Discovery Phase, where ETSU and Ellucian are reviewing current business processes, identifying opportunities for improvement, and designing future-state workflows.
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What happens after Discovery?
The project will move through several phases:
- Discovery
- Design
- Configuration
- Testing
- Training
- Go-Live
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How will I know when changes affect me?
Project updates will be shared regularly through this website, email communications, and departmental leadership. Employees will receive advance notice before any changes impact their work.
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Where can I ask questions?
Questions can be submitted through the project website (once available), directed to your supervisor, or emailed to the project leadership team:
- Dr. Heather Levesque, levesque@etsu.edu
- Dr. Jennifer Osborne, osborneeja1@etsu.edu
- MyETSU Support, myetsu@etsu.edu
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Will Banner look different?
Yes. While the core functionality remains familiar, users will notice a more modern interface and updated workflows designed to improve efficiency.
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Why can't we keep Banner and processes the same?
One of the goals of Banner SaaS is to adopt industry best practices rather than recreating existing customized processes. This allows ETSU to take advantage of regular system updates and reduce long-term maintenance.
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Can departments request changes?
Yes. During discovery and design, departments will have opportunities to provide feedback and identify operational needs. Not every request will result in a customization, but all feedback will be considered.
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How often will the website be updated?
The project website will be updated regularly with project milestones, timelines, training opportunities, FAQs, and important announcements.