BY WYNN HAUSSER

You may have heard some references in the last few months to something called the "Persona Project." What is it? And more important, what does it have to do with you?

The Persona Project is a 35-member team formed to install an administrative computing system created by PeopleSoft, a software development corporation based in Pleasanton, Calif. PeopleSoft systems will replace existing Human Resources (HR), Payroll and Benefits information systems late this year, following a comprehensive training program.

Since last November, Persona Project team members, supported by private consultants, have been analyzing the software and testing to see how the software package's basic functions fit Stanford's needs. The team is working closely with staff from central HR, Faculty Affairs, and schools and departments to make sure the new system meets business needs across the university.

The Persona Project is one component in a three-part administrative systems replacement strategy initiated by Information Technology Systems and Services. Other components include the Axess 2000 Project, which is implementing PeopleSoft's Student Administration system, and the Delphi Project, which is implementing Oracle Financials, including post-award research administration and procurement applications.

As the PeopleSoft HR, Payroll and Benefits system becomes operational, the systems currently supporting these functions will be retired. These include the Consolidated Human Resource Information System (CHRIS), Faculty Affairs Academic Secretary System (FAAS), Medical Faculty and Staff System (MFASS), the Payroll System (Integral), Prism Leave, Prism Training Registration and Salary Management Analysis System (SMAS).

The exact dates these systems will be retired have not yet been decided, but staff will be given training so that they will be able to use the new applications exclusively as they become available.

A training schedule has not yet been finalized, but is being designed to give staff ample time to become knowledgeable about the new system before it is implemented. Most training is expected to occur between November and January.

The new system is expected to go live beginning Dec. 20, 2001, in time for the Jan. 7, 2002, checks to be produced with PeopleSoft.

A website now under development will provide news, training schedules, contact information, summaries of changes in policy and procedures, and links to articles and presentations. The site will be available by the end of May. Meanwhile, users can bookmark http://persona.stanford.edu.

Wynn Hausser is campus readiness manager for the Personal project. For more information contact him at wynnh@stanford.edu or 725-9743.