At this week's Ellucian Live 2025 Conference, USF had the opportunity to present a
detailed account of our transformative journey towards efficient Banner Student upgrades.
Our session, aptly titled "Zero to Hero: University of South Florida’s Herculean Journey
to Efficient Banner Student Upgrades," provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges
we faced and the successes we achieved along the way.
The Beginning: Catch-up Upgrade Summer 2023
Our journey began in the summer of 2023, when we undertook our first major upgrade
in over two years. This upgrade was essential to meet new federal financial aid requirements
and ensure our systems were up to date. This process required meticulous planning
and execution to ensure compliance and functionality.
Transforming the Upgrade Strategy and Existing Challenges
Recognizing the need for a more sustainable approach, we shifted from a reactive to
a proactive upgrade strategy. This transformation involved rethinking our processes
and fostering improved collaboration across various departments. By adopting a forward-thinking
mindset, we were able to anticipate challenges and address them before they became
critical issues.
Some of the existing challenges we faced were difficulties including but not limited to:
- Delayed upgrades from accreditation consolidation and COVID-19 related delays
- Personnel changes at USF from departments heavily involved in these systems
- Systems modifications and disorganized documentation for certain elements
- Outdated software use and a need for upgrade initiatives
Meeting Challenges and Streamlining Processes
One of the pivotal moments in our journey was the overhaul of our FAFSA processes.
Our team implemented new protocols to meet the existing challenges, including the
following:
- Multi-departmental meetings and enhanced collaborations
- Unified communication channels to ensure synchronicity across teams and promote smoother upgrades
- Go/no-go meetings following an extensive period of testing
These measures not only facilitated better coordination but also minimized disruptions
to our operations.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we are excited about the potential for further improvements.
Our plans include integrating ancillary upgrades into our proactive cadence and leveraging
advanced tools such as Application Manager, Banner Document Management, Ethos, Student
Self-Service, and Degree Works. These enhancements will enable us to continue providing
exceptional service to our students and stakeholders.
(Left to Right) Jay Deckman, Mary Chang and Glenna Schubert pose for a picture at Ellucian Live 2025 in Orlando, Fla.
Acknowledging Our Team
This journey is a result of the dedication and collaboration of our exceptional USF
team members and key partners including:
- Mary Chang, Product Manager, Information Technology
- Glenna Schubert, Associate Registrar, Office of the Registrar
- Jay Deckman, Senior Developer/Consultant, Ferrilli Consulting
Their expertise and commitment were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the upgrade process and achieving university goals for innovation and student experience.
We are immensely proud of the progress we have made and are eager to continue our work to enhance the student experience at USF. Thank you to everyone at USF, and also our Ferrilli Consulting partners, who have supported the efforts of our teams along the way, and to Ellucian for the recognition and platform to share our results. Our participation in Ellucian Live 2025 was a testament to our dedication to innovation and excellence in higher education technology.