On behalf of the Executive Steering Committee, I am announcing two significant changes relating to Project FRESH. First, we will extend the Finance and Human Resources "go-live" dates by up to six months, and second, a Coordinating Committee has been established to facilitate the successful completion of the ongoing functional and technical tasks associated with Project FRESH.

The Long Range Technology Plan's underlying vision was stated as "to provide affordable access, appropriate to the data and informational needs of any USNH user, that will be available at anytime from anyplace." The ESC believes that this vision will be more readily attained if the implementation dates are shifted to better match the available technology. SCT, the corporation providing the software for this effort, has advised USNH that its web-deployed version will not be available until at least late February or early March 2001. In addition, SCT is behind schedule in delivering the system modifications for which USNH contracted. The ESC has been advised strongly by SCT and others that a six-month testing period is preferable and prudent prior to going live. Delivery in early 2001 will not allow for sufficient testing time if the original July 1, 2001 go-live date for Finance is maintained (the original go-live date for HR is January 1, 2002). Changing the dates may also allow SCT adequate time to complete the required modifications.

Implementing a web-deployed version of the software is highly desirable. Proceeding with the original schedule will now incur additional "throw away" costs and require training USNH users in two different versions within a short time period (the presently available version that requires much more robust desktop machines and support, and the web-deployed version). The web-deployed version will provide the longer term affordable access the LRTP envisioned. It will also allow the USNH employees using the system to continue to have tools appropriate for a first class higher education enterprise that can and will be responsive to management needs.

On the second topic, it has long been anticipated that this phase of the implementation will require different strategies from the approaches used during earlier phases. It is expected that the Coordinating Committee will enhance the collaboration between the project and the technical resources necessary for a successful implementation. The committee will be comprised of the Project FRESH Director, the Director of Enterprise Computing, and the Senior Project Advisor.

The ESC has designated Don Gerber, Senior Project Advisor, as Chairman of the Coordinating Committee. In that role he will be engaged in providing guidance for the structure and direction of all aspects of Project FRESH, as well as working with CIS to finalize development and support of the Finance and HR applications. A simplified organization chart (Requires Adobe Acrobat) is attached to visually display the revised approach and Don's leadership role.

Diane Cotter will continue in her role as Project Director and provide the day-to-day management of Project FRESH.

Dwight Fischer, Director of Enterprise Computing, will serve on the committee to coordinate the IT resources (Requires Adobe Acrobat) necessary to support the project.

Further communications regarding the revised schedule and other Project FRESH matters will be forthcoming from Don and the Coordinating Committee.

The ESC acknowledges, takes pride in, and very much appreciates the fine work that has been done to date. We believe the above actions position us for a successful stretch run and the outcome we all envision. As always, thank you for your ongoing support in these decisions.

Ed MacKay

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Last Revised: Monday July 26, 2004 11:01:51 AM