2021 TCC Virtual Conference Speakers

Opening Keynote Session: Work from Anywhere: Tips, Tricks and Things to Remember

Jason Brake - IT Security Officer, Information Technology, Angelo State University

Eva Lopez - Assistant Vice President, Employee Services, Tarleton State University

Endi Silva - Director of Program Development, Texas Department of Information Resources

Abstract

Over the last two years a lot has happened that will forever change how and where people work. As we transition into the new normal many institutions are revamping their workplace structures and policies to accommodate and allow people to continue to work from anywhere. During this panel our focus will be on considerations for IT security and HR policies for institutions building work from home/anywhere policies.


Future Direction of Banner Saas

Josh Dietrich - Vice President, Product Management, Ellucian
Josh has spent his entire professional career supporting higher education with Ellucian. As Vice President of Product Management Josh has overall responsibility for Ellucian's ERP strategy including Ellucian Banner and Ellucian Colleague. Previously he has served leadership roles in R&D and customer engagement.

Kerrie Visconti - Director, Product Management, Ellucian
Kerrie has been with Ellucian since 2010 and has been in the education technology field for over 20 years. In her roles as Technical Architect and Cloud Enterprise Architect, she has assisted countless Ellucian customers on their journeys to Banner and Cloud. She currently serves as Director, Product Management, driving Cloud and SaaS maturity initiatives for Banner and Colleague. Prior to joining Ellucian, Kerrie worked at Texas Tech University System. She is a graduate of Lubbock Christian University and holds a MSBA from Texas Tech University.


Banner to USAS Reconciliations with ReconNet

Cristy Jones - Assistant Managing Director, Accounting Services, Texas Tech University
Cristy has been the AMD over state, plant and property fund accounting at TTU for six years and has another five years of experience with in accounting and internal auditing at another Texas state university. She is a Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Internal Auditor and a Certified Government Audit Professional.

Jonnie Stice - Section Manager, Accounting Services, Texas Tech University
Jonnie Stice has been the manager of state funds at TTU for three years. Before that she was the Director of Accounting at a Texas community college for three years. Jonnie is a Certified Government Financial Manager.

Abstract

This session will provide an overview of how TTU Accounting moved from reconciling Banner and USAS transactions (revenues, expenses, and cash reimbursements) by appropriation in excel spreadsheets to automating the process using a vendor product called ReconNet – a product initially implemented at TTU in Accounts Receivable for bank reconciliations. ReconNet setup for Banner/USAS reconciliations includes the use of crosswalk data housed in the TCC PCA tables. With this automation we have cut 20 hours per week of busy work, reduced our response time to research and correct errors, and improved our business processes for appropriation and cash management overall. We’ve also expanded use of this software to other sections in Accounting, such as property management, to reconcile controlled and capital asset expenses to balance sheet accounts and Banner fixed asset data.


Extracting Student Work From Canvas

Paul Turcotte - Director of Institutional Research and Assessment, Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Mr. Paul Turcotte currently serves the Provost at Texas A&M University-Central Texas as the Director of Institutional Research and Assessment. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration from Baker University.

Steven Hill - Senior IT Professional I, Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Steven Hill has been with Texas A&M-Central Texas for over ten years. He has worked with the university's website, accessibility, and the university's LMS. He has a BS in Computer Science from Texas A&M and an MS in Information Systems from TAMUCT.

Abstract

Does your institution struggle to gather assessment data, syllabi, and student work from your learning management system? Do you spend too much time emailing faculty and meeting to gather essential student work to measure outcomes for accreditation reports? Attend our session to learn how to extract documents from Canvas to develop a rich archive of student work. We share the value of the process as well as the code to implement.


TCC Solutions Center

David Gascich - Software Development Manager, Ellucian
David has been with Ellucian for just over 1 year as the Software Development Manager of the TCC Service Center team. I recently moved to Texas (from Missouri) to support my daughter attending Austin College where she played basketball and has desires of attending a Texas medical school. I have been in the IT industry for over 30 years, primarily in the financial services sector. I am the people leader for the team and take care of the day-to-day operations in support of all TCC related activities. I interact with different teams at Ellucian to ensure the TCC team is adhering to company policies, standards, and alignment with corporate initiatives. I actively participate in discussions with the TCC Leadership team and the TCC Customer Satisfaction Survey Results working group. I have enjoyed learning about higher education and building the relationships inside and outside of Ellucian.

Dennis Barnes - Senior Business Analyst, Ellucian
Dennis has been with Ellucian since October of 2007.  I joined as a developer, working primarily on the Student module, but also on General and Accounts Receivable. Since December 2019, I have transitioned to Business Analyst, working with those same product areas.  As Business Analyst, I am responsible for monitoring changes in reporting requirements and working with our clients to define a method of addressing those needs. Usually, this takes the form of a functional specification that outlines the project requirements and a proposed solution. Clients can also submit requests for modifications through a process called an RTE or Request for Texas Enhancement.  Frequently, it is an RTE that leads to the development of a functional specification.  I create and maintain the documentation associated with our solutions in those product areas. I also work on cases submitted by clients involving functional and technical questions.

Stacey Jett - Principal Business Analyst, Ellucian
Stacey has been with Ellucian since October 1, 1996. I transferred over to the TCC team in 2004. My role on the team is working with the Finance and HR products. As a business analyst, I am responsible for working with the clients on any reporting issues in these areas. This can come in the manner of functional specs (RTE) or cases. Functional specs address any new processes or enhancements to current ones. Cases are submitted to report any errors or ask questions with current reporting process needs. I create and maintain all documentation for releases. I also support the developers in these areas as well. My favorite aspect of this job is working and helping our clients, I like the interaction and getting to know them and their needs and be of assistance to make their jobs easier.

Dean Meredith - Senior Software Developer, Ellucian
I have been with Ellucian since October 1997 and have been with the TCC group for the entirety. For the last decade I have been primarily responsible for the technical application development and maintenance of the TCC Finance and HR modules, developing new RTEs (Request for Texas Enhancement) for the user community. Over the last year, I have taken on the responsibility of monitoring the TCC call center, using the Salesforce module for processing cases submitted by the TCC clients. Client cases cover all the TCC systems, but most cases arise from our largest system, TCC Student, which I am now learning. The most enjoyable part of my new duties is the opportunity to work directly with clients, getting to interact with them one on one, and help solve pressing issues.

Kristen Aranda - Senior Software Developer, Ellucian
I have enjoyed working for Ellucian for 17 years, and with TCC for about 12 years.  I have worked with each of our TCC products on the technical side and am currently the TCC HR Product Lead.  I have 20 years of experience with the technical aspects of Higher Education, including Banner, and over 26 years of experience with Oracle, relational databases, and related programming languages.  It is my goal to ensure that existing TCC Payroll and TCC Position Control products are functioning as designed, quality enhancements are created, and to continue to ensure the excellence of our products for our clients’ institutional successes. I am (fingers crossed) getting married in September 2021 after a year delay due to COVID. I currently reside in Albuquerque, NM and enjoy spending time with my fiancé and my son, who is 27 and resides in the same city.

Duane Rosengartner - Principal Software Developer, Ellucian
I am approaching my 7-year anniversary with Ellucian. I have worked with each of our TCC products on the technical side and I am currently the TCC Technical Lead. I have over 20 years of experience in multiple industries including Airline Reservations, Banking and Finance. I serve Ellucian and TCC across all product areas, supporting developers in any capacity needed while working toward Ellucian standards compliance and cloud initiatives. Conversion of legacy code into cloud compatible formats is one such initiative in recent years. I call Dallas my home. I have four children, two grandchildren and a blackberry patch. This year I will partner with a friend to launch a development of a permaculture farm to be used as a retreat for families impacted by Autism.

Abstract

Overview of the TCC Solutions Center, what we do and who we are. We will discuss Voting, Community, Cases, and Testing. There will be brief overviews of what we are working on for TCC HR, Finance, and Student, along with SZPTSPU performance enhancements. We have lots to cover in a short period of time. Come spend some time with your TCC Solution Center partners!


Audit Preparation Tips

Amanda Dotson - Audit Director, Texas A&M University System
Amanda Dotson is a Director for the Texas A&M University System Internal Audit Department. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M – Texarkana. In addition to almost 18 years in the auditing profession, Amanda has also been a CFO and a financial reporting manager. She is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and a graduate of the Governor’s Executive Development Program.

Abstract

Best practices and tips that will help you prepare for an audit. What is an information request and how do I respond? What will the auditors look for? What are common audit findings? What kind of communication should I expect from the auditors?


Banner SaaS Job Submission Enhancements - Import & Download Files

Andrew Eiland - Senior System Integration Analyst, Tarleton State University
Graduated from Tarleton State University in December 2003 with a BS in CIS and May 2005 with a MS in CIS. I have worked for Tarleton's Information Techology Services - Application Support group for over 14 years. - Applications Supported - Banner General & Student - ApplicationXtender - Automic (UC4) - EDI.Smart - Linux server knowledge - Maintain Banner SSL Certificates - Residential Management Systems (RMS)

Abstract

This session will cover Tarleton's implementation of the Banner SaaS Job Submission enhancements - Import & Download Files followed by a functional demonstration. This process was created by Ellucian so that users can upload files to the gurjobs directory for processing as well as download output after executing a Banner job without having direct access to the server. This was created to prepare Banner to move to the cloud. Reference Ellucian Article #000040162


Chrome River and Ethos: From Texas Tech's Implementation Perspective

Abisheik Ramachandran - Project Lead, Texas Tech University
I (Abi Ramachandran) am working as a Project Lead at Texas Tech University System. I began my career with Information Systems in 2014. My team is responsible for Banner Finance module here at Information Systems.

Abstract

An overview of Texas Tech’s journey in implementing Ellucian Travel and Expense Management, powered by Emburse (Chrome River). This session aims to discuss Texas Tech’s experience in implementing this system for PCARD transactions. We will present our experience in using ETHOS and Chrome River. We will also discuss ETHOS configuration, payload changes, custom processes needed for budget check, creating invoice and JVs.


Preferred Name Implementation

Sean Cargo - Associate Director, Texas A&M University
14 years of experience using and supporting the Banner.

Abstract

Overview of TAMU's implementation of the preferred name. Review key components and TAMU's configuration including Banner 9 General SSB, alternate name, triggers, gokname package, GORNAME, and GUANDSP.


Rapid Process Improvement

Jay Kleiber - Account Executive, Strata Information Group

Abstract

SiG's Rapid Process Improvement (RPI) is designed to meet the challenges at your institution. Performed before, after, or in conjunction with the implementation of new technology, RPI allows you to take stock of your most critical processes, develop ideal processes, and create a plan to achieve dramatic improvements.


Helping Students Find Transferable Courses and Graduate on Schedule

Lynn Colgin - SVP, Strategic Partnerships, Quottly
Lynn has 20+ years experience in Higher Education holding executive roles with Pearson, McGraw-Hill, and ProctorU. Throughout his career, his primary efforts have been the development of innovative partnerships and solutions that utilize the latest technologies to upgrade the overall learning experience. In each of his roles, he has led academic teams at the national level and engaged with admin and faculty to ensure non-traditional solutions were implemented to meet their department and institution-wide needs. With Quottly, Lynn assists campuses by integrating their SIS to improve their registration and transferability needs.

Michael Marks - Director of Implementations, Quottly
Michael has over 23 years of experience developing solutions and integrating with campus SIS/LMS systems, including leading teams charged with development and maintenance of on-campus Ellucian Banner and Jenzabar CX installations. Michael has led projects interfacing with admissions, registration, student records, course catalogs, learning management systems, course evaluations, parking systems, bookstore integrations, financial aid, student accounts, student payments, payroll, personnel management, institutional accounting and data analysis. For Quottly, Michael specializes in leading the process to integrate Quottly’s platform with existing campus IT systems and aligning current processes with the procedures required to support successful implementations and on-time launches.

Abstract

More than ever, students need all the support we can provide to ensure they persist as well as stay on track for graduation. Enrollments are down 8% across Texas two year colleges and at four-year colleges only 41% will graduate in 4 years (56% in 6 years). In many cases students struggle to know which courses will count towards graduation and don't always have access to an advisor or counselor. Quottly makes it easy for students to find and register for transferable classes at other schools that count for credit at their own institution with a seamless one-click registration process. Currently, nearly 200 institutions and 2.5M+ students are accessing the Quottly platform. Join our open discussion and demo as we illustrate how other states such as California, Idaho, and Montana are solving this problem. We look forward to meeting you.


Introducing Ellucian Experience

Erik Finch - Sr. Director Sales Operations and Enablement, Ellucian
Erik is a 20+ year solution consultant turned sales ops professional passionate about how storytelling and using software solutions to create compelling experiences for stakeholders. As a solution consultant and account executive, he has been responsible for over $500 million is new sales to some of the most well known organizations in the world including Harvard, the University of CA system, University of Washington, John Hopkins University, the US Army, the MOD in the UK, HSBC, Walmart, Facebook, Foxcomm, GM and others. Throughout his career, Erik has worked across a wide range of industries with a simple goal - to empower organizations and thought leaders to differentiate themselves and drive measurable results through a game changing experience.

When he isn't working, you'll find Erik traveling the world trying new food such as Fish Stomach Soup & Tub Worms in Curry (Borneo), Chicken Intestines & Balut (Manila), Dog (China - I didn't know!), Duck Tongue (Hong Kong), Snake (Morocco) and Whiskey made from gunpowder (Colorado).

Mike Kennedy - Principal Solutions Consultant, Ellucian
Mike is a Principal Solutions Consultant and has been working at Ellucian for 23 years in several organizations and technical roles. Mike has presented at the TCC conference in past years and pleased to be speaking with our Texas customers again virtually.

Abstract

Ellucian Experience is your personalized hub for timely, actionable higher education information. It simplifies everyday tasks and streamlines access to essential information through a single application framework and personalized dashboard.


Single Use Accounts - Leave the Check Behind

Carole Wardoup - Managing Director - Finance Systems Management, Texas Tech University Healthcare Sciences Center
Carole has been employed by Texas Tech University / Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for 33 years in both Accounting Services and Finance Systems Management. Her current role as Managing Director of Finance Systems Management includes oversight of property management, effort reporting system administration, chart maintenance, financial systems training, system assurance and data integrity, and testing and implementation of Banner upgrades and other systems that interface with Banner Finance. She currently serves as Finance Product Coordinator for TCC.

Alexa Galle - Assistant Director - Finance Systems Management, Texas Tech University Healthcare Sciences Center

Abstract

The Texas Tech University System utilizes a Banner baseline customization that allows us to earn rebates by using Single Use Accounts (also known as virtual cards or ghost cards) as a payment method to vendors. Let's discuss the benefits of a virtual card payment process and why you should consider implementing this payment method at your institution.


Maximizing the Clearinghouse's Services

Andi Liner - Regional Relationship Manager, National Student Clearinghouse
Andi Liner is the Regional Relationship Manager for Texas and the Plains at the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Andi holds an M.S. in Human Resource Development from The University of Texas at Tyler and a B.S. in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University. She has over 20 years of higher education experience, including Advising, Admissions and Registration, Enrollment Management, and Student Information System consulting. Prior to her time at the NSC, Andi has served at Tyler Junior College, the University of Texas at Tyler and Blinn College is enrollment capacities. Most recently, she served as a Banner Student Consultant with Strata Information Group (SIG).


Ellucian Insights - State of Development

Luigi McMinn - Product Manager, Ellucian
Luigi McMinn is a 21 year veteran of higher education who has spent the last 16 years with Ellucian. During this time, he has worked in a variety of rolls spanning professional services, product development, and product management. Luigi’s portfolio includes Ellucian’s on-premises reporting and analytics solutions and he is a part of the product team working to evolve Ellucian’s reporting and analytics offerings.

Allison Waldmann - Product Manager, Ellucian
Allison Waldmann, a Product Manager at Ellucian, is responsible for Ellucian Analytics and plays a key role in shaping the future of Ellucian's reporting and analytics products. Allison has been at Ellucian for 5 years and she has experience in consulting, product development, and product management within the higher education space.

Abstract

During this session, Ellucian will provide a glimpse into the future of reporting and analytics from Ellucian – the vision, the goals, and progress to date for Ellucian Insights. Ellucian Insights is a SaaS data, reporting, and analytics platform designed to support strategic and operational insights across the institution.


Data Democratization: 5 Success Principles to Accelerate Your Data Governance Journey

Robert Goodman - Global Vice President, Analytics & Insights, Ellucian
Robert leads global analytics function for Ellucian. Ellucian guides over 2,700 higher education customers in more than 50 countries to improve operations and enhance the user experience for their faculty, staff, and over 20 million students.

Formerly, Robert was a leader in Deloitte Consulting's Strategy & Analytics practice - focused specifically on analytics and cognitive GTM strategies. He stood up Deloitte Analytics Insight Studio and drove client ideas from incubation to scale using design-thinking, agile approaches.

Prior to Deloitte, Robert ran Business Intelligence & Analytic solutions at Georgetown University where he deployed solutions across several campuses and thousands of end-users. His team contributed to technology modernization efforts which were awarded CIO 100 by CIO Magazine in 2014 and Elite 100 Winners by InformationWeek in 2015.

Additionally, Robert has led large global consulting practices in the US and EMEA.

Robert holds an M.B.A. from Georgetown University. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP)® and trained data scientist.

Ed Kelly - Chief Data Officer, Texas Department of Information Resources

Neil Cooke - Data Officer, Texas Department of Information Resources

Abstract

What is data democratization? Join us for a discussion around data governance and how organizations are addressing the current data deluge with data democratization strategies. In this webinar, we will discuss data governance, data management and how organizations are transforming with regard to a Chief Data Officer and Data Management Office. Ed Kelly, Chief Data Officer and Neil Cooke, Data Officer with Texas Department of Information Resources will provide a brief overview of the Texas Data Management Program as well as give an update on recent state legislation related to data management practices and the designation of a Data Management Officer by each institution of higher education in Texas.


Birds of a Feather Session - Finance

Carole Wardroup - Managing Director - Finance Systems Management, Texas Tech University Healthcare Sciences Center
Carole has been employed by Texas Tech University / Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for 33 years in both Accounting Services and Finance Systems Management. Her current role as Managing Director of Finance Systems Management includes oversight of property management, effort reporting system administration, chart maintenance, financial systems training, system assurance and data integrity, and testing and implementation of Banner upgrades and other systems that interface with Banner Finance. She currently serves as Finance Product Coordinator for TCC.


Birds of a Feather Session - Financial Aid

Irene Montalvo - Student Financial Assistance Director, Texas A&M University Central Texas


Birds of a Feather Session - Human Resources

Tina Rodriguez - Institutional Administrator for ISO Benefits and Records, Texas Tech University Healthcare Sciences Center


Birds of a Feather Session - IT

Julian Hooker - Enterprise IT Consultant, Texas Tech University
Julian is a knowledgeable, well-rounded Information Technology professional with 20+ years of experience in Higher Education. He is particularly strong in software engineering and web architecture, but also accomplished with application support, server maintenance, application integration, and software project management.

In the ERP for Texas Tech, Julian has implemented and supported Luminis, Xtender, Cognos, ODS, and OmniUpdate.

He also manages the group responsible for ERP security.


Birds of a Feather Session - Student

Kathy Edwards - Business Analyst, San Jacinto College