News Releases for May 2002
May 1, 2002
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Hoeven Launches Connect North Dakota
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Project Partnership First in the Nation
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today launched Connect North Dakota, a comprehensive financial, human and student resource management software system that will integrate North Dakota’s universities and government into a seamless administrative network.
Connect North Dakota, the product of the state’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) program, will enable students, faculty and administrators to access information and services in real time over the Internet. The system has the capacity to serve K-12 schools, and city and county governments in the future. North Dakota is the first state in the nation to initiate collaboration between state government and the state university system on such a project.
“We should all be proud that North Dakota is leading the way in a project that will be a first for the nation,” Hoeven said. “This is about building a first-class resource management system for higher education and state government, and it is also about economic development and fostering productive new partnerships to create jobs.”
PeopleSoft, Inc. will provide the application software, and MAXIMUS will provide consulting and implementation services in collaboration with existing state government and university staff. The state is also working to foster a partnership between MAXIMUS and Microsoft to create a long-term data center and jobs in North Dakota.
“MAXIMUS is pleased to be a partner in North Dakota’s innovative Enterprise Software Initiative for Higher Education and State Government,” said David Nickel, president of the MAXIMUS Enterprise Resource Planning Division. “This unique program provides a complete ERP business solution for North Dakotan’s that leverages both state-of-art technology and best business practices.”
Kevin Horigan, managing director for PeopleSoft Education and Government, said, “North Dakota is raising the bar in streamlining government processes, increasing constituent services and collaborating among all levels of government and education. The state can now offer real time information access to its employees, citizens, students and suppliers - creating a new model for statewide software integration.”
Hoeven said the new system will offer increased efficiency and economy in the university system and state government. Connect North Dakota will incorporate the best practices for financial, human resource and student administration systems. As the software is implemented, the state will examine and improve current practices to enhance system performance. Agency heads, legislators and university administrators will be able to assess performance and make needed improvements.
“The results of adopting the system will be better service to students, less cost to taxpayers and a more efficient, effective operation,” Hoeven said. “Connect North Dakota also gives us the tools we need to help young people better prepare for the job market by tracking education training and workforce development.” Larry Isaak, chancellor of the North Dakota University System, said, “In the current competitive market - with technologically savvy students - it is necessary for the University System to provide anytime, anyplace access for our students. The ERP will allow the University System to enhance services to meet the demands of today's students who want access to information, such as grades and financial aid, via the Internet.”
The system also enhances other student services and resources. Connect North Dakota will enable students to:
- Apply for college and track the admissions process online
- Register for classes
- View grades, and
- Obtain transcripts
Connect North Dakota enables faculty to:
- Maintain online syllabi
- Maintain online grade books
- Access class lists, and
- Assist students individually and as a class in academic programs
Connect North Dakota enables state government to:
- Combine and consolidate information
- Manage multiple complex projects
- Manage costs associated with resources
- Manage federal grants and reduce paperwork
- Provide employee access to change benefits and personal information
“The system is flexible and upgradeable. It will serve the state for years to come,” according to Curt Wolfe, North Dakota’s chief information officer. “Connect North Dakota will improve service and accessibility; provide better management tools; offer valuable accountability; and replace outdated processing systems.”
The university system will initially deploy the project at two campuses, Mayville and Valley City; the Office of Management and Budget will pilot the system for the state.
“Today represents a technological leap for the citizens of North Dakota,” Hoeven said. “Enhancing government and educational services is an essential foundation for growth and prosperity in the 21st century.”
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