As a service to the Mason community, we have designed this page to answer many of the questions that have arisen during the implementation of the Banner system.

Have questions about Timesheets, Approvals, and Proxies? Visit Human Resources extensive FAQ on Banner Time and Attendance for the answers.

If you have a question and cannot find the answer here, please contact the Patriot Project Team.

This page will be updated often, so please check back to make sure your question has been addressed.

Question:
What is the current status of the Patriot Project?
Answer:
The Finance module went live on July 1, 2002. THe Human Resources module went live January 1, 2003. The Student module should be fully operational Fall 2004.

Question:
What kind of computer will I need?
Answer:
Finance users will need a PC with at least 200 mhz or a Mac. An Internet browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer) and Adobe Acrobat software are required to use the finance system. The HR system requires a PC or a Mac with an Internet browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer).

Question:
How do I install the Banner software?
Answer:
Most users will not need to install the Banner software. They will simply access the Patriot Web.

Question:
What level of access will university users have? What about levels of security?
Answer:
Finance users have access to their indexes, similar to the access they previously had. The Banner self service system allows users to see details about expenditures, such as payee address and check date. Employees and supervisors will have access to current time sheets and time sheet history, plus their own personal information such as check stubs and emergency contacts.

Question:
When will Banner be available (hours of operation)?
Answer:
Banner is available beyond normal business hours, generally 24x7 except for Sunday maintenance periods.

Question:
How do I register for this training? Can you give me more details?
Answer:
Individuals seeking to register for workshops on Banner will need to follow the link provided on our Training page for a list of available workshop times and registration.

Question:
What kind of on-line help will be available?
Answer:
One-page Quick Reference Guides will be available for each employee type (wages, overtime eligible classified, etc). An audio/visual presentation will also be available for download and review.

Question:
With the requirement for new employee identification numbers, will social security numbers still be used in the system?
Answer:
Social security numbers will still be required for tax reporting purposes. They will only be accessible to employees who need to use them for employment purposes (e.g., hiring, terminating assignments, etc).

Question:
Will original signatures still be required for timesheets?
Answer:
No, the system comes with security features that will replace the need for written signatures on paper.

Question:
What is a General Person Record?
Answer:
This is personal information such as name and address. It is kept in a table that is shared with finance, human resources, and eventually the student system. Thus, employees, vendors, sponsors, applicants and students all will be listed on a general person record.

Question:
Will I be able to make changes to my tax withholding?
Answer:
Yes, changes to federal and state withholding options may be made in self service.

Question:
Where do I get new forms for finance transactions?
Answer:
Cash receipts forms are ordered from Central Receiving. Print an order form from Central Receiving website. All other forms can be found at the Fiscal Services website.

Question:
Where can I find more information on SCT Banner and the Patriot Project?
Answer:
Go to the Patriot Project website for news and background. Use the site to review the lists for the Steering and Coordinating Committees and the Project Team. Anyone on those lists can provide more information. Also watch for announcements of upcoming Town Hall meetings.

Question:
What kind of security/encryption is used to ensure limited access to financial information?
Answer:
Data is protected using secure socket layer (SSL).

Question:
Will I have off-campus accessibility to the system?
Answer:
Yes. You will just need to use a standard web browser.

Question:
Is the activity code an optional (live) number? How can this be used?
Answer:
The use of activity codes requires pre-approval by the Controller's office to prevent duplication of numbers. Please contact the Controller's office to receive an assigned range of activity codes if you need this level of detailed reporting.

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