Yale Bulletin and Calendar

June 21-July 19, 1999

Volume 27, Number 34

To the Yale Community

From Alison F. Richard, Yale University Provost,
and Joseph P. Mullinix, Vice President for Finance & Administration

July 1 is upon us and with it the long-anticipated implementation of Project X, the University's initiative to replace its financial and human resources information systems.

As we begin Fiscal Year 2000 and approach Yale University's fourth century of operations, it seems highly fitting to introduce state-of-the-art administrative systems that will not only enable us to navigate the challenges posed by the Y2K transition but also equip us with the technological and administrative support that will help Yale advance its position of academic leadership and build upon its tradition of excellence.

The ultimate goal of Project X is to introduce major enhancements in information management and business processes that will serve as a robust platform for the growth and innovation critical to advancing the University's academic mission. Our objective for July 1 is, however, more modest -- to install our new software in business offices throughout the University with minimal disruption in the day-to-day activities of our schools, departments, and units.

The decision to delay the implementation of the Project to July has afforded us the opportunity to expand and intensify the testing, troubleshooting, and fine-tuning of our new software. Furthermore, we hope that the move to July has provided business managers and administrators with more time to complete year-end tasks and to prepare for the transition. Nonetheless, we know that systems implementations of the size and scope of Project X are never completely smooth. No amount of testing and preparation can fully anticipate and prevent all of the problems and challenges that will arise. However, we are committed to keeping both the number and impact of these problems at an absolute minimum. Toward that end, we have put into place an array of mechanisms from training programs to help-desks and hands-on assistance that will provide the ease of communication and level of support necessary for the swift and effective resolution of problems and questions. We encourage all members of the community to use these tools freely and frequently as we work together to secure the success of this important phase of the Project.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude and highest admiration for the tremendous efforts of the many members of the community that have brought us to this exciting moment. The devotion of so many talented individuals to a common goal is truly in keeping with the collaborative spirit of Yale.

Working together over the past two years, we have equipped the University with robust and up-to-date information systems. We look forward to working together in the years ahead to take full advantage of the limitless opportunities that this technology will provide.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Alumni elect Roland W. Betts as new trustee
To the Yale Community
Murder on the Nile? Examination suggests Peabody mummy met with . . .
Study shows quality of child care affects school performance
Endowed Professorships
Literary critic Harold Bloom awarded Gold Medal . . .
Academy of Arts and Sciences taps three Yale faculty
Exhibit recalls art and poetry inspired by the Great War
Downtown program will add local flavor to International Festival . . .
Show by Peabody artists among Yale-related events during festival
Boredom with board games prompts Green to invent new one
Beinecke Library acquires papers of noted theater director
The University honors its long-serving staff members
Three Yale teachers are selected as Guggenheim Fellows
Schell Center for International Human Rights announces new appointments . . .
Traveling fellowships are awarded for students' research
Downs Fellows to study health issues around the world during the summer
Students make cross-country trek on behalf of charity
Summer Cabaret marks 25th year of 'ambitious theater'
Tours of historic Grove Street Cemetery are being offered
How to order extra copies of the Yale Bulletin & Calendar
Campus Notes