4/23/2002, BEN Deposits - Almanac, Vol. 48, No. 31

BEN Deposits

Dear Colleagues,

The Treasurer's Office and Information Systems & Computing are pleased to announce that BEN Deposits, a new, web-based deposit system that allows schools/centers to submit and track information about cash and check deposits on-line, will be rolled out in May 2002. The new system replaces the current paper processing of deposit information and is integrated with BEN Financials. Depositors participating in a limited rollout that began in March find the system extremely easy to learn and use and have reported greatly improved efficiency and time savings.

BEN Deposits Overview

The key functions BEN Deposits makes available to depositors around the University are:

Ability to create on-line deposits
Ability to search for deposits in four different ways
Ability to download deposit transactions to a spreadsheet
Ability to store and update a user profile containing account number and contact information to streamline the deposit process

The security structure of BEN Deposits has been designed so that each deposit is linked to a specific University center (for a list, visit www.finance.upenn.edu/ben/benhelps/schoolcodes.shtml). Depositors will have the ability to download and/or find deposit activity based on this structure and their unique security level. This security structure does not, however, limit where depositors may deposit funds.

Rollout Plans

All depositors will need to submit an access request form and complete training before June 30. The new system and the old paper system will operate in parallel until that date.

Before an individual can use the new system, successful completion of training is required. The Financial Training Department is offering depositors a choice of instructor-led classroom training or on-line training which they can complete at their convenience at their own workstation. Participants in the limited rollout who chose the online training option have found it easy to use and comprehensive as well as convenient.

More Information

For more information about BEN Deposits, please visit the BEN Deposits web site at www.finance.upenn.edu/ben/bendep. We welcome comments and/or questions regarding the transition to BEN Deposits. Please contact the Cashier's Office at either (215) 898-7258 or via e-mail at deposits@pobox.upenn.edu.

We look forward to working with the Penn community during the transition to BEN Deposits.

--Office of the Cashier

Almanac, Vol. 48, No. 31, April 23, 2002

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:

Tuesday,
April 23, 2002
Volume 48 Number 31
www.upenn.edu/almanac/

James Wilson, director of IHGT, is stepping down as institute broadens it focus.

The School of Dental Medicine and the School of Nursing each recognize four of their finest for excellence in teaching.

The guidelines for faculty and staff salary increases for 2002-2003 stress merit and performance as the basis for any increases.

An invitation to commencement is extended to the University community.

The deaths of two former deans (Wharton & GSFA), an emeritus professor and an emeritus trustee.

University Council committee reports on the agenda for Wednesday's meeting include: Personnel Benefits, Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics, and International Programs.

The Penn Reading Project has chosen the text for the incoming freshmen class; faculty members are encouraged to lead a small discussion group in September.

The A-3 Assembly seeks volunteers (weekly-paid employees) to serve on the Executive Board; 20 positions are available.

Penn faculty and staff are invited to the Children's Festival Opening Night Picnic and Performance, as well as a lunchtime party at the Museum to celebrate its new wing and courtyard garden.

The schools announce their graduation ceremonies and speakers.