NIU plans to implement a PeopleSoft computer program that will give students better access to information and services.

The Board of Trustees approved the system at its July 1 meeting and now is waiting to see if Oracle will buy out PeopleSoft before deciding on an implementation schedule.

Steven Pace, associate director for Finance and Facilities, said it’s unknown when Oracle and PeopleSoft will make a final decision.

The new program will improve access and information in admissions, registration and records, the bursar’s office and financial aid.

PeopleSoft is the next step for the university because it can’t update the current information, which has been IBM-supported for 20 years. About 650 universities worldwide use PeopleSoft.

NIU has worked with PeopleSoft since 1999 and currently uses the technology for human resources.

“We feel it’s really the best choice for the university based on its maturity, level of support and also our experience with PeopleSoft,” said Don Larson, executive director of Finance and Facilities and registrar.

One feature the new program will add is an online application for admission.

“It’s easier for people to apply and it makes the process much more efficient,” Pace said.

Larson said the new system will have more graphic elements.

“You’ll be able to see where you are in your degree and it will be graphically represented,” he said.

Students also will be able to see the semester bill upon registration for classes online instead of waiting to receive the bill.

Students will be able to customize their Web page at “My NIU.”

“You can configure the interface to you by creating your own Web page with your major and your interests,” Pace said.

PeopleSoft allows the university to move away from social security numbers as a student identifier.

Students will be able to retrieve class grades from the Internet for quizzes and final exams.

The system will take two to three years to fully implement.

“Like everyone else, I’d have liked to have this stuff yesterday,” Larson said.

He said students won’t have any problems learning to use the new system.

“There will be a lot of benefits for students down the road,” Larson said. “We’re all excited about bringing the product in and starting the implementation.”