Regents approve fund transfer for information systems project

An overhaul of human resources and financial systems is underway at Nevada’s higher education institutions.

The changes are part of the Nevada System of Higher Education’s iNtegrate project, which aims to implement new information systems for all NSHE colleges. The second phase, known as iNtegrate 2, seeks to streamline business operations, maximize productivity and save money.

The state’s Board of Regents Thursday approved a one-time transfer of no more than $20 million from the operating pool reserve to the iNtegrate Fund. That will partially pay for the project, though the final cost is not yet known.

Regents Robert Blakely and Ron Knecht questioned whether the request was premature, but voted in favor. Chairman Kevin Page was the only board member to vote against it.

Processes affected by iNtegrate 2 include recruiting, benefits administration, payroll, accounts receivable and payable, grants and contracts, among others. In January, requests for proposals were distributed and contractor should be named later this year by the board.

The project began in 2011 when the Nevada System of Higher Education implemented the first phase of the project, a new student information system.