We are pleased to share that Lehigh University is launching a project–Future Ready–to enhance, improve, and modernize our Ellucian Banner Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Student Information System (SIS) as well as the many systems that are integrated with Banner, all of which forms our Banner ecosystem. 

Over the next five years, we will be working to transition to Ellucian’s Banner Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. Moving our ERP and SIS systems to a SaaS platform will empower faculty and staff with more accessible, user-friendly, and real-time tools to better support students and streamline operations. With automated updates, enhanced collaboration, and reduced reliance on outdated systems, the SaaS migration ensures that Lehigh remains agile and efficient. This will allow us to focus on what truly matters—delivering exceptional education and service.

Key benefits of Future Ready include:

  • A better student experience.
  • Near real-time data and enhanced reporting to support decision-making.
  • Standardized processes that allow us to focus our attention on things that differentiate us.
  • Improved and streamlined business processes.
  • A modernized system that leverages enhanced availability, scalability, and security with less downtime.
  • Ability to deploy new features and updates more quickly for continuous improvement.

The full scope of the project and progress updates will be available on the project website.   

Future Ready will likely have wide-reaching impacts on many of our teams who support the student journey and financial functions critical to the university. End users of these systems will have valuable insights. The success of this project depends on the collaboration and engagement of Lehigh community members across the university. 

This modernization effort is a key component of Lehigh’s Strategy to create An Organization of the Future and will enhance efficiency across the university while streamlining and improving the user experience for faculty, staff, and students.

Sincerely,

Chris Cook
Interim Vice President for Finance & Administration

Ilena Key
Chief Technology Officer