Training set up to teach faculty the 'banner way'

Training workshops for the new Banner HR Electronic Personnel Action Form (EPAF) will begin Feb. 17.

Banner HR is the new Human Resources Information Services data system and its Electronic Personnel Action Form will replace the typewritten Personnel Action Request, Associate Director of Human Resources Jim Stephens said.

According to the Marshall University Human Resources Web site, the training will include an overview and introduction to the Banner HR EPAF. It will be useful for all persons who prepare or approve personnel actions such as hires, resignations and transfers.

The Banner HR Product is a data system that bundles recruiting, employment, benefits and performance assessments, Stephens said.

"It is an exact and demanding system and will require time and attention to learn," he said. "There is the right way, the wrong way and the Banner way, and we will have to learn the Banner way."

That, along with the overwhelming amount of data which has to be loaded, is hindering the full implementation of the system, Stephens said.

Director of Finance Infor-mation Technology Robert A. Walker said Banner HR only will be available on a PC and departments which operate Macintosh computers will have to have a PC available to use Banner HR.

Although the system is difficult to implement there are also advantages, Stephens said.

One advantage is that users of Banner HR will be able to perform faster processes, such as performance assessments, with fewer errors.

It will provide a more efficient recruiting system when looking for new employees.

And third, it will be much more accurate by eliminating the possibility of losing paper documents.

The system has to be loaded and tested before it can be fully implemented, Stephens said.

"We hope to have all of that accomplished by June 30, 2000," Stephens said.

There will be six training classes offered. The first will be Feb. 17, followed by two Feb. 21, two Feb. 24 and the last March 1.

The classes will be taught by Stephens in the Drinko Library and are available to faculty and staff.