Frequently Asked Questions

Banner, a product of SunGard Higher Education Systems, Inc. (SGHE), is the brand name of a suite of integrated software applications designed specifically for management of higher education institutions.  Integrated systems such as Banner are often referred to as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.  ERP is the general term that describes a single solution to administrative computing needs which, in higher education implementation, encompasses the areas of finance, enrollment, human resources, and institutional advancement.

The Banner implementation is a progressive process.  You may notice a lot of changes as certain modules are made live, or you may notice that you are not affected at all.  The first system to go live will be Banner Finance on July 1st, 2008.  At that point, all budget look-ups will be performed through the Banner system.  All purchase requisitions will be inputted and authorized on the computer in the Banner system, not written by hand.  The college will no longer use Waldo to track finances.

All users can be trained within departments. There are also formal training sessions scheduled with a member of the IT staff on the last Friday of every month unless otherwise noted.  Please visit the sign-up page for more information. If you are training a user from your department, please check the training page for the latest training documentation.

All technical questions can be directed to the IT Helpdesk at 617.824.8080. All questions about Finances can be directed to the Controller’s Office at 617.824.8515.

How do I get a SSB User ID?

All new user requests should be submitted to the Finance Department  on the Finance Access Request Form.  You must attend a training session before you are allowed to access the system.

How do I start using SSB?

After receiving your Banner login name and password, please open your browser to http://ssb.emerson.edu. Log in with your User ID and PIN. If you have forgotten your User ID and/or PIN, please call the IT Helpdesk at x8080.

How do I change my SSB PIN?

You may change your Banner PIN in SSB using the Personal Information page.  Click on the Change Your PIN link, enter your old PIN, and then enter your new PIN.  PINs must be 6 digit numbers only.

Why can't I log in to SSB?

There are a myriad of reasons that an individual may not be able to log in. Please contact the IT Helpdesk at x8080 with login issues.

Can I log in to SSB from my home computer?

You can log in to SSB using the VPN connection.  To access the VPN instructions and sign-up, please visit http://www.emerson.edu/vpn.  Once you have successfully connected to the VPN, you may access the SSB page as if you were on campus.

How do I request access for a new user? How do I change access for an existing user?

To request access for a new user, or to modify access for a user currently existing in the system, please fill out the Banner User Request Form.  This form will then be passed on to the Finance Department, who will grant the user access.

If requisitions are online, what happens to the back-up documentation?

All supporting documents are now required to be kept in the departments for periodic review by the Finance department.

What are the limits for acquiring quotes and sealed bids?

The limits will be the same for quotes and sealed bids. Please refer to the purchasing website for more information.

How do I release Purchase Orders?

Purchase orders will be released with an e-mail to the Purchasing E-mail Account as they are currently.

Are the signing limits currently in place the same in SSB?

No.  The signing limits have been raised.  Department Heads now have a limit of $1000 and Associate Vice Presidents/Deans now have a limit of $5000.