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Faculty Blast $112M Computer Systems

Moriarty says that the problem is double-sided: users want solutions that work, but they want them fast. Sometimes those goals just do not mesh.

But Huidekoper, who is now responsible for the systems in place, says her team recognizes the problems and are working to address them.

Starting March 28, she and her team will also be meeting with about 150 users in FAS over a series of brown-bag lunches to get input on what needs to be done, and in what order.

"We need the input from FAS," Huidekoper says. "I can't stress enough that we're going to try and get out there in front of users and get their input-- but they've got to come to the meetings too."

Three hundred fifty people in the

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financial administration are currently devoted to fixing the problems.

Huidekoper is spearheading efforts to get financial deans to talk about the problems and solutions they develop at their own schools.

But discontent remains, and Huidekoper says she is concerned.

"I'm most concerned about when morale reaches such a low level that people cease to believe in our ability to get things done. It's a real human

resources issue."

But as Huidekoper tries to defuse tension, some say they are nervous because the ADAPT team has begun work on a second phase of the project that will revamp human resource (HR) information systems. A small group is currently assessing whether to proceed and will at some point produce a formal report.

Many in the faculties say they fear a new flawed system while they are still mastering the first phase.

Faculty members say central administrators could restore confidence in the project by promising that the human resources phase will not get the go-ahead without the full backing of the faculties.

Fineberg says he is hesitant to afford the faculties formal control.

In such a large University, he says, it is virtually impossible to get everyone's support on a project of this size. He says he does support giving system users input in project decisions.

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