The Arizona Board of Regents voted to increase funds to ASU's computer-operating system by 27 percent at its meeting at UA Friday.
OASIS, ASU's newly adopted computer-management system, received an extra $6.5 million to go toward the completion of the University's five-year goal, topping out at $31 million.
In conjunction with PeopleSoft, OASIS is responsible for the newly acquired ASU interactive and payroll systems that have recently caused many employees to experience problems receiving paychecks on schedule.
But the final installment of the system will prove to be one of the most successful, large-scale, internal projects executed in ASU history, said Adrian Sannier, University technology officer.
"To go from a 10-year, $100 million plan with a high risk of failure, to instead deliver a system that is state of the art, that is running right now, satisfying student demands at peak loads, in what amounts to 'Amazon.com speeds,' is simply amazing," Sannier said.
The project was so well received by the regents that the push for a similar system at UA provoked discussion. Sannier said he expects universities across the nation to take notice of ASU's recent venture.
"It will completely change the way future institutes approach this problem from $100 million in 10 years, to 18 months, ready to implement a high growth," he said. "It points out that the New American University approaches these problems in very new ways."
ASU President Michael Crow said the implementation of the new operating system is necessary for the University's future and said he is confident the money allocated to its funding will be successful, despite recent hardships.
Crow said ASU was unable to impose measures needed to compensate employees affected by the faltered payroll system over the summer. But the overall success of the system will prove positive for the University, he said.
"Unparalleled execution of the system for our budget is being implemented with this speed and this vigor because of 27 previous years of underinvestment in these systems," he added.
The new payroll system, implemented this summer, caused 3,300 University employees to experience difficulty receiving paychecks, which was a concern of the board.
"A lot of working people live paycheck-to-paycheck, and when the paycheck doesn't get there, it creates inevitable hardship," said Ernest Calderón, regent vice president. "So I'm very appreciative that this was made to counter that and even with the $6 million here, it is a significant savings."
University technology officials will continue to work on the system over a five-year span, but Sannier said the system is currently fully operational.
The money will go toward continued support and maintenance geared toward furthering the system's efficiency, Sannier said.
The board approved several other items at its meeting, including the following:
• Tempe Campus classrooms that are not currently mediated will receive $2.5 million in funds to go toward new video projection, sound and computer capabilities.
• Four new masters programs — Teaching Foreign Languages, Intercultural Discourse and Interaction, Advanced Study in Infant Family Practice and Marriage and Family Therapy — will be available at the Tempe campus.
Reach the reporter at daniel.oconnor@asu.edu.
