The San Francisco Bay Region Network is now live.
The SFBRN is a combined transactional operations network that integrates all finance and administrative services. Phase 1 of the network started today, with Information Technology and Procurement and Accounts Payable operations now shared between Sonoma State University, California State University, East Bay and San Francisco State University.
According to prior Golden Gate Xpress coverage, the network will likely also include services under the library, Title IX/DHR operations, back-office financial aid, admissions, records and other enrollment services.
The network is intended to reduce administrative costs, coming at a time when all three universities are faced with operating deficits, mass layoffs and program cuts, including eliminated sports programs, incentives for faculty buyouts and departments left with little to no lecturers.
In an email sent on Monday, Jeff Wilson, vice president of SFSU and chief financial officer of administration and finance, announced the start of the initiative. Wilson said the most visible changes will be in IT requests and support through the Network Support Center, Procure-to-Pay transactions routed through CSUBUY and expanded support options including office hours and virtual information sessions.
This is a developing story.