Lone Star College System is working to replace its existing Colleague administrative systems with a new suite of PeopleSoft Enterprise applications from Oracle – a move that will bring a more user-friendly face to the college’s computer-based services while providing additional services to LSCS students and streamlining operations internally for employees.

This implementation is expected to take about 18 months, officials said, and will provide LSCS with an integrated administrative system that supports agility, innovation and enhanced decision making – sustaining the accelerated growth that LSCS has seen for the past few years and anticipates in the future.

“Lone Star College System is positioning itself to be the premier college system in the country and we strategically selected Oracle to be our partner in this journey,” said Shah Ardalan, LSCS vice chancellor and CIO. “Our continuous and rapid growth in enrollment and renewed focus on student success were our main drivers for change.

Earlier this year, LSCS began a competitive bid process to replace its existing administrative system. This system supports, for example, student enrollment, administration, human resources, financials and the college’s supply chain. The administrative system must be highly flexible to meet changing needs caused primarily by the rapid growth the college system is experiencing.

A proposal was submitted to the LSCS Board of Trustees at the May meeting and board members approved the Oracle software purchase of $32 million, which included the initial cost of the software and hardware, maintenance for the first three years, implementation expenses for the first three to four years, and a contingency fund. Bids were received from four major vendors.

Oracle Consulting will assist with the deployment of the software throughout the college system locations.

“The Oracle team is excited about our involvement with Lone Star College System.  LSCS is changing the paradigm of how colleges are focusing on students and operational excellence.  The college system has demonstrated through its ERP selection process, as well through other operating decisions, its ability and desire to make changes quickly and effectively to meet the changing environment,” said Steve Koporec, vice president, applications, Oracle Higher Education.  “Its proactive approach will enable LSCS to support rapid growth while providing its students an education that will set them apart in the communities they serve.  Oracle will work closely with LSCS, and we look forward to being a part of LSCS’ success in the execution of its strategy.”

Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) is the world’s largest business software company. For more information about Oracle, go to http://www.oracle.com.

Lone Star College System consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Center, LSC-University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. With more than 58,000 students in credit classes last fall, LSCS is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and third largest community college system in Texas. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.

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