WHAT WE OFFER
The Ontario Business Users Group (OBUG) aims to create a vibrant network where colleagues across Ontario institutions can connect, share, and solve practical challenges together. Through virtual meet and greets, a shared listserv, and coordinated communication channels, we’ll ensure members stay connected between in-person gatherings like the CEUG conference. This community will not only help each other tackle real-life issues but also amplify our collective voice in conversations with Ellucian, ensuring our feedback shapes the future development of the systems we all rely on.
Staying Connected Year-Round
We propose topic specific virtual meet and greets, regular emails, and a dedicated listserv to keep members engaged throughout the year, giving everyone quick ways to ask questions, share resources, or brainstorm solutions without waiting for a formal event.
Solving Real Problems Together
We’d like OBUG to be a safe space where members can bring forward real issues—whether it’s troubleshooting Banner or Colleague processes, implementing new modules, or navigating legislative changes. We’re suggesting collaboration through topic streams so members can share best practices and develop solutions tailored to their specific areas.
Collaborating to Influence Product Innovation
We believe that by consolidating regional concerns and priorities, OBUG could provide focused, actionable feedback to Ellucian. Sharing real-world insights and collective challenges might ensure our needs are considered in future product development, ultimately benefiting all Ontario institutions—and possibly the broader user community.
Admissions and Recruitment Topic Stream
Members could discuss integrations between Ellucian systems and external application centres like OUAC or OCAS, or how data analytics in Recruit can inform strategic recruitment decisions. It could be a space for sharing ideas on creating seamless, tech-enabled applicant experiences.
Academic Advising
Discussions might cover using Degree Audit tools in Colleague or Banner to track academic progress, implementing Advising Notes for shared student support, or integrating early alert systems for proactive intervention. Members could explore how to configure advising processes within Ellucian for personalized support and how analytics in solutions like Ethos can drive better advising outcomes.
Human Resources
This group might explore how Ellucian’s Human Resources tools streamline employee management, payroll processing, and position control. Discussions could include configuring HR and Payroll modules for accurate data tracking, integrating with benefits and timekeeping systems, and ensuring compliance with institutional, provincial, or federal employment regulations.
Enrolment, Records and Scheduling
This stream could focus on how institutions configure and optimize Ellucian Colleague or Banner modules to manage registration, term setup, and class scheduling. Discussions might explore maintaining accurate student records in Student Records, handling block scheduling, and using tools like Enrollment Verification or Reporting features to meet institutional or government requirements.
Financial Services, Aid and Awards
This group might dive into how Ellucian systems support tuition billing, financial aid packaging, and awards processing. Conversations could cover configuring Student Finance modules for accurate fee assessments, integrating with third-party payment solutions, and ensuring compliance with provincial or federal financial aid reporting.
Frontline Student Services
This stream could examine how institutions use Ellucian tools—like CRM Advise, Self-Service, or Experience—to deliver seamless service at the front line. Topics might include managing service tickets, designing effective user interfaces for student portals, and integrating knowledge bases to support front-desk staff.
Finance
This group might focus on how Ellucian’s Finance tools enhance budgeting, procurement, and general ledger management. Conversations could include configuring financial modules for accurate accounting and reporting, integrating with third-party systems for purchasing and expense management, and ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory financial standards.