2026 – 2027 PeopleSoft Modernization Project
This webpage will be regularly updated with resources, frequently asked questions, and other information related to this project.
During the course of 2026 and 2027, ITS will be upgrading the university’s PeopleSoft environments to increase operational, security, and compliance across the platform. For more information about this project, read our full news release.
Notice
PeopleSoft Development Freeze
In order to support modernization project efforts, a temporary freeze on non-essential development and enhancements has been placed on NAU’s PeopleSoft applications during this project.
This freeze prevents any duplicate development needed for the cloud migration and keeps our technical teams resourced for this project’s efforts. During this freeze, any critical fixes or required regulatory updates will continue. Specific dates and/or exceptions will be communicated to impacted areas as needed.
What’s changing
As part of this project, several key improvements are slated to be implimented.
Upgrading PeopleSoft applications to modern versions
We’ll be updating to newer, more supported and reliable versions of the PeopleSoft applications.
Migrating from physical servers to the Cloud
These upgrades include a migration from legacy hardware to Oracle’s Cloud Infrastructure. Oracle’s environment in the cloud provides a more secure and efficient platform to host NAU’s applications.
Standardizing tools, databases, and security settings
We’re moving towards more uniform and standard configurations for global tools and settings to better maintain our systems.
Enhancing reliability, performance, and disaster recovery capabilities
Behind-the-scenes changes to strengthen overall system health and reliability to reduce outages and downtime.
While this project brings significant technical changes, much will stay familiar. LOUIE branding, core business processes, and day-to-day system use will all remain largely the same for users. No impactful system changes will go live without thorough testing and validation. Any functional changes that do occur will be communicated in advance and supported through testing and coordination with campus partners.
Timeline
This project contains multiple phases, and is slated to be executed from May 2026 through July 2027. Major project phases include:
Project detailed planning and discovery
May 2026 – June 2026
System upgrades and cloud migration
June 2026 – January 2027
System integration testing (SIT)
October 2026 – March 2027
User acceptance testing (UAT)
November 2026 – April 2027
Target production cutovers
LOUIE
April 2027
LOUIE HR
April 2027
LOUIE Financials
May 2027
Work is being sequenced carefully in order to align with academic calendars, payroll cycles, registration periods, and fiscal year‑end processes. Specific timelines for testing and cutovers will be shared as details are finalized.
Testing and campus involvement
Functional teams, business analysts, and subject matter experts across campus will be asked to participate in validating system functionality, integrations, and business processes before any system goes live in production. We’re committed to:
- Provide advance notice of testing windows
- Allow sufficient time for thoughtful review and validation
- Address issues identified during testing before production cutover
No system will be placed into production without confirmation that it is stable, secure, and ready for use.
Project governance and leadership
The PeopleSoft Modernization project is sponsored by Information Technology Services, and is governed through an oversight and decision‑making model. Our key elements include:
- Executive sponsorship within ITS
- A dedicated core team with technical leads and project manager
- Collaboration with functional and technical stakeholders
- Engagement with an experienced system integrator partner
- Emphasis on knowledge transfer and long‑term institutional ownership
Communication and updates
We’ll be communicating consistently throughout the course of this project with updates as milestones are completed, any advanced notice of testing, and FAQs and resources. Additionally, this webpage will regularly be updated with new information about the project.
Frequently asked questions
Will this affect payroll, registration, or financial processing? Accordion Closed
There will not be any disruption to payroll, registration or financial processing, but there will be outages where the PeopleSoft system is not available for access. The project is designed to minimize disruption to core university operations. Any planned outages or impacts will be communicated well in advance.
Will there be system downtime? Accordion Closed
Limited downtime will be required during upgrade and cutover activities. These windows are carefully planned to avoid critical academic and fiscal periods.
How is data protected? Accordion Closed
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure provides enhanced security, resilience, and compliance controls compared to legacy on‑premises systems.
What is the ServiceNow Project Number? Accordion Closed
We’ll update this section once the project number is created. Currently, the project is in the demand phase, DMND0005741.
Who are the NAU Project Leads? Accordion Closed
Functional Lead
Theresa Rogers
Project Manager
Jeff McGarry
Project Technical Lead for PeopleSoft Database
Kevin Stoffers
Project Technical Lead for PeopleSoft Applications
Sharon Mulherin
Executive Sponsor
Tim Pettry
Contact information
PeopleSoft Modernization project team
peoplesoftmodernization@nau.edu
Project office hours
Office hours are held every Thursday at 12:00 PM MST.