The evidence is overwhelming that the new century we have just entered into will be characterized by unprecedented advances in information technology. With each day that passes, our lives are being changed by these new advances, and just as we are changing the way we do things in our personal lives, so must the University change the way it conducts its "life."

Two years ago, over three hundred UT employees from across the University began working to determine how best to simplify administrative procedures and enhance the knowledge and technical expertise of those who support the instruction, research and public service missions of the institution. That two-year effort resulted in what has now been given the formal name of Project IRIS (Integrated R/3 Information System). Central to Project IRIS is implementation of the R/3 information system software developed by SAP America. The R/3 system will improve the way we perform our financial and human resources functions. The target date for implementation of the new system is April 2, 2001, with enhancements continuing after that date.

Some have asked why we are replacing our old systems. The answer is that most of UT's business systems are twenty-five years old; they were developed in-house, are costly to maintain and lack the capabilities needed to function in today's environment. IRIS will simplify business processes by reducing paperwork and allowing electronic routing of documents, by providing a real-time processing environment for approvals and other transactions, and by allowing full integration of various systems. These streamlined processes will reduce administrative overhead.

With the world changing so rapidly around us, we must also change if we are to continue to be the best institution possible for our students and the others whom we serve. IRIS will change the way much of our work is done and changes of this magnitude can be daunting, but if we all pull together the job will get done and productivity and administrative efficiency will be improved.

I ask that you join me in making IRIS a success. The other members of the Executive Steering Committee, Dr. Dwayne McCay, vice president for research and information technology, and Mr. Robert Salvucci, president of SAP America's public sector, join me in inviting you to share your ideas and, when necessary, your time with Mr. Neal Wormsley,  Director of Project IRIS, and his excellent team.

Thank you for your time and attention and for your support of this important undertaking. More information on Project IRIS and the implementation team is available on this website.