Frequently Asked Questions

Banner Questions

URSA Questions

What is Banner?

Banner is the name of a fully integrated software solution developed by Sungard Higher Education (Sungard HE) and used by the University to manage it's business operations.  The Banner system supports and manages student information, accounts receivable, financial aid, alumni/advancement, finance, and human resources.  In addition, Banner includes a number of self-service (a.k.a. URSA) features so that students, faculty and advisors, and staff can access personalized and online University services to conveniently conduct business. 

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What is Banner Web Client?

The Banner Web Client is used by the University to access the Banner system for day-to-day business.  The Banner Web Client is used to manage student information, accounts receivable, financial aid, alumni/advancement, finance, and human resources.  To access the Banner Web Client, the user must be authenticated with the IUP VPN (Virtual Private Network).   Access to the system requires a IUP computing account and password.   To obtain an account for Banner Web Client, please contact the appropriate Banner Security Officer. 

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Who uses the Banner Web Client?

The Banner Web Client is used for day-to-day business processing.  The primary users are Administrative staff, student employees, staff in the academic department, and staff/faculty in the Dean's office. 

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How do I get my Banner Web Client account?

To obtain your Banner Web Client account, you must contact a Banner Security Officer.  The Banner Security Officer will request the creation of the account and provide the appropriate privileges for your day-to-day use of the system. 

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If I have an Banner Web Client account but forgot my password, what do I do?

If you can't remember your Banner Web Client password, you may send an email message from your IUP email account to admin-helpdesk@iup.edu.  The message should specifically state that you'd like to have your Banner Web Client password reset. 

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What is different about Banner Web Client and URSA?

The main difference between the Banner Web Client and URSA is that the Banner Web Client is for day-to-day business processing and data-entry.  The Banner Web Client requires more user-end training and security.  The primary users of the Banner Web Client are the administrative departments (ex. Registrar's Office, Human Resources, Housing, Finance, Bursar's Office, Financial Aid, etc.).  URSA is a self service product for students and employees.   URSA is accessible to all IUP employees, students, and alumni.  The primary users of URSA are Faculty and Students.

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Who are the Banner Security Officers?

Click here to view the Banner Security Officers.  To obtain a Banner Web Client or change your Banner Web Client privileges, you must contact the appropriate Banner Security Officer. 

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What are the PC requirements for Banner Web Client?

To access the Banner Web Client, your PC must have the following.

- Jinitiator 1.3.1.18
- Internet Explorer web browser versions (for Windows) 6.0 or higher (for MACs) 5.2.3 for OS X or 5.1.7 for OS 9
- recommended desktop settings is 1024 x 764 pixes (set in Control Panel / Display)

To obtain this software, please consult with the person(s) responsible for your computing support.

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Can I access the Banner Web Client remotely (such as from a home PC)?

All connections to the Banner Web Client require authentication with the IUP network.  This connectivity is referred to as the Virtual Private Network (VPN).   Users may access remotely via their ISP connection by authenticating with the VPN.  For directions on how to connect to the VPN remotely, please refer to the TechZone.

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Who do I contact with Banner Web Client issues?

If your Banner Web Client issues, please consult with the person(s) responsible for your computing support.

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How do I get my printer setup for Banner Web Client job submission?

Banner direct printing can be setup to Hewlett-Packard printers only.   Please contact the IT Support Center at 7-4000 or it-support-center@iup.edu prior to purchasing a printer to assure it will work with Banner.  

If you have a Hewlett-Packard printer, a request can be made via your College Technology Manager (CTM) or directly to the IT Support Center at 7-4000 or it-support-center@iup.edu.  The Support Center will need the following information about the printer: IP address, printer name, HP printer model, and location of printer.

Users may also choose to use the Documentation Presentation System for Banner printing.   

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How to I use the WEB print option in Banner?

The WEB print functionality is referred to as the Documentation Presentation System.  This allows the user to submit a Banner Job Submission job, and receive the output as an email.   The user has the flexibility to print to any printer, and manipulate the output via the Documentation Presentation System. 

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How can I get Banner Web Client training?

Banner Web Client training is offered in various methods.   The IT Support Center offers general Banner Navigational Training to all Banner Web Client users.  This training is not function or model specific.   It is designed to provide the user with the necessary skills to navigate throughout the interface.  

Other training is functional, and users may refer to the Banner Documentation site.  

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Is there a User guide for the Banner Web Client?

A Banner Naviational Guide is available via the Banner Documentation site.   Sungard Banner documentation is available as well.  Sungard is our software provider. 

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Is there a keyboard template for Banner Web Client?

A keyboard template is available for you to place on your keyboard.  It provides a quick-reference to hot-keys within the Banner Web Client.  

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How do I create a personal menu and links in Banner Web Client?

With in the Banner Web Client, a users has the ability to customize a Personal Menu and Personal Links.   We recommend a Personal Menu setup for the casual Banner user. 

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What is URSA?

URSA is a secured self-service system that allows students, faculty and advisors, and staff to access personalized and online university services.   The IUP URSA system provides functionality delivered by Sungard Higher Education and customized applications developed by the IT Support Center.  Access to the URSA system requires a Personal ID and PIN.   Students can obtain their Personal ID and PIN from the Registrars Office.  The Human Resources office can provide Personal ID and PIN to Faculty and Staff. 

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Who uses URSA?

URSA is a self-service application used by Faculty, Advisors, Staff, and Students.

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What is different about URSA and the Banner Web Client?

The main difference between the Banner Web Client and URSA is that the Banner Web Client is for day-to-day business processing and data-entry.  The Banner Web Client requires more user-end training and security.  The primary users of the Banner Web Client are the administrative departments (ex. Registrar's Office, Human Resources, Housing, Finance, Bursar's Office, Financial Aid, etc.).  URSA is a self service product for students and employees.   URSA is accessible to all IUP employees, students, and alumni.  The primary users of URSA are Faculty and Students.

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What is my URSA Personal ID and PIN?

The URSA Personal ID is your @######## ID.   The PIN is 6-digits and used with the Personal ID to access URSA.   Please use a unique PIN and do not share this with anyone. 

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How do I get my URSA Personal ID and PIN?

This ID is provided to all new employees during their Human Resources orientation, and to all students during their orientation.    Students may obtain their Personal ID and PIN from the Registrar's Office once they have completed new student orientation.   Employees must obtain their Personal ID and PIN from Human Resources.

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How do I get my PIN reset?

Student must have their PIN reset by the Registrar's office.  All employees must have Human Resources reset their PIN.  Your PIN will expire on URSA.   Please complete Security Question and Answer setup, on the Personal Information menu in URSA, to assist you in the event you cannot enter URSA.

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What are the PC requirements for URSA?

To access the Banner Web Client, your PC must have the following.

- Internet Explorer web browser versions (for Windows) 6.0 or higher (for MACs) 5.2.3 for OS X or 5.1.7 for OS 9

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Who do I contact for URSA issues?

Students and Faculty should submit URSA functionality issues to the Registrar's Office.  Employees can consult with the person(s) responsible for your computing support.

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How can I get URSA training?

For Faculty, please refer to the Faculty URSA navigational tutorial and supplied documentation for functionality questions.

For Students, please refer to the Student URSA navigational tutorial.

For Employees, please refer to the Employee URSA navigational tutorial. 

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For further assistance, please contact the person or group responsible
for your computing support.