BlueSky is the name of the Oracle Cloud platform that has been implemented for the university’s human resources and finance applications. In January 2021, accessing information and completing tasks related to human resources and finance at DePaul transitioned from PeopleSoft to BlueSky.
BlueSky offers DePaul a modernized and synchronized application platform based on an internet-based system vs. an intranet-based system for data applications (e.g., PeopleSoft). This cloud-based system offers many benefits to the university, including:
- Improved self-service for employees and managers
- Continuous upgrades and process improvements to maintain relevance and currency
- Better access and use of data for decision making
While DePaul’s human resources and finance data are no longer operating through PeopleSoft applications, the university will still be using PeopleSoft for other data needs within the university. For example, Campus Connect, which is built on top of PeopleSoft's Campus Solutions (CS) system, will still be used at the university.
The implementation of BlueSky is an exciting moment in DePaul’s history and nearly every employee in the DePaul community is an end user for at least one self-service function in the system. This investment in DePaul’s information infrastructure enables the university to carry out our core business functions more efficiently and provides a sustainable solution for our data into the future.
BlueSky FAQs
The PeopleSoft system was originally created in the 1980s and implemented at DePaul in the late 1990s. Much has changed since then. The Oracle Cloud system provides a modernized, 21st century solution that enables continuous technological updates that allow us to deliver customized data faster and reduce administrative processes. As a result, we can pursue the university’s ultimate goal: greater focus on student education and success.
No. DePaul will still use Campus Connect, which is built on top of PeopleSoft's Campus Solutions (CS) system, for other data needs within the university.
A large internal team, consisting of individuals from Information Services, Human Resources, and Finance, worked alongside Drivestream, a certified Oracle implementation partner to transition DePaul's human resources, finance and budget planning applications from PeopleSoft to the Oracle Cloud system. Given the scope and the complexities of converting parts of a 20-year-old, customized system, the project was no easy undertaking—but the team was able to accomplish this systems conversion in just over 18 months.
The BlueSky Team has developed detailed training that is available online: click here for BlueSky training resources.
In addition, the BlueSky Help Tool is a robust on-screen help tool that guides users through the system—so memorizing a list of what clicks are needed to complete different tasks is eliminated. On the BlueSky home screen there is a small red rectangular icon on the right side of the screen. Click on the icon and type in the topic that you need help with; the BlueSky Help tool will then guide you through the system to help you complete your task.