Boise State University Champions Continuous Innovation with Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP

Boise State University faced challenges with its legacy on-premises ERP system, which hindered progress with costly, disruptive upgrades. Recognizing the need for a scalable and future-ready platform, Boise State selected Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP and Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM, which streamlined their operations. With a modern, AI-enabled cloud platform, Boise State focuses on continuous innovation and improvement to better serve its students.

Why Boise State University chose Oracle

Boise State University faced increasing challenges with its legacy on-premises ERP and HR systems—tools that had once been sufficient but were now hindering progress. Costly, infrequent, and disruptive upgrades slowed innovation, while rising demands across academic and research operations called for a modern solution. Recognizing the need for a scalable and future-ready platform, Boise State embarked on a transformational journey with Oracle’s Fusion Cloud Applications—a suite of solutions that offer continuous innovation, built-in automation, and AI-powered intelligence within a fully integrated cloud environment.

To modernize financial operations, the university implemented Oracle Cloud ERP, streamlining core processes. Out-of-the-box integration with J.P. Morgan enabled fully automated bank reconciliations and end-to-end payment processing within Oracle Cloud ERP. As a result, manual tasks were eliminated, transaction accuracy improved, and cash management became instantly actionable.

“Oracle Cloud ERP implementation was the start of the cloud innovation journey to help increase process efficiencies at Boise State. We have implemented punchout catalogs, which increased efficiencies around purchasing. We also have automated cash reconciliations, which allow the team to focus on discrepancies instead of downloading statements and transactions and preparing the data to reconcile in Excel. We will continue to drive improvements as we continue on the cloud journey,” said Jeff Banka, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Boise State University.

To transform workforce management, the university adopted Oracle Cloud HCM, enhancing functions spanning from talent acquisition to payroll and strategic HR planning. Boise State benefits from a centralized, data-driven HR system that fosters greater connectivity and insight across the organization.

“The Oracle Cloud HCM implementation is a transformative and strategic journey that is delivering efficiencies and long-term value. Centralizing our HR operations in one integrated system lays the foundation for sustainable process excellence. It removes custom integrations, reduces system complexity, and streamlines our core HR processes. As we continue to implement new functionality, like performance management, we further remove manual processes and drive operational efficiencies,” said Agnes Stepek, Deputy Chief Human Resource Officer, Boise State University.

In its continued commitment to student success, the University also deployed Oracle Cloud Student Financial Planning, equipping financial aid teams with real-time, automated visibility into each student’s complete financial journey. This empowers more personalized support, streamlines financial aid processes, and helps improve student outcomes.

Results

Through quarterly feature releases and a continuous improvement model, Boise State University eliminated the need for disruptive upgrades, which were costly and limited the university’s focus on other process improvement efforts.

“We have implemented a Testing mindset and a robust process around quarterly releases, which enables us to be proactive with quarterly changes and also drive continuous improvement with the innovative solutions that Oracle provides. We’ve moved away from the disruption of major upgrades every few years to a model where Boise State is driving improvements utilizing Oracle-delivered functionality. The up-to-date, most frequent functionality allows us to focus on continuous improvements. This shift has been a tremendous benefit,” said Gorane Stormoen, Executive Director, Office of Continuous Improvement, Boise State University.

Boise State is now exploring additional modules to increase process efficiencies within HR, Finance and Procure to Pay. It is also focusing on high-quality data with efforts around data governance and managing data, as well as getting transactions entered correctly the first time and leveraging embedded AI capabilities within Oracle Cloud Applications to strengthen decision-making. From generating real-time performance insights and reports to summarizing employee check-ins into meaningful annual reviews, the University is laying the foundation for more strategic, data-driven operations across the board.

Boise State’s transformation is more than a technology upgrade—it serves as a visionary blueprint for the future of higher education. Sharing advice for institutions considering the move to cloud, Gorane notes: “If you’re starting your cloud journey, remember—it’s not a one-time move. It’s the beginning of an ongoing transformation. Success comes from embracing continuous change.”

About the company

Boise State University offers a high-quality undergraduate education as well as a supportive graduate school that cultivates the personal and career growth of its students. Within seven academic colleges, the Honors College and Graduate College, Boise State offers a wide variety of degree programs, lifelong learning, community engagement, innovation and creativity.

Learn more about Boise State University