University of Illinois System

About UI Enterprise Systems Governance Committee (ESGC)

Purpose and Framework

The UI Enterprise Systems Governance Committee (ESGC) provides strategic guidance across three core frameworks of enterprise systems and resources: ERP Ecosystem, Business Process Improvement Opportunities, and Project Governance.

The ESGC process plays a critical role in shaping the future of the University System. By collaborating with a diverse range of cross-functional stakeholders, ESGC will align efforts across the three core frameworks, ensuring they are in sync with the evolving strategies and goals of our ERP Ecosystem. This ecosystem represents a complex, interconnected network of systems designed to manage and support essential administrative and operational functions across the University System.

It is important to note that certain administrative IT initiatives fall outside the scope of ESGC oversight. These include systems developed independently within individual academic units (which remain the responsibility of the respective units), administrative technologies used within the medical centers, and specific university-wide administrative applications, which are governed by the University’s Chief Information Officers (CIOs).

For further details, see the ESGC Charter.

1. ERP Ecosystem

The ESGC will provide strategic guidance and oversight into the ERP Ecosystem. Members of the ESGC will guide partnerships with cross-functional leaders across the Universities and System Offices on the evolution of the ERP Ecosystem. Key activities include:

  • Providing feedback on the current ERP Ecosystem.
  • Reviewing and advising on functional and business system requirements.
  • Identifying areas of opportunity and focus for business process improvement.
  • Reviewing and advising on next-generation cloud ERP strategies.
  • Participating in ERP Ecosystem vendor relationships and evaluation.
  • Discussing functional and technical leadership of enterprise systems.

2. Business Process Improvement Opportunities

The ESGC collaborates with cross-functional leaders to identify and prioritize gaps in business processes and propose strategic solutions. Subcommittees assess these opportunities and advise the ESGC on alignment with the University System’s goals. Key objectives include:

  • Reflecting on strategic goals across major functional areas.
  • Providing guidance on projects to address process gaps.
  • Serving functional leaders and partnering with functional process owners to influence improvements across enterprise systems.
  • Guiding innovative ideas and improvements into actionable projects aligned with strategic goals.
  • Continuously evaluating outputs from summits, with a focus on areas such as student experience, automation, AI, predictive analytics, and HR processes.

3. Project Governance

The ESGC will review, prioritize, and approve information technology projects involving University System administrative resources, focusing on:

  • Projects involving resources from System Office units that plan to offer an administrative IT system for the entire University System or multiple universities.
  • Projects that interface with enterprise systems.
  • Enterprise-wide administrative IT projects seeking ESGC funding.

 

ESGC FAQ

Why and when did ITPC change to ESGC?

Fall of 2024 we changed the name from the Information Technology Priorities Committee (ITPC), which focuses mainly on projects, to the UI Enterprise Systems Governance Committee (ESGC). The ESGC will provide guidance and advice and ensure the alignment of ERP Ecosystem initiatives and other activities that affect enterprise systems and processes. During this time, we also reviewed all committees and sub-committees to ensure proper representation. 

Will all projects that are approved begin immediately?

No. The availability of internal resources, such as analysts, subject matter experts, and developers varies over time. Projects will be started based on a combination of factors including their submission dates, value, functional priority, and availability of resources.

What types of projects need to go through the priorities process?

  • Projects involving resources from System Office units that plan to offer an administrative IT system for the entire University System or multiple universities.
  • Projects that interface with enterprise systems.
  • Enterprise-wide administrative IT projects seeking ESGC funding.

Is every project sponsor required to fund their project or are there available funds for these projects? 

There is a central pool of funds provided by the Academic Affairs Management Team. The amount is $1.4 million and the amount will remain at that level on a recurring basis. It is up to the functional sub-committees, XFG, and ESGC to approve the use of these funds.