Early Bird

Banner Self-Service gets a major face-lift

With an improved user interface and streamlined design, upgrading the system will enhance and modernize the University’s digital experience.

August 5, 2021

Banner Self-Service, the foundational system used by all Roadrunners to accomplish myriad tasks, will be upgraded from Banner 8 Self-Service (SSB8) to Banner 9 Self-Service (SSB9) using a phased approach over the next year. This important initiative is part of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff by providing technology tools that are sustainable and robust and provide an enhanced overall experience.  

Why are we transitioning to SSB9? 

Currently, the University relies on SSB8, a system that has allowed the University to automate certain processes in one place, leading to improved efficiencies over the years. 

SSB9 offers a modern digital experience with a redesigned user interface. It has the capability to provide relevant information in an easy-to-navigate manner with mobile and standard web enhancements. It will allow the MSU Denver community greater access to relevant data and support an improved digital experience for students, faculty, advisors and staff. 

Who is leading this initiative? 

Information Technology Services is leading upgrade efforts in collaboration with key stakeholders representing the University departments that will be most affected by the transition, including the Registrar’s Office, Advising Systems, Financial Aid, the Office of the Controller, Student Accounts and Business Services, and Human Resources. 

When will the transition to SSB9 take place? 

The first phase, upgrading General Self-Service, Student Self-Service and Student Registration Self-Service, is expected to go live in October. Phase II will deliver the remaining functionality, such as Faculty Self-Service, Communication Management and Event Planning. The entire initiative is expected to be completed by the fall 2022 semester. During the transition, some functionality will be available in SSB8 and some functionality will be accessed via SSB9. 

How will this transition affect you? 

Your experiences with SSB9 will vary based on your role at the University: 

• All members of the MSU Denver community will be able to view and update their personal information, emergency contacts and direct-deposit information.
• Prospective students and their parents will be able to view future course offerings and class schedules.
• Current and new students will be able to browse and register for classes, create schedules for future terms and access their Student Profile, Student Account and Financial Aid information.
• Faculty members and professional advisors will find that commonly used advising and class-scheduling resources have been consolidated to one spot, improving the advising experience for advisors and students alike.
• Students will receive notifications on the SSB9 dashboard if they have holds on their account or registration status, eliminating the need for advisors or students to look for this information in deeper menus.

How will SSB9 be accessed? 

Once it is live, the new SSB9 portal will be accessed the same way as the current SSB8 portal. All links from the Faculty and Staff Hub and the Student Hub will still allow direct access to relevant pages. Please note that not all SSB9 functionality will be launched at once, so some Hub links will still be served through SSB8 during the transition. 

Will additional information and training be provided? 

Detailed information and FAQs about this initiative will be provided on the Banner 9 Self-Service Upgrade Initiative webpage. Training videos and how-to articles about using Self-Service 9 will be available via the ITS Knowledge Base. In-person presentations and training are also planned. Watch the Early Bird for additional information. 

Is there a way to ask questions or provide feedback? 

We welcome your questions and feedback. Please email the Banner SSB9 Upgrade Team, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, contact the ITS Service Desk at 303-353-7548.