Clusters

How do we update the Cluster Director list if the Cluster Director is changed?

The temporary procedure to update the Cluster Director list is to contact Alice Pepin via email at pepin003@umn.edu.

How do we update our DeptID Approvals or Certified Approver (CA) DeptID Approvals? (Temporary resolutions):

Please complete an Access Request Form to change approvers.

For Certified Approver (CA) DeptID Approvals contact the Certified Approver Program in the Office of Oversight, Analysis, and Reporting at oar@umn.edu or 612-625-9057. (Review CA DeptID list here: http://www.oar.umn.edu/CA/index.cfm look for "CA Lists" then "DeptID").

Are there certain types of transactions handled only at the cluster level?

Yes. Functions that are clustered include:

• payment voucher processing,
• purchasing oversight,
• journal processing,
• annual budget oversight,
• data analysis/reporting, and
• bill processing

In addition, some chancellors, deans, and VPs have expressed interest in clustering payroll/HRMS and budget processing. Many other activities will remain at the department (or local) level, including purchasing, vendor/customer relations, travel authorization and expense reporting, journal reconciliation, and EGMS proposal prep.

Where does voucher processing take place?

Voucher processing for internal and external vendors is a clustered function. PeopleSoft Accounts Payable functionality allows the University to implement a standardized, streamlined approach for University Accounts Payable, including one point of entry for all Accounts Payable transactions. Users complete a voucher by entering information on the first one or two pages. Many of the other pages automatically default information into the voucher from the Payables control hierarchy. Payments are processed daily and express payments are used for on-demand check requests. 

What is imaged at the local (cluster) level?

Documentation related to vendor payments and journal entries is imaged at the cluster level. The invoice is imaged at the cluster and then the appropriate preparer will enter the transaction from the image. To learn more about scanning locations, follow this link