Endowment and Gift Stewardship System (EGSS)
One challenge that has been shared by many both within the College and the University at large has been the lack of integration among the many computer systems that are related to stewardship. Lack of access to information in a timely, consistent, and easily viewed manner is a primary concern. Units within the college have been asked to steward their donors, yet they don't have access to up-to-date addresses and giving information. Department heads are responsible for overseeing the distribution of endowments in their unit, however, they do not have an easy, timely way to monitor these expenditures.
To address these issues, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is partnering with the Colleges of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences, and the Penn State Stewardship Strategic Planning Committee to create a web-based interface that will integrate information from current university systems into one easy-to-use tool to aid in the management of endowments and gifts. This system will also provide a centralized location for the sharing of information regarding these endowments, facilitating communication and coordination within the College.
Needs identified in the EMS Stewardship Working Group will be considered in the development of this system. Kevin Peterson, Finance Officer in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, participated in a Core Stewardship System Working Group, led by Senior Information Systems Consultant, Peter deVries, which was tasked with the goal of developing recommendations for system development and implementation.
