FSPT Stipends Reset: Updated Timeline and Name

The current Financial Support Request Tool (FSRT) will be replaced with the new Financial Support Payments Tool (FSPT). This article will focus on updating you about the stipends timeline and rename of the FSPT Project stages. 

From Phases to Releases

Referring to the first project stage as “Phase 0: Stipend Payments” was often confusing, especially when shortened to just “Phase 0,” to describe which part of the project the team was working on. To provide more clarity, we’re switching from “phase” to “release” to describe the different stages of the project, and adding a functional description instead of a number. The new name for the first deliverable of the project is now the Stipends Module Release (formerly referred to as Phase 0: Stipend Payments). Here are the new names for the different stages*: 

• Stipends Module Release 
• Fee Payments Module Release
• Cost Distribution Module Release

*Stages are subject to change

FSPT Project Focus and Timeline

The project is currently focused on the Stipends Module Release. This first stage of the project encompasses stipend functionality in FSPT. The FSPT implementation team continues to work on the development and preliminary testing of the functionality for the Stipends Module Release. 

The timeline for the release of stipend functionality within the new FSPT has changed. Originally anticipated to go live in Fall 2024 Quarter, the Stipends Module Release is now expected to go live in September 2025. Here is a comprehensive breakdown for the Stipends Module Release timeline*: 

• Development: April 2023 - March 2025
• Testing: May 2024 - July 2025
• Training: July 2025 - September 2025
• Go-live: September 2025

*Timeline is subject to change

We are also taking this change in timeline as an opportunity to review our organizational change management (OCM) plans to ensure they align with the new timeline.

This first release of the FSPT Project will focus entirely on stipends. The fee payment process will be addressed in a future release. We’ll let you know as soon as we know more about when fee payments are expected to go live. 

Reason for Timeline Change

As we progressed with development of the new FSPT, it became clear to the implementation team that we did not have a shared understanding of what the initial release of the tool would deliver to its end users. Once we identified this fundamental misunderstanding, we came together as a team to align on our goals and to ensure that we had a shared vision of how those goals would be realized.

After pausing to align on our shared goals, we realized that achieving these goals required more time than initially planned. Allowing ourselves additional time will ensure that we can meet our goals thoughtfully and effectively.

With this adjusted timeline, we can focus on delivering the stipend functionality that will be most impactful for all FSPT users, ensuring that the tool will meet the needs of both the users in the departments and in the Graduate Financial Support Unit. Additionally, this change will allow us additional time to test the new tool with our end users and incorporate feedback, as well as to develop meaningful training and support to be delivered alongside the new tool.

FSPT and SIS Resources

The following are ways that you can submit questions and stay informed: 

• FSPT Project Resources: You can view the FSPT resources on the FSPT Project webpage such as email, Microsoft Teams, enhancement request form and videos. 
• SIS Project OCM Resources: The Get Involved webpage lists resources for how you can meet with the OCM team and share your voice. 

We will keep you informed about future releases of the project as it progresses. The team would like to thank everyone who has already put many hours into this project for stipends functionality. We are excited to move forward with this project and work to improve the graduate student funding experience for graduate students, faculty and staff!