Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
- What is Banner?
- What is COS?
- I would like to order through COS. What do I need to do?
- When do the COS charges appear in Banner?
- Where do I get a customized catalogue for ordering from COS?
- How do I get the detail of my COS charges?
- Who should I contact if I encounter problems or have questions about COS?
- Can I get a copy of the COS training material?
- When is the next Banner finance training session held?
- What can I expect to learn during the Banner Finance training sessions?
- Are there any requirements to attend the Banner training sessions?
- How can I get access to Banner?
- How do I get access to an index?
What is Banner?
Banner is an interrelated suite of software applications developed by Sungard. Banner is used by the Student, Alumni, Finance, Financial Aid and Human Resources departments of the college.
What is COS?
COS (Customer Operating System) is an on-line web based system used at Teachers College for ordering items directly from Republic Office Supply. COS allows you to order items from the "2000 Everyday Business Products" catalog. This catalog is available at the Purchasing department located at 29 Main Hall. Most products (if available) are usually delivered the next business day.
I would like to order through COS. What do I need to do?
To order on-line from Republic Office Supply, we need to link your index to the COS system. Contact Gary Johannes (x3934) for on-line ordering authorization and training. Please note that currently no grant indexes can be set up for on-line ordering.
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When do the COS charges appear in Banner?
COS charges appear in Banner the month following your order. Charges are processed and uploaded to Banner on a monthly basis at the Controller's Office.
Where do I get a customized catalogue for ordering from COS?
You may pick up a copy at: Administrative Services - Purchasing, Main Hall, Room 29
How do I get the detail of my COS charges?
The Office of the Controller distributes monthly billing statements to the Responsible Person for each index.
Who should I contact if I encounter problems or have questions about COS?
For any questions or problems (technical or operational), please contact Gary Johannes at x3934. If you are experiencing web-related problems, you may contact Stephanie Feola at Republic directly at (718) 803-4907.
Can I get a copy of the COS training material?
The COS training material is available online. Please click here for more information.
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When is the next Banner finance training session held?
BANNER finance training dates are announced via a TC community email. For information on current training sessions, click here.
What can I expect to learn during the Banner Finance training sessions?
The Banner training session is a hands-on training session in two parts. The first part of the training will begin with an introducing to Banner basics such as accessing the system, form structure and navigation. The second part will focus on understanding essential Banner Budget forms, interpreting financial data, and an explanation of the monthly reports received by budget administrators.
An understanding of Banner forms will assist individuals to comprehend Banner budget forms in detail, query data, and give them the ability to access information such as vendor payment and status of purchase orders and payments. In addition, representatives from the Budget & Planning office and Grants & Contract Accounting office will be present during the Q&A session.
Are there any requirements to attend the Banner training sessions?
The session is open to all end users of the Banner finance module. To attend the session you need to have a Banner ID and security access to your index.
How can I get access to Banner?
To get access to Banner, you need to obtain a Banner ID. CIS is responsible for providing users with a Banner ID and an initial password. An application for new Banner accounts is available in Exchange under public folders.
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How do I get access to an index?
Access to budgets is only given to the Responsible Person and Budget Administrator of the index. At the discretion of the Responsible Person or Budget Administrator, access may be given to other users. To obtain access, the request must come from either the Responsible Person or the Budget Administrator of the index. Requests are accepted via email only. Please include the index number and Banner ID in your email. Do not email any passwords with your Banner ID. Email: Gary Johannes at johannes@exchange.tc.columbia.edu.


