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The Ascend 2.0 Program, previously known as Ascend, is an ambitious, multi-year initiative to re-imagine the landscape of UCLA’s financial systems. The new name was chosen to reflect the broad reach of this program, encompassing multiple technology solutions to meet the complex needs of the University in support of the mission.

Why Are We Transforming Our Financial Systems?

UCLA has experienced remarkable growth since the development of the current financial systems four decades ago. Adopting modern, scalable, cloud-based systems will empower UCLA’s continued growth and the financial operations needed to support it. This initiative will allow staff to focus on the core mission, empowered by up-to-the-minute data and robust reporting capabilities.

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What Will the Ascend 2.0 Program Accomplish for UCLA?

Through the Ascend 2.0 Program, UCLA will:

  1. Streamline Procure-to-Pay by replacing the legacy system with BruinBuy Plus supported by JAGGAER technology and implementing process improvements
  2. Modernize and streamline financial management by replacing the mainframe financial system with Bruin Finance supported by Oracle Financials Cloud
  3. Increase efficiency by retiring dated and redundant financial applications
  4. Support consistent campus-wide reporting and create a new common language for UCLA’s financial transactions by replacing the Full Accounting Unit (FAU) with a new Chart of Accounts (CoA) and implementing several sub-ledgers
  5. Enable a more robust planning and budgeting process by migrating from Hyperion to Oracle Enterprise Performance Management Cloud

How has UCLA Prepared for this Relaunch?

The Humanities Building is one of the four original buildings on campus (1929).

Prior to relaunch, the Ascend 2.0 team completed a Planning and Assessment Phase to review documentation and accomplishments from previous efforts to design an implementation strategy, plan, timeline, and align leadership around a shared vision for the greater good of the University. Program leadership includes representatives from IT Services, Business & Finance Solutions, the Office of Research Administration, and Academic Planning and Budget.