What is a FOAPAL?
FOAPAL is the acronym for an account string in Banner. What used to be a gen number, a sub code and a tail code in AS400 terminology is now a FOAPAL. It stands for Fund, Organization, Account, Program, Activity, and Location. Most faculty and staff will use their departmental Fund, Organization and Program - - and will select different accounts as needed.
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How do I know what Banner fund, organization and program to use?
If you go to the BA01 screen in the AS400 and enter your "old" account information and then select Option 6, it will display the Fund,Org and Program information (Comptrollers Office, Athletics, etc.) that correspond to your AS400 account.
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How do I know what account type to use?
If you go to the BA01 screen and select Option 9, it will display a list of the most commonly used account types (food, travel, supplies, etc.). The most commonly used account types will also be displayed on the back of vouchers. For a more detailed list of accounts please contact the comptroller's office.
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Can I use a voucher?
Yes, you can use a voucher - a new Banner voucher, which must be printed on pink paper. The new vouchers have been printed and stocked, and are available through the normal procedures (contacting reprographics). We will also be sending out an electronic version of the voucher via an email update later this week. Additionally, we are creating a separate travel specific voucher, which will also be available electronically.
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What is an index?
An index is a shortcut to your Fund, Org and Program information. Indexes have been created for all of the "expense" accounts ( accounts that begin with a 26 or a 27). We will continue to create indexes for the other account types (endowment, etc.). You can view your index by accessing the BA01 screen, and selecting Option 6. You will be able to use your index with vendors in town, but will need to fill in the account unless the account is obvious (Mr. Ups = food).
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What is an activity code?
An activity code is a user defined code that is used to track expenses. It must be "registered" in the comptroller's office. It is 6 characters long, and 3 of those characters are reserved for comptroller's office purposes. You may use the remaining 3 characters providing that they haven't already been "registered" by another user. The activity code is similar to the AS400 tailcode. You can contact Eileen Fahey in the comptroller's office to register an activity code.
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Am I expected to be able to do all the things in Banner that I do now on the AS400?
There are two answers to this question. In the short term, for July 1, the answer is no. It will take some time before you can do all the things you currently do, using Banner. And we will need to work with you to answer questions that are specific to your department, and to continue to provide you with appropriate training. However, in the coming weeks and months, the answer is yes. We expect that you will be able to do all of the activities that you do now using Banner.
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