Frequently Asked Questions - UCPath Project Overview

UCPath is the University of California’s critical business transformation project to implement a single payroll, benefits, human resources, and academic personnel solution for all UC campuses and medical centers. UCPath will replace UC’s 35-year-old payroll personnel system (PPS) and update HCM, standardizing and streamlining payroll and HR processes system-wide.

Read more about the UCPath Project.

UCPath Online is a self-service tool that gives employees 24/7 access to UC employment information with access levels based on role. Similar to At Your Service Online (AYSO) website, UC employees will be able to log into the portal from computers at work or at home. More importantly, they can now access UCPath on their mobile devices, 24/7.

UCPath = UC Payroll, Academic Personnel, Timekeeping & Human Resources

UCPath is the largest initiative of its kind in UC history. 200,000 employees across 20 locations will be transitioned into the new UCPath system in stages. This is done in "waves" because each campus has a large volume of complex data that must be moved from local payroll and personnel systems into the UCPath system.

The UC Office of the President Team is setting up the infrastructure for UCPath system wide. Their team members are writing code, designing and testing systems, and working with our UC Berkeley UCPath Project Team and other campuses to ensure that processes, technology and the new shared services UCPath Center in Riverside are working prior to campus deployment.

The UC Berkeley UCPath Project Team ensures local processes can support UCPath by making sure our technology works with the new system, converted data is accurate, and that the system has been thoroughly tested. The team also facilitates change management, communications, and training for our Berkeley campus.

UCPath is a huge initiative with many moving parts. Accountability for the successful go-live and institutionalization of UCPath processes and procedures is shared by the UCOP UCPath Team (including their steering and advisory committees) and the Berkeley UCPath Team (including our steering and advisory committees). 

Berkeley’s UCPath project is overseen by executive sponsors and a steering committee consisting of leaders within the HR, IT, Academic, and Finance organizations. The UCPath Project Team also relies heavily on the input of department and campus subject matter experts. They provide detailed information that will be used for business process design and implementation. Visit the People page to view Berkeley's committee and team members.

For UC Berkeley, the total estimated cost of the project (expected to be fully completed in FY 2020) is aligned with the originally reviewed and approved budget of $18.2 million. In addition, UCPath ongoing operational costs (UCPath Center Services, UCPath System Tech Support) are funded by all UCPath locations, including UC campuses.

The run-rate to operate UCPath, paid by UC Berkeley to the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), is $6.5 million per year. UCPath locations also pay variable project/debt service fees that depend on the year/stage in project implementation (debt service is for the $220.5M bond that began in FY 2016 and continues through FY 2036).

UCPath transforms human resource, benefits, and payroll services for all UC employees. It improves our systems and accommodates future growth, strengthening our operational foundation. UCPath will increase productivity by unifying efforts and eliminating or streamlining administrative work across the UC system. The standard processes, shared services center, and new portal mean employees receive better customer service, helping UCB achieve administrative excellence.
UCPath also brings direct benefits to employees, such as improved security of employee personal information, and easier access to pay and benefits information. Read more about the benefits to employees here.