What UK employees need to know about SAP modernization launching in July

On July 20, 2026, University of Kentucky’s SAP software will transition to a cloud-based system for an updated personalized experience that is more accessible for all users. Project RISE aims to modernize and improve the way the University uses SAP (read more: https://its.uky.edu/projectRISE).

Please note that employees who will be using Workday as part of the transition to Beyond Blue, will no longer use SAP for employee functions.

For any managers transitioning to Beyond Blue who will continue to manage employees in SAP, please note the impacts to manager functions.

Important dates to know before the transition

• Beginning Thursday, July 16 at 6 p.m. through Monday, July 20 at 8 a.m., all SAP systems will be down for maintenance. 
• Monday, July 20 at 8 a.m. - A more modern SAP goes live! Some things may look and act different, but we will have resources to support you.

What does this mean for the UK community?

For employees, the launch of Project RISE in July will bring changes to the look and feel of apps they use in the myUK portal, including but not limited to:

• Record Working Time – Employees that record their time via “Record Working Time” in the myUK portal will notice changes to the screen. Resources will be shared to support this change. 
  • Note: Employees that use “Record STEPS working time” in the myUK portal will see no changes.
• Leave Request – When entering requests for leave (e.g., vacation, TDL), employees will notice the screen will look different. 

Additionally, for managers:

• Approve Working Time and Leave Requests – Managers can expect changes to the look and feel of the screen.
  • Note: Managers that approve time from employees that enter via “Record STEPS working time” in the myUK portal will see no changes.

For employees that use SAP applications in their daily job, a modernized version will be opened in a web-based interface, named the SAP Fiori Launchpad, rather than a desktop application.

The launch of Project RISE will also bring new features, like in-app support that will walk users through the updated version of SAP.

What won’t change in July?  

• Many SAP screens will look similar to current screens. For example, many functions that students use in the myUK portal will experience little to no change.
• Transactions, fields and business rules will remain mostly the same.

How can you prepare for go-live on July 20?

Starting June 11 through July 10, early access provides users with entry to a test SAP S/4 system before full deployment. During this time, you will be able to see and experience the S/4 versions of the applications you currently have access to. Please note that nothing you do during Early Access will be carried over into the production environment on July 20. Want to dive in? Read more on our Early Access webpage.

Have questions or need more support?

Use the Project RISE Contact Form to submit:

• Feedback during early access
• Questions or concerns about transition support and training resources
• Questions about Project RISE overall