Data security is critical for all organizations — especially public colleges and universities. Schools handle private information like student records, payroll, and financial data.
Colleges receiving government funding in Texas must follow the Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program (TX-RAMP). This program ensures that colleges work with vendors who meet strict security rules. APS has achieved a TX-RAMP provisional certification and offers secure payroll and HR solutions for colleges. But what is TX-RAMP, and why does it matter?
What is TX-RAMP?
TX-RAMP is run by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). It tracks cloud service providers (CSPs) that work with Texas state agencies and public colleges. TX-RAMP validates that these cloud services meet critical security standards, especially for systems handling regulated data with moderate or high impact.
To achieve provisional certification, APS completed the TX-RAMP Acknowledgment and Inventory Questionnaire. This provisional status allows APS’ cloud solutions to be used by state agencies as we complete a full TX-RAMP assessment to secure long-term compliance. Our provisional certification includes both Level 1 and Level 2 coverage:
- TX-RAMP Level 1 Certification: For systems that handle public data. It requires 117 security controls.
- TX-RAMP Level 2 Certification: For systems that handle private or sensitive data. It requires 223 security controls. APS has completed about 23.4% of the requirements for full certification status.
Why TX-RAMP Matters for Higher Education
For public colleges, a TX-RAMP certification is required. Colleges that receive state or federal funding must use TX-RAMP-certified providers. Cloud computing services that don’t comply with TX ramp face these risks:
- Loss of Funding: Colleges can lose state or federal money if they don’t use TX-RAMP-certified providers.
- Disrupted Operations: Non-certified services can be shut down. This stops core processes like payroll.
- Security Risks: Non-certified services increase the risk of data breaches. Private data, such as student records or employee information, could be exposed.
- Legal Trouble: Not following TX-RAMP rules can lead to fines or lawsuits.
How TX-RAMP Helps Colleges
Colleges face many challenges when managing payroll and HR data. They have different types of employees, including full-time faculty, maintenance staff, and student workers.
Various groups need different pay, benefits, and tax handling. Colleges need systems that manage these unique needs while keeping data safe. Using a provider like APS ensures colleges keep payroll and HR data secure. Here’s how APS can help:
- Security and Risk Reduction: As a TX-RAMP provisionally certified provider, APS protects payroll and HR data. We reduce the risk of data breaches and keep private information safe.
- Compliance with State and Federal Rules: Payroll management means following many laws, like labor laws and state regulations. Through our provisional TX-RAMP certification, we help higher education institutions maintain compliance.
- Simplified Grant Reporting: Public colleges rely on government grants which have strict reporting rules. APS can track wages and benefits for grants, making reporting easier. Get valuable time back in your day.
Making TRS (Texas Retirement System) Reporting Easier
Texas community colleges must send monthly payroll data to the Texas Retirement System (TRS). They’re required to submit files with employee details, including pay rates and deductions. This can be difficult without the right tools.
APS simplifies TRS reporting by automating most of the work. Higher education institutions like Clarendon College and Grayson College use APS to make payroll management easier. APS helps them avoid errors and saves time. We also keep colleges compliant with TRS rules.
Meeting Payroll and HR Needs for Higher Education
APS offers many products and services that help colleges:
- Manage Multiple Pay Rates: Colleges have employees with different pay rates. APS makes it easy to manage these pay rates and ensures everyone is paid correctly.
- Handle Irregular Schedules: Many college employees, like adjunct professors or part-time staff, have irregular schedules. APS tracks their hours and ensures they are paid for the time they work.
- Oversee Multiple Campuses: Colleges with more than one campus need to centralize payroll and HR data. APS provides tools that let each campus manage its data while keeping everything organized.
- Support the Full Employee Lifecycle: APS supports every step of the employee lifecycle from hire to retire. This approach includes managing benefits, tenure, and retirement planning.
- Make Tax Compliance Simple: Payroll management means following many tax laws. APS automates tax calculations and keeps colleges updated on new tax rulings. This tax compliance support helps schools adhere to regulations and avoid penalties.
Grayson College: A Success Story
Before using APS, Grayson College struggled to manage payroll and HR data. Their data was spread across different systems. This made it hard for teams to access the information they needed.
After switching to APS, Grayson College integrated all payroll and HR data into one system. This made it easier for their CFO and HR team to manage data. Grayson also used APS’ API to connect payroll data with other systems. The seamless integration reduced errors and saved time. APS made their operations smoother and more efficient. Grayson College benefits from the peace of mind APS provides.
Ask How We Can Make Payroll & HR Easier for You
The Importance of APS’ Provisional TX-RAMP Certification
Public colleges and universities need secure, compliant payroll and HR systems. APS meets these needs by making TRS reporting easier. As a TX-RAMP provisionally certified provider, we manage complex payroll systems and help you stay up-to-date with state and federal rules.
APS is a trusted partner for higher education institutions. We help colleges track grants, follow tax laws, and protect private data. With APS, colleges and universities can work more efficiently and securely, knowing their data is safe and compliant.
