Overview

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Effective October 1, 2025, the Direct Retro (DR) tool in UCPath has been retired. All payroll cost transfers moving forward must be completed using the Salary Cost Transfer (SCT) tool or, in specific cases, the Benefit Cost Transfer (BCT) tool or Oracle PPM Cost Transfers. This change was made to streamline processes, improve the user experience, and reduce system maintenance challenges. The information below addresses common questions about the retirement of the DR tool, exceptions, and the appropriate tools to use for various payroll cost transfer scenarios.  

General

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Q: Why was the Direct Retro (DR) tool retired in UCPath? 

A: UCPath retired the DR tool effective October 1, 2025, due to maintenance concerns and because the new Salary Cost Transfer (SCT) tool (launched November 2023) was designed to improve the user experience and fully replace the DR tool.  

Q: Why am I getting an error message when processing a payroll transaction using the Salary Cost Transfer (SCT) tool?  

A: SCT is not available for: 

• Payroll transactions with an earnings period end date prior to October 4, 2021, or
• Payroll transactions that were already moved using the DR tool and now require another correction.

In these cases, follow the steps outlined in How to Process Payroll Cost Transfers After Direct Retro (DR) Retirement 

Q: Will performing a PPM Cost Transfer create a variance between UCPath and Oracle? 

A: Yes. Variances between UCPath (labor ledger/DOPE) and Oracle (PPM) will occur in these cases. This is a result of correcting in OFC only and not in UCPath. Nothing further can be done to resolve this variance. To mitigate audit risk, ensure proper justification and compliance documentation are included as needed. 

Q: What if a Direct Retro in UCPath moved salary but not all fringe benefits (still showing on the DOPE)?  

A: You may use the Benefit Cost Transfer (BCT) tool in UCPath if you have access. If you do not have access, submit a ticket to: 

• If you are in Health Sciences, submit your ticket to Hypercare Transactions Team (HATC) 
• If you are in Academic Affairs, submit your ticket to SWAT
• All others submit a ticket to Payroll Financial Management (PFM)
  • About: Financial Accounting
  • Related to:  Payroll Financial Management
  • More specifically: Payroll Salary and Benefit Cost Transfers (UCPath)

They can assist with processing the adjustment.  

Q: How do I request access to the Benefit Cost Transfer (BCT) tool?  

A: Access is generally limited to central offices (HATC, SWAT, PFM, Central Reconciliation). In rare cases, access may be granted to individuals under special sponsor requirements (e.g., removing unallowable costs). To request access:

• Submit a ticket to Sponsored Project Finance with justification.
  • About: Awards & Sponsored Projects 
  • Related to:  Resource and Cost Transfers 
  • More specifically: Award Resource and Cost Transfer Inquiries 
• If approved, SPF will coordinate with PFM to grant access. 

Q: How can I certify effort if my DOPE does not include all project costs because a PPM Cost Transfer was required? 

A: For federal and federal flow-thru awards, obtain ECERTs for both the “from” and “to” projects. 

If the transfer is within ±5% effort, note this in your Services & Support ticket (no adjustment needed).
If the transfer is outside of that range, manually adjust the effort and obtain PI's signature on the revised ECERT copy. Attach the signed ECERT(s) to your ticket.