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Selecting a Modern, Cloud-Based SIS
The Student Information System (SIS) is a foundational component for many critical processes at Metropolitan State University of Denver, including admissions, registration, financial aid, and grading. Since 1998, MSU Denver has relied on Ellucian Banner as its existing SIS. However, an independent third-party review highlighted that the system no longer aligns with the University’s need for a modern, accessible, mobile-friendly, and cloud-based digital experience for the MSU Denver student community.
Having the benefit of applying learnings from the recent deployment of an updated Enterprise Resource Planning platform for Human Resources and Finance needs, the University is prepared to shift focus to the SIS and select a modern, cloud-based solution that can support students, faculty, and staff for the next decade and beyond.
Project Background
The Multi-Year Project Journey
Since 2021, a cross-functional working group has rigorously evaluated two candidate solutions. Collectively, the working group has dedicated over 2,000 hours to system demos, in-depth feature reviews, conference participation, and reference calls.
In parallel, the University has worked closely with the State of Colorado to request funding to support this digital transformation effort. If awarded, funds will become available in July 2024, and must be spent by June 2027.
Cross-Functional Working Group Spotlight
The cross-functional working group comprises members from various functional areas within the University, including Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, the Bursar’s Office, Business Intelligence, the Student Advisory Council, and Information Technology Services. These individuals were carefully selected based on their distinct expertise and diverse perspectives.
For additional information about the working group, please visit the Student Information System Evaluation SharePoint Site.
Benefits
Pursuing the project at this time will bring benefits to the student community and ensure continued stability of the SIS environment as the current systems reach replacement age.
The primary benefits of implementing a modern, cloud-based student information system include:
- Enhanced User Experience (UX): Ensures intuitive interactions and increased engagement for users.
- Efficient Data Access and Reporting: Provides quick access to data and streamlined reporting processes.
- Scalability and Adaptability: Flexibly adjusts to changing needs and institutional growth.
- Seamless Integration: Integrates with other university platforms.
- Mobile Accessibility: Conveniently accessible from mobile devices.
- Compliance and Security: Adheres to data privacy, security, accessibility, and reporting standards.
- Student Success Tools: Offers integrated features to enhance retention and graduation rates.
Testing Phase
To select the most suitable modern SIS, MSU Denver is evaluating two potential options: Workday Student and Ellucian Student. This evaluation involves key functional leaders from various areas, including Academic Affairs, Student Admissions, Student Records, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, Student Financials, and faculty members.
During this process, the functional leaders will have access to demo environments, extensive training, and vendor experts. They will create a detailed process-testing regimen based on best practices. Additionally, reference calls with at least five comparable institutions will allow team members to learn from others who have recently implemented new SIS solutions.
In the second half of 2024, the University also plans to bring in outside support for strategy, change management, process design, and data integrity.
Regardless of which software or vendor is ultimately chosen, the work completed during testing—including data review and business process mapping—will be seamlessly integrated into the project. Assuming everything goes as planned, a collaborative decision on how to proceed will be reached by the end of 2024.
Workday Student Overview
Interested in learning about Workday Student? Workday offers an engaging video and a detailed overview website. For further insights, explore the Workday Community, a valuable resource for all Workday-related inquiries.
Ellucian Student Overview
Curious about Ellucian Student? Explore the range of resources Ellucian provides, including the Ellucian Customer Center.
Project Timeline
The MSU Denver community has been engaged in this conversation for nearly five years, with close to 200 community members involved. At present, the University is working to secure funding to proceed and to collaboratively finalize our path forward.
Assuming funding availability and a decision in Calendar Year 2024, the University anticipates completing the SIS digital transformation in Calendar Year 2027.
Link to Text-only Description for Student Information System Digital Transformation Timeline
Strategic Drivers
Embracing MSU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Vision
An SIS Transformation initiative has the potential to directly support 4 of the 5 pillars in MSU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan:
I) Student Access, Service and Achievement: A transformed Student Information System will help attract and recruit both new and transfer students and ensure a low-friction experience once they matriculate.
II) Student-Centered Academic Excellence: A streamlined SIS tool will reduce the number of systems students and faculty must use to complete core academic tasks, including advising, degree planning, and major/minor declaration.
IV) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A modern, cloud-based, mobile-friendly platform will reduce barriers to student success, offer more agility and inclusive language, and provide the University with at-a-glance metrics to support the success of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
V) Organizational Agility and Sustainability: Lastly, but just as important, a modernized tool offers increases stability, enhanced security, lower operational overhead, and streamlined business processes that will allow MSU Denver to most efficiently deploy resources where they matter most: to student success and faculty/staff engagement.
Stay Informed
Throughout the SIS evaluation process, regular updates will be provided through the Early Bird communication channel. Additionally, comprehensive documentation will be accessible via SharePoint, ensuring that University constituents remain informed about this critical decision. Access to this documentation will be available to anyone with University credentials.