University of Mississippi Transitions to New Cloud Systems

News Summary

The University of Mississippi is set to transition from its aging SAP system to modern cloud-based systems, Workday and Banner by Ellucian, over the next four years. This change, part of Project Encompass, aims to improve operations, particularly enhancing student services and overall user experience. Faculty leadership expresses enthusiasm, recognizing the potential this ‘digital transformation’ holds for better educational management and accessibility for students and staff alike.

University of Mississippi Set for Major Cloud-Based Transition

In a big move for the future, the University of Mississippi is planning to overhaul its cloud-based information systems, transitioning from SAP to Workday and Banner by Ellucian over the next four years. This exciting change is set to enhance how the university operates and interacts with both students and staff.

The Road to Project Encompass

The push for this transition stems from the need to replace the aging SAP system, which is set to stop receiving maintenance for older models by 2027. To initiate this change, the university created Project Encompass, which kicked off in the fall of 2022. A committee made up of faculty members and technology experts evaluated various platform options before finally settling on the new systems.

The planning and evaluation process included a deep dive into how these tools would enhance faculty and student interactions, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone involved. The lead on this project is Lisa Stone, who also serves as the interim vice chancellor for marketing and communications.

Enhancing Student Operations

For many, this transition is particularly exciting, especially for those involved in student services. Tony Ammeter, co-chair of Project Encompass and the project director for the Banner student information system, mentioned that this change isn’t just about moving away from an outdated platform—it’s about providing enhanced solutions that are primarily focused on improving student operations.

Workday will take the reins when it comes to human resources, payroll, and financial operations. On the other hand, Banner by Ellucian is set to be employed as the student information system, which is tailor-made for managing student records, finances, academics, and human resources.

The Benefits of the New System

One of the most significant perks that newcomers can look forward to is the mobile format of Workday. This will be a game changer for student operations, making tasks like class registration considerably easier and allowing for better accessibility across a wide range of devices. This means students can stay connected and manage their educational journey right from their phones or tablets.

Preparing for a Smooth Transition

Of course, with any big change comes some challenges. One of the key hurdles will be effectively communicating these changes to students and faculty, particularly those who are accustomed to the old SAP system. However, Ammeter remains optimistic that the new solutions will greatly enhance the user experience, easing the transition for everyone involved.

A Warm Welcome from Faculty and Leadership

The excitement for the prospects of modernizing the university’s information systems isn’t just limited to the project team. Faculty senator Hans P. Sinha has expressed enthusiasm for the upgrades, clearly recognizing the benefits this transition will bring. Furthermore, Chancellor Glenn Boyce describes the whole endeavor as a “digital transformation” aimed at not only improving the university’s competitive stance but also its commitment to delivering quality education and services to its students.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

As the University of Mississippi gears up for this ambitious transition to Workday and Banner, the entire community looks forward to a more efficient and accessible way to manage essential operations. With Project Encompass leading the way, it seems that the future is bright for students, staff, and faculty alike. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting transformation unfolds over the coming years!

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Additional Resources

• The Daily Mississippian: Project Encompass Chooses New Information Systems
• Wikipedia: Cloud Computing
• EdScoop: University Selecting New Student Information System
• Google Search: Student Information System
• EdScoop: Howard U Rebrands Student Information System
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Information System