Student Information System Project Readiness
An SIS is a software platform that centralizes and manages all student-related data and administrative processes. It acts as a central hub and includes self-service portals for students, staff and faculty to access essential academic and financial information. The SIS that UNF currently uses is called Banner by Ellucian and is considered a “legacy” program. UNF launched Ellucian Banner in the early 2000’s, making significant configuration changes and bolt-on system integrations throughout its lifetime.
UNF is entering into a readiness engagement, designed to proactively prepare Higher Ed institutions for their Workday Student deployment. The work centers around introducing Student deployment concepts, targeted recommendations, and ongoing guidance in key readiness areas.
WHAT IS CHANGING?
The University of North Florida is researching a shift from our current Banner SIS in alignment with our strategic plan. To assist us with doing this, UNF is partnering with Workday to conduct a readiness assessment to determine our current ability to go through a major software implementation.
Why are we moving to a new SIS?
Moving to a new SIS allows UNF to:
- Leverage updated technology and modern features
- Decrease dependence on bolt-on systems and workarounds
- Ensure ongoing system support and maintenance for the future
- Unify UNF’s work effort into a comprehensive system
Why are we participating in a readiness assessment?
By evaluating our current ability to undergo a major software replacement we are able to:
- Work with experts to identify areas of strength and areas that need additional resources before an implementation project
- Outline a realistic timeline for the implementation of a new SIS
- Work with our campus community to gather feedback early on
- Educate employees who will be working on the SIS implementation of exactly what will be required for this project in the future.
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Students
While students will not be impacted by the readiness engagement, they will be significantly impacted when we begin implementing our new SIS. -
Faculty
Faculty will not be heavily impacted during the readiness period, but may be asked to contribute in certain activities. During the implementation of our new SIS, faculty will begin learning and using the new platform. -
Staff
Staff in certain student-facing roles may be asked to participate actively in the readniness process. During the SIS implementation, staff in student-facing roles will begin learning and using the new platform.
Workday Student, like existing Workday Platform, is a different, more modern system. UNF will have to rethink all existing processes in preparation for change. Changes can impact both system configuration and how we work with Workday. A shift to Workday Student may also introduce new tools and software to enhance our daily work experience.
In Scope
Deployment Prep Navigator Guidance
Workday introduces the Deployment Prep Navigator tool in combination with guided discussions focused on key Student functionality to be considered ahead of the deployment.
Data Clean Up Guidance
Workday leads conversations on the “Workday Student” data conversion process which includes lessons learned from previous Workday Student implementations.
Integration Needs Workshops
Workday engages with UNF to understand the landscape of systems and organize which systems will remain with the deployment of Workday Student.
Platform/Student Touchpoints Assessment
Workday works with UNF to assess our current Workday production environment and its readiness to support a Student deployment.
Governance Workshops
Workday will review recommended governance best practices, and work with UNF to build a Governance model specific to a Workday Student deployment.
Change Management
Workday coordinates with UNF to recommend a Student deployment change management strategy.
Customer Staffing Workshops
Workday will review current personnel resources and recommend project staffing based on best practices.
Reporting Needs Workshops
Workday engages with UNF to start identifying reports that will be needed in Workday.Out of Scope
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Making technical decisions about Workday Student processes
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Naming a project team or officially launching the project
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Beginning formal project work or data conversion
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Readiness Engagement Begins | September 10, 2025 |
| Workstream Collaboration and Discussion | Through December 2025 |
| Engagement Ends | December, 2025 |