As part of Student Sunrise, WashU will retain 66 student systems and replace 82 systems with Workday Student.

By reducing the number of systems in use, we will streamline the student experience and simplify data management. We will build connections, or integrations, between some of the systems we are retaining and Workday Student for the purpose of exchanging data. 

Surveying the existing landscape

We began by surveying our existing student information systems landscape. We inventoried approximately 230 student information systems including SIS, a mega system made up of 30-plus applications such as WebFAC, WebSTAC and course listings. Then we removed what we found to be non-systems, like spreadsheets, to arrive at a final system inventory of 148 systems/applications. 

Deciding to retain or replace systems

We then determined which systems to retain or replace with another system. We made these decisions based on system capabilities and future-state needs. 

Replace 

We decided to replace a system if Workday Student could perform a majority of the core academic and student administrative processes that the system is currently used for. For example: 

  • Advising: All advising systems 
  • Curriculum: WebFAC 
  • Records: Major & Minor Declaration 
  • Registration: WebSTAC 
  • Student Financials: Student Billing System 

Retain

We decided to retain systems with functionality that is not available in Workday Student. For example: 

  • Learning management and course evaluations (Canvas, WashU Course Evals)
  • Room scheduling (Archibus, EMS)
  • Teaching tools, research resources, and library systems (ARES reserves, ILLiad interlibrary loan) 
  • ID card, security and parking management (WUSTL Key)
  • IT support systems (ServiceNow) 
  • Other solutions that suit our needs better (e.g. Slate for admissions and PowerFAIDS for financial aid)
  • External systems used for federal reporting and accreditation 
From 148 to 66: Workday will replace 82 systems. Click to enlarge. Numbers as of August 15, 2023

Questions?

Contact your school or unit’s IT Leader Advisory Group member, or you can submit questions or comments through this form.