Students help shape launch of Workday Student
When Workday Student launches next year, a group of students will already be familiar with the system that will replace Banner.
Project Grand Path student interns have been busy creating banners, flyers and social media templates that will be shared with their peers to raise awareness about Workday Student (WDS). Also, Hope Ridley, a graphic design major, and Ryan Conn, a film and video production major, are closely connected to the project through their work with the WDS project team.
Belinda Boardman, Workday Student change management lead, said student involvement has been intentional since the project began. "The project team has a change management strategy that includes communications, training and engaging with stakeholders," Boardman said. "We have taken a 'for students, by students' approach, which promotes more meaningful connection with students to inform student communications and resources."
Manny Clouse, studio coordinator for the futurEDlab, left, works with Project Grand Path intern Avary Marshall, center, and senior graphic design student Giang Nguyen, who are working weekly on projects to introduce Workday Student to students when that platform launches in January. (Kendra Stanley-Mills)
Manny Clouse, studio coordinator for the futurEDlab, oversees the Project Grand Path (PGP) student interns who are creating digital content, graphics and videos. Clouse said PGP interns come from a variety of academic disciplines, such as film and video production, graphic design and writing, and work directly with clients. Most recently, PGP interns produced a financial literacy application for REP4.
"They are learning practical skills and durable skills, like communication, teamwork and collaboration, before they head into the workforce," Clouse said.
Eric Kunnen, senior director for IT Innovation Research, said the PGP interns fit the mission of the futurEDlab, located in the John Russell Building on the City Campus. "It creates a unique pathway for students to engage in experiential learning, work with interdisciplinary teams and apply their skills to the real-world challenges driving forward digital transformation at GVSU," he said.
WDS has also been presented to members of Student Senate, the Student Engagement Cohort and Graduate Student Association at various points throughout the project.
B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and College Futures, serves on the WDS Steering Committee as the executive sponsor of the project. Truss thanked all students for their work on this project. “These students have had a direct role in shaping the experience their peers will have when Workday Student launches,” he said. “Their perspective is helping us build a more intuitive experience, and their work gives me confidence that students will have the support they need as we make this transition.”
Workday Student Launch Event
Faculty and staff are invited to a launch event on Oct. 13, 1-2:30 p.m., in the Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room. The event will also be livestreamed. Learn how the university community can prepare and stay engaged throughout the transition. RSVP for the event via Workday.