Workday Q&A: Human Resources, Student Employment

February 24, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 12)

four headshots in a composite: Katelyn Geurink, Tara Bivens, Lindsey DesArmo and Deb Sanders

From left are Katelyn Geurink, Tara Bivens, Lindsey DesArmo and Deb Sanders.

Staff in Human Resources and Student Employment have been immersed in Workday long before the go-live date last January, ensuring systems for hiring, pay and benefits would work seamlessly.

Below, Katelyn Geurink, associate vice president for Financial Aid-Student Employment, and HR leaders Tara Bivens, Lindsey DesArmo and Deb Sanders reflect on the past year.

What’s changed about the onboarding process for new faculty/staff and student employees?
Katelyn Geurink: All onboarding paperwork is now done in Workday as is every step of the hiring process. Physical papers no longer need to be printed, filled out and mailed across campus.

Lindsay DesArmo: With Workday, we have better opportunities to connect with new hires from the moment their offer is accepted and continue in increments through their one-year anniversary.

What are some examples of how departments have more autonomy with Workday?
Deb Sanders: One-time pays, compensation changes and manager changes. It's moved the work to those who are closer to it and responsible for it.

Geurink: Supervisors can now initiate and complete hire changes on their own. They no longer have to reach out to different departments to have someone approve and process the request on their behalf.

What have you learned about your respective teams as they have helped transition their colleagues to Workday?
Tara Bivens: Our theme for 2024 was pivot and do whatever is necessary to make things happen and work. Despite all the changes throughout the year as we navigated new processes for the first time, we saw an immense amount of cross-functional teamwork and problem-solving.

Geurink: While there were some instances of discouragement, the Student Employment team continued to be respectful and kind to each other and showed a willingness to help others to the best of their abilities.

What’s next for you in terms of Workday?
Geurink: Our biggest goal right now is to resolve lingering issues with reporting and processing. Once that's done we can focus on using Workday to provide even more resources and trainings for our student employees and their supervisors.