February 24, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 12)
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.
This article was last edited on February 17, 2025 at 12:19 p.m.
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June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
Article by
Kate VanDerKolk
A Detroit News article centered on university governance and a Brookings article called the Thompson Scholars program a model solution for increasing access for students from middle-income families.
June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
Now working in the Division of Enrollment Development and College Futures, Ngassa discusses how his background serves as a bridge between enrollment and academic affairs.
June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
