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.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences program offers a venue for departments to invite notable alumni to share their experiences, insights and advice with students.
Featured
November 25, 2025 (Volume 49, Number 7)
Article by
Abby Jones
The executive director of Human Resources, and former competition pianist, discusses how HR has transformed over his career and what drew him to GVSU.
November 25, 2025 (Volume 49, Number 7)
Story Slam speakers shared their past experiences, inspiring students to pursue their own international journeys.
November 25, 2025 (Volume 49, Number 7)
Article by
Joseph Martin
