Guided Previews & Mock Semester
Overview
The Workday Student (WDS) Project Team has been testing the WDS system since configuration began in 2024. More comprehensive end-to-end testing is occurring March - June 2026. Testing continues throughout the summer and early Fall 2026 with Guided Previews and Mock Semester.
The WDS Liaisons, Leader Network, and others will participate in Guided Previews in August 2026. The guided previews will allow these key users to experience the processes in Workday using Workday Help articles to test the effectiveness of training materials.
Faculty, staff, and students will participate in Mock Semester in September 2026. This is an opportunity to experience end-to-end processes in Workday Student that would occur in a typical semester cycle.
Guided Previews are a checkpoint before going live with Workday Student. It helps us evaluate if our training materials will adequately prepare users to understand and use the system. They are scheduled to take place in early August 2026.
- Ensures that training materials are adequate for end-user learning and application.
- Identifies gaps in knowledge or system functionality.
- Helps refine training plans and support resources.
- WDS Liaisons and Leader Network are invited to test key functions related to their roles (e.g., registering students, processing financial aid, setting up courses).
- The project team assesses whether users feel confident using Workday Student.
- Feedback is gathered to improve training materials and activities before launch. Input may also surface items for future system optimization.
Mock Semester is a practice run or “dress rehearsal” of an entire semester in Workday Student. It simulates real-life activities, from the first day of class registration to final grades.
Mock Semester is scheduled to take place in September 2026.
- Helps identify system issues or pain points before actual student and faculty use.
- Ensures that all critical functions (registration, billing, academic records, etc.) work correctly.
- Provides hands-on experience for staff, faculty, and students.
Project Team members and a broad representation of key users across GVSU will simulate GVSU semesterly activities, including:
- Course Setup: Testing course creation, scheduling, and instructor assignments.
- Student Actions: Simulating course registration, add/drop processes, and financial aid operations.
- Faculty & Staff Tasks: Viewing teaching dashboard, managing student accounts, and processing graduation applications.
- System Checks: Ensuring data flows correctly across different departments (finance, admissions, records, etc.).