Modernization extension: Workday launch moved to Jan. 2021

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As many of you know, moving from paper processes and 1970s computer systems into the cloud to manage our system-wide finances, human resources, payroll, and post-award grants has been a huge undertaking.

Workday, the system we have purchased as part of the Modernization Initiative, will provide a tremendous boost to our day-to-day business operations, allowing us, for example, to see budget and award amounts in real time, and making it easier to update personal and financial information all in one place.

However, we want to make sure our new system is completely ready and the transition is as smooth as possible. For this reason, we have decided to extend the launch of Workday to January 2021 instead of July 2020.

Know that this extension will not increase the project budget, nor will the scope of the project change. The Modernization Team continues to work tirelessly to ensure that the Workday at WSU implementation is done right.

While this extension is not due to the COVID‑19 virus, there are likely to be impacts moving forward. These impacts could include more Zoom meetings and travel changes.

This extension will also allow WSU staff and faculty more time to learn how Workday will meet the University’s complex business needs. The Modernization Team will continue to share information and resources as we get closer.

Thank you for your energy and support for this initiative. In the past year, thousands of you have helped shape our new system by asking questions at open forums, giving valuable feedback on surveys, and providing expertise through workshops and work groups. Hundreds of you from every campus have been helping the Modernization Team test the draft system. Every step of the way, our nearly 400 Change Network members have been sharing resources and helping colleagues find information.

Change can be challenging, especially when many things happen at once. Modernizing WSU’s systems and processes takes time, and we appreciate your continued patience. Together, we’re building a solid foundation for our future.

Please visit the Modernization website for an updated timeline, frequently asked questions, and additional Workday at WSU resources. We also invite you to join one of the campus open forums this week. Details are available on the Modernization calendar.

Thank you, and Go Cougs!

Kirk Schulz
President

Stacy Pearson
Vice President
Finance & Administration