Preparing for Workday Student, Portland Community College improved navigation, usability, and adoption by applying lessons learned from its Workday HR/Finance implementation.

Preparing for Workday Student, Madison Area Technical College strengthened reporting strategy, data validation planning, and institutional readiness before implementation began.

Preparing for Workday HCM and Finance, the University of Massachusetts System partnered with Legato to strengthen staffing strategy, governance, and organizational readiness before implementation began.

Many institutions expect a new ERP or SIS to reduce workload. In reality, modern cloud systems often redistribute work rather than eliminate it. Functional teams often take on greater responsibility for data quality, exception management, reporting, and user support. When staffing models and support structures don't evolve alongside the technology, workarounds, shadow systems, and frustration can follow.

A faculty member once described learning about AI as feeling like a French aristocrat learning about the guillotine. It's a dramatic comparison, and it captures something real about how people experience technological change that change managers can't afford to dismiss.

Higher education systems were once built around a single core platform. Today’s ecosystem is distributed, but many institutions still operate with a centralized mindset. That disconnect creates friction, silos, and missed opportunities for better design.

Higher education technology has moved from locked basement server rooms to cloud platforms, but the real transformation is not just about where data lives. It is about what becomes possible when systems are designed to serve people.

Cloud technology has changed how higher education systems work—but many institutions are still using outdated support models. Learn why shared language, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement are critical for modern campus operations.

Implementing new technology is exciting—but only if your team can support it. Higher ed institutions often underestimate the staffing needed for cloud-based systems like Workday Student. A smoother, smaller go-live paired with the right operational support can build confidence instead of chaos.

Higher education loves improvement — but often through addition, not subtraction. Discover how applying Lean methodology can help colleges and universities eliminate waste, streamline operations, and prepare for more successful technology transformations.

Most dashboards stop at displaying data — but the best ones tell a story. At Legato Strategic Consulting, we design Smartsheet dashboards that help teams, executives, and institutions see progress, spot risks, and connect daily work to a bigger vision.

Modernizing your ERP or Student Information System (SIS) is one of the biggest investments your institution will ever make. But the real return doesn’t happen when you flip the switch. It happens in the months (and years) that follow, when your institution stabilizes, adopts, and truly owns the system.

Go-Live may indicate that the system is operational, but true operational readiness means that all components, including people, processes, and technology, are aligned and functioning together effectively.

We've all faced tough choices: would you prefer a novice to change your tire, or a skilled mechanic who knows exactly what to do? This analogy perfectly fits the realm of Workday Student support and the expertise needed to navigate its complexities.

Federal and state reporting requirements may shape your data conversion decisions more than you realize.

Here's what I've learned from this statement: "Our goal is not to make any major changes from the current configuration."

Change management helps facilitate smooth transitions by preparing individuals to adapt while minimizing disruptions.

Significant time and money are often wasted on Workday® Student implementations because of people having different understandings of terms.

This post highlights recommendations for institutions considering any student information system, especially Workday Student or Slate.