Transitioning to Workday Student is a Cultural Shift, Not a Technical Upgrade

Transitioning to new technology like Workday Student requires re-thinking everything. Many believe it's a straightforward software swap. But that's like thinking that moving from the United States to another country in the world and expecting everything to work the same.

Sure, the basic functions remain: eat, sleep, work, play. But the language is different. The rules are different. If you only had someone from that other country helping you navigate things they might not think of things to tell you because their experience is from that other country. When someone works as an implementation partner/system implementor, they live and breathe that other product's software. The more they gain the expertise you need them to have to be that expert, the more they move away from any prior experience they had in your shoes in higher education.

So, what do you do?

Talk to Peer Schools

This is CRITICAL to do. Talk to ones that both went live recently with Workday Student and were on the same legacy SIS you were. But also talk with ones that have been live for a few years. Each one has very valuable perspectives to share.

Ask Questions

Too often, I see people at institutions hesitate to ask questions, worrying they’re being a bother. They preface with, “This is probably a stupid question,” when in reality, it’s a great question. Remember, the experts from the implementation partner aren’t in your shoes every day—you are the expert in what your institution needs to function. Keep asking questions until you feel confident you can do your job within Workday Student.

Seek Advice from Experts with a Practitioner Level Perspective

At Legato Strategic, we serve as both translators and transition managers, bridging the gap between your institution and implementation partners. As Workday Student experts, we also take on tasks that fall to the institution. We've observed that implementation recommendations can be both effective and ineffective, often overlooking the complexities of live transactional data. By working alongside your staff, we provide on-call support to ensure your transition fully considers these data nuances. Our support is collegial and nimble, without rigid commitments or ticketing systems. You get the help you need when you need it.

Make Your Transition to Workday Smooth

Transitioning to Workday Student is a complex process, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth and successful shift. By learning from peer institutions, asking the right questions, and seeking expert guidance, you can navigate the change with confidence. If you’d like a free one-hour consultation or just some informal advice on your SIS assessment or Workday Student implementation, fill out our contact form: https://lnkd.in/gcfv3Uxw. No jargon, no overwhelming slide decks—just a conversation tailored to your institution’s unique needs.