Why is West Virginia University launching this initiative?
WVU’s current technology systems and processes in the areas of student services, finance, HR and research administration have evolved over several decades through the implementation of standalone technology solutions and without consideration for long-term architectural design or integration strategies. Our aim is to invest in unified, integrated and adaptive systems that will enable WVU to keep pace with technological advancement and cultivate future innovation.
What is the goal of this initiative?
The WVU Modernization Program seeks to transform current-state technologies to advanced IT solutions that support the University’s mission of teaching, research, service and economic development, as well as our goal of becoming the land-grant university of the future.
How will the program be conducted?
The WVU Modernization Program will require considerable time and careful collaboration throughout multiple phases of work throughout the next several years. And to ensure the program’s success, we have created a foundational governance structure that will persist throughout the life of the program, including a leadership team comprising forward-thinking WVU leaders, strategists and functional experts; a program plan outlining steps necessary to prepare for eventual vendor selection and implementation; the reestablishment of an IT governance structure that is equipped to support a program of this scale; and a plan for onboarding a near-term technology solution that will aid in student recruiting and retention.
To what extent do the WVU Modernization Program and its projects apply to the University’s divisional campuses and WVU Research Corp.?
The WVU Modernization Program is part of a unified strategy to help move the entire WVU System forward. We are excited for the opportunity for the Beckley, Keyser and Morgantown campuses and the WVU Research Corp. to begin using many of the same systems. The system that is selected through the ERP RFP Creation and Evaluation foundational project will be intended to replace current WVU HR and Finance legacy systems, as well as UKG (formerly Ultipro) for WVU Research Corp. HR and payroll functions.
When you say “land-grant university of the future,” how is that different than today?
The WVU Board of Governors, the Office of the Provost and University leaders need access to real-time data to inform decision-making and ensure we are meeting the needs of our students. It currently can take weeks to get certain information, when it really should only take hours or days. Today’s landscape of higher education is a much more competitive environment and moves at a much faster pace. To remain competitive, WVU needs systems and processes that allow us to operate more efficiently and effectively.
Are we going to restructure positions or hire new staff that knows how to work in these systems?
The WVU Modernization Program was not created with the intention to reduce positions. However, as we identify opportunities to be more strategic in how we operate, the ways in which certain divisions and units function may change. The job duties of many current employees may shift, but these employees will be provided with opportunities to learn new and exciting technologies and skills.
What will happen to all the old data as new systems are adopted?
Legacy data will be moved and stored either in the new systems that will be identified or within another repository. Either way, the data will be maintained and accessible for those who need it. However, WVU will be strategic when deciding what data is moved to ensure we are keeping things with a clear, relevant purpose.
How can I get involved?
The WVU Modernization Program will require participation from hundreds of faculty and staff throughout the next several years. As planning begins, the internal project team will invite relevant stakeholders, functional users and technical experts to participate as subject matter experts during the ERP implementation.
How can I stay informed?
We will be in touch with further details in the months to come. In the meantime, keep checking modernizationprogram.wvu.edu for the latest updates. Contact modernizationprogram@mail.wvu.edu with any questions.