College Transformation is STEPS Away!

A transformational program called STEPS is underway that will change the way we ultimately approach our work. We will spend time in Matters in the upcoming weeks to share program details and progress. Let’s start with some basic questions that you might have: 

What does STEPS mean?
Originally piloted as SATP this project has evolved to its current name STUDENT TRANSFORMATION through EFFECTIVE PRACTICES and SYSTEMS. This program has a large scope and will span multiple phases and projects over the next several years.   

What is the goal?
STEPS focuses on how we will optimize our resources to respond rapidly to the changing needs of our students and our communities. Despite limited resources our demands continue to increase. We often find ourselves competing for the same resources and struggle with too many priorities. This program will focus on bridging divisional silos, integrating innovative business processes (thus making our work easier) and gathering information to enhance decision making and planning. 

Why are we doing it?
• Build a superior service environment for our students.
• Improve staff productivity by streamlining and integrating business processes and providing new capabilities made possible by the implementation of new and upgraded enterprise and third party software. 
• Reduce costs by eliminating paper processing, reducing the number of forms, mailings and related supplies.
• Enhance decision making by providing easily accessible information.

What is involved in STEPS?
There are four phases to the STEPS Program. 
-Phase I Discovery – Assessment of organizational needs and determination of program goals. (Completed in December 2009)
-Phase II Quick Wins – Currently underway for completion in June 2010.  Seventeen projects are in the works and will tap into current functionality available in PeopleSoft 8.9. 
-Phase III – Upgrade to PeopleSoft 9.0 and implementation of value-added projects (room scheduling, imaging, etc.) and business intelligence tools. 
-Phase IV Communication– Implementation of Student Communication System

In our next communication the specific details of the Quick Wins projects will be outlined. In the meantime do not hesitate to contact the team with any questions.
 
STEPS Program Team:
rbaumbach[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Rebecca Baumbach) – Executive Sponsor
mcrabbs[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Marty Crabbs) – Project Lead for Learner Development
jlhoege[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Jennifer Hoege )– Project Lead for Enrollment Services
sekelley[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Sharon Kelley )– Administrative and Budget Manager
rmosher[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Reggie Mosher) – Project Lead for Technology Services
kschulte[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Kelly Schulte) – Administrative Support
lsebranek[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Lori Sebranek) – Project Lead for Learner Success
dwalleser[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Diane Walleser) – Program Director
azarrinnam[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Ali Zarrinnam) – Project Lead for Business Intelligence