Student Lifecycle Transformation / en Goodbye 'Mason Shuffle': Transforming the student journey at Mason /news/2023-11/goodbye-mason-shuffle-transforming-student-journey-mason <span>Goodbye 'Mason Shuffle': Transforming the student journey at Mason </span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/1226" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Pam Shepherd</span></span> <span>Wed, 11/08/2023 - 16:38</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/dburge" hreflang="en">David Burge, MSE</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/kenwalsh" hreflang="en">Kenneth Walsh, PhD</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">ŃÇÖŢAV is embarking on an endeavor to optimize every aspect of the student journey, from recruitment and admissions to advising and alumni engagement. The student lifecycle transformation is a university-wide initiative, aligned with Mason's strategic direction. The overarching aim is to deliver a unique and distinctive student experience that fosters lifelong engagement.</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">"We began this transformation with one goal in mind: to make the entire student journey smoother, more personalized, and responsive, from the moment students first consider Mason to the day they graduate and beyond,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management David Burge.</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">The student lifecycle transformation embraces various projects, with Salesforce—a powerful Customer Relationship Management </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">platform—as its core. Salesforce serves as the key tool driving the shift in Mason's approach to student engagement, keeping track of the entire lifecycle and interactions that occur during a student’s time at Mason, ensuring that each student receives the personalized support they need.</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">Mason will begin by adopting two important tools within </span><span class="BCX2 ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">Salesforce</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">: </span></span><em lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">Student Success</span></em><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> and </span></span><em lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">Recruitment and Admissions</span></em><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">. The implementation of </span></span><em lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">Student Success</span></em><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> will allow Mason to </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">identify</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> and address each student’s unique needs, </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">providing</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> tailored support for their academic goals. Additionally, </span></span><em lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">Recruitment and Admissions</span></em><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> will enhance efficiency and responsiveness to prospective students. </span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">“The adoption of Salesforce,” according to Interim Provost Kenneth Walsh, “will empower us to be more responsive and efficient in our interactions with both prospective and current students. We </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">aren’t</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> just investing in technology; </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">we’re</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> investing in the overall Mason experience.”</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">With Salesforce, Mason can centralize its efforts to foster collaboration and teamwork among offices that directly support students. The platform will unite data sources to create a holistic view of each student, offering a seamless experience and reducing the inefficiencies associated with the “Mason Shuffle,” a term familiar to students who have spent time seeking answers scattered across different offices and systems.</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">“As a staff member, </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">I've</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">witnessed</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> the administrative hurdles and time wasted attempting to synchronize data between multiple systems.</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">We're</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> here to support our students, and a </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">consolidated</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> platform empowers us to do so more effectively, ensuring their needs are met,” said Kevin Brown, Salesforce </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">a</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">dministrator in the Costello College of Business</span></span><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">.</span></span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">Undergraduate and graduate students alike will </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">benefit</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> from this transformation. As an example, Salesforce will enable the university to offer personalized communication and support, catering to individual student needs. A user-friendly portal will provide students with easy access to essential information and services, and integrated tools like appointment scheduling and real-time communication will simplify their engagement with advisors and faculty.</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">By streamlining the admissions process, prospective students will find applying to Mason more accessible and transparent. Support services</span></span><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">—</span></span><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">including academic advising, </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">counseling</span></span><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">,</span></span></span><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> and career support</span></span><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">—</span></span><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">will see substantial improvements, offering students comprehensive </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">assistance</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> throughout their academic journey. Technology integration will </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">provide</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> easier access to student information, learning resources, and administrative services.</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">But the transformation is not only about improving the student experience; </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">it's</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> also about streamlining operations and saving valuable resources. By </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">consolidating</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> various processes and systems into one unified system, Mason aims to </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">optimize</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> efficiency and </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">allocate</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> resources more effectively</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">.  </span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">As the student lifecycle transformation takes shape, it underscores the university's dedication to empowering its students every step of the way. Mason students can look forward to a future where their journey is characterized by clarity, consistency, and unwavering support, making their university experience truly “distinctive and inclusive.”</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">“We want to create an environment where our students feel empowered and supported throughout their entire journey at Mason,” said Burge. “This transformation represents a commitment to providing an exceptional experience that transcends the traditional model of higher education.”</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">________</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">Questions? Check out the </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW208137916 BCX2" href="https://provost.gmu.edu/initiatives/salesforce/salesforce-faqs" target="_blank"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">Salesforce FAQs</span></span></a><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">, complete the </span></span><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">Salesforce Stakeholder Engagement Form</span></span><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">, or contact the Salesforce Project Management Office at </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW208137916 BCX2" href="mailto:salesfor@gmu.edu" target="_blank"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">salesfor@gmu.edu</span></span></a><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">.</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW208137916 BCX2"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">As a Salesforce-first institution, we are dedicated to ensuring that Salesforce aligns with the technological needs of our university. Units interested in </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">acquiring</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> technology solutions should consider how Salesforce can support business needs. </span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">C</span><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">ontact the </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW208137916 BCX2" href="mailto:salesfor@gmu.edu" target="_blank"><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun Underlined" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">Salesforce Project Management Office</span></span></a><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916"> </span></span><span class="BCX2 SCXW208137916 TextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="BCX2 NormalTextRun SCXW208137916">for a collaborative discussion tailored to your unit’s requirements.</span></span><span class="BCX2 EOP SCXW208137916"> </span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/216" hreflang="en">Office of the Provost</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18436" hreflang="en">Provost Newsletter</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18781" hreflang="en">Student Lifecycle Transformation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18776" hreflang="en">Salesforce</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17356" hreflang="en">Strategic Direction</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19206" hreflang="en">Patriot Connect</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 08 Nov 2023 21:38:18 +0000 Pam Shepherd 109676 at