The University of California San Diego (UCSD), a leader in higher education and research innovation, is embarking on an exciting journey to modernize its enterprise systems. The vision for this initiative is to make every aspect of university life more student-centric. UC San Diego is introducing a new system to improve student data quality and accessibility, make administrative tasks easier, and allow quick retrieval of accurate and timely information.
With the aim of making processes more efficient, their primary goals are defined in detail as follows:
- Establish targeted project criteria: Outline specific priorities to guide the selection and resource allocation process based on strategic importance.
- Encourage stakeholder engagement: Involve university community members at all levels to create a shared vision of success and encourage active participation.
- Promote culture of openness: Build a trusting atmosphere where feedback, questions, and concerns can be shared freely and without hesitation.
- Proactively address risks: Draw on previous project experiences and best practices to anticipate and minimize risks early on.
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- Create thorough change management strategies: Develop plans that emphasize communication and training, integrating human aspects into the overall project strategy.
- Continuously refine processes: Take note of current workflows through documentation and Lean Six Sigma methodologies for improved future outcomes.
- Perform readiness assessments: Evaluate readiness to proceed at key project stages, including kickoff, go-live, and closure.
- Facilitate seamless transition plans: Prepare for the transition of projects to service operations with clear ownership, governance, and best practices to support ongoing management, quality assurance, and training.
Through these objectives, UC San Diego seeks to push forward progress and lead change in higher education both nationally and globally.
UC San Diego SIS Decision
The selection of a new student information system (SIS) at UC San Diego followed a highly detailed four-year process involving three requests for proposals (RFPs) and over 50 stakeholders. This collaborative effort focused on identifying a system that would meet the campus's growing expectations and included significant evaluation of various vendors and their technical capabilities. The contract was awarded to LSI to implement SAP S/4HANA and SAP Student Lifecycle Management (SLcM) for upgrading key system components.
Ranked among the top 20 public research universities globally, the initiative supports UC San Diego’s objectives and shows the determination to make the student experience a top priority. Recognizing the long-awaited replacement for ISIS, UC San Diego acknowledges the voices within their campus community regarding the new system's implementation which is why they are dedicated to a thoughtful rollout, drawing on past lessons to prioritize the needs of faculty, staff, and students while improving the user experience. Project planning is currently underway, with a kickoff anticipated in the coming months, depending on the readiness of key stakeholders.
Keeping a Pulse on Progress
The targeted go-live date for SLcM is set for 2026, with specific timelines to be communicated as they are confirmed. Over the course of two years, the university will initiate the implementation of this comprehensive solution deployed to enhance various aspects of the university's student lifecycle.
- Data-driven transformation: Using an information-centric approach, the university will transform data that can be leveraged across its operations with a common data source and user experience.
- Modular implementation: UC San Diego can deploy the new student system independently of other SAP solutions to gain flexibility and control in the implementation process, including seamless interoperability between SAP and non-SAP applications.
- Selective functionality: The university can choose specific features while maintaining its existing investments in point solutions that support essential business processes in the student lifecycle from admission to graduation.