Continuing the NextGen Journey
The NextGen transformation continues as Minnesota State advances into the Student phase—focused on implementing Workday Student and expanding the capabilities of Workday Finance and Human Capital Management (HCM) to better support student employees.
This phase represents more than a technology upgrade—it reinforces Minnesota State’s commitment to the North Star vision: creating a seamless, modern experience that empowers students to achieve their goals. The Student phase is made up of two interrelated initiatives: Student Worker and Workday Student.
Other projects associated with NextGen include enterprise customer relationship management (CRM), modernizing the data architecture, and updating the identity and access management (IAM) infrastructure. All NextGen projects—CRM, Student, and Student Worker—are dependent on an updated data architecture and IAM solutions.
The plan is to go live with an enterprise CRM by fall 2028 to ensure that prospects applying for fall of 2029 will be integrated into Workday Student when it launches in fall 2029. The time lines for the data and IAM projects fall sometime in 2027, supporting a coordinated roll out across the entire NextGen ecosystem.
Eight Guiding Principles for NextGen Work
The following guiding principles shape how the NextGen initiative is planned, implemented, and supported across Minnesota State. They reflect the system’s shared values and commitment to efficiency, integration, and student success.
- Seamless Experience for Students: Enhancing the student experience is foundational to providing extraordinary education in Minnesota. This includes ensuring a consistent, seamless experience for all students across the Minnesota State system, regardless of the institution attended.
- Student Outreach: Deliver targeted outreach and engagement throughout the student lifecycle, enabling communication across multiple channels and devices (including mobile).
- Data and Analytics: Build an integrated environment for data sharing to improve information flow, business operations, and decision-making. Reduce redundancy and create a comprehensive, systemwide approach to data management.
- Full Integration of “Non-Core” and Third-Party Systems: All ERP and ancillary technology solutions must be fully integrated and adequately supported to provide the best overall experience.
- Maintain Competitiveness: To provide Minnesota with the highest-value, most affordable higher education option, Minnesota State must remain competitive with peer institutions inside and outside the state, including private and online universities.
- System-Wide Processes and Procedures: Establish and maintain consistent user experiences and efficient workflows by defining or refining processes, policies, and practices across the system to leverage cloud-based SaaS technology effectively.
- System-Wide Software Consistency: Streamline and minimize duplicative technology solutions while establishing clear governance for introducing, integrating, and maintaining third-party or “non-core” applications.
- Security: Implement a stable, maintainable, and secure suite of applications that protects data and supports a safe, intuitive experience for all users.
Student Worker
The Student Worker initiative complements Workday Student by integrating student employment into Workday business processes. It unifies how institutions handle hiring, onboarding, time tracking, and payroll for student employees across Minnesota State.
Student Benefits
- All Jobs in One Place: A centralized hub to easily browse, filter, and apply for campus jobs.
- Faster Hiring and Onboarding: Streamlined approvals and earlier start dates simplify the process for students.
Faculty & Staff Benefits
- Improved Efficiency: Standardized workflows accelerate hiring, onboarding, and payroll processing.
- Data-Driven Insights: Built-in reporting supports better resource planning and program evaluation.
- Academic Alignment: Integrated HR, finance, and academic systems help ensure student employment supports educational and institutional goals.
Workday Student
Launched in December 2024, Workday Student marks the next major milestone of the NextGen program. This new student information system will replace the Integrated Statewide Record System (ISRS) and serve as a unified, cloud-based platform connecting student services, academic affairs, finance, and human resources.
Built to improve efficiency and engagement, Workday Student streamlines the student lifecycle—from application to graduation and beyond. It provides real-time data, a modern interface, and comprehensive analytics to support both students and employees with improved decision-making and consistent systemwide processes.
Functional Areas
The project is organized into six functional areas, each focusing on specific policy and process development within its domain:
- Academic Foundation
- Advising
- Financial Aid
- Recruiting and Admissions
- Records and Curriculum Management
- Student Financials
Subject matter experts from campuses across Minnesota State are actively engaged in shaping these areas through policy alignment, process definition, and testing.
Looking Ahead
Together, the Workday Student and Student Worker initiatives are transforming how Minnesota State supports students, staff, and faculty. This integrated approach will create a more connected, data-driven, and student-centered experience—one aligned with the NextGen mission to improve access, streamline processes, and enhance success for every learner.
Last updated November 12, 2025