Training
For many of us, the first time we do something new it feels uncomfortable, intimidating, or less efficient than what we are used to. Active engagement in training will help you be aware of what is changing and what resources you will have to support the time and repetition that will make Workday “muscle memory” like 1600grand is today.
As we prepare for our move to Workday in June 2026, a project goal is to provide the information and resources you need, when and where you need them. We recognize it is a significant undertaking to change the forms, logins, and processes that have been in place for years, and we will strive to continuously improve training resources to best meet the needs of our Macalester community.
A Community-Centered Approach to Training
To ensure this transition is managed with the care it deserves, Macalester has dedicated resources to help our campus prepare and to provide direct, hands-on guidance for our community. We aim to offer accessible role-specific instructions—not just through the launch period, but as a permanent part of our operational health.
Additionally, we are collaborating with Workday Change Management services to ensure our training and communication efforts remain responsive to the unique rhythms of campus life.
Detailed training pathways and schedules will be available in April 2026.
A Note for Summer Break 2026
The first phase of the Workday project (HR, Payroll, and Finance) will go live between academic years. We recognize that many faculty, staff, and student employees are away from campus during the summer months. When you return for the fall semester, we will hold welcome back training to help you get familiar with Workday, Macalester’s new processes, and transition into the next academic year.
Multiple Training Modalities for Multiple Learning Preferences
We celebrate all the ways Macalester is enriched by diversity and seek to reflect that value in a flexible approach to Workday training that mixes instructional methods to include:
- Task-oriented learners who prefer having a clear, immediate application or goal.
- Contextual learners who strive to connect new information to personal experiences, real-world situations, and practical applications.
- Reading/Writing learners who prefer written instructions and note-taking.
- Visual learners who prefer images and videos, often remember things by picturing them in their mind.
- Auditory learners who retain information best when hearing it and engaging in discussion.
- Kinesthetic learners who prefer physical, hands-on activity, and practice sessions.
- Social learners who prefer learning in groups or with a partner.
- Self-Directed learners who prefer self-study and working independently to guide their own learning focus.
- Reflective learners who want to see or hear new information multiple times to acquire a deeper understanding.
| Modality | Best for | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Open House Demonstrations Informal sessions to see and try some of the frequently performed tasks in Workday. |
| Open Houses to be scheduled in April and May 2026. |
| Step-by-Step Instructions (also called Job Aids) Clear, searchable job aids that walk you through a single process from start to finish. |
| Job aids and guides for getting started with Workday and Day 1 tasks will be available starting to June 1, 2026. Job aids will be centrally located and departmental websites will be updated with appropriate links. |
| Short video tutorials Video demonstrations of a single process from start to finish. |
| Videos for getting started with Workday and commonly performed tasks will be developed over the summer for use in Fall 2026. |
| Instructor-led Training In-person and remote sessions led by Macalester staff and organized by user groups (e.g. employee, manager, coordinator, budget approver, etc.). |
| Sessions will be scheduled as part of Spring Bloom and in August for returning Macalester faculty and staff. |
| Workday Office Hours Zoom meeting rooms to support general “how-to” questions. |
| Limited time offering to support Workday firsts. Dates, times, and Zoom links will be available starting June 1, 2026. |
| In-system guidance Macalester-specific help text, quick tips, and links to job aids provided in Workday. |
| Available in Workday June 1, 2026 with updates to support the frequently asked questions. |
| Small-group training sessions, upon request As requested, project team members can attend department, committee, or other affinity group meetings to share project updates and answer questions. |
| Scheduled upon request. Reach out to your nearest MOOOver who can schedule someone from the project team to attend your meeting. |
| On-demand computer-based training Self-guided e-learning training modules. |
| Macalester-created training will be available in Workday to support faculty, staff, and student employees returning to campus Fall 2026. |
Related Pages
Updated: March 24, 2026