Project History

2008-2021

Macalester implemented Ellucian’s server-based ERP named Banner, a HR, Finance, and Student information management. Banner was used to support most campus operations. Additional systems were purchased and integrated, such as a recruiting and application tracking system, benefit management, multiple learning management systems, and many paper and digital forms were developed to manage Business Services like writing checks to vendors and requesting reimbursements.
New cloud-based technologies became available, but could not integrate with older technology platforms like Banner.
Throughout this period, Banner support professionals exited the workforce, and new technologies emerged that better met Macalester’s needs.

Banner announced that Macalester’s Banner would be retired and replaced with their new cloud-based ERP. The effort and cost to migrate to their new system would be equivalent to implementing any new ERP.
A steering committee was formed including representatives from the Student Affairs, HR, Finance, and ITS.
The evaluation process took three years and resulted in three vendors for the final running.
- Ellucian’s cloud-based version of Banner
- Oracle
- Workday
The steering committee found effort and cost estimates all comparable, so the deciding factors were available functionality, user experience, customer experience, scalability, and alignment to Macalester’s strategy.
Workday was the clear choice. A contract was signed with Workday to be our vendor and implementation partner following their highly-structured implementation schedule.

Phase One (HR, Payroll, and Finance) kicked off.
August–February’s key activities included project milestone planning, Workday training for the Macalester project team, architecture and configuration, integrations development, and data conversion.
February–May’s key activities included testing, kicking off the change agent network (MOOOvers), sharing more detailed communications about what is changing when, developing training materials, and planning for systems cutover.
June 1, 2026 and after: First day to login to Workday, continued change management, and support

Macalester will have HR, Payroll, and Finance operations managed though Workday as the system of record.
Faculty and staff will use Workday to manage their employee experience.
New and returning student employees will use Workday to apply for campus jobs.