Enhance Data Collection Integrations



Initiative TitleEnhance Data Collection Integrations
Submitted in Previous Year(s)2024
Critical Information, Notes, Justification, Rationale

Kuali Build is a no-code platform designed for custom form creation and workflow automation, intended to replace MachForms. When integrated with TeamDynamix's (TDX) Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) and DreamFactory's API interface, Kuali Build enables the seamless creation of forms that can directly populate backend systems, such as Banner. This integration will significantly streamline workflows and reduce the time spent on manual data entry across campus. Following the successful deployment of our first fully integrated form during the 2023–2024 academic year, we will continue transitioning critical forms to the Kuali Build platform. In addition, we plan to extend access to Kuali Build, empowering end-users to create their own forms and integrations, and fostering greater autonomy and innovation across departments while maintaining centralized oversight and consistency.

Consequences of this initiative not being funded

The consequences of not implementing the Kuali Build initiative and its integration could include:

  1. Inefficient Data Entry: Without a streamlined form and workflow automation solution, manual data entry would remain time-consuming and error-prone, leading to inefficiencies and increased administrative workload across the campus.

  2. Increased Operational Costs: Continued reliance on outdated systems like MachForms would likely result in higher long-term costs for maintaining multiple platforms and addressing inefficiencies, reducing overall resource optimization.

  3. Data Inaccuracy and Inconsistency: Manual processes increase the likelihood of errors, which could lead to inconsistent data, affecting decision-making, reporting, and operational effectiveness.

  4. Limited Scalability and Flexibility: Without Kuali Build’s no-code platform, the ability to quickly adapt and scale forms or workflows as campus needs evolve would be hindered. This would limit innovation and responsiveness to changing requirements.

  5. Lack of User Autonomy: By not providing end-users with the ability to create their own forms and integrations, the institution risks limiting innovation and slowing down problem-solving within individual departments, which could lead to frustration and a dependence on IT for routine updates.

  6. Integration Gaps: Without the full integration of Kuali Build, critical systems like Banner may remain disconnected from new workflows, requiring redundant data entry and potentially leaving critical data siloed and inaccessible.

  7. Missed Opportunities for Efficiency Gains: Not adopting this initiative would mean missing out on significant gains in productivity and process automation, potentially leaving the institution behind in terms of operational efficiency compared to peer institutions that embrace these technologies.

By not implementing the initiative, the institution would forgo the opportunity to enhance productivity, reduce errors, and foster greater autonomy and innovation across campus operations.

Department GoalsAdvanced Systems Integration
Programs
Locations
Estimated Completion Date
Will this initiative span multiple budget years?Yes
ImportanceHigh
Funding SourceOperating Budget
Created01/28/2025 1:49 pm
Updated01/28/2025 2:06 pm

Institutional Goals

Goal How will the initiative support this institutional goal?
The Kuali Build initiative will improve the effectiveness of human resources and contribute to holistic, student-centered outcomes in several impactful ways: 1. Streamlining Administrative Processes Efficiency in Operations: Automating forms and workflows will significantly reduce administrative burdens. This allows staff to focus on higher-value activities that directly benefit both students and employees. Reduced Delays: By streamlining processes, Kuali will eliminate bottlenecks in workflows, ensuring faster response times thereby improving job satisfaction and allowing for more timely support to students. 2. Supporting Student-Centered Practices Improved Resource Allocation for Student Services: By automating and optimizing internal processes, more resources can be directed towards student-focused initiatives. This could include enhanced support for student services, advising, and extracurricular programs, all of which contribute to a more engaging and supportive learning environment. Faster Adaptation to Student Needs: The flexibility of the Kuali platform allows departments to respond quickly to shifts in student needs or institutional goals. Whether it's adapting to new learning models or adjusting support services, the technology ensures that the campus can act swiftly to meet these demands. 3. Enhancing Collaboration Between Faculty and Staff Cross-Departmental Integration: Kuali’s integration with other campus systems, such as Banner and TeamDynamix, ensures that workflows are seamlessly connected to other departments. For example, faculty and staff can easily access resources or submit forms (e.g., academic leave requests) without unnecessary delays or friction between systems. Data-Driven Decision Making: With real-time, accurate data integrated into processes, faculty and staff can make informed decisions about workload distribution, resource allocation, and professional development based on institutional needs and trends. This will improve overall departmental efficiency and enhance both employee and student outcomes. 4. Empowering Employees and Enhancing Engagement Self-Service Capabilities: With Kuali Build, faculty and staff will be able to offer self-service tools for employees and students to complete routine tasks, thus empowering employees to manage their own needs independently. This not only improves efficiency but also fosters a sense of autonomy and satisfaction among employees. Personalized Employee Experience: Kuali’s flexibility allows HR to customize workflows to fit the unique needs of different employee groups (e.g., full-time faculty, adjuncts, staff). This personalization can contribute to a more positive and tailored employee experience, helping improve retention and job satisfaction. 5. Fostering a Holistic Approach to Campus Operations Interconnected Processes: Kuali Build creates a unified approach to managing tasks, data, and workflows. As these processes become more automated and integrated, they will support a holistic view of campus operations. Alignment with Institutional Goals: Kuali’s ability to tie workflows to larger institutional priorities ensures that strategies are in alignment with the College’s broader mission, including its focus on student success, employee well-being, and overall institutional improvement. 6. Enhancing Data Accuracy and Decision-Making Improved Data Management: As Kuali integrates forms and workflows across departments, all employees will benefit from better data management, which leads to more accurate reporting on employee and student-related metrics. This can be used to identify trends in faculty workloads, staff engagement, or student satisfaction, and inform decisions that enhance both employee and student outcomes. By improving processes through Kuali Build, the institution will empower both employees and students, foster collaboration, and enhance overall institutional effectiveness. This approach not only contributes to a more efficient campus environment but also ensures that students receive a high-quality, holistic educational experience, while employees enjoy a streamlined, supportive workplace.
Continuing the Kuali Build initiative would significantly support Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement in the following ways: 1. Planning Streamlined Decision-Making: With more accurate and up-to-date data flowing seamlessly through integrated systems like Banner, institutional leaders can make more informed, data-driven decisions. This allows for better long-term planning and strategic alignment with institutional goals. Improved Forecasting: Automation and streamlined data entry help ensure that planning processes are based on reliable data, which is essential for forecasting resource needs, budget allocations, and staffing. Agility and Flexibility: Kuali Build’s ability to automate and adapt workflows means that the institution can quickly adjust plans and processes in response to changes in academic programs, student needs, or administrative requirements. 2. Resources Optimized Resource Allocation: By automating routine tasks and workflows, the Kuali initiative frees up valuable staff time and resources, allowing departments to focus on higher-priority work that contributes directly to the institution’s mission. Reduced Resource Waste: Eliminating inefficiencies in data entry and process management means fewer errors and less time spent on redundant tasks, allowing resources (staff time, technology, funding) to be used more efficiently. Increased Accessibility: The no-code platform empowers faculty and staff to create their own forms and workflows, which allows departments to quickly implement solutions that fit their unique needs without requiring significant IT intervention or additional resources. 3. Institutional Improvement Enhanced Collaboration and Integration: With the integration of systems such as Banner and other institutional platforms, departments and functions across the institution will work more cohesively. This creates a more collaborative environment where data flows seamlessly, improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the institution. Continuous Improvement: Kuali Build’s flexibility allows the institution to evolve workflows continuously. As new needs or challenges arise, the system can be adapted or extended to meet those challenges, fostering a culture of ongoing improvement. Strengthened Innovation and Autonomy: Empowering users to create their own forms and workflows drives innovation within departments and allows for faster adoption of new processes. This autonomy can enhance the institution’s ability to quickly address challenges, improve services, and experiment with new ideas in a controlled and efficient manner. Sustainability: The initiative helps ensure the institution is using modern, sustainable technologies that align with long-term strategic goals, minimizing the risk of relying on outdated systems and maximizing the lifespan of current resources. By continuing the Kuali initiative, the institution strengthens its ability to plan effectively, allocate resources efficiently, and continually improve operations, all while ensuring that these advancements align with the larger goals of institutional growth and sustainability.

Action Steps

Action Step Responsible Party Order
Phase 1: Planning and Preparation CIO 1
Phase 2: System Configuration and Development CIO 2
Phase 3: Training and User Engagement CTL 3
Phase 4: Full Implementation and Transition CIO 4

Expected Outcomes

Outcome Order
Streamlined and Efficient Workflows 1
Enhanced Data Integration and Accessibility 2
Improved User Experience for Faculty, Staff, and Students 3
Increased Organizational Efficiency 4
Cost Savings 5
Improved Employee Productivity and Engagement 6
Scalability and Flexibility 7
Strengthened Cybersecurity and Compliance 8
Continuous Improvement and Optimization 9
Alignment with Institutional Goals 10

Assessment Methods

Method Description Other Method Responsible Party
Institutional Data Review both program and student data that is collected at the institutional level. Data can include program enrollment, retention, transfer, student GPA, etc. CIO
Interviews The students (or other participants) are able during an interview to share their direct experiences, attitudes and beliefs. Interviews can be either structured or unstructured. CIO

Resources

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Prioritization

This initiative is not ready for prioritization.

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Assessment

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