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Cornell University

Cornell Experience Modernization Initiative

As common as possible, as different as absolutely necessary

Milestone: Workday Selected as the University’s Core Administrative System

The focus of the Cornell Experience Modernization Initiative (CEMI or “See Me”) is on improving how the university’s community members interact with and use administrative systems and processes. That focus encompasses multiple systems, processes, and people on all campuses. One of CEMI’s first major milestones was the selection of Workday as the platform to address every campus’s core administrative needs in human resources, finance, budget, and eventually student services.

People-First Priorities Driving the Workday Decision

The Cornell community’s insights were central to every stage of the selection process. Workday consistently received the strongest support from participants and aligned most closely with the shared evaluation criteria for how well each solution would serve Cornell. Workday was selected for its:

  • Commitment to standardized processes that align with the university’s “as common as possible, as different as absolutely necessary” vision.
  • Proven fit for higher education and healthcare, including robust HR and grants management capabilities.
  • Unified configuration approach with a common data model and commitment to AI that will improve the flow and accuracy of information.

Linking Workday with the Cornell User Experience

Workday and Huron are partnering with the university to configure the new system—guided by the insights and experiences of leaders and team members from human resources, finance, budget, and student services—to align university processes, practices, and data and to enable access regardless of campus location. Preparing to go live with Workday for HR, finance, and budget started in November and will finish by July 2028.

Eventually, Workday will also be used for student services. To begin planning for this future, a dedicated team is mapping student journeys and developing 10-15 personas to ensure future systems meet real student needs for every Cornell degree.

 

Embracing Change Together

This transformation will create new ways of working and opportunities for growth, innovation, and improvement. The university encourages everyone to stay engaged throughout the process by

  • Staying informed: Visit the CEMI website to explore updates from functional teams, attend quarterly webinars, and share news with colleagues across all Cornell campuses.
  • Getting involved: Team members can contribute ideas, ask questions, and volunteer for CEMI teams through the CEMI Get Involved channel.
  • Building community: By participating and sharing information, the Cornell community can help ensure the transformation benefits everyone.