December 2025 Issue |  This month's Encompass Essentials is a four-minute read.

2025 has been a year of thoughtful, strategic preparation—thank you for being a part of it. Your engagement through events, previews, surveys, and continued readership has helped pave the way for a more connected and efficient future.

As we step into 2026, we’re thrilled to reach a major milestone: Workday goes live on January 5. To help you prepare, job aids and demo videos are now available on our website.

We’re also gearing up for Banner’s continued rollout, beginning with the launch of Experience, the new student portal, in early February. More training, communications, and go-live details will be shared in the new year.

Thank you again for embracing this digital transformation. Together, we’re building a stronger, smarter University of Mississippi.

Get the latest on how Encompass is taking shape behind the scenes.

Only 26 days away until Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) and Payroll go live on January 5, 2026!

Here’s how you can get ready:

Reminder: The HR office will be closed for Workday training every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. in December.

Questions? Contact hr@olemiss.edu. 

The new Experience portal, which will serve as the academic hub for students, is targeted to go live in early February. This launch will give students time to explore the platform before they register for Fall 2026 classes in Banner later this spring.

Earlier this month, we shared the first student-wide introduction to Banner, highlighting Experience as a key part of the transition. This initial communication helps lay the foundation for more in-depth guidance and support in the months ahead.

We’ve shared a lot of information this year, and we want to make sure it’s easy to find what you need.

Helpful Resources:

Each month, we’re highlighting how Encompass will make everyday tasks easier.

Starting January 5, hourly employees and student workers will track time directly in Workday. That means no more paper timesheets—just streamlined, digital time entry.

Starting in January 2026, student job postings will be moved to Workday, making it easier for students to search, apply, and get hired—all in one place, with a smoother onboarding experience.

We usually use this space to spotlight a few individuals helping to bring Encompass to life—but this month, we want to recognize everyone involved.

More than 300 faculty and staff across the university have contributed to Encompass in 2025, from configuring systems and leading training to testing, planning, and supporting change. Your time, energy, and expertise are powering this transformation, and we are so grateful for your commitment.

A special thank-you to the Encompass Change Advocate Network (CAN), whose members attend bi-monthly sessions, preview systems, ask questions, and help share key updates with their teams. Your role as a connector and communicator has been essential in keeping the campus informed and engaged throughout this journey.

As Workday goes live, you may occasionally hear the word "hypercare." 

Hypercare is the support period that follows go-live. It's typically 30-60 days. During Hypercare, dedicated teams will provide enhanced support to help the campus community adjust, answer questions, and resolve issues quickly.

We will share more about post-go-live support for Workday next week. 

Looking back on 2025, the collective effort behind Encompass has been remarkable. From the launch of Slate and Fischer Identity Management to the first phase of Financial Aid in Banner, each step has helped modernize how we serve and support our campus community.

In 2026, we’ll reach a major milestone with the go-live of Workday HCM and Payroll in January and the full implementation of Banner in the fall. These systems are essential to our mission, enhancing the student experience and strengthening collaboration across campus.

This transformative work will elevate how we serve our students and community for years to come. Thank you for your support and continued engagement as we move forward.

Glenn F. Boyce

Chancellor

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