As we close out the year, we want to share an important update on Encompass, our multi-year transformation to modernize the university’s enterprise systems for student information, human resources, payroll, and finance. This work is reshaping the foundation on which we serve, support, and operate as a flagship institution.
In 2023, we began the journey to replace our decades-old SAP environment with Workday and Banner by Ellucian, two cloud-based systems that will provide us with more reliable data, more efficient processes, and the ability to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly changing higher education landscape. In just a few short weeks, we will reach one of the most significant milestones in this effort: the go-live of Workday for Human Capital Management (HCM) and Payroll on January 5, 2026. As a reminder, Workday Finance will not go live until July 2027.
On the student side, Banner is progressing through the “configure and build” phase with multiple go-live dates aligned to the 2026–2027 academic year. We have already launched the new admissions portal for Fall 2026 applicants, and those admitted students are now using phase 1 of Banner Financial Aid. We are also preparing to introduce Experience, the new student hub, in February 2026, giving students time to familiarize themselves with the platform before Fall 2026 registration occurs in Banner.
We also want to acknowledge the invaluable work of our Change Advocate Network (CAN). This cross-campus group continues to preview new capabilities, elevate questions and feedback, and support their colleagues through every phase of change. Their effort embodies one of Encompass’s guiding principles: fostering a culture of collaboration, communication, and transparency. They will remain active throughout the life of the project, and we are grateful for their leadership.
As we enter the final stretch before Workday goes live, we encourage you to explore the resources available on the Stay Engaged page and bookmark the Workday Job Aids and Demos, which will be essential tools for navigating the new system.
This transformation is about far more than new technology. It represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance how we work together, support our students and employees, and position Ole Miss for the future. New systems alone cannot accomplish this. It will take all of us to learn, adapt, and embrace what these tools make possible.
Your engagement over the coming months, through training, readiness activities, and ongoing communication, will play a defining role in our success. Thank you for your continued partnership in this important work. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected, and more capable University of Mississippi.
