One year ago, we announced Mason's commitment to implement Salesforce as the system of engagement for the student journey. As we reflect on the remarkable progress made in the past year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated community for their unwavering support and contributions. To commemorate the past year, here is an overview of significant milestones and accomplishments thus far:
Project Kickoff and Establishing Structure
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To ensure a smooth transition, Mason formed the Salesforce Executive Committee (SEC), a team dedicated to steering the new initiative.
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The Office of the Provost and ITS worked in collaboration to create the Salesforce Project Management Office (PMO) and Team to provide structured oversight, coordination, and support for the successful implementation of the Salesforce project.
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The PMO scoped the initial phase of the project to begin with Mason's advising/coaching function and student recruitment/admissions function.
Charting the Path Forward for Advising/Coaching and Admissions
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The PMO consulted with the admissions and advising/coaching communities to identify their needed requirements for the new tool.
- Drawing inspiration from other universities, Mason hosted various Salesforce demonstrations and learned valuable insights from their experiences.
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The PMO developed and released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to secure an implementation partner to assist Mason in planning, customizing, and deploying the new Salesforce platform.
Knowledge Dissemination
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A series of Salesforce presentations were conducted to inform impacted units and share our vision for the implementation.
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The PMO developed a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Plan that included the formation of working groups and a robust Unit Liaisons Network.
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Committed to transparent communication, the PMO developed presentations, a list of FAQs, recorded sessions, commenced regular project update emails, and created the stakeholder engagement form, ensuring that information was readily available to the university community.
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To centralize project-related information and updates, the PMO established the Salesforce project page. This platform is the go-to source on the Salesforce implementation at Mason.
Looking back over the past year, Mason's intention to shift to Salesforce stands out as a testament to collaborative effort and vision. People from around the university have contributed, from UL to the Provost's office to ITS to undergrad and grad faculty and staff. As the journey progresses, the focus remains clear: elevate the student experience and position Mason at the cutting edge of academic innovation. Stay tuned for forthcoming updates on the project as we continue into the next phases of implementation!
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Questions? Check out the Salesforce FAQs, complete the Salesforce Stakeholder Engagement Form, or contact the project team at salesfor@gmu.edu.