Student awards play a large role in attracting new students and retaining current students. Improving the entire student award process, from creation to applications to selection and management, is the goal of one of our current projects: an Awards Management System. This system will enhance the experience for all stakeholders involved in awards across the three campuses, including colleges, Alumni Affairs & Development, Student Financial Services, Admission Services, applicants and students. By implementing a new system, the team looks to realize technological advancements and efficiencies, reduce manual processes, improve the application process and communications, deliver enhancements for selection committees, and support the award creation and management process.

With these improvements in mind, the project proceeded with a Request for Proposal, which provided a good response from potential vendors. The Student Awards Management Solution Steering Committee, which includes stakeholder representatives, reviewed the proposals and narrowed them down to three viable vendors. These three vendors were interviewed, and they each gave a demonstration of their system to the Committee and University members. References were also provided.

Based on these considerations, the Committee decided on the system that will be the best fit for the University. The next step will be a proof of concept from the vendor, which will require additional interaction so that the vendor can better understand our award processes.

Following completion of the proof of concept and awarding of the contract, the Committee will begin working with a wider team on an implementation framework.