CSU Compass

A more connected Cleveland State University

CSU Compass is Cleveland State University’s enterprise transformation initiative focused on modernizing how we work, serve and support our campus community.

This is not just a technology implementation. It is a coordinated effort to simplify processes, improve access to information and create a more connected experience for students, faculty and staff.

At the center of CSU Compass is the implementation of Workday, a modern platform that will unify HR, Finance and — over time — student systems into a single, integrated environment.

Why CSU Compass, Why Now

Over time, systems and processes across the University have become fragmented, manual and difficult to navigate. This creates challenges for decision-making, service delivery and the overall campus experience.

CSU Compass is an investment in addressing those challenges directly.

Through extensive engagement with over 185 stakeholders across the University, consistent themes were identified:

• Processes are often manual and time-consuming
• Data is difficult to access and not always aligned
• Systems do not communicate seamlessly
• Users experience unnecessary complexity

CSU Compass is designed to resolve these issues in a thoughtful, structured way, while positioning CSU for long-term success.

What’s Changing

CSU Compass will deliver a modern, unified platform supported by improved processes and clearer governance.

Key areas of transformation include:

Workday Platform (HR and Finance)

A single system for managing workforce and financial operations with improved usability, transparency and reporting.

Data and Analytics

Expanded access to real-time, reliable data to support better decision-making across all levels of the University.

Identity and Access Management

Simplified, secure access to systems and information based on roles and responsibilities.

Process Simplification

Redesign of key processes to reduce manual work, eliminate duplication and improve consistency.

Future: Student System Modernization

A planned next phase to bring student-related systems into the same connected ecosystem.

What This Means for You

CSU Compass will change how work gets done across the University.

You can expect:

• Easier access to information
• More consistent and streamlined processes
• Improved tools for managing your work
• Greater visibility into data and decisions

This transformation will take time and active participation from across campus. Your engagement is critical to making it successful.

Our Approach

CSU Compass is being delivered through a structured, phased approach:

• Planning – Aligning scope, goals and priorities
• Architect and Configure – Designing and building the system
• Testing – Ensuring the system works as intended
• Deployment – Transitioning to the new platform
• Post-Production – Supporting adoption and continuous improvement

Throughout each phase, we are committed to transparency, collaboration and accountability.

Our Partners

CSU is working alongside experienced partners to support this transformation:

• Workday – The technology platform
• Alchemy – Implementation partner
• CSU Teams – Functional and technical leaders across the University

Together, we are focused on delivering a solution that works for CSU.