ORU CLOUD MODERNIZATION PROJECT

Enhancing Efficiency, Security, and Accessibility Through Cloud Technology

September 2026 Update

Project Status & Go-Live Timeline

93% Complete

The ORU Cloud Modernization Project is entering its final go-live preparation phase. Cloud Modernization go-live activities are scheduled for October 8–12, 2026, followed by validation and post-launch support.

Important Dates

September 18: Code freeze begins.
September 28: User roles and approvals are due; end-to-end user acceptance testing targets completion.
October 1: Final user acceptance testing sign-off is due from all value streams.
October 6: The production environment goes offline at the end of the day for final rebuild activities.
October 8–11: Go-live migration activities and required validation take place.
October 12: The environment is returned to ORU for sequential validation. Broad access follows required post-validation sign-offs.
October 13: Vendor integration validation and one to two weeks of hypercare support begin.

Updated September 3, 2026

Why the Migration?

ORU's Cloud Modernization Project is a key move to enhance the efficiency, security, and accessibility of our information and systems. By adopting cloud technology, we will gain advanced features, improved integration capabilities, and scalability to meet both current and future university needs.

OCM Website User Guide ->

Top 5 reasons for ORU's Modernization

Benefits Of The New System

Modernizes student data and services for efficiency and accessibility.
Integration of Ethos API platform to help software connect seamlessly
Redesigned self-service portal with Ellucian Experience.
See only the information you need for your specific role and campus
Sleek, mobile-friendly, and user-friendly interface.
Enhanced flexibility and future-proof infrastructure for ORU.
Improved FERPA compliance and data security measures.
Better integration between Finance, HR, Academics, and Operations.

What Does This Mean for You?

Students, faculty, and staff can expect improved access to systems, faster processing, and more reliable services. The migration will impact all areas of the university including Finance, Human Resources, Academics, Operations, as well as the Registrar. Regular updates will be shared to keep you informed throughout the transition.

Project Leadership

Meet the dedicated teams leading our cloud modernization initiative with expertise and commitment to success.

PROJECT TASK FORCE

To ensure the success of this initiative, ORU has appointed the ORU Cloud Modernization Task Force. This multi-departmental collaboration includes executive members and leaders from key departments, ensuring that all impacted areas are actively involved throughout the migration process. The task force will provide high-level oversight on the project, provide valuable input, and ensure that the needs of students, faculty, and staff are met. This collective effort will guide the project toward a seamless and efficient implementation.

Pictured top left to right: Rasheeda Burgess, Jonathan Weed, Jason Howell, Alison Vujnovic, Terry Kollmorgen, Jesupelumi Wickliffe, Dr. Jared Johnston, Neal Stenzel, Dr. Connie Sjoberg, Michael Mathews, Sharon Li, Carolyn Udall.
Not pictured: Dr. Kathaleene Reid-Martinez, Tim Philley

Members:

Alison Vujnovic, Dr. Connie Sjoberg, Dr. Jared Johnston, Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez, Jason Howell, Jonathan Weed, Mike Mathews, Neal Stenzel, Terry Kollmorgen (Chair), Tim Philley

PROJECT CHAMPIONS

Pictured top left to right: Terry Kollmorgen, Susan Laughton, Billon Constable, Juli Atkinson, Carol Miller, Lisa Bowman, Mark Pepin, Felipe Argolo, Carolyn Udall, Jim Ginther, Joshua Damon, Gou Touboi, Emily Atkerson, Christine Weldon, Ruth Clayton, Anxhela Rama (Proxy for Grey Hoff), Joseph Sims
Not pictured: Grey Hoff, Kevin Gillogly, Rasheeda Burgess

Project Champions are the boots on the ground—the functional leaders who bring the Cloud Modernization Project to life in each department. They own the processes in their areas, ensure communication flows smoothly, and are key to the implementation's success. Their role is critical in keeping the university connected, informed, and on task.

Members:

Billon Constable, Carol Miller, Carolyn Udall, Christine Welden, Emily Atkerson, Felipe Argolo, Gou Touboi, Grey Hoff, Jim Ginther, Joseph Sims, Joshua Damon, Juli Atkinson, Kevin Gillogly, Lisa Bowman, Mark Pepin, Rasheeda Burgess, Ruth Clayton, Susan Laughrun

PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE

The Project Management Office (PMO) is the engine room of the Cloud Modernization Project, responsible for coordinating timelines, tracking milestones, and ensuring governance is upheld. The PMO Team is fully dedicated to project success and accountability, managing all aspects of delivery from kickoff to post-go-live support.

Pictured top left to right: Rasheeda Burgess, Jesupelumi Wickliffe, Mike Mathews, Sharon Li, Terry Kollmorgen.

Members:

Jesupelumi Wickliffe, Mike Mathews, Rasheeda Burgess, Sharon Li, Terry Kollmorgen

Timeline and updates

The ORU Cloud Modernization project official began in February 2025 and is scheduled to be completed within 18 months, with multiple phases designed to ensure a smooth transition. We are committed to keeping the university community informed every step of the way. Regular updates on key milestones, timelines, and feature rollouts will be shared via our website, email newsletters, and campus announcements, so stay tuned for the latest news and detailed progress reports.

Contact information

For any questions or further information about the ORU Cloud Modernization project, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact us via email at cloudmodernization@oru.edu

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HOW TO GET STARTED?

All staff and faculty are required to complete Ellucian Banner training. This comprehensive training will prepare you for the new cloud-based systems and ensure a smooth transition for everyone.

OCM Executive Dashboard

This is a progress report for PMOs only.

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