Metropolitan State University of Denver will implement a three-year change freeze on nonrequired or nonmandated updates to Banner. During this period, from Dec. 15 – March 1, 2028, changes related to new Banner functionality, business process configurations or data structure adjustments will be paused unless they are essential for system stability or compliance.
All current Banner functionality will remain in place. Any requests for updates between now and Dec. 15 should be directed to the Information Technology Systems ticketing system. Those who are considering new software purchases or technical initiatives that will require Banner customizations should also submit an ITS ticket.
Why a change freeze is needed
The change freeze is an important step in the transition from Banner to Workday Student. This major system upgrade is designed to create a more modern, student-centered experience that simplifies key processes — such as academic planning, registration, financial aid and more — for both students and staff.
“This pause isn’t about slowing down — it’s about clearing the path for a student experience that’s simpler, smarter and more consistent,” said Will Simpkins, Ed.D., vice president for Enrollment and Student Affairs.
Simpkins and Provost Matt Makley, Ph.D., are executive sponsors of the system transition, providing executive-level guidance and decision-making for the project.
Prior to this change freeze, offices and departments that wanted updates or modifications to Banner for a new project or to adjust a workflow made a request through the Information Technology Services ticketing system or to Banner managers for review and implementation.
However, the Workday Implementation Team is pausing Banner updates so that it can concentrate resources on the transition, which will help ensure a smooth migration and reduce the risk of introducing unnecessary complexity into systems that are being retired.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to prepare for a seamless, successful launch,” Makley said. “While they do that, we need to support them by focusing all available energy and resources on the design and deployment of Workday Student.”
Impacts of the Freeze
Below are examples of changes that will now be restricted.
New Data Fields or Codes
- Adding a new student attribute or cohort (e.g., a new type of residency status or scholarship flag).
- Creating new fields for reporting or compliance tracking.
Business Process Changes
- Modifying existing Banner workflows (e.g., Change of Grades or how approvals route).
- Adding new steps to existing processes for departmental needs.
- Modifying academic or other policies that require customization in Banner.
New Software Integrations
- Connecting Banner to a new third-party tool (e.g., advising software, scheduling platform).
- Automating data feeds between Banner and departmental systems.
Custom Reports or Extracts
- Building new Banner reports for analytics or other needs.
- Adding new data points to existing extracts for external vendors.
Configuration Updates
- Changing security roles or permissions.
- Updating validation tables or dropdown options.
What’s Still Allowed
- Mandated changes (e.g., state or federal compliance updates).
- Critical fixes (e.g., resolving errors that impact operations).
- Security patches.
Questions or concerns?
The project team recognizes that the change freeze may affect daily operations and encourages anyone with questions or concerns to reach out for support at [email protected].
Updates and helpful resources are available on the Workday Student Project website to keep the campus community informed throughout the process. The Workday Implentation Team appreciates patience and understanding as it works to deliver a new student information system focused on the student, faculty and staff experience for years to come.
