CONNECTING WITH . . . ERIN WEAVER
Get to know APU community members involved in the Eiro Project, the university’s adoption of an innovative web-based software system.
Erin Weaver
Admissions Manager
CAPS
Fueled by creativity and ideas, she invests her efforts in CAPS admissions. A jack of all trades, her past experiences include earning an art degree, teaching high school, being a makeup artist, and owning her own clothing line. Though she claims some would be surprised to hear of her recent work with software, all agree she’s a valuable addition to any team, especially when it comes to this project. Meet Erin.
What do you do at APU?
I basically process all the applications that come through the Center for
Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS). I act as the gatekeeper between the
marketing team in our office and the students. My job ultimately helps working
professionals continue their education in an accelerated program.
How have you been involved in the Eiro Project?
I represent all of CAPS as a functional lead, which means I sit in on all of
the decision-making meetings to ensure the right questions are asked and our
interests are reflected. My role also includes being an area expert for
admissions.
What kind of challenges does this project bring?
The main challenge involves figuring out what to ask for, because sometimes we
just don’t know. It’s also been difficult to determine differences between
business processes in each admissions area and figure out how to make
PeopleSoft work for all of us to streamline that process and drive our
business forward.
What are you hoping will come out of this project?
I’m seeing it already! It’s an inclusive team effort in admissions. We now
understand what each area does and how. This project serves as a unifying
process, allowing us to understand how we can join together to get this work
done.
What’s the coolest part of this project for you?
I’m an idea person—one of my top strengths is ideation, so every day is a new
opportunity. Even though the process is difficult, the challenge is still cool
for me as we’re able to problem solve and add just one more piece to the
puzzle.
How do you motivate other team members?
I’m able to ask them questions that others might not think of that make it
more of a collaborative effort. It’s neat to see a table full of people
who are willing to join together. Hopefully, those questions will prompt new
learning and insight or stimulate conversation that takes us one step further
toward our goal.
How has this challenged you to think outside the box?
Because PeopleSoft has so many capabilities, you move beyond today’s
constraints and even push past your biggest hopes and dreams to consider how
this system will help our students.
What have you learned so far working on Eiro?
I’ve learned to be more assertive. Coming from a smaller group of people that
feels like family, there’s that safety in being able to voice your opinion.
It’s harder to do that in front of a group of people who don’t know you or
your motivation. I’ve been able to share my thoughts, and it’s been a really
positive experience. Now I have the freedom to speak up.
What’s the biggest surprise?
I’m amazed at how so much ties together through this system. When you’re
working in your own area with such tunnel vision, you don’t realize the
connections.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
I’m a makeup artist. I also paint watercolors and own a clothing company. That
sort of stuff keeps me busy. Oh, and I must admit, I like to watch So You
Think You Can Dance.
Anything else for the project team?
I think every once in a while we need to be reminded to take a walk or grab a
cup of coffee. It’s okay to have fun and shrug off work-related stress and
share laughter. We also have to be careful to not take for granted the new
relationships we are building with the project team.
