Meet: Holly Magnuson
Training Coordinator
She trains the university on new software, keeping people up to date on the systems that make APU work. An amusement park aficionado, she’s hanging on for a thrilling ride with this project.
What do you do at APU?
I am responsible for training APU staff and faculty primarily in Microsoft
Office products and in-house technology.
How have you been involved in the project?
I was asked to coordinate the training for project team members as
they began investing their efforts in the implementation of different software
components. I also coordinate the training for the university’s staff,
faculty, and students as we roll out PeopleSoft 9.0.
What kind of challenges does this project bring?
It’s been difficult as we’ve tried to identify the best ways to inform the APU
community about what’s changing with the launch of this new system. We want
students to be able to go through the new preregistration process with ease
next spring. We also hope faculty will be able to access their rosters and
enter grades without encountering problems. The challenge lies in making sure
the university knows what’s coming, when it will be here, and how to use it
effectively.
What’s the coolest part of this project for you?
I’ve had the opportunity to work more closely with other individuals in my own
department, as well as people across campus. This whole process has forged new
relationships in our community—that’s been cool to see.
It’s 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. What have you done so far?
I’ve had breakfast with my kids and we’re on our way to my youngest son’s
football game. We really try to keep Saturdays low-key since the rest of the
week can be pretty hectic.
What are some common misconceptions about the project?
I think many people have the impression that the new software is called Eiro.
It’s actually called PeopleSoft 9.0. The project we’ve undertaken to implement
this new software is called Eiro.
How will the new system make your job easier?
PeopleSoft brings with it a new training tool that will hopefully ease the
transition of new hires, equipping them with the right information so
knowledge is not lost in the process.
What do you want the university to know about the Eiro Project?
We’re making a huge leap in technology. It’s almost the equivalent of going
from a horse and buggy to a brand new Ferrari. PeopleSoft’s functionality will
allow APU to do so much more because the software will grow with us as we
grow.
