Buff Experience Transformation Update – Aug. 18, 2026

Data Validation Underway in Testing Environment 

Integration data is now flowing into our stage environment for comprehensive testing. This allows us to test how data moves from campus systems into Education Cloud and identify any issues before launch. 

Technical teams and data experts are conducting the first round of validation, reviewing student accounts, learner programs, academic structures and related data to ensure everything is accurate and complete. This phased approach means we're testing components as they become available, and so far, progress has been positive with no major blockers identified. 

Finding and fixing issues at this stage is exactly what we want. It ensures a smoother experience when the system goes live. 

Supporting Managers Through the Transition 

Last week, the Change Enablement and Adoption Leads groups (Working Groups 3 and 4 respectively) hosted a collaborative workshop for managers and supervisors focused on supporting teams through change. The session included project updates and a presentation from the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) on leading teams through transitions. 

The response was enthusiastic, and we're exploring how to make this a recurring event. Managers and supervisors told us they need regular updates and practical tools to help their teams prepare, and we will be following up with more information and guidance.  

We're also developing a toolkit for adoption leads with talking points, slides and screenshots they can use to communicate with their functional units. This will help ensure consistent, accurate information is reaching staff across campus. 

Planning for Student Readiness 

Significant work is happening around student readiness and testing planning. The team is strategizing how to engage students in the process and gather their feedback on the student-facing parts of the system. 

This ensures that when students interact with the new system, it is designed with their needs and experiences in mind. 

Sprint 7 Progress 

Sprint 7 is underway, with Sprint 6 demos recently completed. The team is reviewing feedback and prioritizing what will be included in the initial launch of Education Cloud versus what will come in later phases. 

This ongoing cycle of building, testing and refining based on real user feedback is how we ensure the system works well for the people who will use it every day. 

What's Coming 

Watch for: 

• Information about recurring manager and supervisor sessions 

• The adoption leads toolkit 

• Opportunities to participate in student feedback sessions 

 Your involvement continues to shape this work.