Oh hey, welcome to the community.
Every campus has processes that rely on multiple departments, long email chains, and shared spreadsheets. They work but often leave staff wondering if there is a better way. At the University of Evansville, that question led to a simple realization: What if departments did not have to pass information back and forth? What if they could work from one shared system instead?
That idea transformed eRezLife from a Residence Life solution into a resource that supports collaboration across campus.
It Started with a Conversation
When Assistant Director of Residence Life Will McDonner and his team implemented eRezLife, their focus was on improving Residence Life operations. As they became more familiar with the platform, they realized it could also simplify the way they partnered with other offices.“We sat down with different offices and said, ‘Here’s what we know it can do. Here’s how we think it might help your current processes. Are you interested?'”
Those conversations opened the door to partnerships with Disability Services, Public Safety, Student Financial Services, Dining Services, and other campus teams. Each office can access the information relevant to its role while appropriate permissions remain in place.
Better Collaboration, Better Student Support
Instead of searching through emails or waiting for another office to respond, staff can now quickly access student information, documentation, and notifications when they need them. That has reduced manual work and helped departments respond to students more efficiently. For Will, however, the biggest benefit is not the technology; it is relationships.
“People now know that I’m willing to work with them,” he said. “They know that I’m interested in improving things and supporting their operations in a way that makes sense for them.”
That collaborative mindset has changed how departments solve problems together. Students spend less time waiting for answers, and staff spend less time tracking down information. The university is now preparing to extend that same approach to its study abroad program, replacing scattered forms and spreadsheets with a more consistent process for students and staff.
Start with the Conversation
Will’s advice to other institutions is simple: get creative, keep permissions focused, and begin by talking with another department about the process they already share.“Don’t be afraid to reach out to another office and ask, ‘I know we’ve always done it this way, but is there a better way?'”
For the University of Evansville, the greatest success was not adding another tool. It was bringing campus partners together around one shared system and proving that sometimes the best way to improve the student experience is simply to start a conversation.
Welcome to the community. We’re glad you’re here.
