The Minnesota State Special Board Meeting on November 22, 2024, focused on advancing the NextGen student project, aimed at enhancing student experiences across the state's colleges and universities. The meeting highlighted the importance of equitable access to technology for all students, regardless of their devices, as part of the broader Equity 2030 initiative.

Deputy Program Manager Dr. Nate Hallinger presented key aspects of the project, emphasizing the need for a seamless student experience. He outlined the guiding principles of the NextGen project, which include simplifying processes and ensuring a consistent experience for students who may enroll in multiple institutions. This approach aims to reduce the learning curve for students navigating various administrative tasks, such as class registration.

A significant feature of the NextGen project is the implementation of Workday Student, a system designed to be mobile-friendly and accessible. This functionality is crucial for engaging students effectively and allowing them to track their academic progress. The system includes tools for students to plan their educational pathways and adjust their course requirements easily.

The meeting also addressed the importance of financial aid processes, particularly in light of recent changes to state-level financial aid programs. The North Star Promise program was specifically mentioned as a key focus area, highlighting the ongoing commitment to support students financially.

Overall, the discussions underscored Minnesota State's dedication to improving student success through innovative technology and equitable access, setting the stage for future developments in the NextGen project.