Implementation of Slate recruitment and admissions software continues across IU
By IU Today
January 23, 2025
Indiana University’s implementation of a higher education software tool focused on recruitment and admissions is continuing.
The Slate software tool, which is widely used for recruitment and admissions across higher education, is designed to streamline the student application, evaluation, selection and onboarding process, as well as optimize communications.
Once IU’s implementation is complete in 2026, all undergraduate and graduate admissions offices across all campuses will use Slate for recruitment and admissions work. The Bloomington campus had used Slate in the past for some of its functions, but not the complete set of tools.
Implementation is a multi-phase process being driven by campus-based teams alongside a Slate consulting firm. Project management support is provided by the Office of the Vice President for Strategic Operations, with integration and development support by UITS and additional support from University Communications and Marketing.
Phase I included discovery and needs documentation, as well as the initial development necessary to make Slate operational for communications, reporting, application building, application processing, application decisioning, events, recruiter travel and security/access.
Phase II includes the development and deployment of other campus-specific tools, such as an honors process, orientation, or further buildout of application and event student portals.
Here is where things stand now:
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Undergraduate admissions: Phase I is complete for undergraduate admissions at IU Bloomington, IU Indianapolis, IU Global at IU Indianapolis and the IU School of Nursing.
- IU Indianapolis Phase II began in October.
- IU Bloomington is still in contracted build through Jan. 31.
- IU School of Nursing began its Phase II in September.
- Graduate admissions: Work for graduate admissions across all of IU began in November. The plan is to go live in March 2026 for fall 2027 admissions.
- Regional campuses: Work began in November. Regional campuses plus IU Columbus and IU Fort Wayne are scheduled to go live in August 2025 for fall 2026 admissions.
- Online: Working with the IU Online team to be sure online students are fully integrated into campus processes.
IU employees who have been involved or will be using Slate gathered for the Slate Community of Practice Conference on Dec. 5 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis.
IU leaders noted several wins that have happened during implementation, including a 25% increase in visit registrations at IU Indianapolis. In addition, daily visits from prospective students have increased, and enrollment deposits for admitted students have increased and been made earlier. Students also receive more effective communications and can find all their information in a personalized portal.