Northwestern Univeristy

DocuPhase worked rapidly to create custom workflows that were then tested and rolled out to users in less than two weeks—using just half of the estimated project hours. Not only did these workflows eliminate the need for risky in-person meetings, but they also enhanced the original processes by providing data validation to help users complete forms error-free, rejection to allow approvers to send the form back for more information, and escalations to ensure workflows were completed in a timely fashion. Because DocuPhase seamlessly integrated with Northwestern’s Active Directory, students and advisers were able to log in with their existing credentials—no new username or password necessary. 

Northwestern was so pleased with these new workflows that they immediately had the DocuPhase Client Services team guide them through building another one: the Petition to Graduate. In this workflow, students have the flexibility to petition for one or more majors and minors. All of an individual student’s data is stored in one submission document for ease of access and processing. Each department has its own permissions to approve or reject their respective petitions. Most noticeably of all, DocuPhase’s drag-and-drop precondition and rejection features made this very complex workflow possible, allowing for the flexibility required to handle a decentralized process with ease.  

 Northwestern also used the DocuPhase Google Sheets Connector to add dynamic dropdown lists to the form that allow students to choose a department, corresponding major or minor, and concentration. This feature also populates the correct advisor for each step so that the workflow routes dynamically without the need for complicated, manual processing. Thanks to DocuPhase’s rapid implementation, Northwestern was able to keep its important registrar procedures error-free and adaptable in the face of a global health crisis.

Though initially motivated by the quick pivot required by many higher education organizations as a result of COVID-19, Northwestern's partnership with DocuPhase has expanded beyond those original forms and workflows. Their more recently added forms and workflows include enrollment/dual enrollment forms, the ability to transfer credits to and from other schools, degree tracking, study abroad applications, grade requests, and more. All of these new forms and workflows continue to enable Northwestern to operate as a top university, positioning its students for success while being able to operate its crucial back-office processes with ease.