Announcements

ODU-EVMS Integration: Continued Progress and Forward Momentum

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

As we approach the final months of our integration planning efforts, there is continued progress and forward momentum across all levels of our collaborative partnership. This past weekend, the General Assembly concluded its regular session with passed legislation, including the biennium budget, which is awaiting action by Governor Youngkin. That budget includes $37 million in new funding to support the merged entity, which is currently being referred to as the Eastern Virginia Health Sciences Center or EVHSC. Coupled with the long-term deal with Sentara Health, which spans 10 years and provides $350 million in total support, the opportunities for clinical, education, and research growth are tremendous!

This week, required documentation was submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for review in advance of their June 2024 Board of Trustees meeting in which approval is anticipated for a July 1, 2024 implementation. As Day One quickly approaches, employment notification letters are being shared with all Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) employees. That process began on February 19, 2024, and will conclude by April 8, 2024. To provide greater levels of detailed information and personal engagement, a Benefits Conference is being hosted at EVMS in Waitzer Hall on April 29 and 30, 2024 with a fully virtual option on May 1, 2024. This multi-day event will provide EVMS employees with a multitude of benefits related opportunities, including concurrent sessions and individual consultations. Additional details regarding the Benefits Conference, including a full schedule and registration links, will be shared with all EVMS employees in the coming weeks. Another critical step is full distribution of the operating model and organizational structure, which will occur later this Spring once the individual employee notification process has concluded.

As we consider our individual organizations, specifically our shared mission and the path forward, there has been a heavy focus on systems to ensure Day One readiness. As EVMS engages in a migration to Canvas over this summer, a unified direction for the integration of Student Information Systems (SIS) has been established for long-term management of our combined student population on one system, which will be Banner. This will provide seamless navigation, efficient record storage, consistent reporting, full compliance, and total transparency. To prepare for the future state, a SIS Working Group, including subject matter experts and stakeholders from both institutions, will be assembled to both identify and address areas of concern and focus regarding the system integration.

As the Banner system will meet the needs of the School of Health Professions to include programs with clinical rotations, integration of those programs will begin upon successful completion of the review with the goal of having a singular SIS by July 1, 2025, with priority to the graduate school programs without clinical rotations. The School of Medicine will continue its utilization of Anthology until a further evaluation of Banner capabilities and adaptability is complete. The School of Medicine evaluation will progress concurrently with the School of Health Professions implementation, which is slated to conclude by July 1, 2025. The School of Medicine evaluation will be completed no later than December 31, 2025.

Together, we are poised and prepared to enhance educational opportunities; address workforce gaps; expand research initiatives and related outcomes; help combat the health disparities facing our region and its people; and pursue the endless possibilities for our campuses, our communities, and our Commonwealth. This is such an exciting time for both of our institutions as we prepare to solidify our critical partnership and embrace the limitless possibilities!

With Sincere Appreciation and Forward Momentum,