Why Catamount LEAP
“Catamount LEAP is about aligning our people, processes, and technology to create a more connected and agile UVM. This initiative empowers our community to rethink how we work—removing barriers, embracing digital tools, and building systems that support excellence across every unit.”
— Kellie Campbell, Chief Information Officer
UVM’s faculty and staff go above and beyond every day. Catamount LEAP is an investment in your success. Your time, expertise, and accomplishments are what make UVM exceptional, and you deserve systems and processes that can uplift that work. Catamount LEAP raises our technology and process to match our people power through four core principles:
Leverage data to strategically invest in our future
Empower people across campus by crowdsourcing ideas, co-developing solutions, and providing tools that help them thrive
Align processes, platforms/technology, and people with institutional goals
Progress toward a future-ready, integrated digital ecosystem
Two Strides Toward Transformation
Catamount LEAP moves forward through two powerful, parallel efforts:
1. ERP Modernization – A major upgrade for our core systems (HR, Finance, and Student Information).
We’re preparing to replace and unify our core systems (HR, Finance, Student - together known as enterprise resource planning, or ERP) with a modern, integrated platform. This will:
Improve user experience across campus
Reduce duplication and manual work
Enable better data-driven decisions
Updates as we move through the RFP process and begin readiness activities will be routinely communicated out.
2. Operational Excellence
Every academic and administrative unit has been invited to identify opportunities to simplify, digitize, and improve how work gets done at UVM.
Phase 1
Unit leaders were asked to submit three core projects by November 3. Projects were focused on reducing complexity, improving service, and saving time. Over 100 submissions were received - a clear reflection of the campus-wide engagement and commitment to innovation and change.
Phase 2
Proposals will be reviewed and prioritized for implementation by the Operational Excellence Sub-Committee. A multi-step evaluation framework will guide the next phase of the program.
Key elements to framework:
- Organization & Grouping. Consolidating submissions into distinct projects, and grouping related proposals for holistic review.
- Assessment Criteria. Evaluating projects based on criteria including strategic alignment, impact areas, anticipated benefits, readiness, and cost and sustainability.
- Prioritization Categories. Categorizing projects by strategic alignment and readiness, with timelines for initiation or reassessment.
- Review & Approval Process. The Operational Excellence Sub-Committee will conduct initial scoring and make recommendations to the Steering Committee. Final decisions will be made by LEAP Program Sponsors.
Phase 3
Proposal selection will occur early in 2026, along with an implementation timeline.
Project Timeline
Changes this big don't happen overnight. Learn about the work that has been accomplished already and what's ahead for Catamount LEAP.
Governance and Support
Catamount LEAP is guided by a cross-functional Steering Committee and supported by the University Project Management Office. Not all projects will receive direct management support, but all will benefit from shared tools, templates, and guidance.
Got an idea? Let's hear it!
The best ideas come from the people doing the work. If you have suggestions, big or small, for how UVM can work smarter, we want to hear from you. Your insight could lead to real change.
Submit your idea to Catamount LEAP