Igniting excellence: Penn State's quest for top-tier talent empowerment

At “The Pennsylvania State University,” they're not just teaching; they're shaping the future. The university strives to be a tier-one institution dedicated to serving students and advancing research globally. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to exceptional talent development, ensuring that the university's staff is well-equipped to support its student body. Jen Clouser, a Talent Development Specialist at Penn State, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. Her work centers around "servicing the employees who service the students," a crucial task that underscores the university's dedication to both its staff and students.

Picture a time when training registration was like navigating through a labyrinth. That was Penn State before Cornerstone. Clouser and her team were on a quest for something more — a system that didn't just function but flourished. So Penn State embarked on a journey with Cornerstone out of a necessity to overcome the limitations of a dated DOS-based system.

This legacy system presented significant barriers, being a "very manual system for registration," and it lacked sufficient reporting capabilities and efficient user registration processes. Recognizing these shortcomings, Clouser and her team sought a solution to centralize compliance information and streamline learning management processes.

The move towards Cornerstone was a strategic response to these challenges, aimed at revolutionizing how Penn State managed its talent development processes. Clouser recognized the necessity for a system that could streamline administrative tasks and provide a platform for more effective and engaging employee training and development programs.

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Choosing Cornerstone wasn't just an upgrade in talent management but a revelation. Clouser recalls the transition as a revelation: "Oh my gosh, look what we can do now." Penn State selected Cornerstone for its ability to offer comprehensive reporting, automated communication and user-friendly registration processes, effectively addressing the gaps left by the previous system.

Cornerstone's robust functionality in reporting, communication and user registration brought a level of efficiency and effectiveness that was previously unattainable. This choice represented a significant step forward in aligning Penn State's HR practices with its overarching institutional goals, embodying a forward-thinking approach to employee development and engagement.

Implementing Cornerstone at Penn State was like conducting an orchestra with a strategic and seamless process. Each integration — Percipio, LinkedIn Learning and Workday — played its part in harmony. Clouser highlights the ease of these integrations: "I never have to go in and fix anything... It doesn't fail." This smooth integration was crucial in maintaining accurate employee data and ensuring the effectiveness of the talent development initiatives.

This integration was not just about technological compatibility; it was about creating a harmonious blend of resources that catered to the diverse learning and development needs of the university's staff. Clouser’s ability to orchestrate these integrations flawlessly highlights her skill in leveraging technology to meet strategic HR goals.

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With Cornerstone, a new era dawned at Penn State. The People Matrix wasn't just a tool but a revolution in talent development. Clouser notes, "We're getting our employees better product, better service even through our department." The impact of Cornerstone extends beyond compliance tracking to supporting the growth and development of Penn State's employees, contributing significantly to employee retention and engagement.

The comprehensive capabilities of Cornerstone allowed Penn State to not only meet compliance needs but also foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Employees now had access to a broader range of development opportunities, aligning their personal growth with the university's mission. This shift had a ripple effect, enhancing the overall quality of education and services provided by the university.

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Penn State University's journey with Cornerstone marks the beginning of a new chapter in its commitment to excellence in talent management. Looking forward to the future, Clouser's optimism reflects the confidence the partnership with Cornerstone has instilled. "I'm excited to see where we are at the end of 2024," her statement not only encapsulates the success of the implementation but also the anticipation of continued growth and innovation in talent management at Penn State.

This partnership has redefined how Penn State approaches talent development, setting a new standard in higher education for integrating technology with human resource management. It's a testament to the university's dedication to providing its employees with the best resources and opportunities, ultimately contributing to its academic and research excellence mission.