College of the Holy Cross Transforms Language Placement with Automated eForms
College of the Holy Cross, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Worcester, Massachusetts, faced a critical challenge when their language placement exam vendor announced they were discontinuing service. With eight languages requiring unique assessment criteria and manual processes creating administrative bottlenecks, the college needed a modern solution fast.
The Challenge
Holy Cross required language placements for all students as a graduation prerequisite. Each of the eight languages—including their most utilized Spanish program—demanded different assessment approaches. Some students needed exams. Others required questionnaires or portfolio submissions. The existing system relied heavily on manual processing.
The college’s outdated placement exam application was being sunset. Paper-based workflows consumed staff time. Limited automation restricted operational efficiency. Tricia Chuplis, Academic Relationship Manager, and Chuck Thayer, ERP Systems Specialist for Students, knew they needed intelligent process automation to replace the legacy system.
Complex placement logic varied by language based on student background and proficiency. Manual score processing and course assignment communication with the registrar created delays. Students lacked visibility into their placement status. The administrative burden affected both academic operations and student services.
The Solution
Holy Cross partnered with Gideon Taylor to implement comprehensive language placement eForms as their inaugural GT eForms project. The team developed eight distinct eForms, each customized for specific language requirements while maintaining a consistent user experience.
The solution featured sophisticated assessment automation. Dynamic questionnaires identified which students required proficiency testing. Intelligent logic determined assessment paths based on student responses. Students who needed exams received them automatically within the form.
The Spanish Placement eForm showcased advanced functionality. An integrated countdown timer displayed time limits and forced submission when time expired. The system calculated exam scores in real-time based on student responses. PeopleSoft test score ranges enabled automated course placement. Code-based logic ensured consistent placement determinations.
“The Spanish Placement eForm showcases the sophisticated capabilities we can achieve,” said Chuck Thayer. “The integrated exam functionality with automatic scoring and placement has revolutionized our largest language program.”
Automated prerequisite course assignment eliminated manual registrar notifications. The system integrated seamlessly with Holy Cross’s existing PeopleSoft Campus Solutions environment.
The implementation required careful planning. Requirements analysis covered all eight language placement processes. Assessment methodology reviews informed automation design. Form development and testing occurred for each language offering. Integration with the student information system proceeded systematically. User acceptance testing involved language department stakeholders. Staff received training on new system capabilities. Go-live support ensured smooth transitions.
The Results
The automated language placement system delivered immediate operational improvements. Manual placement processes disappeared across all eight languages. Exam administration and scoring automation reduced administrative burden significantly. Prerequisite course assignment became systematic through automated notifications. Placement decision accuracy and consistency improved.
Students gained convenient online access to placement testing. In-person placement sessions were no longer necessary. Immediate placement results and course recommendations enhanced the enrollment experience. The streamlined process improved overall course selection.
Administrative efficiency increased dramatically. Staff time requirements for placement processing and course assignment dropped. Automated registrar communication eliminated manual notifications. Enhanced visibility into placement outcomes supported better academic planning. Course scheduling processes became more efficient.
“The language placement eForms have transformed how we manage one of our most critical academic processes,” said Tricia Chuplis. “The automation has eliminated countless hours of manual work while providing students with a much better experience.”
The project established GT eForms as Holy Cross’s platform for future automation initiatives. The technology’s flexibility in handling complex academic processes was proven. The college created a framework for additional eForm implementations across campus. Their experience design transformation strategy gained momentum.
Process standardization brought additional benefits. Consistent placement methodology now applied across all languages. Compliance with academic policy and placement requirements improved. Data accuracy and reporting capabilities enhanced institutional effectiveness. The scalable model supported future language program additions.
Looking Forward
As their first GT eForm implementation, the project exceeded expectations. Holy Cross demonstrated that even complex academic processes with sophisticated logic could be automated effectively. The foundation was set for continued digital transformation in academic operations.
The college’s success demonstrates the power of intelligent automation in higher education. By replacing manual processes with sophisticated digital workflows, institutions can improve both operational efficiency and student experience simultaneously.
For colleges and universities managing complex placement processes, language assessments, or other academic workflows, the Holy Cross implementation provides a proven model. Automation doesn’t mean sacrificing flexibility or customization—it means delivering better outcomes for students and administrators alike.