Macquarie University
Microsoft 365 Training
Macquarie University
Microsoft 365 Training
Industry
Education
Geography
Australia
Consulting
Training Services
Microsoft 365 SharePoint Intranet Consulting
technologies
Microsoft 365
Challenges/
Goals
Primary
Deliver effective training to a large diverse group of staff across faculties and departments.
Provide the correct level of Office 365 training to over 3,000 staff that had Beginner through to Advanced Microsoft 365 knowledge.
Creation of Macquarie University specific training manuals that illustrated the Microsoft 365 platform and its specific use at Macquarie.
Over a four month period deliver training courses for up to over 3,000 staff which would encourage high-levels of attendance.
Use a specific event management and ticketing system that would co-ordinate courses/seminars, attendees, rooms, and trainers.
Provide high quality online Macquarie branded resources for future reference and training.
Secondary
Ensure that knowledge was able to be shared amongst all attendees.
Assimilate the trainers and IT Support into one team to allow for the seamless delivery of knowledge of Microsoft 365
Solution/
Approach
In collaboration with Macquarie’s project team, Synergy identified Microsoft 365 Champions to help fast track the transition to Microsoft 365. After conducting a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) through staff surveys and interviews, Synergy uncovered a wide range of skills and training preferences. Notably, while over 70% of both Professional and Academic staff had never used Microsoft 365 professionally, most had prior experience from home or school. The TNA also revealed a preference for a mix of self-paced and classroom-based learning, guiding Synergy's training approach.
To meet demand, Synergy created nine custom courseware manuals and presentation packs, offering targeted hands-on training for Power Users. Course schedules were published, and enrollment surged, leading to additional sessions being offered. Feedback was collected after each course, allowing the team to make adjustments as needed. Synergy also supported Macquarie’s service desk, resolved training-related questions, and manned a drop-in center to assist staff with configuring devices for Microsoft 365, ensuring a smooth transition throughout the organization.
Macquarie University Case Study: "Partnering with Macquarie University allowed us to deliver a dynamic, scalable IT solution that supports both academic and administrative excellence. We're proud to have contributed to their technological advancement and the improved experience of their staff and students.” Murray Campbell - Consulting Manager
Results
The overall result for Macquarie University was a comprehensive program of training that introduced staff to the core features of Microsoft 365 and allowed them to hit the ground running after the launch on 14th December 2015. This assisted in a very smooth transition to the new software and allowed staff to be productive on Microsoft 365 from day one.
Course attendance increased due to positive feedback and internal referrals which resulted in a far greater reach than predicted with over 2500 trainees attending classes and many more accessing online material.
The training solution has provided for the future by allowing current staff to refresh themselves via the online courseware and training environment. Future training needs of any new staff that join Macquarie University have been catered for in the full-suite of high-quality relevant courseware.
Results
The overall result for Macquarie University was a comprehensive program of training that introduced staff to the core features of Office 365 and allowed them to hit the ground running after the launch on 14th December 2015. This assisted in a very smooth transition to the new software and allowed staff to be productive on Office 365 from day one.
Overview
Synergy was chosen as Macquarie University’s training partner for the migration to Microsoft 365, in late July 2015. Macquarie needed a training partner with Microsoft product knowledge and training certifications, as well as a working knowledge of Microsoft 365 in Education. Synergy’s team of MS certified consultants and trainers developed custom training material that directly addressed Macquarie staff needs; from Academic to Administrative staff.
Macquarie University undertook the email migration from Gmail to Office 365 for over 3,000 staff in the second- half of 2015. The project required an approach that offered a variety of training methodologies due to the differing needs of staff. The training approach accommodated a series of seminars, group training courses and hands-on labs/workshops to ensure all staff were given the opportunity to learn how Microsoft 365 would be utilised by them.
University specific training materials were developed in the traditional electronic .pdf format as well as Wiki online tutorials stored in a training site on Macquarie’s servers.
Challenges/Goals
Provide Microsoft 365 training to over 3,000 staff
Cater for End-user, Helpdesk, Support and Technical Staff
Provide Macquarie University custom materials
Deliver Lectures, Presentations, VIP Sessions, Courses and Labs
Create a range on online resources, Wiki’s, Howto’s, Cheat Sheets, Videos and web links
Solution/Approach
Synergy undertook an extensive Training Needs Analysis to define the exact requirements of the University. A Training programme was then created to cater for all audiences and delivered over a 4 month period.
Summary Data
3,000 Staff learn Microsoft 365 with Synergy’s Cloud training Services