Countdown to Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions
In just two weeks, Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions will launch for Wave 1 staff and faculty. On May 1, applications open for spring 2027 graduate degree programs in Patriot Connect.
As we make our final preparations, here are some things Wave 1 staff and faculty can do to get ready for Patriot Connect:
- Review the application go-live schedule (Waves) to identify when your unit is scheduled to gain access to Patriot Connect.
- Complete the “FERPA 101” training (must be completed every two years) and “Highly Sensitive Data Custodian” training (must be completed annually) in MasonLEAPS. Access to Patriot Connect may be delayed if these trainings are not completed.
- Complete the self-guided “Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions Introduction Training” in MasonLEAPS.
- Register for Wave 1 live, instructor-led training in MasonLEAPS, and attend by April 30.
- If you believe you should be included in Wave 1 training but were not assigned, please complete the following form for assistance: Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions Training Request.
On May 1, Wave 1 users can begin to use Patriot Connect!
- Update your email signature and Patriot Connect contact information.
- Utilize hypercare for dedicated technical support.
- Continue using TargetX for the full cycle of all pre-existing and in-progress application cycles, cases, and events. This means that working in both TargetX and Patriot Connect is required.
We look forward to sharing Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions with you very soon! To learn more, visit the Patriot Connect program website.
Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions Training for Wave 1 Users
If you are a Wave 1 user (staff and faculty supporting spring 2027 graduate degree applications), it is important that you register for and attend the instructor-led training course(s) assigned to you so that you are ready to use Patriot Connect efficiently as soon as applications open on May 1.
Live, instructor-led training for Wave 1 will conclude on April 30, however, there is still time to register and attend training on all topics:
- Log into MasonLEAPS.
- On the Home tab, scroll to Your Action Items.
- Click on the green Your Action Items heading to expand the view of all assigned action items.
- Note: Please ensure you scroll through all items on the list, which may span multiple pages, to see if you have been assigned Patriot Connect training.
- If you have action items for Patriot Connect instructor-led training, click the Select Session button to see a list of session options and register for your preferred date and time.
- Wave 1 users can also register for the optional “Interacting with Prospects and Applicants” instructor-led training which will focus on communicating with prospective students and tracking interactions, skills useful for many Patriot Connect users.
Thank you to our dedicated Patriot Connect peer trainers for the extra time and effort they are putting in to leading live, instructor-led training sessions, and thank you to the staff and faculty who have attended Wave 1 training so far.
- Wave 1 users assigned to live training: 727 (including over 600 graduate faculty application reviewers)
- Wave 1 registrations for live training: 204
- Wave 1 users who have completed the Patriot Connect self-guided introduction training: 100
To learn more about how staff and faculty will be trained for Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions, check out our Training FAQs. If you believe you should be included in Wave 1 training but were not assigned, please complete the following form for assistance: Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions Training Request.
ON THE HORIZON
What is Hypercare?
When Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions launches on May 1, a six-week “hypercare” period will begin. This is a critical phase in the implementation process where our Accenture implementation partner will provide dedicated support to help ensure a smooth transition and address functional and technical questions. During hypercare, staff and faculty will access support through a help hotline (phone number and Teams link). Detailed information on how to contact support will be provided on the Patriot Connect website at go-live. After the hypercare period, technical support will transition to the George Mason Salesforce Center of Excellence (COE) with a focus on addressing enhancement requests and ongoing platform stabilization. Support for prospective students will be provided by Mason Student Services (MSSC) or individual academic programs.
SPOTLIGHT SERIES
Patriot Connect Change Champions
Get to know our April Change Champion spotlights, Nick Mihaljevic! Discover his role, what motivates and inspires him, and a fun fact or two.
ICYMI
In Case You Missed It
- Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions Wave 1.5 Launching June 5
- Key Dates and Reminders before May 1 Go-live for Spring 2027 Graduate Applications (Wave 1)
- Patriot Connect: Recruitment and Admissions Training – Action Required for Wave 1 Users
- Where to Go for Support for Patriot Connect
- March Spotlight: Mariel del Castillo
- Patriot Connect FAQs
- Did you know you can find last month’s update on the Patriot Connect program website?
Please share the sign up form with your colleagues who are interested in staying up to date with Patriot Connect.
For more information, explore the Patriot Connect website.
As always, we welcome your feedback.