MyUW Forward Project

What is the MyUW Forward Project?

We’re moving MyUW from its current uPortal platform to Salesforce Experience Cloud, the same framework that powers the UW–‍Madison Profile service. This update will create a more reliable, user-friendly experience and position our technology to grow with the university’s needs.

Why are we making this change?

MyUW runs on legacy technology that’s becoming difficult to maintain. By moving to a modern platform, we can deliver new features faster, improve accessibility and create better user experiences while reducing technical debt.

When will the new MyUW launch?

We aim to launch the next-gen MyUW service in July 2026, following months of extensive development, testing and user feedback in close collaboration with MyUW stakeholders and partners. This will be a complete transition—the new platform will replace the current MyUW all at once.

When will my department be contacted about the transition?

If you manage content in MyUW, our team will reach out during project phase 3 (July 2025-January 2026) to schedule meetings about your specific needs. For general MyUW users, feedback opportunities will begin in January 2026 with user testing sessions.

Will there be a testing period before launch?

Yes. Starting in January 2026, we’ll conduct user testing sessions and listening sessions to gather feedback and address any issues that come up.

What happens to the current MyUW during development?

The current MyUW will continue operating normally throughout the development process. We will keep the current and new systems separate until the July 2026 transition.

Will all current MyUW features be available in the new version?

Our goal is to migrate all high-value functions based on usage data and user feedback. We also plan to improve some existing features, taking advantage of new opportunities presented by the Salesforce platform. We will gather input throughout development to prioritize what matters most to users.

Will I still be able to customize my layout?

Yes. The new platform will include enhanced customization options, including the ability to add and remove tiles, adjust their order and personalize your experience based on your role and interests.

Will my bookmarks and saved settings transfer over?

We’re investigating ways to import some legacy layout preferences, but the new platform may have different customization options. We’ll provide clear guidance about recreating your preferred setup as we get closer to launch.

Will the new platform work on mobile devices?

Yes, absolutely. The new platform includes a mobile-responsive design that works across all devices, providing a better mobile experience than the current system.

Will the new MyUW be accessible?

Accessibility is a top priority. Salesforce Experience Cloud is committed to WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, which aligns with the university’s digital accessibility policy and federal requirements. We will conduct thorough accessibility testing with support from the Center for User Experience.

I manage content in MyUW for my unit. What do I need to know?

We will schedule meetings with all MyUW content owners to discuss the transition process. The new platform may have different content management processes, and we want to ensure a smooth transition for your specific needs.

Will my unit still own our MyUW tiles?

Yes. Units will continue to own and manage their MyUW content. The new platform uses a consultative service model where you work with the MyUW Team to refine your content using available options and best practices. While the interface for managing content may change, the collaborative relationship between your unit and the MyUW Team will remain the same.

What support will you offer staff for the new system?

We will offer robust documentation for employees in university units that manage content in MyUW to ensure a seamless transition when the new MyUW launches. This will include new KnowledgeBase articles and Help Desk coordination to support staff during the transition. Our goal is for this process to be as smooth and intuitive as possible for our MyUW partners.

Can I suggest new MyUW features or updates?

Yes, we’d love to hear your ideas. Fill out our suggestions form to request a new MyUW feature or application. Please only use the form to share your ideas for new features or updates you’d like to see to the service, not for minor changes like copy edits.

What are the benefits of Salesforce Experience Cloud?

The platform offers faster development of new features through low-code/no-code tools, better integration capabilities with university systems, enhanced security through enterprise-grade platform capabilities, easier translation to multiple languages, and support for emerging technologies like AI and automated workflows.

Is Salesforce already used elsewhere at UW–‍Madison?

Yes. Undergraduate Admissions, the Division of Continuing Studies and the UW Profile service all use Salesforce. This gives us confidence that the platform’s capabilities will fit the university’s needs.

How will this affect system integrations?

The new platform will maintain connections to existing university systems while potentially offering improved integration capabilities. We’re building on proven integration patterns established through the UW Profile service implementation.

How do I get help using MyUW?

You can find answers to many MyUW questions in the MyUW Help KnowledgeBase library.

For general support using MyUW or to report an accessibility or usability barrier, please contact the DoIT Help Desk.

Read our MyUW Accessibility Statement for more information about our commitment to digital accessibility.