EmpowerED Community of Practice (CoP) Project Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the general implementation timeline?

A full-system implementation typically takes 3–6 months, but timelines are tailored to each college's priorities. Some systems can be operational within weeks of kickoff. 

Which ConexED project managers will be assigned to EmpowerED CoP colleges? 

Abbe Breiter is the assigned ConexED project manager for all EmpowerED CoP colleges: . Abbe should be your first point of contact for any questions or concerns. 

Brent Reid is supporting the statewide rollout.

What tools/resources support documentation of CoP successes? 

The EmpowerED CoP (formerly known as Early Adopter Advising Technology Implementation) Project is a statewide initiative led by the Washington Student Success Center (SBCTC) in partnership with Jobs for the Future (JFF).

This year-long project supports a cohort of community and technical colleges as they adopt or expand student success and advising platforms—such as ConexED—to strengthen Guided Pathways implementation. 

The goal is to build stronger, equity-centered advising systems that help students navigate from entry to completion with clarity and support. Participating colleges receive funding, coaching, and access to a collaborative Community of Practice (CoP) focused on sustainable, student-centered transformation. This initiative supports Guided Pathways reforms by streamlining student support, improving advising structures, and fostering equitable educational outcomes. 

Resources from the CoP will be shared via the Student Success and Pathway Navigation website and other channels as they become available. 

When can colleges expect to see a shift in outcomes?

Typically within a few months, particularly in student engagement. Monthly data meetings help track progress. 

What does integration with ctcLink look like? When will it be live? 

Integration decisions are still being made between ConexED and SBCTC with input from early adopter colleges. 

Early adopter colleges are able to begin implementing ConexED thanks to one-way integration.  

Updates will be shared with early adopter colleges at an upcoming SBCTC IT-ConexED Office Hours. If you are not receiving Office Hour invites please contact Amunoo Tembo, 360-704-1020.  

Answered during Dec. 8, 2025 Office Hours: Recording | Password: F69iN*YR 

While we are working with one-way integration, how often will the systems push data to one another? 

Systems push data to one another nightly.

Answered during Dec. 8, 2025 Office Hours: Recording | Password: F69iN*YR 

What will we no longer need to enter in ctcLink because we will be able to enter it in ConexED?
(i.e., what are we doing to avoid duplication?) 

ctcLink remains our system of record. Not all fields will be included in the integration. Integration decisions are still being made between ConexED and SBCTC with input from early adopter colleges.  

Updates will be shared with early adopter colleges at an upcoming SBCTC IT-ConexED Office Hours. If you are not receiving Office Hour invites please contact Amunoo Tembo, 360-704-1020.  

Answered during Dec. 8, 2025 Office Hours: Recording | Password: F69iN*YR 

We know 2-way integration will happen a little later. What will happen to the notes entered before the integration occurs? Will they end up in ctcLink AFTER integration is complete? 

The decision about what information will be imported has not yet been made. 

Updates will be shared with early adopter colleges at upcoming SBCTC IT-ConexED Office Hours. If you are not receiving Office Hour invitations, please contact Amunoo Tembo, 360-704-1020.  

Answered during Dec. 8, 2025 Office Hours: Recording | Password: F69iN*YR 

Where should early alerts live? What does integration of early alerts look like?

ConexED recommends housing early alerts in its platform. 

ConexED integrates with Canvas to sync relevant data. 

Permissions are strictly managed by role. 

What is the “knock on door” feature?

“Knock on door” enables students to message college staff and be invited to a just-in-time virtual videoconference.

This feature is optional and configurable by school or department. It can also be turned off completely if desired. 

What about app support for students? 

ConexED uses mobile-responsive web design rather than a standalone app to ensure equitable access across devices. 

What is the document signing feature?

Students can sign documents uploaded into ConexED via milestones or during meetings. 

What are best practices for note-taking in the system? 

Notes are tied to meetings, chats, alerts, and cases. 

Best practices include assigning reason codes and using a standardized note format. 

Who has access to what information in ConexED? 

Access is managed through role-based permissions.  

See Knowledge Base article: How to Understand the Permissions in ConexED. 

How does the system show all of the advisors, coaches, counselors, faculty who are engaged with a specific student? 

All engagement with students—like meetings or phone calls; even casual conversations in the hall—are tracked in the system via activity tracking. Some activities will be recorded automatically; others will require manual entry. Users can view a list of these touchpoints to see who has engaged with each individual student. 

See Knowledge Base article: How to View Appointment Details. 

Answered during Dec. 8, 2025 Office Hours: Recording | Password: F69iN*YR 

Can we learn more about ConexED’s reporting features? 

Yes. ConexED offers a Business Intelligence dashboard for advanced reporting and analysis. 

Does SBCTC IT / ConexED have office hours? 

Yes! Updates will be shared with early adopter colleges at monthly SBCTC IT-ConexED Office Hours.  

Office hours are held on the last Tuesday of every month. 

If you are not receiving Office Hour invitations, please contact Amunoo Tembo, 360-704-1020.  

Recordings from past office hours will be made available: Dec. 8, 2025 Office Hours: Recording | Password: F69iN*YR 

Can we get a sandbox?

Yes. All colleges actively working with ConexED will receive a sandbox to support design and planning.

What do support and training look like? 

Training is provided for staff, faculty, and administrators and includes hands-on sessions tailored to each campus. 

Colleges also receive a student marketing plan and access to support guides.

What technical support is available? 

Support is available via online ticketing, email, and phone. 

Each college has a dedicated account manager after launch. 

Can ConexED provide contact information for and/or coordinate conversations with colleges already implementing the tool? 

Yes. ConexED is happy to coordinate meetings with current customers.