Use this checklist to track the progress of your annual Cycle Prep.

💡 Tip: Download this checklist as a spreadsheet.

Security & user permissions

• Review users with exclusive permissions (Admin, Security Administrator)

• Update roles, realms, and access permissions as needed

• Inactivate users who no longer require Slate access or require only seasonal access

• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users

Data integrations & automation

• Audit data exports to ensure proper SIS and system integrations

• Update scheduled queries to include new periods/rounds/entry terms

• Review source format mappings for accuracy and updates

• Plan for any new source formats your team may need configured

• Check data migration settings and retention policies

Deliver & communication strategy

• Validate DKIM configuration to ensure email authentication

• Check Compliance Dashboard configurations to ensure call and text message authentication

• Check Deliver credits balance and purchase additional if necessary

• Update mailing campaigns for the new cycle

• Review and update snippets, translation codes, and liquid markup

• Refresh event templates and set up upcoming events (don’t forget the event communications)

System configuration, auditing, & other settings

• Review and update entities

• Regularly manage record duplicates via Consolidate Records

• Review and update Organizations dataset

• Review and update any custom datasets

• Optimize rules performance using Check Rules & Rules Health tools

• Verify configuration keys for business process continuity

• Review and update fiscal year configuration settings

• Use Slate auditing tools to update, inactivate, or archive resources

• Update your Slate institution profile and primary contacts

• Archive old or unused forms, queries, event templates.

Other considerations

• Get active in the community: Community Conversations and Community Forums

• Register for Slate Certified: Professional via Home Slate

• Is there anyone on your Slate User list that should register for the Fundamentals of Student Success? When they register, they will see if there are any waivers remaining.

• Is your team still carrying out any functions or tasks in Slate manually?

• Is your school using systems that can be replaced by Slate (texting platform, mass communications, chatbots, other?)

• Have you considered adopting Slate for Advancement in your existing database or a standalone database?