What's Happening?
Missouri State University has introduced a new Forms Module within its Modern Campus CMS, which is set to replace the existing legacy form asset system. As of March 2026, new forms can no longer be created using the old asset system and must utilize the new module.
The university's Web Strategy and Development team is actively engaged in converting all current forms to the new Forms Module. This transition is critical as the legacy form asset is scheduled to be completely phased out by March 2027. Forms that have no prior submissions or submissions older than three years will be removed during this conversion process. The new module offers several enhancements, including a drag-and-drop form builder, the ability to embed reusable forms across various pages, and centralized submission management, which aims to streamline workflows and improve user experience. Security is a key consideration, with submission content not being included in internal emails to prevent data exposure; instead, a secure link to view submission data within the CMS will be provided.
Why It's Important?
This technological upgrade at Missouri State University is important for several reasons. Firstly, it signifies a move towards more modern and secure data management practices, particularly concerning form submissions. By centralizing submission management and enhancing security protocols, the university aims to protect sensitive data more effectively, reducing the risk of data leakage that can occur with email-based notifications. Secondly, the new module's user-friendly features, such as the drag-and-drop builder and reusable forms, are expected to significantly improve efficiency for university staff involved in creating and managing online forms. This can lead to reduced administrative overhead and faster deployment of necessary digital services. Lastly, the mandatory transition underscores the importance of staying current with software updates and vendor-driven changes, ensuring that the university's digital infrastructure remains robust and supported, avoiding potential vulnerabilities or compatibility issues associated with outdated systems.
What's Next?
The Web Strategy and Development team at Missouri State University will continue its efforts to convert all remaining legacy forms to the new Forms Module ahead of the March 2027 deadline. Users who need to create new forms using the module for the first time will be required to request user access from WebSupport@MissouriState.edu. The university will also focus on educating staff on the new system's functionalities, including how to manage form submissions and access data securely. While the new module offers many improvements, the current absence of a reusable dataset field for common elements, such as a dropdown of U.S. states, means these will need to be created manually each time, which may be addressed in future updates. The university will monitor the transition and provide support to ensure a smooth adoption of the new system across all departments.
Beyond the Headlines
The implementation of the new Forms Module at Missouri State University reflects a broader trend in higher education and institutional digital transformation: the continuous need to update and secure digital infrastructure. Beyond the immediate benefits of efficiency and security, this transition highlights the ongoing challenge of managing legacy systems and ensuring data integrity in an evolving technological landscape. The emphasis on security, particularly the decision to exclude submission content from internal emails, points to a heightened awareness of data privacy regulations and the potential liabilities associated with data breaches. This move could set a precedent for how other universities handle sensitive information, promoting a more secure and centralized approach to digital data collection. The process also underscores the importance of dedicated IT teams in facilitating such large-scale migrations, ensuring operational continuity and user support during significant system changes.
