Portal for 六色网 Applicants Wins 2025 One Team Award
A collaborative effort to re-imagine the applicant and new student experience through a digital-first approach is the winner of 六色网’s 2025 One Team Award.
The Bronco Applicant Portal, which launched in fall 2024, provides applicants and admitted students with a personalized and integrated experience for admission, financial aid, orientation and onboarding. The re-imagined portal supports student success from when they apply to their first day on campus. The portal sends nudges and reminders to applicants about next steps but also enables the university to make early projections of intent to enroll and track increased participation in key enrollment events.
The annual award celebrates the achievements of cross-departmental teams for projects that have an impact on the campus community and emphasize one or more of the university’s core values. The project involved multiple departments on campus, including Enrollment Management Services (EM&S), New Student Orientation, Information Technology, Student Outreach & Recruitment, Student Success, Student Accounting, Strategic Communications and Housing.
“The Bronco Applicant Portal represents what we can accomplish when multiple teams come together around a shared vision — putting students first. This was a true cross-divisional effort,” said Jessica Wagoner, senior associate vice president for EM&S in the Division of Academic Affairs. “Our goal was to create a seamless, engaging experience that empowers students through every step of the admissions journey. Whether students are exploring campus events, accessing financial aid details or accepting their offer, the portal removes barriers and keeps students connected to Cal Poly Pomona. It’s exciting to see the impact and to know that this work directly advances our mission, supports enrollment growth, and strengthens student success.”
Jesús Ávalos, chair of the One Team Award Committee and the learning and development manager for Employee and Organizational Development and Advancement, said the committee was impressed with the breadth of the collaboration, adding the team’s 26 members was the largest winning team. Past winners of the One Team Award can be found on the website.
“The team was very intentional about creating a strong collaborative dynamic among its broad team, focusing on fostering clear communication, creating a shared vision, practicing collective accountability, and a developing a culture of trust and inclusion,” Ávalos said.
“At its core, the Bronco Applicant Portal project embodies so many things that make Cal Poly Pomona great. It’s innovative, collaborative, impactful, and most of all, student centered. We’re so happy to recognize the team with this well-deserved honor.”