3 tools in Sequoia to help you find what you need

In early 2026, the university will launch Sequoia, a modern HR and Payroll system that will replace our current HR PeopleSoft system, which has reached its end of life. Today, many common HR and Payroll-related tasks, like updating personal information, viewing pay stubs, submitting time cards, engaging in performance management, and posting jobs, are completed across multiple systems, platforms, and through various workarounds.

Sequoia will bring these tasks together into one connected system, designed to offer a more intuitive experience with tools and guidance to help you complete your day-to-day workplace responsibilities and HR-related needs.

Designed for you

Sequoia is more than just a system upgrade. It will reflect a thoughtful approach to how employees engage with their workplace tasks and HR-related needs and introduce over two decades of technology advancements that will now benefit faculty and staff. 

This upgrade will bring modern built-in support, smarter tools, and a user-friendly interface that offers a more guided and accessible way to complete tasks and find HR-related information. In addition to new system features, an expanded level of HR support services will be available through the HR Service Center, a knowledgeable and friendly team ready to provide you with live, personalized support.

Sequoia features a homepage designed to help you quickly access the information and resources most relevant to your role at Stanford. With intuitive navigation and tailored features, Sequoia will support the way you work and empower you every step of the way.

Here’s a first look at three of the new tools that will be available to you in Sequoia.

1. Tiles: Your personalized homepage

When you log into Sequoia, you’ll land on a personalized homepage with square tiles. These tiles will include clear labels, directly link to key actions, and give you quick access to tasks and tools based on your role, whether you are staff, including people managers, or a faculty member.

To help you move through Sequoia with ease, if you’re unsure about a tile’s purpose, you’ll be able to hover over it to view a helpful descriptor. This feature is designed to support you regardless of your familiarity level with Sequoia, so you can navigate confidently. With just a glance, Sequoia offers easy access to personal information, employment records, pay statements, and time-off requests.

2. Digital Assistant: Help when you need it

Sequoia will feature a built-in digital assistant, a chat tool designed to assist you with your questions in real time. You can use the digital assistant to quickly navigate to various pages for HR-related tasks or access information, such as where to view your benefits, without having to search multiple websites.

Available 24/7, the digital assistant will offer options tailored to your needs. You can simply type "help" to receive a list of available options within the tool or ask specific questions in natural language, such as “how can I check my sick leave balance?” or “help me find…”. For example, if you want to pull up your contact details, the chat tool will display your name, title, manager, and email address, along with a link to the Stanford directory. 

This Digital Assistant will serve as an efficient resource to help you find the information you need quickly and conveniently. With features like voice-to-text, accessing assistance has never been easier.

3. My Journeys: Step-by-step guidance for seamless navigation

Sequoia will also introduce a feature called “journeys,” a series of pre-built guided checklists that help you navigate certain HR-related processes, like returning from a leave of absence or completing onboarding requirements. These guided experiences are being designed to clarify what needs to be done and when, helping to reduce confusion and make it easier to stay on track.

Looking ahead: Training, support, and what comes next

As we move toward the launch of Sequoia, training and resources will be provided to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. More detailed information about training will be shared in the coming months, with plans to begin introducing role-based training in the fall.

With features like homepage tiles, real-time digital assistance, and step-by-step guidance through journeys, Sequoia is designed to support you through your HR and payroll tasks. When you need additional help, the HR Service Center will provide live support, so you're never navigating alone.

You can learn more about the Sequoia upgrade or explore additional resources on Cardinal at Work.