As higher education grapples with the strategic value and ROI of its data, the Chief Data Officer (CDO) role is rapidly emerging as the person responsible for charting the course. But where does this leave Institutional Research (IR)? Is the CDO a collaborative partner, a new reporting line, or a potential competitor? This session dives into the evolving data landscape, analyzing the potential symbioses and tensions between traditional IR functions and the burgeoning CDO role. Join us to explore why the CDO position represents a vital C-suite progression for both experienced IR and IT leaders. 

Michael Le, Chief Data Officer, Cal Poly Humboldt

Continuous improvement of academic programming is crucial for student success. The College of Law and Public Service processes for data analysis and action planning are annually reviewed and followed up on quarterly, improving programming impacting student success. This presentation shares analyses using course trends, persistence, and progression data to develop action plans for program improvement. Additionally, information will be shared on the development of tangible action plans and follow-up for each of our programs. 

Theresa Ennis, Director of Assessment and Curriculum, National University

How can we increase efficiency and effectiveness while building an institutional data culture? One way is to get more from the data we’ve already collected by having conversations with colleagues both inside and outside our own units. This session will address: aligning data conversations with mission, creating opportunities for conversations across units, considering how your data could be useful to colleagues, and partnering with students to hear their perspective to better inform action.

Debbie Finocchio, Associate Core and Assessment Director, University of San Diego