About the Episode
About the Episode: In this episode, Jamie and Timothy discuss the importance of data-driven decision-making in higher education. They highlight the need for better data utilization across departments and share insights from surveys and studies on areas requiring improved data usage, such as academic advising and financial operations. Jamie and Timothy emphasize the significance of setting goals, establishing baselines, and implementing ongoing data monitoring. They also advocate for staff training, exploring best practices, and fostering a data-driven culture. Through practical tips, they aim to empower listeners to leverage data effectively for improving operations and achieving institutional goals.
Link to Harvard Data Usage Self Assessment
Key Takeaways
- Higher Education’s Data Gap:
- Despite improvements, higher education lags behind corporate and government sectors in integrating data systems for decision-making.
- Only 15% of institutions consider themselves ahead of their peers in data usage, and 73% acknowledge falling behind corporate counterparts.
- Top Areas Needing Data Improvement:
- Academic Advising: The most cited area for improvement (66%), with a focus on supporting pathways, degree completion, and scalability.
- Business and Financial Operations: Surprisingly high on the list (61%), emphasizing the need for stronger fiscal oversight and planning.
- Residence Life and Libraries: Least prioritized but still hold untapped potential for data-driven innovations.
- Steps to Build a Data-Driven Culture:
- Establish a baseline with historical data and clearly define metrics and goals.
- Implement ongoing data monitoring for incremental progress, avoiding reliance solely on summative assessments.
- Promote upskilling and professional development, leveraging available resources like Harvard’s self-assessment tool for data maturity.
Episode Summary
The State of Data Usage in Higher Ed
The episode opens with a sobering statistic: while 97% of colleges have dedicated data staff, higher education as a whole trails behind corporate and government sectors in data integration. MIT’s study on data practices and the Chronicle of Higher Education’s survey of 452 college officials reveal a lack of urgency and a tendency to rate institutional performance as “average” compared to peers.
The hosts point to specific areas for growth:
- Academic Advising: Identified as a priority for data utilization, with potential to demystify complex processes like credit transfers and degree pathways.
- Business and Financial Operations: A surprising yet critical area needing better data tracking to ensure financial health.
- Libraries and Residence Life: Often overlooked but ripe for innovation, particularly in tracking resource utilization and enhancing the student experience.
Practical Steps for Data-Driven Decision-Making
Jamie and Timothy share a roadmap to help institutions embrace data:
- Establish a Baseline: Gather historical data to identify trends and set realistic benchmarks.
- Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like—whether it’s enrollment growth, financial ROI, or improved retention.
- Implement Real-Time Monitoring: Move beyond annual reviews to track data throughout the year for actionable insights.
- Calculate ROI: Understand the return on investment for key initiatives, from admissions to marketing campaigns, to justify decisions and budget allocations.
- Upskill Staff: Encourage internal training, cross-departmental collaboration, and attendance at conferences to build a data-savvy team.
- Adopt Best Practices: Use resources like Harvard’s self-assessment tool to benchmark and refine your institution’s data practices.
The hosts also highlight the importance of experimentation, urging leaders to pilot new strategies, assess their outcomes, and iterate for continuous improvement.
Data as a Strategic Asset
The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of data when used effectively. Whether through leveraging big data to cut costs by 10%, as noted by Bark Research, or improving student outcomes in areas like advising, the potential ROI on data investment is significant. However, the hosts acknowledge the challenges of data adoption in higher education, from complex buying cycles to long student journeys.
Final Thoughts
Data-driven decision-making is no longer optional; it’s essential for staying competitive and fulfilling institutional missions. By starting with incremental improvements and leveraging tools like Harvard’s self-assessment, institutions can begin to unlock the full potential of their data. As Jamie aptly concludes, “Build your decisions around data, and you won’t have to worry about finding the data to defend them.”
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/
Timothy Davis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davis-timothy/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The EduData Podcast is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and The Higher Ed Geek.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit: Exciting news — Jamie and Timothy will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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