Explore effective strategies and tools for collecting and disseminating institutional data to drive change at scale. Engage in an interactive design sprint to create actionable plans for data-driven improvements in your institution.
Introduction In an era where data-driven decision-making is crucial, educational institutions must harness the power of their data to foster meaningful and scalable change. This session aims to provide participants with practical strategies and tools for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating institutional data to promote systemic improvements. Attendees will engage in an interactive design sprint to apply these concepts, ensuring they leave with actionable insights tailored to their unique contexts. Session Structure The session is structured to balance knowledge sharing with interactive engagement. It includes a 15-20 minute didactic presentation, a 20-minute interactive design sprint, and a 5-10 minute Q&A segment. Didactic Presentation (15-20 minutes) 1. Importance of Data-Driven Decision-Making: - Overview of the significance of data in institutional change. - Examples of successful data-driven initiatives in higher education. 2. Collecting Institutional Data: - Key types of data to collect (e.g., student performance, faculty feedback, resource utilization). - Methods for data collection (surveys, analytics tools, feedback mechanisms). 3. Analyzing and Interpreting Data: - Techniques for data analysis (statistical methods, data visualization). - Tools for data analysis (software platforms, dashboards). 4. Disseminating Data Effectively: - Strategies for sharing data with stakeholders (faculty, administration, students). - Creating compelling reports and presentations. - Ensuring data accessibility and transparency. 5. Promoting Change at Scale: - Translating data insights into actionable strategies. - Engaging stakeholders in the change process. - Monitoring and assessing the impact of implemented changes. Interactive Design Sprint (20 minutes) Participants will be divided into small groups to collaboratively design a data-driven initiative tailored to their institutions. This hands-on activity will guide participants through the following steps: 1. Define the Challenge: - Identify a specific issue or area for improvement at their institution that could benefit from a data-driven approach. 2. Determine Data Needs: - Outline the types of data needed to address the identified challenge. - Discuss methods for collecting this data. 3. Analyze and Plan: - Brainstorm analysis techniques and tools that could be used to interpret the data. - Develop a plan for disseminating the findings to relevant stakeholders. 4. Action Plan: - Create a step-by-step action plan to implement the data-driven initiative. - Consider potential obstacles and strategies to overcome them. 5. Share and Discuss: - Each group will briefly present their initiative and action plan. - Open discussion for feedback and ideas from other participants. Q&A and Wrap-Up (5-10 minutes) The session will conclude with a Q&A segment, allowing participants to ask questions and seek clarification on any points covered. Facilitators will summarize key takeaways and provide resources for further learning and implementation. Learning Outcomes By the end of this session, participants will: 1. Understand the importance of data-driven decision-making in higher education. 2. Gain knowledge of effective data collection, analysis, and dissemination strategies. 3. Develop practical skills to design and implement data-driven initiatives. 4. Collaborate with peers to create actionable plans for institutional change. 5. Leave with concrete ideas and resources to drive scalable improvements at their institutions. Engagement and Interaction The design sprint ensures that participants actively apply the concepts discussed, fostering collaboration and peer learning. The session encourages continuous engagement, enabling attendees to leave with practical, actionable insights that can be immediately applied in their professional contexts. Join us for this dynamic session to enhance your institution's data capabilities and drive transformative change at scale!
She led the reorganization that brought together the areas of Teaching, Learning and Digital Transformation focused on modality-agnostic innovative teaching and learning. Most recently, UTSA has been recognized for its groundbreaking early work in incorporating Generative AI into the curriculum, developing faculty learning networks and supporting both faculty and student innovation utilizing this tool.
Under her leadership, UTSA Online, a fully online university experience, climbed to the top 20% of all online U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Programs list in 2024. Melissa was instrumental in uniting UTSA and Adobe Creative Campus and creating a research project to measure the impact of curricular use of Adobe tools on student learning. This project led to an ongoing effort to measure the impact of course redesign on student outcomes. Findings include higher grades and increases in course completion.
Melissa and her team have also reimagined physical learning environments. Academic Innovation transformed over 60 classrooms and four outdoor learning spaces. The Educause Horizon Report in 2022 recognized UTSA’s dynamic approach to integrating collaborative academic technologies into classrooms and faculty training. Melissa envisioned and created the Academic Innovation Center (AIC), an incubator and community space that brings faculty, students, and teaching and learning specialists together to experiment with new ideas, encourage creativity and inspire transformative teaching.
Prior to UTSA, Melissa served as Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs and Senior Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives and Student Success at the University of Arizona (UA), retiring in July of 2018. During her UA career, she developed and launched UA’s online programs in 2015, and was recognized by UPCEA in 2019 for the Innovation in Transformation Award. She co-founded the Gender-Based Violence Center; co-coordinated efforts that led to UA’s designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution; envisioned and developed the Think Tank learning center; reimagined Career Services; and oversaw the development of the University’s first Veterans Center. Melissa’s vision to bring together all areas that impact student success resulted in the UA Student Success District, which opened in 2021.
Melissa has consulted with large public universities and corporations on issues pertaining to the future of higher education, fully online programs, leadership, crisis management, and faculty development. She speaks and writes frequently, including contributing to NASPA’s book Online & Engaged (March 2020) and From Grassroots to the Highly Orchestrated. Recognized nationally by NASPA as a Pillar of the Profession, she has also received the ACPA national award for Excellence in Practice, the National Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors Kent Gardner Award for Excellence, is a member of the Online Learning Consortium Board of Directors and on faculty for Educause’s Digital Leaders Institute. She also received the Mentor of the Year Award in 2013 by Tucson’s 40 Under 40 Program and was recognized in 2023 as a member of the Salpointe High School Hall of Fame.
Her spare time activities include road cycling, traveling music (she has been known to DJ from time to time)!
At UA, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and English and a master’s degree in Higher Education and Counseling. She has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.
Leading with Data: A Design Sprint for Scaling Online Learning Success
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Description
Track: N/A
Session Type: Leadership Network Symposium Session
Institution Level: Higher Ed
Audience Level: All
Intended Audience: Administrators
Special Session Designation: For Leaders and Administrators
Session Resource