Insights from AIR Community Featured in New Report on Ethical and Effective Data Use
Several AIR publications and members are referenced in “The Data Informed Campus,” a new report from The Chronicle of Higher Education.
The report explores how colleges and universities can effectively and ethically use data to enhance various aspects of their operations. Based on interviews with over 30 experts, including data specialists, institutional researchers, privacy and technology officers, and faculty members—many of whom are members of the AIR community, the report is meant to serve as a guide for higher education institutions aiming to harness data effectively while navigating ethical considerations and fostering a culture of informed decision-making.
The report cites AIR’s “Statement of Aspirational Practice for Institutional Research” as well as “Joint Statement on Analytics”, a joint statement issued in 2019 with EDUCAUSE and the National Association of College and University Business Officers. It also references data from the National Survey of IR Offices and the Data Literacy Institute.
The report also includes insights from experts from the AIR community, highlighting their innovative approaches, challenges faced, and opinions on the state of data usage in higher education.
A selection of insights from AIR community members are highlighted below.
Bridging Data Gaps for Student Success
Jason Simon, Associate Vice President for Data, Analytics, and Institutional Research at the University of North Texas, described a transformative journey in leveraging data. “We moved from a static 300-page factbook to dynamic dashboards that update nightly,” he explained. These tools reduced withdrawal and failure rates by addressing gaps identified through conversations with faculty. Simon emphasizes that data is most powerful when combined with dialogue and trust.
Similarly, Nicola Richmond, Vice Chancellor for Strategy, Analytics, and Research at Pima Community College, underscored the importance of balancing compliance requirements with the broader goal of predictive analytics. She noted that a robust data infrastructure is vital but hard to maintain amid financial challenges.
Building a Data-Literate Culture
Institutions like Northern Arizona University and the University of Kentucky highlight the necessity of fostering data literacy. NAU’s Chief Data Officer Laura Jones recalled a pivotal moment when fragmented systems made providing application numbers to leadership a daunting task. This realization spurred the creation of a data dictionary and governance plan. Jones emphasizes, “We’re giving [stakeholders] the breadcrumbs to get what they need.”
At the University of Kentucky, Todd Brann, Executive Director of Institutional Research, Analytics, and Decision Support, prioritized transparency by hosting open-door data meetings. These sessions foster collaboration and have contributed to significant improvements in retention rates.
Ethical Use of Data
Leaders emphasize ethical practices in data use, advocating for clear privacy guidelines and diverse analysis teams to minimize bias. They warn against the misuse of predictive analytics, stressing the need for data to serve as a decision-assisting rather than a categorizing tool.
Looking Ahead
As institutions aim to advance the strategic use of data and analytics, challenges persist. From understaffed research offices to siloed data systems, the path forward requires not just technical solutions but a cultural shift towards collaborative and informed decision-making.
This report serves as a call to action for the AIR community to proactively share strategies, support data literacy initiatives, and advocate for the ethical use of data. As Christine M. Keller, AIR’s Executive Director, notes, “Creating a data-informed campus is about much more than technology—it’s about empowering people.”