During our monthly Data Liaisons Group meeting on September 9, 2024, we invited each member to share recent data wins from their areas; the result of that discussion is posted here. In our November 10, 2025 meeting we asked the question again: how are your areas using data to support students, streamline operations, and provide context about the institution to leadership?

The highlights below summarize that discussion. 

Andrew Friedman, Associate Dean, CFA 

Andrew recently focused on data analysis for programs, utilizing, in part, Tableau data to analyze enrollment and retention trends. His work was aimed at consolidating or enhancing programs, demonstrating a strategic approach to program management requirements. Andrew showed interest in contextualizing his findings within broader trends, as evidenced by his planned follow-up with IRDS regarding national data needed for program analysis.Andrew’s contributions highlighted the practical application of data analytics for program evaluation and strategic decision-making within his department.

Kevin Smith, Associate Dean, CSH 

Kevin provided valuable insights on the helpfulness of data alignment, between BSU’s Tableau environment and state-provided data,when responding to urgent analysis needs. His contribution highlighted both the benefits and limitations of current data systems, noting the challenges of making sure all constituents are familiar with the available information at Ball State. Kevin also discussed challenges related to implementing data-driven decisions, particularly focusing on the difficulty of engaging faculty with data proactively. Kevin’s contribution highlighted the importance of change management and stakeholder buy-in when implementing data-informed strategies, providing the team with valuable perspective on the cultural aspects of data integration within academic departments.

Zach Mickler, Senior Director, Budget 

Zach described his ongoing collaboration with IRDS to improve budget dashboards. His work has focused on refining these dashboards for better usability, demonstrating a commitment to making financial data more accessible and actionable. Zach worked closely with Naveed on budget dashboard formatting, showing effective teamwork in implementing data visualization standards. His contributions reflect progress in financial data management and visualization, supporting more transparent and informed budgetary decision-making across the institution.

Scott Reinke, Senior Technology Analyst, Student Affairs 

Scott presented findings from a pilot AI literacy assessment conducted within Student Affairs, revealing important gaps in staff knowledge about generative AI tools and their university-provided access. His research will inform future assessment,training and programming efforts, demonstrating a data-driven approach to professional development. Scott also discussed his interest in integrating engagement data with the data warehouse, showing cross-functional collaboration through planned meetings with Cole and Drew to outline this process. During the meeting, Scott raised thoughtful questions about defining student engagement, prompting valuable discussions about metrics and methodology. His contributions highlighted both assessment expertise and a commitment to improving data integration across student affairs systems.

Penny Saltsman, Associate Registrar, Registrar

Penny shared insights from her first year at Ball State, highlighting the partnership between the Registrar’s Office and IRDS. She detailed their efforts to enhance data analysis capabilities using Tableau and Argos, demonstrating technical knowledge of multiple data systems. Penny also discussed the ongoing implementation of Slate as a CRM system, noting how this would alleviate some data management tasks currently handled by Argos. Her contributions provided valuable perspective on data system transitions and integration between administrative offices, reflecting her experience in optimizing data workflows between the Registrar’s Office and institutional research functions.

Shannon Dieringer, Associate Dean, TC 

Shannon shared her experience at Teachers College, where Tableau is used to inform decision-making regarding faculty workload and enrollment. She highlighted the practical applications of data visualization for academic planning while noting specific challenges with accessing data for graduate programs and certificates due to their complexity and cross-college nature. Shannon emphasized the value of academic performance management tools in framing conversations and identifying discrepancies in data, demonstrating how these tools support collaborative problem-solving. Her contributions reflected both practical application of data tools and awareness of the limitations in current data systems for complex academic programs.

Naveed Syed, BI Analyst, IRDS 

Naveed reported progress on budget dashboard formatting, working collaboratively with Zach to implement default format standards. His focus on visual consistency and usability demonstrates attention to detail and user experience in data visualization. According to the next steps outlined in the meeting, Naveed will continue polishing budget dashboards with format updates per default format standards. His contributions reflect specialized expertise in financial data visualization and a commitment to standardizing dashboard design for improved user experience.

Caleb Grubb, DS Analyst, IRDS 

Caleb focused on data literacy efforts, including the development of a DLI 101 presentation and future training modules. Working closely with Cole, he is preparing to finalize and roll out this presentation soon, demonstrating progress in educational initiatives around data literacy. Caleb’s work addresses the foundational knowledge needed across the institution to effectively utilize data resources. His contributions highlight expertise in translating technical data concepts into accessible learning materials, supporting the broader goal of building data literacy throughout the university community.

Cole Heady, Director, IRDS 

Cole was involved in multiple initiatives related to data standardization and literacy. He worked on standardizing dashboard development processes, contributing to consistency in data visualization across the institution. Cole collaborated with Caleb on developing a data literacy curriculum, specifically the DLI 101 presentation scheduled for imminent rollout. He also demonstrated cross-functional collaboration by planning meetings with both Andrew regarding data integration processes and Scott regarding engagement data integration. Cole’s contributions reflected expertise in both technical data management standards and educational approaches to building data literacy.

Joseph Finke and Jonathan Voth, IRDS 

While not directly quoted in the meeting summary, Joseph and Jonathan were referenced as experts on Canvas engagement score methodology. Joseph was tasked with sharing the Canvas engagement score presentation with Scott, indicating his role in developing or documenting this methodology. Their expertise was valued enough that Mike suggested connecting them with Scott to discuss engagement scoring methods in detail. Their contributions appear focused on developing metrics and methodologies for measuring student engagement through the Canvas learning management system.

David Frye, Director of Academic Platforms, Student Success 

David shared progress on implementing Tableau dashboards specifically designed for student advisors. His work focused on practical applications of data visualization to support student success initiatives through the academic advising function. David’s contributions demonstrated how data tools are being tailored to specific user groups within the university, supporting front-line staff who work directly with students. Importantly, his work reflects the application of data visualization not just as a mirror reflecting past outcomes, but as a flashlight helping to illuminate patterns, inform interventions, and support continuous improvement in student support services and advising effectiveness.

Ashley Green, Schedule Specialist, CoH 

Our Academic Affairs team has been utilizing Stellic’s analytics feature to see anticipated student enrollment for our college courses. Pairing that data with both historical enrollment and Tableau data available to us, we have begun analyzing the number of sections we offer, along with evaluating course capacities. As a result, we have identified ways to reduce the number of sections provided in some of our departments and programs. This will allow the college to use resources and personnel more strategically moving forward.

Michael Lane, AVP, IRDS

Michael acknowledged implementation challenges with complex systems and processes, referencing a months-long issue with graduate assistant data. Michael emphasized the importance of ongoing access and training to support both long-term strategic planning and quick decision-making processes. His contributions reflected leadership in data integration efforts and a commitment to improving data-informed decision-making across the university.

In summary, the Data Liaisons Group continues to utilize data in diverse ways to inform decision-making and enhance various aspects of our institution. From responding to urgent requests to data governance, literacy, and student success, these initiatives highlight the critical role of data in fostering institutional excellence.

We look forward to continuing this collaboration and sharing best practices in future meetings.