Institutional Research
Data Literacy
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About the Data Literacy Program
The data literacy program is a semester-long professional development program designed to enhance data literacy, empower data users, and ultimately expand decision-making capacity at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). The data literacy program is not designed to provide technical or analytical training, but rather serves as an opportunity for staff, faculty, and administrators to gain confidence in interpreting and using data, become more familiar with campus data resources, and explore what it means to be data informed.
Participants will:
- Improve awareness and understanding of common institutional data sources and definitions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in data quality assessment.
- Utilize various data visualization methods and tools.
- Apply strategies for effectively communicating data.
- Accurately use institutional data to make data-informed decisions.
- Relate their work with data to the university’s shared goal of student success.
- Connect with colleagues to share strategies and discuss key issues around data use.
- Advocate for and help build a data culture at USM.
Spring 2025 Schedule
- February 4th, International Center (IC) 319, 2:00-3:30pm
- February 25th, International Center (IC) 319, 2:00-3:30pm
- March 18th, International Center (IC) 319, 2:00-3:30pm
- February 4th, International Center (IC) 319, 10:00-11:30am
- February 25th, International Center (IC) 319, 10:00-11:30am
- March 18th, International Center (IC) 319, 10:00-11:30am
Participant Commitment
The data literacy program follows a cohort model, and sessions are designed to build upon prior learning. As such, participants should plan to attend every meeting in person and be prepared to fully engage with the material and activities. This is a face-to-face program that meets 3 times in either the fall or spring semester; the meetings will last approximately 1.5 hours. You MUST bring a laptop to each of the f2f meetings. Supplemental information and badge coursework will be delivered via Canvas. The time commitment outside of meetings is approximately 1 hour per month.
Questions?
If you have any remaining questions about the program, please contact the Office of Institutional Research at irFREEMississippi.