Stronger Together: Collaboration across Schools and Colleges Increases DEIB Microgrant Impacts
The University of Wisconsin-Madison piloted a microgrant program that empowers instructors to use data for course and program enhancement. The program is centered on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and employs an action research framework to foster iterative improvement. In its second year, the program has shown remarkable progress in growing capacity to use teaching and learning data across our large, decentralized R1 institution. We will present four case studies that demonstrate growth and impact at various levels: at the program level, across a school/college, and interdepartmental collaborations. The microgrant program has catalyzed change across disciplines, inspired academic units to explore more systemic data-driven approaches, and fostered innovative solutions through interdepartmental connections. Actions taken by microgrant participants have developed into the scholarship of teaching and using data to support student success, and to inform action and decision-making at varying levels across campus. Lessons learned in program management have streamlined application and review processes, sparked conversations about data governance, and improved our processes. We are excited to showcase the impact of these microgrants and inspire others to embrace data-driven practices. By leveraging data, we can create more inclusive, effective educational experiences for all. Join us as we share our journey and the transformative power of data in education.
Presenters
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Kari jordahl
Learning Analytics Program Manager,
University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Destiny Phipps
Teaching & Learning Data Analyst Intern,
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Resources & Downloads
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poster about microgrant collaborations
Updated on 7/24/2026