EDUCAUSE Data Literacy Institute

Data Literacy Institute Details

The EDUCAUSE Data Literacy Institute is designed to empower higher education professionals who are beginning to work with data to inform decisions and drive impact. This immersive program builds foundational knowledge and practical skills for effectively leveraging, interpreting, and communicating with data. Participants will explore the full information lifecycle—from data discovery and evaluation to applying insights and leading change through compelling data storytelling.

Competencies 

Learners will be able to: apply data concepts and governance practices to support strategic decision-making and advance institutional goals.

  • Recognize and communicate the strategic value of data in advancing institutional goals with effective decision-making, resource allocation, and institutional effectiveness.
  • Examine the full data lifecycle—from collection to processing, storage, and preservation—while considering the varying stakeholder perspectives at each stage.
  • Identify your institution’s data governance policies, examine leading practices in higher education, and evaluate how well your organization’s approach aligns with those standards.

Learners will be able to: Formulate purposeful questions, identify relevant data sources, and interpret key data elements to support effective analysis.

  • Explain how crafting well-defined, purposeful questions strengthens the ability to query data effectively, guides the selection of appropriate data sources, and enhances the quality and relevance of data requests.
  • Identify relevant internal and external data sources, including access procedures and timelines associated with each.
  • Interpret the meaning of data elements and evaluate their relevance, accuracy, and appropriateness for addressing specific analytical questions or goals.

Learners will be able to: analyze data types and quality, and refine data questions to support accurate, context-driven decision-making.

  • Identify and interpret different types of data by analyzing their sources, structures, and relevance to specific decision-making contexts.
  • Assess the quality of a dataset by evaluating its completeness, accuracy, and timeliness in relation to defined analytical goals.
  • Evaluate and refine the initial data question to ensure alignment with available data and the intended purpose of the analysis.

Learners will be able to: extract actionable insights and communicate them through tailored, context-rich data stories that drive informed decisions.

  • Evaluate data findings to determine those most relevant to a defined challenge or goal and extract actionable insights that inform evidence-based decision-making.
  • Design and recommend audience-specific communication strategies—using clear narratives and visualizations—to effectively convey those insights and support decision-making.
  • Construct data narratives that incorporate contextual background and institutional knowledge to enhance interpretation and inform strategic action.

 

Faculty Application

Interested in becoming a faculty member for an EDUCAUSE Institute? Learn more about the process here.

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EDUCAUSE Professional Pathways are supported by Prosci, 2025 EDUCAUSE Strategic Partner.

Upcoming EDUCAUSE Data Literacy Institutes

 
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