Welcome to the EDUCAUSE Data Literacy Institute—your launch point for data-informed leadership. This experience will equip you with a strong foundation in data literacy while helping you apply practical tools and strategies essential for effective management in higher education.
Each session begins with a “Coffee Chat” to connect with fellow learners and ends with dedicated group reflection to reinforce key takeaways. Throughout the Institute, you’ll build applied skills through interactive scenarios, small group exercises, facilitated discussions, and practical insights from experienced leaders—all designed to reinforce real-world application.
What to Expect:
- Learning Activities – Interactive discussions, group work, and scenario-based learning
- Assignments – Practice exercises and real-world applications
- Recommended Resources – Readings, videos, and tools for deeper exploration
- Reflections – Structured time to consolidate learning and set actionable goals
Agenda
To complete the Institute and earn the microcredential, participants will commit approximately 16 hours over 4 days, including 12 hours of required live virtual sessions and 4 hours of applied learning activities integrated throughout the experience.
Please Note: To get the most out of this Institute, we strongly encourage you to step away from day-to-day responsibilities and, as much as possible, be fully present throughout the program.
All times listed in Eastern Time (ET).
| Prework | Monday, July 27 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
Tuesday, July 28 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
Wednesday, July 29 | Thursday, July 30 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~1 hour of preparation activities before the Institute begins. |
Institute Welcome Data Value + Data Life Cycle Data Governance Asking Research Questions ID and Classify Data Sources |
Interpreting Data Types Evaluating Data Quality Data Visualization |
Break day with approximately 2 hours of independent work. |
Data Storytelling Institute Closing Ceremony |
**Please note that sessions are not recorded. Dedicated break times are scheduled throughout.
Competencies
Learners will be able to: Recognize the value of data, explore the data lifecycle, and assess their institution’s data governance policies against higher education best practices.
- Recognize and communicate the strategic value of data as an asset in advancing institutional goals with effective decision-making and institutional effectiveness.
- Examine the full data life cycle—from collection to processing, storage, and preservation—while considering the varying stakeholder responsibilities at each stage.
- Identify institutional data governance policies, examine leading practices in higher education, and evaluate how well the 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 clear, purposeful questions guides the selection of appropriate data sources, improves the efficiency and effectiveness of query and analysis, and ensures the deliverable satisfies the request.
- Identify relevant internal and external data sources, including access procedures and timelines associated with each.
- Recognize and apply functional and technical definitions to identify relevant data sources and accurately classify variables by data type for effective data use.
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 findings to assure they address institutional needs and are accurate and reliable.
- 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.