Hello Data Wranglers,

Happy July! As we move through the summer months, this is a great time to pause, review, and prepare for the data, reporting, assessment, and planning work that will support the year ahead.

Data Wranglers

Insights. Impact. Student Success.

•  What to Review This Month 

  

  July is a good time to check in on dashboards, reports, and lingering data questions before the fall semester gets busy.

  A few helpful reminders:

  • Ensure that you are connected to VPN
  • Review dashboard access and make sure the right people can see the data they need.
  • Check for upcoming reporting, planning, or assessment deadlines.
  • Identify data questions early so there is time to clarify definitions, sources, and next steps.
  • Use existing dashboards when possible before requesting a new report.
  • When sharing data, include important context such as filters, timeframe, population, and source.

• Data Tip: Start With the Question

  

  Before opening a dashboard or requesting a report, start with the decision you are trying to make.

  Ask yourself:

  • What are we trying to understand?
  • What decision will this information support?
  • Who needs to use the information?
  • What action might we take based on what we learn?

  Starting with the question helps make data more meaningful and useful. It also helps ensure we are not just collecting information, but using it to support planning, improvement, and student success.

• Dashboard Reminder

  

  Filters matter.

  A small change in a dashboard filter can significantly change what the data shows. Before sharing a dashboard screenshot, summary, or takeaway, double-check the selected term, student group, program, course format, location, or other filters.

  Whenever possible, include the filter settings with your summary so others can understand exactly what the data represents.

  ---

  Looking Ahead

  As fall approaches, data will continue to play an important role in enrollment conversations, student success work, assessment, planning, and continuous improvement.

  Thank you for the work you do to ask good questions, support thoughtful decisions, and help strengthen NMC’s culture of evidence.

  Have a great July!

  ORPE