Date: December 3, 2026
Time: 1pm–2:30pm
Location: Microsoft Teams
Presenter: To Be Confirmed
Why Should You Attend?
Whether you’re actively collecting student data, looking for ways to make better use of existing data, or simply interested in learning from the broader JMU data community, this session is an opportunity to:
- Connect with colleagues across JMU who share your interest in data, exchange ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences.
- Learn about approaches, resources, and practices that can help you collect and use data more effectively.
- Discover data, resources, and opportunities already available at JMU that could support your work.
Come for the topic, and leave with new connections, practical ideas, and a better sense of the data community and resources available across JMU.
What to Expect
After a brief welcome, we’ll spend our time connecting, learning, and working together.
Community-Building & Networking
Meet colleagues from across JMU and exchange experiences, ideas, and questions around topics of shared interest. Choose a facilitated breakout conversation on topics such as:
- AI
- Reengineering Madison and the ERP transition
- Dashboards and data visualization
- and other emerging areas of interest to our data community
Data Collection & Surveys at JMU
Learn about key surveys currently being used across the university, the information they provide, and how that data can support your work. A brief presentation or panel discussion will be followed by Q&A, with opportunities to explore questions such as:
- What surveys and data are already available?
- How can I access or make use of the data?
- How can my area contribute questions or items to existing surveys?
Tackling Data Collection Challenges
Bring your own data collection questions and challenges to the community. We’ll identify issues participants are facing, then work in small groups to share experiences, brainstorm potential solutions, and learn from colleagues and subject matter experts. Ideas and resources will be captured in a shared collaboration space so the conversation can continue beyond the meeting.
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
We’ll close by sharing resources, contacts, and opportunities to stay connected, along with ways to provide feedback on the session. We’ll also let you know what comes next for the Data Community of Practice and how you can continue participating.
Who Should Attend?
This session is open to anyone interested in working with data, regardless of your role or level of experience. It may be especially useful if you collect student data, are considering what data to collect, or want to make better use of information that’s already available. But you don’t have to work specifically with student data to participate.
Anyone interested in using, understanding, or learning more about data is encouraged to join us.
The Data Community of Practice is coordinated by the CoP working group, a group of data leaders across the university working to strengthen collaboration, transparency, and data-informed practice across campus.