Transform Student Success Through the Integrated Use of Data

How we use data is critical to effectively take action on student success and improve student outcomes. At CU Boulder, we consider data a strategic asset and have invested in people, processes, and technologies to harness its power and help realize our student success goals. A next step in this journey is to develop an integrated approach to using data and create a coordinated network of student support and referrals that delivers the right resources to the right students at the right time. 

Student Success Analytics at CU Boulder

Several offices on campus provide data and analytics which are used by stakeholders to launch initiatives for improving student success. At the Office of Undergraduate Education, we collaborate with all these groups to develop an integrated approach to using data to transform student success. 

We aim to:

  • Provide all campus stakeholders (students, faculty, and staff) access to the resources they need to improve student success outcomes.
  • ​Develop holistic tracking of when and how students engage with the university across all campus units and across the student life cycle. 
  • Use this data to create predictive models that allow us to target resources and experiences to high priority students to reduce inequities and improve overall outcomes. 

The vision for student success at CU includes a student-centric culture that provides the support needed for all students to be successful in their academic and personal goals. Faculty and staff will be integrated in the student support system without increasing their workload. Everyone will have the necessary tools and resources to target their engagements with students. Outreach, engagements, referrals, and initiatives will be easily tracked. Relationships will be identified across all units to clarify who should reach out when a student needs additional support. All those who play a role in student success will form a coordinated network to support students in efficient, well-designed, and meaningful ways.

A disconnected network of support offices is confusing for students to navigate and can negatively impact their desire and ability to reenroll—especially first generation students and those receiving financial aid. We need to ensure that our most vulnerable students are holistically and cohesively supported by all units across campus.