IRP at Data Days 2025

IRP partnered with OIT to host the fourth annual Georgia Tech Data Days. Data Days is an annual conference designed to empower attendees with the knowledge and tools available to harness the full potential of data. This year’s conference was held virtually on November 3 and in-person on November 5 in the Bill Moore Student Success Center. It included hands-on workshops and sessions that center around sound data practices, insightful reports, and dynamic analysis, driving engagement among Georgia Tech’s thriving Community of Practice1.

This year’s conference, themed “Unlocking Your Power: AI, Data, and Innovation,” was crafted for data users and consumers eager to take their data reporting to the next level. Attendees learned how to leverage analytics to drive innovation, make important decisions, and transform organizational outcomes through effective storytelling.

Session Spotlights

Day 1: Virtual Deep Dive into Data Domains

• IRP 101: Presented by IRP’s Jason Wang, Samantha James, and Camry Chapman, this session provided an inside look at the Office of Institutional Research and Planning and the data services that support decision-making, accreditation, and institutional initiatives. Participants discovered how Georgia Tech’s data flows through the institution to serve both internal stakeholders and external organizations, including:
  • The University System of Georgia
  • Federal Agencies (e.g., IPEDS)
  • Accreditation Associations (e.g., SACSCOC)
  • Publishers and Surveys (e.g., U.S. News & World Report)
  • The Academic Community (e.g., AAUP)
• Undergrad Admissions 101: Explored how data insights inform recruitment and decision-making, shaping Georgia Tech’s incoming classes.
• Research Data 101: Showcased how reporting tools and automation streamline research data management, supporting critical tasks across campus.
• Human Resources Data 101: Introduced the fundamentals of HR data and previewed next-generation Human Capital Management tools and the Unified ERP project.
• Einstein Platform for Service: Shared lessons from moving the Einstein Platform from proof of concept to pilot, enhancing service excellence.
• SMS Easy Button: Demonstrated how unified CRM and SMS tools improved communication and conversion rates for the Scheller College of Business.
• Workday Reporting and Budgeting: Provided a hands-on demo of self-service financial reporting and a preview of upcoming platform releases.
• Advising Data 101: Explained how Navigate360 analytics connect students with the right services at the right time.
• User Provisioning Automation: Showed how program enrollment data and CRM logic automate student permissions and portal access.

Day 2: In-Person Learning and Networking

The in-person sessions at the Bill Moore Student Success Center featured:

• Financial Aid Data 101: Clarified compliance and safeguarding practices for financial aid data.
• Student Data 101: Explained FERPA, registration, and graduation data for enhanced student services.
• Alumni Data 101: Explored how analytics strengthen lifelong engagement and philanthropy.
• Microsoft Tools and Capabilities: Demonstrated productivity and collaboration features for campus teams.
• Budget Data 101: Showed how data powers budget planning and tracking.
• Power BI, Excel, and Tableau Workshops: Provided hands-on training in analytics and visualization tools.
• AI Makerspace: Highlighted Georgia Tech’s cutting-edge facility for student innovation in AI.
• Data Governance, Cybersecurity, and Privacy 101: Shared frameworks and policies for secure, compliant data use.

Keynote & Closing

The conference concluded with a keynote address sharing Georgia Tech’s vision for data, AI, and innovation, followed by updates on the Unified ERP project and practical workshops on operational data storytelling.

Georgia Tech Data Days 2025 was a celebration of data-driven innovation, collaboration, and learning. Whether you’re a data analyst, faculty member, or campus leader, Data Days offered the tools and inspiration to unlock your power and transform your organization’s outcomes