ASSISTING CAMPUS LEADERS
THROUGH AN INTERNAL DATA
BOOK WITHIN THE BLACKBOARD
LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Gregory D. Carlson, Ph.D.
Valley City State University
2015 AIRUM Conference
November 12, 2015
Abstract
• The purpose of this presentation is to highlight use by
the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment of
an organization within the Blackboard Learning
Management System for sharing data with internal
campus stakeholders through an Internal Data Book.
Development thus far includes sections on enrollment,
retention, graduation, faculty statistics, student
achievement, alumni giving, and survey information.
Outline
• Background
• Campus Planning
• Goals
• Campus Data Book Infrastructure
• Table of Contents
• Examples
• Conclusion and Implications
• Questions and Feedback
Mission
• Valley City State University is a public, regional university
offering exceptional programs in an active, learner-centered
community that promotes meaningful scholarship, ethical
service, and the skilled use of technology. As an important
knowledge resource, the University offers programs and
outreach that enrich the quality of life in North Dakota and
beyond. Through flexible, accessible, and innovative
baccalaureate and master's programs, VCSU prepares
students to succeed as educators, leaders, and engaged
citizens in an increasingly complex and diverse society.
http://www.vcsu.edu/mission/
Campus Leadership Changes
• New Faces on campus
– President
– Vice President for Business Affairs
– Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
• Expanded campus leadership team
– Chief Information Officer
– Executive Director of University Advancement
– Director of Marketing and Communications
– Athletic Director
Campus Planning
• Previous Strategic Plan ended in 2014
• President’s Book
• Unit Strategic Plans
• Development of two-year strategic plan
• Data Resources Scan
• Data relevance
• IR and Academic Affairs Office collaboration
President’s Book Snapshot Example
Strategic Plan Example
Goals
1. Facilitate data-informed decisions
2. Ensure secure data access at any location
3. Utilize existing campus resources to alleviate costs
and training requirements
4. Provide graphical displays that show trends
5. Link with VCSU and NDUS Strategic Plans
6. Easily direct leaders to internal source documents for
more detailed information
7. Manage updates with IR and Academic Affairs Office
Campus Data Book Infrastructure
• Blackboard Portal
– Blackboard LMS
– Blackboard Content
– User authentication
• Blackboard Organizations
– Function similar to courses
– Module-based design
– Permission-based access
Table of Contents
Enrollment
Retention
Student Achievement
Graduation
Conclusions and Implications
• Successful use of the Blackboard LMS as an
interface for data sharing amongst campus
decision makers
• Develop additional data modules
• Expand access beyond campus leaders
• Email [email protected] with
questions