Assisting Campus Leaders Through an Internal Data Book Within the Blackboard Learning Management System
Gregory D. Carlson, Ph.D.: Valley City State University, Valley City, North Dakota
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.
Background:
● Technology-centered Mission
(http://www.vcsu.edu/mission/)
● 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
Institutional Research and Assessment President’s Book Snapshot: The purpose of the book was to
provide a the incoming President with a quick reference tool and sufficient detail to guide new campus
initiatives.
Table of Contents:
Student Achievement:
Institutional Research and Assessment 2015-17 Strategic Plan: The purposes of
this plan were to provide direction for campus units and inform creation of a 2015-17
campus Strategic Plan that would allow the new President time to organize and lead a
five-year Strategic Plan initiative.
Campus Planning:
● Previous Strategic Plan Ended in 2014
● President’s Book
● Unit Strategic Plans
● Campus Strategic Plan
● Scan of Data Resources
● Data Relevance Discussions
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: Users see this page upon entering. Navigation occurs by clicking the links or the
modules on the left hand side of the screen.
Enrollment:
Student Achievement: This area highlights trends relating to measures of entering and graduating
student achievement.
Graduation:
Graduation: This section includes trends for major and minor completions, graduation rate history, and
copies of previous Student Achievement Measure (SAM) submissions.
Enrollment: Additional enrollment metrics include Fall Student Headcount, Enrollment by Race,
Enrollment by Gender, Distance Enrollment, and Fall Student Headcount.
Retention:
Retention: This section includes retention rate
trend information for the First-Time students
as a cohort and within majors. Note thet
reference is made to the U.S. News and World
Report survey which includes retention rates as
part of their annual rankings. Additional
development will feature transfer cohort
retention rates, along with expanded analysis
of program retention and completion.
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.
Conclusion and Implications:
● This project featured 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