Raw numbers provide useful data by themselves, but when analyzed and interpreted, they can be transformed into a powerful storytelling mechanism that has the ability to change lives.

That is the idea behind the UNM Office of Institutional Analytics and Office of Assessment/Academic Program Review’s collaborative event this fall that focuses on all things data — including how to gather it, how to analyze it, and how to communicate it in ways that result in positive impacts for students.

The Art & Science of Data: From Numbers to Narratives! will be a hybrid event, taking place Oct. 16 online and Oct. 17 in person with a livestream option. And through Sept. 1, proposals for presentations are being accepted through an online form.

The purpose of the event is to provide guidance on how to use data to inform decision-making and advance student success at UNM, said Charla Orozco, director of the Office of Institutional Analytics.

“We invite the UNM community to contribute to this dynamic conversation by submitting a proposal that explores how data — both quantitative and qualitative — can drive meaningful change, support equity and tell compelling stories that improve outcomes for our students.” 

The event — which is open to faculty, staff and students — will feature concurrent breakout sessions on the first day, and three to four sessions designed for a broader audience on day two. There will also be a networking opportunity immediately following the event, for those interesting in collaborating on data-related projects and initiatives.

“We are also really hoping we’ll have a larger student population interested this year,” Orozco said. “We encourage students to submit proposals to present work they’ve done or are planning to do this year.”

Some topics of interest for proposals are:

  • Data visualization (Tableau, Power BI) 
  • Data democratization and data access 
  • Collecting useful data (quantitative and qualitative)
  • Interacting with data for decision-making. 

All proposals will be reviewed, and each person who submits will be notified of the outcome via email no later than Sept. 15.

All sessions will be recorded and posted online after the event, so students who have a class conflict will be able to watch sessions of interest after the event, she said.

Registration, location and a detailed schedule will be announced in mid-September.