Colleges have historically collected students’ graduation rates, demographics, financial-aid, and other data largely because this data was required to operate and meet federal reporting requirements. But more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic has ratcheted up interest in collecting more granular, “holistic” data on students that can play a role in getting them to their degree. That can include information about basic needs — access to food, secure housing, child care, and reliable Wi-Fi — along with transportation and mental-health needs.
So how can college presidents, deans, provosts, and enrollment managers make full use of the data they have while sidestepping the privacy risks? Using Student Data Responsibly covers how institutions can collect, protect, analyze, and act on student data in a responsible way and offers advice on what existing resources colleges can tap into to ensure the financial sustainability of their efforts over the long term.
