Conference Sessions

2019 OACRAO Conference at Salt Fork Lodge and conference Center

October 9-11, 2019

Registration for the conference is now available!

2019 OACRAO Conference Sessions

View the session listing (including times) online or in a pdf.

2019 OACRAO Pre-Conference Workshops

October 9, 2019, 9:30 a.m. - noon

Data Storytelling: How to Explain, Enlighten, and Engage

While data has much potential value, the actual value is determined by our ability to extract insights and generate actionable, trustworthy information from those data. Increasingly, data visualizations are being used to transform data into a coherent narrative yielding new knowledge and deeper understanding. After beginning with a brief introductory exercise on identifying poorly designed visualizations, participants will use an example academic data set to practice telling data stories. Starting with a question to frame the context, individuals will work through the steps of identifying the relevant data, conducting basic analyses, and, finally, identifying and designing an appropriate and effective data visualization. The case study will focus on critical concepts and basic design principles of data storytelling that are broadly applicable to a variety of professional settings. All activities will be completed using familiar and widely accessible software - Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Presenters: Rob Hopkins, Director of Analytics and Decision Support, University of Rio Grande
Krissta Hadsell, Director of Institutional Research and Accountability, Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Best Practices in Student Success: The Critical Role of the Registrar's Office

In this workshop, we will discuss both emerging best practices in student success and how the registrar’s office can play a critical role in student success. The registrar’s office is uniquely situated at the center of the entire student lifecycle. From data collection, scheduling and academic standards to degree completion and conferral, registrars are at the heart of the student journey to completion. Learn how the registrar’s office can support and lead institutional student success initiatives. We will review best practices in student success programs, use of data and metrics, and the latest research in using behavioral science nudge programs. This will be a participatory workshop.

Presenter: Loralyn Taylor, Interim Associate Provost for Institutional Research, Ohio University

Information on additional workshop opportunities is available on our workshops page.

Local Arrangements Committee Co-Chairs: Molly McDermott and Carol Jones