Fall head over heels for data during Love Data Week 2026

Format: Presentation & Workshop

Date & Time: Feb 9 | 10:00 - 11:30 am

This session introduces employees to WSU’s data ecosystem while building foundational data literacy skills focused on both accessing data and asking the right questions of it. Participants learn where institutional data lives, how to request and interpret it responsibly, and how to frame role-appropriate data questions that support effective decision-making.

Presenters: 

Daniel Jensen
Data Training & Communication Manager
Student Success Analytics

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Session Type: Workshop

Date & Time: Feb 9 | 12:30 - 2:00 pm

This session introduces faculty and staff to practical uses of AI tools at WSU, with an emphasis on productivity and responsible use. The session showcases real campus use cases, such as leveraging AI to summarize open-ended survey comments, identify recurring themes, and draft plain-language insights, while addressing security considerations, data sensitivity, and responsible boundaries for AI use. 

Note: Bring your laptop for this hands-on workshop and presentation.

Presenters:

Heather Chapman
Senior Director of Data & Analytics
Student Success Analytics

Ty Naylor
IT Learning & Engagement Manager
IT Business Services

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Session Type: Workshop

Date & Time: Feb 10 | 10:00 - 11:30 am

This practical, 90-minute session is designed specifically for faculty and staff. Participants learn to move beyond basic data entry by mastering essential techniques for organizing messy datasets, automating calculations with core formulas, and creating instant visual impact through charts and conditional formatting. Whether managing student lists or departmental budgets, participants leave with the confidence and shortcut skills needed to handle everyday data tasks with speed and accuracy.

Presenters:

Shawn Berry
Analytic & Tool Support Specialist
Institutional Effectiveness

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Session Type: Workshop & Discussion

Date & Time: Feb 11 | 10:00 - 11:30 am

The session briefly showcases the Course Information dashboard that explores DFWI rates, then focuses on how those insights were used to identify math pathways and gateway courses, spark cross-campus collaboration, and launch concrete improvement work in Developmental Math.

Note: Laptops are optional

Presenters: 

Daniel Jensen
Data Training & Communication Manager
Student Success Analytics

Roy Kwon
Vice Provost
Undergraduate Education, Academic Support, and Institutional Effectiveness

Matt Christiansen
Director of Developmental Math

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Session Type: Virtual Presentation

Date & Time: Feb 11 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm

This session takes a closer look at the data behind Lightcast and how it is being used effectively across institutions. The session covers what makes Lightcast data different from traditional government sources, how Lightcast stays ahead of emerging trends such as skill growth, AI, green jobs, and cybersecurity, and how these insights translate into real impact.

The session also highlights best practices and practical use cases across Analyst, Career Coach, and Alumni Pathways, with a focus on driving stronger decision-making, measurable ROI, and meaningful outcomes across campus.

Presenters: 

Allison Anderson
Client Success Manager
Lightcast, Labor Market Data

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Session Type: Workshop

Date & Time: Feb 12 | 10:00 - 11:30 am

This session is designed for members of the Student Access and Success (SAS) division and other individuals involved in student programming who are interested in building the skills and mindset needed for Director-level decision-making. 

The first portion is a guided, hands-on lab using three campus dashboards to answer practical questions about how students engage with programs, how they report their experiences at WSU, and when they are most likely to be on campus.

The second portion shifts from “using data” to “building better data” by unpacking why some SAS data is challenging to represent broadly and walking through practical examples of how standard definitions and simpler collection practices make data easier to trust, share, and use for informed decisions.

Note: Bring your laptop for this hands-on workshop and presentation.

Presenters:

Heather Chapman
Senior Director of Data & Analytics
Student Success Analytics

Leslie Park
Interim Director for Admissions Strategy/
Strategic Initiatives

Keith Yowell
Business Intelligence & Reporting Analyst 
Student Success Analytics

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Session Type: Social & Celebration

Date & Time: Feb 12 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm

This informal closing social celebrates campus data work and creativity through conversation, connection, and recognition. Join colleagues for networking, light refreshments, and the announcement of the Love Data Week Data Visualization Contest winners—highlighting how data can inform, inspire, and connect the Weber State community.

This is a drop-in event, so come for a few minutes or stay for the full social. You’ll have the opportunity to chat with fellow data colleagues and leadership about dashboards, engage in some cozy, low-pressure crafting, and meet IT’s new Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice President, Rene Eborn. Let’s celebrate and close out Love Data Week together!

Hosted by the Weber State Data Teams 

Presenters: 

Rene Eborn
CIO & Associate Vice President of
Information Technology 

Ivana Fredotovic
Chief Data Officer
Student Success Analytics

Maria Bennett
Data Governance Manager
Student Success Analytics

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