***PLEASE SIGN-IN ON THE TOP RIGHT***
CALL FOR PROPOSALS INFORMATION
The Data Day Program Committee invites proposals for concurrent sessions and posters during Data Day at FSU 2026 to be held on 7/23/2026 from 8 am until 5 pm.
Proposal Logistics
To submit a proposal, please complete the online form. Proposals will be reviewed by a diverse set of FSU staff/faculty from a range of divisions. If accepted, the title session and abstract submitted to the online form will appear on the Data Day at FSU website and conference program. All presenters are expected to register for Data Day at FSU, a free event. Presentation materials will be distributed to Data Day participants.
Concurrent Session Logistics
Concurrent sessions are 50 minutes in length, inclusive of questions/conversations. Upon acceptance, presenters may select that they would like to have a facilitator join their session to provide basic Data Day support and to act as a timekeeper. Each room holds a maximum of 48 attendees. Technology will include a wide screen display and smart podium with available microphone. Conference planners will ensure basic supplies to connect to your computer for presentation (for example, HDMI cables).
Poster Logistics
If accepted, poster presenters are responsible for designing and printing their posters. On proposal acceptance, Data Day at FSU planners will send poster presenters dimension ranges and Data Day at FSU logos for use on their posters. In addition to a designated poster presentation time, posters will be displayed in high traffic areas so Data Day attendees can review them between concurrent sessions.
Session Types
Research Presentation
Workshare/Software Demo
Panel
Discussion Group
Poster
Research presentations traditionally include an introduction, context, research questions, methods, results, and conclusions. You can submit proposals for unfinished projects as long as the introduction, context, research questions, methods, and any available initial results illustrate excellent data engagement. The purpose of these presentations is either to increase understanding about a topic or give an example of how a traditional research project was conducted in your unit’s context and inspire others at FSU to conduct similar research. The focus of these presentations is typically how presenters drew their final conclusions from their research results, and what change resulted from those conclusions. Example: A unit that employs students presents results from their analysis of student employee course grade outcomes following interventions between the supervisor and student employee to support their academic performance.
Workshares/Software Demos are focused on the practical application of strategies or tools when it comes to data engagement. These sessions may focus more on the what and how of an application, as opposed to specific findings from projects that use the application. These proposals should explain how the methods shown in the workshare/software demo could be widely used to support data engagement at FSU. Example: A university division presents Qualtrics workflows they have developed for offices in their division to standardize how forms are submitted to their units.
Panels are opportunities for Data Day audiences to hear from diverse experts or voices on the chosen topic. Panel proposals should identify the chosen topic, its relevance, proposed panelists, and at least 5 sample questions for those panelists. Panels should include some time for the audience to ask questions. Example: An enrollment management office hosts a panel discussing a recent national financial aid policy change and impacts on institutional practice with panelists from Financial Aid, Student Business Services, Admissions, the Department of Sociology, and the Higher Education Program.
Discussion Groups are on a chosen topic with the audience serving as active participants in the development of knowledge. The speaker for Discussion Groups are conversation facilitators who have brought this topic to Data Day and whose role is to encourage discussion and synthesize takeaways. Discussion group proposals should identify the chosen topic, its relevance, the facilitator, and a facilitation plan which may include sample questions. White boarding/brainstorming tools are encouraged in these sessions. Discussion Group sessions should conclude with a summary of takeaways for the audience. Example: A member of our campus community proposes a discussion group on how Green Office initiatives are implemented related to data usage.
Posters are a print product that a presenter uses to facilitate short, one-on-one or small group conversations about their chosen topic. Posters are most often Research Presentations or Workshares/Software Demos that fit one or more of the following criteria: they may have a more niche audience, are at a less developed stage of the research process, or the presenter desires a more intimate conversation with interested audiences. In addition to a dedicated poster presentation time, posters will be left up for the duration of the Data Day so attendees can view them between concurrent sessions. Example: A graduate assistant presents an assessment project on how certain RSO participation relates to perceived math ability for women in STEM.
Session Tracks
Session tracks are intended to group similar session topics together and to inspire the development of proposals. If your topic doesn’t fit neatly into one of these session tracks, please contact the Chair of the Program Committee, Samantha Nix, at snix@fsu.edu for guidance.
Policy and Decision Intelligence. This track features projects that inform the development of policy or practice to improve institutional success. This work could include data collection and analytic decisions, interpretation, contextualization, reporting, communication, and other approaches necessary to advance data-informed decision-making. Examples of sessions in this track could include (but should not be limited to):
The development of a dashboard to inform staff of service outages.
A research project to understand the retention and graduation outcomes of a special student group.
The exploration of University Housing residents’ usage of ACE Tutoring services in relation to their residence hall location.
The measurement of how customers interact with businesses in the Student Union versus non-Union locations.
Accreditation, Assessment, and Evaluation. This track features projects related to units’ continuous improvement, accreditation, or external compliance efforts. While these projects are typically specific to the unit’s discipline, program outcomes, or learning outcomes, the data engagement methods illustrated through these presentations should be inspirational to any FSU unit seeking to improve their practices. Examples of sessions in this track could include (but should not be limited to):
The use of a Power BI report pulling from Canvas data on Computer Science assignment grades for ABET accreditation.
A presentation of data engagement efforts to implement and assess the university’s new Quality Enhancement Plan focused on doctoral education.
How a college integrates local data on internships and the FSU Graduating Senior Survey to assess their program outcomes.
The process that a department underwent to update their learning outcomes to better reflect their new curriculum.
Data Analytics and Visualizations. This track is suited for data enthusiasts, analytics professionals, and anyone passionate about leveraging tools to represent data effectively and communicate outcomes. The emphasis for these presentations is to highlight dynamic dashboards that provide insights and drive informed decision-making. The primary focus of these proposals should be a visual narrative(s) that make complex data accessible and understandable to stakeholders. Demonstrations of cutting-edge tools and techniques that enhance data representation and storytelling are suitable for this track. Examples of sessions in this track could include (but should not be limited to):
Visual reports that highlight student engagement trends and areas for improvement.
Tools and techniques for integrating predictive models to identify at-risk students and to improve student academic success.
Interactive dashboards that streamline administrative tasks and improve decision-making in areas such as budgeting and resource management.
Visualizing curriculum effectiveness through student feedback and performance data.
Technology & Tools. This track explores innovative applications of technology to enhance institutional effectiveness and efficiency. Projects in this track may focus on the technical and ethical aspects of data collection, storage, analysis, and discovery, as well as the systems, structures, tools, methods, and models that support these processes. Examples of sessions in this track could include (but should not be limited to):
Leveraging Power Automate to streamline institutional processes and enhance operational efficiency.
Applying Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze student feedback, sentiment, and key insights.
Ethical considerations in the use of AI for decision-making and student support in higher education.
Leveraging the FSU data catalog to enhance data discovery in higher education.
Foundational Goals of Data Day at FSU
Foundational goals of Data Day at FSU are listed below for your review as you consider submitting a proposal.
Expanding Effective Data Use: Display case studies, success stories, and practical examples of how units have effectively utilized data to drive innovation, improve decision-making, and achieve business objectives. Provide insights into strategies, methodologies, and best practices that attendees can apply in their own contexts.
Technical Skills Building: Offer hands-on workshops, training sessions, and technical deep dives focused on enhancing attendees' data analysis, machine learning, programming, and data visualization skills. Provide opportunities for participants to learn from industry experts and gain practical experience with the latest tools and technologies.
Relationship Building and Networking: Facilitate networking sessions, roundtable discussions, and social events to encourage interaction and collaboration among attendees. Create opportunities for professionals, researchers, students, and industry leaders to connect, share ideas, and establish valuable relationships for future collaboration.
Exposure to Data and Analytics Sources: Provide access to diverse data sets, analytics platforms, and tools to give attendees hands-on experience with real-world data challenges. Showcase innovative data sources, data collection methods, and analytical techniques that attendees can leverage to enhance their data projects and research endeavors.
Data Day at FSU 2026
***PLEASE SIGN-IN ON THE TOP RIGHT***
CALL FOR PROPOSALS INFORMATION
The Data Day Program Committee invites proposals for concurrent sessions and posters during Data Day at FSU 2026 to be held on 7/23/2026 from 8 am until 5 pm.
Proposal Logistics
To submit a proposal, please complete the online form. Proposals will be reviewed by a diverse set of FSU staff/faculty from a range of divisions. If accepted, the title session and abstract submitted to the online form will appear on the Data Day at FSU website and conference program. All presenters are expected to register for Data Day at FSU, a free event. Presentation materials will be distributed to Data Day participants.
Concurrent Session Logistics
Concurrent sessions are 50 minutes in length, inclusive of questions/conversations. Upon acceptance, presenters may select that they would like to have a facilitator join their session to provide basic Data Day support and to act as a timekeeper. Each room holds a maximum of 48 attendees. Technology will include a wide screen display and smart podium with available microphone. Conference planners will ensure basic supplies to connect to your computer for presentation (for example, HDMI cables).
Poster Logistics
If accepted, poster presenters are responsible for designing and printing their posters. On proposal acceptance, Data Day at FSU planners will send poster presenters dimension ranges and Data Day at FSU logos for use on their posters. In addition to a designated poster presentation time, posters will be displayed in high traffic areas so Data Day attendees can review them between concurrent sessions.
Session Types
Research Presentation
Workshare/Software Demo
Panel
Discussion Group
Poster
Research presentations traditionally include an introduction, context, research questions, methods, results, and conclusions. You can submit proposals for unfinished projects as long as the introduction, context, research questions, methods, and any available initial results illustrate excellent data engagement. The purpose of these presentations is either to increase understanding about a topic or give an example of how a traditional research project was conducted in your unit’s context and inspire others at FSU to conduct similar research. The focus of these presentations is typically how presenters drew their final conclusions from their research results, and what change resulted from those conclusions. Example: A unit that employs students presents results from their analysis of student employee course grade outcomes following interventions between the supervisor and student employee to support their academic performance.
Workshares/Software Demos are focused on the practical application of strategies or tools when it comes to data engagement. These sessions may focus more on the what and how of an application, as opposed to specific findings from projects that use the application. These proposals should explain how the methods shown in the workshare/software demo could be widely used to support data engagement at FSU. Example: A university division presents Qualtrics workflows they have developed for offices in their division to standardize how forms are submitted to their units.
Panels are opportunities for Data Day audiences to hear from diverse experts or voices on the chosen topic. Panel proposals should identify the chosen topic, its relevance, proposed panelists, and at least 5 sample questions for those panelists. Panels should include some time for the audience to ask questions. Example: An enrollment management office hosts a panel discussing a recent national financial aid policy change and impacts on institutional practice with panelists from Financial Aid, Student Business Services, Admissions, the Department of Sociology, and the Higher Education Program.
Discussion Groups are on a chosen topic with the audience serving as active participants in the development of knowledge. The speaker for Discussion Groups are conversation facilitators who have brought this topic to Data Day and whose role is to encourage discussion and synthesize takeaways. Discussion group proposals should identify the chosen topic, its relevance, the facilitator, and a facilitation plan which may include sample questions. White boarding/brainstorming tools are encouraged in these sessions. Discussion Group sessions should conclude with a summary of takeaways for the audience. Example: A member of our campus community proposes a discussion group on how Green Office initiatives are implemented related to data usage.
Posters are a print product that a presenter uses to facilitate short, one-on-one or small group conversations about their chosen topic. Posters are most often Research Presentations or Workshares/Software Demos that fit one or more of the following criteria: they may have a more niche audience, are at a less developed stage of the research process, or the presenter desires a more intimate conversation with interested audiences. In addition to a dedicated poster presentation time, posters will be left up for the duration of the Data Day so attendees can view them between concurrent sessions. Example: A graduate assistant presents an assessment project on how certain RSO participation relates to perceived math ability for women in STEM.
Session Tracks
Session tracks are intended to group similar session topics together and to inspire the development of proposals. If your topic doesn’t fit neatly into one of these session tracks, please contact the Chair of the Program Committee, Samantha Nix, at snix@fsu.edu for guidance.
Policy and Decision Intelligence. This track features projects that inform the development of policy or practice to improve institutional success. This work could include data collection and analytic decisions, interpretation, contextualization, reporting, communication, and other approaches necessary to advance data-informed decision-making. Examples of sessions in this track could include (but should not be limited to):
The development of a dashboard to inform staff of service outages.
A research project to understand the retention and graduation outcomes of a special student group.
The exploration of University Housing residents’ usage of ACE Tutoring services in relation to their residence hall location.
The measurement of how customers interact with businesses in the Student Union versus non-Union locations.
Accreditation, Assessment, and Evaluation. This track features projects related to units’ continuous improvement, accreditation, or external compliance efforts. While these projects are typically specific to the unit’s discipline, program outcomes, or learning outcomes, the data engagement methods illustrated through these presentations should be inspirational to any FSU unit seeking to improve their practices. Examples of sessions in this track could include (but should not be limited to):
The use of a Power BI report pulling from Canvas data on Computer Science assignment grades for ABET accreditation.
A presentation of data engagement efforts to implement and assess the university’s new Quality Enhancement Plan focused on doctoral education.
How a college integrates local data on internships and the FSU Graduating Senior Survey to assess their program outcomes.
The process that a department underwent to update their learning outcomes to better reflect their new curriculum.
Data Analytics and Visualizations. This track is suited for data enthusiasts, analytics professionals, and anyone passionate about leveraging tools to represent data effectively and communicate outcomes. The emphasis for these presentations is to highlight dynamic dashboards that provide insights and drive informed decision-making. The primary focus of these proposals should be a visual narrative(s) that make complex data accessible and understandable to stakeholders. Demonstrations of cutting-edge tools and techniques that enhance data representation and storytelling are suitable for this track. Examples of sessions in this track could include (but should not be limited to):
Visual reports that highlight student engagement trends and areas for improvement.
Tools and techniques for integrating predictive models to identify at-risk students and to improve student academic success.
Interactive dashboards that streamline administrative tasks and improve decision-making in areas such as budgeting and resource management.
Visualizing curriculum effectiveness through student feedback and performance data.
Technology & Tools. This track explores innovative applications of technology to enhance institutional effectiveness and efficiency. Projects in this track may focus on the technical and ethical aspects of data collection, storage, analysis, and discovery, as well as the systems, structures, tools, methods, and models that support these processes. Examples of sessions in this track could include (but should not be limited to):
Leveraging Power Automate to streamline institutional processes and enhance operational efficiency.
Applying Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze student feedback, sentiment, and key insights.
Ethical considerations in the use of AI for decision-making and student support in higher education.
Leveraging the FSU data catalog to enhance data discovery in higher education.
Foundational Goals of Data Day at FSU
Foundational goals of Data Day at FSU are listed below for your review as you consider submitting a proposal.
Expanding Effective Data Use: Display case studies, success stories, and practical examples of how units have effectively utilized data to drive innovation, improve decision-making, and achieve business objectives. Provide insights into strategies, methodologies, and best practices that attendees can apply in their own contexts.
Technical Skills Building: Offer hands-on workshops, training sessions, and technical deep dives focused on enhancing attendees' data analysis, machine learning, programming, and data visualization skills. Provide opportunities for participants to learn from industry experts and gain practical experience with the latest tools and technologies.
Relationship Building and Networking: Facilitate networking sessions, roundtable discussions, and social events to encourage interaction and collaboration among attendees. Create opportunities for professionals, researchers, students, and industry leaders to connect, share ideas, and establish valuable relationships for future collaboration.
Exposure to Data and Analytics Sources: Provide access to diverse data sets, analytics platforms, and tools to give attendees hands-on experience with real-world data challenges. Showcase innovative data sources, data collection methods, and analytical techniques that attendees can leverage to enhance their data projects and research endeavors.