The OACS Advising Data Community of Practice (CoP) brings together UW-Madison advisors and student support professionals who are interested in finding, accessing, managing, interpreting, and applying data to support advising work.
This CoP was created to provide a collaborative space where colleagues can share experiences, learn from one another, and build confidence in working with data. Whether you’re looking for ways to find the information you need, explore available data tools, better understand reporting processes, or simply connect with others who are interested in data-informed advising, this community offers opportunities to learn and grow together.
Through discussion, resource sharing, and peer support, members will explore practical approaches to using data in their daily work while also building connections across campus.
How do I join?
Complete the registration survey below to join the community and email listserv, receive updates about upcoming meetings, and connect with fellow members through our Teams channel.
We welcome and encourage participants with all levels of data knowledge and experience.
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Who is this community designed for?
The Advising Data Community of Practice is open to any advisor or student support professional who hears the word “data” and is interested in getting involved or learning more. No prior knowledge or experience is required. There is no expectation that members are data experts or that they will teach others.
This community encourages participants to:
- Share experiences and approaches to working with data
- Ask questions in a supportive environment
- Explore challenges and opportunities together
- Learn alongside colleagues across campus
Whether you are new to using data or regularly work with reports and dashboards, the CoP offers opportunities to learn, contribute, and connect with others.
What is the time commitment?
The Advising Data Community of Practice will host:
- Six 90-minute meetings each academic year
- Primarily in-person meetings, with virtual meetings during winter months
- Opportunities for ongoing engagement through the Teams channel and listserv
Dates for upcoming meetings can be found here. Please note: To attend any meeting, you must first join the CoP by completing the registration survey and then register separately for each meeting you plan to attend.
Participation is flexible, and members are encouraged to attend as they are able. To support relationship building and community development, attendees are encouraged to participate in at least one meeting per semester whenever possible.
What will community members gain from participation?
The Advising Data Community of Practice is a collaborative learning community where members learn with and from one another while exploring how data can support advising practice.
As a member, you will have opportunities to:
- Learn different ways to locate and retrieve data needed for your work.
- Explore data tools and resources available across campus.
- Share and discuss strategies for managing, interpreting, and communicating data.
- Exchange ideas, effective practices, and approaches with colleagues.
- Ask questions and receive support from peers through meetings, email, and Teams.
- Participate in hands-on activities and community-building opportunities.
- Stay informed about data-related topics, trends, and campus initiatives.
- Build connections with colleagues who share an interest in data-informed advising.
- Help shape future discussion topics based on the interests and needs of community members.
Members are encouraged to actively participate in conversations about data, both during meetings and through the Teams channel. Participation may include asking questions, sharing resources, discussing challenges, or offering insights from personal experience.
Through active participation, members help create a supportive community where advisors can learn from one another, explore effective data practices, and strengthen their ability to use data in service of student success.
Who can I reach out to with questions?
Please reach out both CoP co-chairs, Richelle Kasten at rdkasten@wisc.edu and Sarah Uselman at sarah.uselman@wisc.edu, with any questions about the community.