DSA Data, Analytics & Assessment
We are the record custodian for data related to the programs, services, and transactions within the Division of Student Affairs. Our team uses data to understand, improve, and amplify the student experience at the University of Maryland.
About Us
Data, analytics and assessment intersect as practices grounded in strong technical foundations. Our team provides the infrastructure, methodological guidance, and support needed to ensure that data meaningfully informs decisions and enhances outcomes for all of our campus communities.
Working in close partnership with Academic Affairs, the Office of the Registrar, IRPA, DSA IT, and the Division of IT, we uphold ethical, intentional, and effective data use in service of both divisional and institutional goals.
Contact
We’d love to hear from you. For general questions or guidance, please connect with our Team Admin contacts:
Joann Prosser, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Director of Assessment
Division of Student Affairs
jprosser@umd.edu
Kate Siplon (she/her/hers)
Director of Data Services & Analytics
Division of Student Affairs
ksiplon@umd.edu
Key Divisional Resources
- Simplified Data Access: Clear request forms and decision trees make it easier to request the data you need.
- Responsible Governance: Published guidelines, steward listings, and the “honest broker” model ensure data is handled securely and appropriately.
- Reporting & Dashboards: Tools and dashboards provide timely, actionable insights.
- Survey Log & Horizon Calendar: Shared, form-based tool to support transparent survey planning.
- Attendance Tracking Tools: Streamlined systems for capturing event attendance.
- Terps Learn Everywhere Digital Badging: Leverage digital badges to enhance co-curricular learning efforts.
- Access DSA Resources by logging in with your CAS credentials.
Developing a Common Language for DSA Data
This framework provides guidance and a shared language for using data effectively, whether for internal evaluation and operations, stakeholder reporting, or telling DSA’s story. A shared framework supports DSA at both the division and department levels, ensuring that multiple perspectives (often overlapping, sometimes distinct) inform strategies for meeting data needs and responding to campus requests.
Marketing, Reporting, and Internal Decision-Making
Student Affairs uses data to tell our story, meet reporting requirements, and guide internal decisions. While these purposes are often defined separately, they frequently overlap in practice.
Data that inform planning and improvement may also support external communication and accountability. Recognizing this overlap helps align analytical practices, reduce duplication, and ensure data are used intentionally and effectively across contexts.
Our Purpose-First Approach
A purpose-first approach ensures that data serve people—not the other way around. We ground each project in a clear understanding of its intended use, whether to tell our story, meet accountability needs, or guide internal decisions. These three interconnected purposes shape how we design, analyze, and share information across Student Affairs.
Explore Campus Resources
Data Privacy Program
The purpose of the Division of Information Technology's Data Privacy Program is to ensure that the rights of data subjects are respected while also allowing UMD to make the best use of data to inform its decisions. It commits to compliance with local and regulatory requirements and University policies, standards, and guidelines.
Student Data Requests & Report Library
The Office of the University Registrar is the record custodian of all currently and formerly enrolled students. Requests for information about students must be approved by the Office of the University Registrar.
Institutional Data
The Office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment provides data and analysis to support decision-making, planning, reporting, and program review. We collect and analyze information on faculty, staff, students, and finances to meet the reporting needs of campus leaders, the University System of Maryland, and state, federal, and higher-education organizations.
Campus Survey Guidance
These resources are designed to help you navigate the UMD survey process. Good surveys, especially short ones, take time and effort. This website will help you design and administer a meaningful, actionable survey.