Turning Talk Into Tangible

Data

Maggie Gillespie & Chris GregoryThe University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Learning ObjectivesUnderstand the purpose and daily

implementation of Connections at UNCG

Learn ways to collect and use qualitative data

Be exposed to qualitative data mapping software, and see how it can be useful in reporting

Learn to utilize collected data to impact residence life/student affairs operations

AgendaConnections at UNCG

◦How it works◦Purpose of Connections◦Benefits of Connections◦What we learned

Activity and DiscussionSoftware – Data Mapping Impact of ConnectionsImpact for Your Campus

What is Connections?Tool to document student

interactionsOnline Google Doc

What is Connections?

What is Connections?Tool to document student

interactionsOnline Google DocDesigned as a way to ensure all

students are being reachedAttempt to Quantify what RAs do

(to a limited degree)Helps senior staff see what’s

happening in the residence halls

Connections Started in 2011 as a

response to EBI and student feedback

Many bumps and bruises

Took a while to catch on

Only started looking to use data (comprehensive) in 2013

Based on Core Values

Connections - PurposeStaff members (RAs

and other student staff) input information

Shows their interactions with residents

Goal of three per resident, per semester

Not just facts about the student, must show connection

Connections - Benefits Quick reference for those

without a great memory Provides insight to

student’s involvement, or lack thereof, on the floor

Interactions with staff members

Connects residents to other residents

Connects residents to RAs

Connects residents to the CRL (Hall Director)

Connects residents to resources

BUT WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THAT DATA?

Massive amounts of qualitative data

Initially, we didn’t have a plan for data after collection

Seemed like a waste

Talked to the ERM department (stat people)

Learned about nVivo

CLIFFHANGER/ACTIVITY

ActivityWork with a colleague or two (or

five).Talk about qualitative data you

have on your campus currently, or what you could easily collect.

We will share as a group, in five minutes.

nVivo And What We

Learned

There are other options

ATLAS tiQSRAudience

Dialogue Others

nVivoTakes massive

amounts of data and looks for trends

Can Tell You:◦ Trends◦ How a topic is being

discussed◦ Frequency of a topic◦ Relationship from one

topic to another◦ Much more

nVivo Wordtree

What we learnedHow to make

Connections betterWhat our staff were

talking to residents about

What our residents were saying

What we were missing

How we could make our department better

ImpactInformed our work

◦ Pro Staff Training◦ RA Training◦ Programming

Helped interpret EBI data

Helped us provide a better student experience

TAKING IT BACK TO

YOUR CAMPUS• What kind of info do you

want to gather?• Look for what you’re already

doing• Work smarter, not harder!

• Who can help?• Colleagues, campus partners,

student staff, central office workers, etc.

QUESTIONS?