Data Literacy and Training

Not sure where to begin? These resources can help you find available data, explore dashboards, and learn how to use TXST reporting tools.

• Explore available data tools and resources through the TXST Data Hub.
• Browse DAIR's public University Data dashboards for commonly requested institutional information.
• Login to CatStats to access internal dashboards and reports.
• Learn how to interact with our online reports effectively to find the data you need through interactive exploration using our Interacting with Reports dashboard. 
• Browse and find available reports using the report inventory in the TXST data catalog using Data Cookbook.

Build your confidence using TXST data through live learning opportunities, recorded workshops, and self-paced training.

• Explore upcoming learning opportunities designed to help you make better use of TXST data.
• Learn how to navigate CatStats features through the self-paced Getting Started with CatStats training.
• Browse past workshops and event recordings on the DAIR professional development page.
• Complete the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) Data Literacy Program, available through Success Factors for all staff and faculty; The program includes five courses on data literacy, governance, data quality, privacy, ethics, and responsible data sharing. These courses are designed to build a strong foundation in data literacy for data stewards, producers, and consumers alike. 

Clear, shared definitions help ensure data is interpreted and used consistently across Texas State. Use these resources to understand how commonly used terms and measures are defined.

• Browse TXST data definitions in the Data Cookbook Glossary.
• Review THECB Definitions for state accountability measures and reporting terminology.
• Review IPEDS Definitions for federal reporting terms and measures. 

Some reporting and assessment needs require more focused resources. Explore the links below for guidance related to Data Stewardship, Administrative Outcomes, and IPEDS.

• Data Management Council stewards can reference the Data Cookbook step-by-step guides on how to manage Data Cookbook data elements. 
• Data analysts creating visualizations can reference the Visualization Best Practices and Style Guide for TXST. 
• Access Admin. Outcomes Data to find data and measures commonly used for Administrative Outcomes for Academic Programs. Additional resources related to assessment can be found on the Assessment website.
• The following links will take you to training videos produced by the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) related to tools designed to assist with gathering and using data from IPEDS: 
  • IPEDS Data Tools Overview
  • Use the Data (IPEDS Data Center)
  • Data Feedback Report (DFR)
  • College Navigator
  • Trend Generator