Student Affairs Data Lake

Data tells a story, and the Student Affairs Data Lake helps us hear it more clearly. By bringing together information from many Student Affairs departments, the Data Lake makes it easier to understand how engagement impacts student success and how we can better serve our students.

This page provides an overview of the Student Affairs Data Lake at UNC Charlotte, including how it brings together information from across Student Affairs to help us understand how engagement impacts student success and how we can better serve our students.

Looking to get started with a Data Lake at your institution?

Our Data Lake Resource Hub offers practical guidance to help you build the infrastructure, partnerships, governance, and capacity needed to turn connected data into better decisions and stronger student outcomes.

Data Lake Resource Hub for Institutions → 

Fast Facts

Get a quick look at who we are, how the Data Lake works, and who contributes data.

 

The Division of Student Affairs advances the mission of UNC Charlotte by creating student-centered learning environments that support collective well-being. Here, students find community, excel academically and grow into their best selves.

We are collaborative and student-focused, and we strive to provide exemplary service by delivering high-quality programs and continuously seeking ways to improve.

 

In partnership with UNC Charlotte’s Office of OneIT, the Division of Student Affairs developed the Student Affairs Data Lake to make information more accessible and decision-making more informed.

Think of the Data Lake as a central hub: it brings together data from many sources, organizes it so it’s easier to use, and makes it possible to inform research, data analytics, and to generate reports and dashboards. These tools provide both a big-picture view (like historical and trend analysis) and more detailed insights (like ad-hoc reports, predictive models, research inquires, or custom dashboards).

At its heart, the Data Lake is about supporting a culture of inquiry and data-informed decision-making. By making it easier to explore student engagement data, the Data Lake helps us—and our campus partners—ask new questions, identify best practices, address challenges, and better understand the connection between engagement and student success.

 

Student Affairs Research and Assessment (SARA) works closely with departments across the Division to ensure that intentional, high-quality student engagement data flows into the Data Lake.

Departments currently contributing include:

  • Counseling and Psychological Services
  • Center for Wellness Promotion
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • Housing and Residence Life
  • Leadership & Community Engagement
  • Military and Veteran Services
  • Niner Finances
  • Student Accountability and Conflict Resolution
  • Student Assistance and Support Services
  • Student Centers
  • Student Health
  • Student Involvement
  • Student Niner Media Advising and Support
  • University Recreation
  • Venture Outdoor Leadership

Interested in Using the Data Lake? Start here.

Before diving in, start with the Student Affairs Data Dictionary. This resource breaks down all available data types, complete with definitions, timelines, and source information. Think of it as your roadmap — it helps you understand what’s in the Data Lake and ensures you’re requesting the right data for your project.

STUDENT AFFAIRS DATA DICTIONARY

Once you’re familiar with the data, take a look at the Data Request Process Guide. This guide walks you through how to formally request data from the Student Affairs Data Lake — from start to finish.

DATA REQUEST PROCESS GUIDE

The Student Affairs Data Lake offers two request pathways based on the purpose, scope, and sensitivity of the data being requested. Before submitting your request, review the descriptions below to determine which pathway best fits your project.

Expedited Data Request 

The expedited process is designed for UNC Charlotte faculty and staff seeking data to support internal university operations, assessment, reporting, analytics, or decision-making. This pathway is appropriate for projects such as evaluating programs, exploring student engagement, developing dashboards, or informing departmental improvements.

Expedited requests do not include Level 2 or Level 3 data, research activities, or projects intended for external dissemination.

SUBMIT AN EXPEDITED DATA REQUEST

Enhanced Data Request

The enhanced process is designed for projects requiring additional review due to the nature of the data, intended use, or individuals involved. This includes research projects, requests involving identifiable Level 2 or Level 3 data, external investigators or data sharing, publications or public dissemination, and projects involving grants, contracts, or other higher-risk activities.

Enhanced requests may require additional documentation, approvals, or data security considerations before data can be released.

SUBMIT AN ENHANCED DATA REQUEST

Preview the Data Request Forms

Want to know what to expect before submitting your request? Review the forms below to familiarize yourself with the questions and gather the information you'll need.

These documents are available to UNC Charlotte users for reference only. All requests must be submitted through the official online forms linked above.

Before Student Affairs Data Lake information can be shared, requestors and project participants must complete the appropriate compliance statement, as directed by Student Affairs Research and Assessment (SARA). These agreements establish expectations for responsible data use, confidentiality, and the protection of student information.

Faculty and Staff Compliance Statement

UNC Charlotte faculty and staff participating in approved Data Lake projects must complete the applicable confidentiality and disclosure compliance statement.
FACULTY/STAFF COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
Student Compliance Statement

Students participating in approved Data Lake projects must complete the student compliance statement. Student-led projects must also have a responsible UNC Charlotte faculty or staff sponsor.

STUDENT COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
All users must follow university guidelines for accessing, storing, using, and sharing Student Affairs data. Data may only be used for approved purposes and shared with authorized individuals.

Individuals requesting direct technical access to the Data Lake must also complete a separate Authorized User Access & Data Use Agreement as directed by SARA.

Preview the Compliance Statements

Review the applicable compliance statement to familiarize yourself with the expectations for responsible data use, confidentiality, and data security.

These copies are provided for reference only. Follow the instructions above to complete the appropriate agreement.

Once your project is complete, you'll need to ensure that any Student Affairs data used for your approved request is securely deleted, destroyed, or returned, or that access is relinquished, as directed by Student Affairs Research and Assessment (SARA). This process helps protect student information, confirms that data are handled responsibly, and ensures that your project is formally closed out.

Depending on your project, you may also be asked to complete the Data Destruction Form to document that these requirements have been met.

DATA DESTRUCTION FORM

Preview the Data Destruction Form

Review the Data Destruction Form to understand the information needed to document the secure disposal of Data Lake project data when applicable.

This copy is provided for reference only. Follow the project closeout instructions above to complete any required documentation.

Request Direct Access to the Student Affairs Data Lake

While most Data Lake requests involve receiving specific datasets, reports, or analyses, some projects may require individuals to work directly with the Student Affairs Data Lake.

Direct Access allows authorized individuals to interact with the Data Lake for approved institutional purposes, subject to additional oversight and data security requirements. Individuals seeking this level of access must complete a separate Authorized User Access & Data Use Agreement and receive the necessary approvals before access can be granted.

Individuals approved for Direct Access are responsible for protecting student information and ensuring that all data are used appropriately. In addition to the general Data Lake requirements, authorized users must:

  • Use data only for approved purposes and within the scope of their authorized access.
  • Obtain SARA approval before distributing reports, dashboards, presentations, or findings developed using Data Lake information.
  • Provide brief summaries of data use at least once per academic term, as applicable.
  • Follow university data security requirements and relinquish access or appropriately dispose of data when the approved project or access period ends.

Ready to Request Direct Access?

Direct Access is subject to review and approval by Student Affairs Research and Assessment (SARA). Completing the agreement does not automatically grant access to the Data Lake.

To begin the process, complete the Authorized User Access & Data Use Agreement.

AUTHORIZED USER ACCESS & DATA USE AGREEMENT

Questions about Direct Access or whether it's appropriate for your project? Contact saresearch@charlotte.edu.

Preview the Direct Access Agreement

Individuals interested in requesting direct access to the Student Affairs Data Lake can review the agreement below to familiarize themselves with eligibility requirements, responsibilities, and expectations for authorized users.

This document is provided for reference only and does not constitute an application for or approval of direct access.