Student Affairs Data Lake | Student Affairs Research and Assessment

Overview

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.

Here’s what you need to know.

First things first: Who is Student Affairs?

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.

Next question: What is the Student Affairs Data Lake?

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.

So, who contributes data to the Student Affairs Data Lake?

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.
Step 1: Review the Student Affairs Data Dictionary 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
Step 2: Review the Data Request Process Guide 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. Preview the Data Request Process Guide here. Pro Tip: Before submitting your request, check out the Reviewer’s Checklist. It’s a quick way to make sure you’ve covered all the bases and helps speed up the review process. Preview the Reviewer's Checklist here.	DATA REQUEST pROCESS gUIDE Reviewer's Checklist
Step 3: Submit the Student Affairs Data Lake Request Form After reviewing the Process Guide and Reviewer’s Checklist, you’re ready to complete the Data Lake Request Form. This form asks you to describe the purpose of your request, the questions you hope to explore, your anticipated analysis plan, and how your project will benefit UNC Charlotte. Preview the Data Lake Request Form here. This step ensures that each request is aligned with our mission and makes meaningful use of the data available — helping us connect student success insights back to the larger goals of the university.	Data Lake Request Form
Step 4: Complete the Data Use License Form Before data can be shared, you’ll need to complete the Data Use License Form. This form outlines the guidelines for how Student Affairs data may be accessed, used, and shared. Submitting it ensures we’re protecting student information while supporting your project needs. Preview the Data Use License Form here.	Data USE LICENSE FORM
Step 5: Complete the Data Destruction Form Once you complete your project, you will complete the Data Destruction Form. This form serves as a confirmation that you have securely deleted the data used to complete your approved data request project. This is necessary to ensure we are protecting student information and responsibly closing the loop at the end. Preview the Data Destruction Form here.	Data destruction FORM