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?