Equity is a strategic priority. The motivation for this project is to move beyond anecdotes, and illuminate information that is useful and actionable within work groups. The beginning stages of a long-term project have required an exploratory-sequential mixed-methods approach that is progressing into a core quantitative design reliant on the College's internal data systems. The prototype dashboard design developed through a funneling process of focus groups with intended users, student journey mapping, one-on-one interviews and collaborative work-sessions with the first user of the pilot dashboard.

Stakeholder engagement in the build process takes department leads through their daily interaction with data as each data point is created, and as they lead their teams in use. The process asks repeatedly, "Can you use the results as presented? What else do you need? What will you do with that information? How will you guide your team?"

The prototype is moving into formal testing with the Enrollment Management team, the results of which will support refinement of the tool technologically, as well the use cases and roll-out and training protocols at each stage of development.

Our goal for this project is to promote data that supports department leads in making operational-level decisions. We strive to create a culture of data use in service to the mission and strategic priorities. Our project will improve services that influence enrollments and early outcomes for a range of learners who are more accurately represented by intersecting data. We envision a time when data equity becomes the underlying "way we do things here," at every level of the organization.

We are near the end-point of the goal we set for this Fellowship, though at the starting point of the overall project development. We had the right partners at the table, with a data analyst and an end-user who also serves in a leadership role in our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access work. Working closely, we learned in detail how one another experiences data. Change happens, though. Starting with a long-term trajectory in mind builds in the mechanisms for sustainability as part of the developmental process at appropriate stages of the project. Leadership buy-in and strong internal partnerships are key to decision-making at critical points, and will help move toward the long-term vision. Data equity does not need to be complicated, nor cost a lot of money. We've used the resources we have available already, working with partners in other departments for assistance adapting models and tools, and assuring data security.