Category: Blog

Management 

For years, we at Datatelligent have been dedicated to building a platform that truly solves the complex data challenges facing higher education. We’re thrilled to introduce a new blog series that will walk you through each component of our powerful Fusion Platform. 

We begin with the foundational first step, the very heartbeat of the platform: Data Flows. 

What Are Data Flows and Why Do They Matter? 

In any institution, but especially in higher education, data is being generated constantly from a dozen different places. The challenge isn’t a lack of data; it’s that the data is siloed, messy, and difficult to harness. 

Data Flows are the solution. They are the engine powering the seamless movement of data from all your essential higher education systems—from the Student Information System (SIS) to the Learning Management System (LMS) and your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms. This data is then channeled into one centralized, secure location. 

Solving the Core Challenge: Higher Education Data Integration 

For too long, institutional research professionals have been burdened with the time-consuming, frustrating task of “manual data wrangling.” You know the drill: exporting spreadsheets, cleaning columns, and trying to manually stitch together reports from systems that were never designed to talk to each other. This process is not just inefficient; it’s prone to errors that can lead to flawed insights. 

From Manual Wrangling to Automated Student Data Pipelines 

The Fusion Platform’s Data Flows eliminate this problem entirely. We connect your disparate systems through secure, automated pipelines. 

This means you and your team are no longer spending your valuable time as data janitors. Instead, the data is automatically extracted, standardized, and loaded, freeing you to focus on what you do best: analysis and generating insights that drive student and institutional success. 

Meeting Your University Where It Is 

We understand that every institution has a unique technology stack. Data Flows are designed to connect with the systems you already have. Whether it’s data from across the student lifecycle, financial aid, or alumni relations, our platform meets you where you are, ensuring that all relevant data collection areas are integrated. 

The Ultimate Benefit: A Single Source of Truth for Institutional Research 

When your data is automatically managed and centralized, the result is transformative. You get a single, trusted source of truth. 

No more conflicting reports from different departments. No more questioning if you have the latest numbers. Data Flows ensure that your entire institution operates from one complete, accurate, and timely set of data. 

For a research professional, this is the bedrock of strategic decision-making. It enables you to deliver the timely, accurate insights your leadership needs with confidence. To see how this component works in more detail, you can learn all about our Data Flows for Higher Education solution. 

What’s Next? The Data Lake 

So, where do all these secure, automated data flows lead? 

They feed the next critical component of the Fusion Platform: the Data Lake. This is the central repository where your newly integrated, clean, and analysis-ready data is stored. 

In next week’s blog, we’ll dive into the Data Lake and explore how it serves as the foundation for powerful analytics, reporting, and predictive modeling. 

Stay tuned! 

If you’ve visited datatelligent.ai recently, you might have noticed things look a little different. And you’re right! We’re thrilled to officially unveil our complete rebrand, complete with a new homepage, streamlined menus, and a refocused services page. 

This isn’t just a new coat of paint. This rebrand represents a major evolution for us and a doubling-down on our core mission. While we still proudly serve our partners in the non-profit sector, we are sharpening our focus to become the premier data and AI partner for Higher Education. 

Introducing The Fusion Platform 

A huge part of this new chapter is the launch of our core platform’s new name: The Fusion Platform. It’s the engine that drives everything we do, and we’ve broken it down into two distinct areas: 

1. Fusion Flow: This is where the magic begins. Fusion Flow is all about taking the complex, siloed data sources from a college or university and seamlessly merging them into a unified data lake. We then harmonize this data with our prebuilt datasets, making it clean, accessible, and ready for insights. We leverage our powerful partnership with Snowflake to handle the heavy lifting, ensuring your data is secure, fast, and scalable. 

2. Fusion Vision: Once your data is in order, Fusion Vision is how we bring it to life. This is where we focus on Intelligent Insights that empower measurable outcomes. Built specifically for higher education, our Intelligent Insights connect every stage of the student lifecycle—from Attract to Thrive. This isn’t just about showing static data; it’s about transforming your harmonized data into a deeper understanding of what’s happening. By combining advanced analytics, machine learning, and generative AI, we help you uncover patterns, predict outcomes, and take decisive action to improve both student success and institutional performance. With Intelligent Insights, your institution can identify prospective students most likely to enroll, anticipate retention risks well before they happen, and measure progress toward your strategic goals with unparalleled precision. 

Beyond Insights: AI-Powered Answers 

We’re also looking to the future. A key part of our rebrand is a massive push into Artificial Intelligence. While our Intelligent Insights provide a deep, predictive view of your institution, we know that leaders also need on-demand answers. 

That’s why we’re developing new generative AI capabilities for our platform. Imagine a university president simply asking a chatbot, “What is our current freshman enrollment compared to this time last year?” and getting an instant, accurate answer pulled directly from their harmonized data. That’s the future we’re building—faster, more intuitive, AI-enabled access to insights for everyone. 

We’re incredibly proud of the work this rebrand represents. As our CEO, Larry Blackburn, notes: 

“With the Fusion Platform we are providing the quickest path, from data to intelligent insights, from question to answer, so our customers can focus on driving outcomes!” 

A New Look to Match Our Vision 

As you explore the new site, be sure to check out two new graphics we’re especially excited about. 

• One is a circular diagram that shows all the different areas our platform and services cover. 

• The other is a comprehensive square diagram that walks you through the entire journey of our platform—from initial data collection all the way to gaining valuable, AI-driven insights about the student lifecycle. 

This rebrand is more than a new look; it’s a commitment to our partners in higher education. We’re here to help you unlock the full potential of your data to make smarter, faster decisions that help your students and institution thrive. 

We invite you to explore the new Datatelligent.ai and see the future of data in higher education. 

In the world of higher education IT, few announcements cause as much collective anxiety as a software end-of-life notice. It’s a familiar story for many institutions: a core piece of your software infrastructure, something your teams have used for years, is being deprecated. This isn’t a new problem. Many of us remember the days of migrating off of clunky, outdated Content Management Systems (CMS) or homegrown student information systems that had become too cumbersome to maintain. 

Today, that cycle continues with a significant deadline looming for many. Ellucian is officially sunsetting its popular Banner On-Premise solution, setting a hard deadline for users to migrate to their cloud software by the end of 2025. For the hundreds of colleges that have built their data stacks around the local control and stability of Banner On-Prem, this isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a fundamental shift that can feel forced and restrictive. 

This common “one-key” approach, where a vendor sunsets a product and presents their proprietary cloud replacement as the only path forward, often overlooks the unique needs, budgets, and strategic goals of each institution. It’s like being told you have to replace your entire door just because the lock manufacturer has a new model they want you to buy. 

The Locksmith Approach to Data Migration 

At Datatelligent, we see things differently. We believe you shouldn’t be locked into a single solution. Instead of being a key-maker with one answer, we act as your institution’s locksmith—a strategic partner with a full set of tools to craft the solution that is right for you. 

Our philosophy is built on a hybrid, data-team approach. We understand that “moving to the cloud” isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. You have unique security requirements, established workflows, and a complex ecosystem of existing technology. Our goal is to work with you, not just for you, to navigate these transitions without disrupting your operations or forcing you into a corner. 

Leverage Your Existing Stack, Avoid the Red Tape 

One of the biggest hurdles in adopting new technology in higher education is the dreaded Request for Approval (RFA) process. It’s slow, complex, and can stifle innovation. Datatelligent’s approach is designed to minimize this friction. We specialize in working with the stack of tools your college already has and is approved to use. By integrating with your current environment, we help you modernize your data infrastructure without launching a dozen new approval processes. 

Furthermore, in some cases, we even have an existing Request for Approval at the state level for community college systems. If you’re part of one of these groups, partnering with us can be an incredibly streamlined process. We encourage you to ask our team if this approach can benefit your institution. 

Future-Proof Your Institution with a Data Lake 

Whether you’re moving off Ellucian Banner On-Prem or another piece of deprecated software, our data lake strategy is the key to a smoother, more valuable transition. By migrating your data from a legacy system into a centralized data lake, you decouple your valuable information from the software itself. 

This accomplishes two critical goals: 

1. Immediate Modernization: You don’t have to wait for a full system replacement to start leveraging your data. Our custom data sets allow for the easy flow of information into powerful KPIs and dashboards, delivering actionable insights to your leadership today. 

2. Long-Term Flexibility: Once your data is in a flexible, modern data lake, you are no longer captive to a single software vendor. Future migrations and integrations become vastly simpler, giving you the freedom to choose the best tools for your institution down the road. 

Don’t let a software sunset dictate your institution’s future. You have more options than you think. Contact the Datatelligent team today to learn how our locksmith approach can help you unlock your data’s true potential and build a more agile, resilient technology strategy for tomorrow. 

For years, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) has served as a cornerstone of information for the higher education community. This comprehensive database provides invaluable data on everything from enrollment and graduation rates to financial aid and institutional characteristics. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the long-term future and accessibility of this vital resource. 

One of the most pressing issues currently facing IPEDS is the potential for decreased federal funding. As reported by Inside Higher Ed regarding potential cuts to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (which oversees IPEDS), proposed budget cuts could significantly impact the resources allocated to data collection and maintenance. While the future remains uncertain, the possibility of reduced funding introduces a level of instability that institutions need to consider. 

Beyond budgetary concerns, other factors could potentially impact the future of IPEDS in its current form. Shifts in federal priorities, evolving data needs within the higher education sector, or even the emergence of alternative data collection systems could lead to changes in how postsecondary data is gathered and disseminated. 

Recognizing this potential uncertainty, Datatelligent has proactively developed solutions to ensure that institutions continue to have access to the critical IPEDS data they rely on. 

Introducing Datatelligent’s IPEDS Solutions: Stability in an Evolving Landscape 

We understand the vital role IPEDS data plays in institutional planning, benchmarking, and decision-making. That’s why we’re proud to offer two powerful tools that provide a reliable alternative, regardless of what the future holds for the government-hosted IPEDS database: 

• Datatelligent’s Free IPEDS Comparison Tool: Our newly launched comparison tool provides an accessible way to analyze enrollment trends and benchmark your institution against peers using a local copy of IPEDS data. Even if the public IPEDS database were to become unavailable, our comparison tool will continue to function, providing you with essential insights. Explore the free tool here: Datatelligent Enrollment Comparison Tool. 

• Datatelligent’s IPEDS Assistant: For institutions requiring more in-depth analysis and customized reporting, our IPEDS Assistant offers a robust solution. This comprehensive tool leverages our maintained local copy of IPEDS data, allowing for advanced comparisons, automated data pulls, and the creation of tailored reports to meet your specific needs. While the Comparison Tool is free, the IPEDS Assistant provides a more extensive suite of features for a subscription fee, ensuring continued access to comprehensive IPEDS data and analysis capabilities. Learn more about the IPEDS Assistant here: Datatelligent IPEDS Assistant. 

Our commitment is to provide the higher education community with reliable access to crucial data. By maintaining our own comprehensive copy of IPEDS data, we are ensuring that this valuable resource remains available to you, empowering your institution to navigate the future with confidence. 

If you have any questions about our IPEDS Comparison Tool, the IPEDS Assistant, or how Datatelligent can support your institution’s data needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach our team through our contact page: Datatelligent Contact Us. We are here to help you navigate the evolving data landscape. 

Higher education is entering a new era of data-informed decision-making. As institutions look to leverage artificial intelligence (AI), the success of these initiatives depends on a robust foundation built on a modern data infrastructure. Central to that foundation is the data lake. 

Why Data Lakes Matter 

Unlike traditional databases and data warehouses, which require structured inputs, data lakes allow the storage of all data types—structured and unstructured—without forcing early decisions about format or structure. This makes data lakes ideal for institutions facing increasing data complexity and scale. 

As noted in EdTech Magazine, data lakes collect all types of data “without imposing a structure until the query is taking place,” giving data scientists the flexibility to shape data as needed for advanced analytics. Institutions can consolidate student information systems, learning management (LMS) platforms, customer relation management (CRM) systems, and more—breaking down data silos and gaining a holistic view of the student journey. 

By adopting a more flexible data approach, institutions can more easily explore and understand their data as new questions emerge, without being constrained by rigid reporting formats. This enables deeper insights and quicker responses to changing needs. 

Building the Foundation for AI 

The flexibility and scalability of data lakes make them the perfect launchpad for deploying AI and machine learning tools. With clean, accessible data, colleges can: 

• Predict student retention risk using machine learning models trained on behavioral and academic trends 

• Tailor learning paths and student services through AI-powered personalization 

• Forecast enrollment and operational trends to improve institutional planning 

A study published in Scientific Reports highlighted how combining academic and behavioral data from over 50,000 students enabled machine learning models to predict first-semester attrition with up to 88% accuracy—showing the true potential of applying machine learning using student data. 

These models also demonstrate the advantage of incorporating more than just grades. By leveraging student interactions with learning platforms, campus support services, and peer communities, institutions can more accurately identify risk factors and intervene earlier. 

Real-World Application 

Examples like Crown College show the value of predictive analytics in action. By building a data-informed retention program, they raised freshman fall-to-spring retention from 84% to 89% over four years. Their success was driven by clear, actionable insights grounded in high-quality data—achievable only with the proper infrastructure. 

Similarly, Cowley College partnered with Datatelligent to implement a unified, Snowflake-based data lake and campus-wide dashboards. With access to real-time information, Cowley’s staff could spot emerging trends, reduce manual reporting tasks, and focus more energy on strategic action. 

Other institutions are using data lakes to power dashboards that monitor student engagement, automate compliance reporting, and benchmark performance against institutional goals. Feeding these systems with raw and diverse data ensures their analytics are grounded in a comprehensive, real-world picture. 

AI in Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges 

A recent Datatelligent Industry Survey found that while many institutions are enthusiastic about AI in higher education, most are in the early stages. 61% of colleges lacked formal AI policies or had not started developing them. Still, forward-thinking campuses are beginning to invest in talent, ethical data governance, and pilot AI projects grounded in data lakes. 

However, barriers remain, including limited staff capacity, concerns about student data privacy, and uncertainty about how best to deploy AI responsibly. These aren’t technical hurdles alone—they’re cultural and operational, requiring cross-campus alignment and leadership support. 

Setting the Stage for Scalable AI 

For institutions to scale AI responsibly, they must begin with a clear strategy for collecting, governing, and using data. This involves: 

• Defining data quality standards for consistent data collection 

• Training staff in ethical AI and data interpretation 

• Creating feedback loops to evaluate model effectiveness and adjust practices 

Just as importantly, institutions must cultivate a data informed culture that values transparency, inquiry, and evidence-based decision-making. This cultural shift often starts with small wins, such as a KPI dashboard that saves time or a pilot model that improves advising outcomes. These successes build momentum creating further student success. 

Final Thought 

AI has the power to transform how colleges and universities use student data, but only if they are ready. Investing in a well architected data lake is not just a technology upgrade, it is a strategic investment. With the right foundation, institutions can turn abundant data into meaningful insights, leading to more personalized, responsive, and effective educational experiences. 

Need help setting the foundation? Datatelligent partners with higher education institutions to implement data lake strategies designed for real-world impact.