ISSAQ: Training

In many systems, access to technology has provided a wealth of data that - in theory - could improve success. However, the inability to transform those data into meaningful insights has created a phenomenon known as "data rich, information poor." This can either refer to an over-abundance of data that actually ends up confounding decision-making processes, or a simple inability to make meaning from the mountain of data at one's disposal. In healthcare, "data rich, information poor" has become so prevalent that some ever refer to "DRIP syndrome."

Transforming data into information (and, subsequently, information into action) is precisely the mission of DIA Higher Education Collaborators (which is where the "DIA" comes from!). Accordingly, in building the ISSAQ system, it was important to provide mechanisms that help colleges and universities not only gather valuable information, but help them use it. Whereas the Information Services aspect can provide helpful insights into your student success data, the Training component of ISSAQ works with the people within your institution to build culture, strategy, and practice that is oriented around using data to improve student success.

While every institution is different, and DIA will customize specific training plans based on institutional needs, there are a few offerings that are at the core of what we do. While some of these programs are offered as stand-alone services, when integrated as part of the ISSAQ system, they help to build a cohesive and meaningful student success strategy.

Coaching Skills

How do we integrate holistic information - including data on noncognitive skills - into our conversations with students, or into our advising structures as a whole? This module works directly with those who are talking with students, focusing on how to build rapport, articulate strengths and challenges, and connect students with resources that can improve their success.

Process Mapping

This workshop helps build a meaningful understanding of students' experiences and how they interact (or, in some cases, disconnect) with your student success strategy. Process mapping focuses on three questions:

What are the major steps students to take to be successful?
With which people, programs, or services must they interact to do so?
How do we communicate each of these steps to students?

Holistic Assessment, Placement, & Support

For those institutions looking to modify their course placement processes, this module focuses on how to streamline and accelerate course placement decisions, integrate holistic information into decision-making process, and include key resources to maximize both retention and academic success.

Cocurricular Alignment

In many cases, institutions don't need more programs and services to improve student success, they need to better use the ones that already exist. Cocurricular alignment helps institutions articulate existing student success resources, align them to key student strengths and challenges, and integrate those resources into a meaningful student success strategy.

To learn more about ISSAQ, simply complete the contact form below with "ISSAQ" in the subject.