NAU Student Affairs Datamart Overview

Overview
The Student Affairs datamart passed from concept to reality in the summer of 2001. It is a central database containing data from nine of the eleven units in Student Affairs. Data is coded using categories that apply across units (see Service Codes and Translation documentation) and uploaded each semester from units’ local databases. A student record appears in the datamart each time a student uses a service provided through the Student Affairs division. The datamart is accessible through Business Objects, which facilitates linkage to supplemental NAU student data (e.g., GPA, cum credit hours). Assessment of and research on the relationships between student persistence and student use of Student Affairs services are the primary use of the datamart by the Student Affairs Assessment Resource Team (SAART) collaboratively as well as by individual SAART members.

What are the parameters for using the datamart
(Data Limitation and Use Policy)?
While more types of data are made available through the datamart each semester, the data is limited in that it does not represent student participation in all Student Affairs’ services, events, and programs. It is critical thus that those members of the campus community who have acquired access to the Student Affairs datamart via Business Objects, and intend to create reports from it, understand the scope of the data. It is essential that any report created using data from the Student Affairs datamart be reviewed by the Student Affairs Assessment Resource Team. This policy ensures accuracy of reports and thorough communication of information throughout the university community.

Please contact Margot Nason, Assessment Coordinator for Student Affairs at margot.nason@nau.edu or 523-7985 regarding access to the datamart, questions on the data, the creation of reports, and SAART review of reports.