One-Day Census Turnaround: Revolutionizing Fall Reporting at U of A

Session Abstract: At the University of Arizona, the Fall Census Snapshot has evolved into a highly efficient, streamlined process, allowing us to complete and deliver critical data in just one day. Over the years, what once took eight weeks has been reduced to a single day through continuous fine-tuning, automation, and enhancing data sources. This session will explore the evolution of the fall census process, highlighting the numerous iterations and the concerted time and effort invested before the census date, which make this rapid turnaround possible. Participants will also learn strategies for improving their own reporting processes, making data more accessible, and using census data to foster cross-departmental collaboration and inform key decisions, from student retention to media communications.

Keywords: fall census, IPEDS, student data, institutional reporting, cross-departmental collaboration