Snapshot in the Dark: Adding Dimensionality to Census Data after the Fact

Presentation Summary

Snapshot data tied to census dates is critical to offices of institutional research. Without it, volatile transactional data becomes a source of endless disagreement over numbers. However, snapshot/census data can be limiting as well. Oftentimes, there is rich dimensionality in our transactional systems that is not captured in census snapshots because it is not needed by the intended recipients. Given the many priorities being juggled when a new ERP is being developed, producing a serviceable census dataset represents a considerable challenge by itself. This presentation will cover various techniques employed at SUNY Buffalo for adding synchronized dimensionality to our official reporting data set.