NASPA Online Learning Community

The Importance of Engagement Data: Collecting, Accessing, and Using Data to Show Value in Student Affairs

The Importance of Engagement Data: Collecting, Accessing, and Using Data to Show Value in Student Affairs

Includes a Live Web Event on 04/30/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)

Rollie Carencia

Executive Director, Student Life

Columbia University School of Professional Studies

Rollie Carencia is originally from Los Angeles. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Media & Cultural Studies from University of California, Riverside, and his Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from New York University.

Rollie currently serves as the Executive Director of Student Life at the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University, where he leads initiatives that enhance the student experience and foster vibrant, inclusive campus communities. With a strong foundation in student affairs, Rollie has contributed to several institutions, including the University of California, Riverside, Pratt Institute, New York University, and Columbia University, supporting student engagement.

Outside of his professional work, Rollie enjoys staying active through marathon running and cycling, and he is always on the lookout for his next culinary adventure.

Nora Kearney

Manager of Client Success

Ready Education

Nora Kearney is originally from Buffalo, NY. She earned her Master of Arts in Student Affairs and Catholic University Leadership from Boston College, and holds a BA in Art History and Writing from Loyola University Maryland.

Nora currently serves as the Manager for Client Success at Ready Education. In this role, she helps lead initiatives that help institutions get the most from there use of CampusGroups. Most recently that focus has been on how clients can transition from simple data collection to true data operationalization, ensuring that student life is viewed as essential campus infrastructure.

With nearly a decade of experience in the EdTech space, Nora has contributed to the success of hundreds of institutions across four distinct platforms, including her work with Columbia School of Professional Studies. She is passionate about creating "work smarter" business processes that turn everyday student routines into actionable data to drive retention.

Outside of her professional work, Nora is regularly found at trivia nights, and is always interested in talking about why this is the year the Buffalo Bills will win the Super Bowl. 

Being able to base your objectives and programs in data is more important than ever in 2026 due to budgetary restrictions and competing priorities. In this session we will outline the importance of clean data hygiene, while outlining how Ready Education can help to collect and present engagement data in a useful and concise manner to a variety of stakeholders and partners– all while maintaining the detail and depth you need for conscientious decision making and planning.


Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will understand the importance of translating qualitative "student stories" into a quantitative "data-driven narrative" that speaks the language of university leadership and securing institutional buy-in.

• Attendees will identify value in working to consolidate fragmented tools into a "one-stop-shop" to reduce administrative drift and protect institutional memory.

• Participants will learn how to use real-time engagement data—such as newsletter heat maps and orientation checklists—to identify and implement changes in strategy to ensure student success.

Components visible upon registration.