Resources and Support

IRDS provides a number of resources to support the VCU community, including institutional data, surveys and analytics. As a starting point, we encourage you to explore the self-service data dashboards that are strategically designed to equip you with the tools and information you need to make evidence-based decisions. 

Self-Service Dashboards

Our self-service dashboards can be accessed through the data portal and include the following:

• A recently revamped public facing dashboard that visualizes progress toward goals articulated in VCU's current strategic plan, Quest 2025: Together We Transform.
• Department profiles. This is a restricted resource that enables VCU units to evaluate their own metrics related to the university's overall mission.
• The REAL Data Dashboard. This is a restricted dashboard that tracks student engagement in experiential learning activities.

Insights

Insights is VCU`s first enterprise-wide institutional information and data analytics platform that provides access to accurate, consistent, reliable management information for decision support. It covers institutional subject domains such as Student including admissions, enrollment, degree production, financial aid, courses, retention and graduation, wage and debt, Human Resources including all employee categories, etc. To learn more about Insights and how to use it, please visit our data training and tours page.

Data Steward Toolkit 

The data steward toolkit, which is located on VCU's data governance site, contains various links, guidelines and templates that can aid your navigation of IRDS's data dashboards and enhance your stewardship of institutional data and information. An institutional data dictionary is among the resources available.

Survey Support

For survey support, including tools and resources, please visit the Survey section of our website.