Register Today
The HelioCampus Community Summit returns to the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, North Carolina from February 4-6, 2025. Mark your calendars and use the form on this page to register.
This year's agenda will include a keynote address from Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, more pre-conference activities, 15+ client-led sessions, and brand new networking activities, all designed to celebrate the work you do every day to drive change on your campus.
Dr. Hrabowski's keynote will include Q&A and be followed by a book signing (books provided).
Event Agenda
February 4
- 12PM: Lunch buffet for early arrivers
- 1PM: Pre-conference
- Assessment & Credentialing Product Vision Session
- Data Clubhouse Open for Tableau trainings, networking and dashboard fun ahead of the show opening
- 5PM: Welcome Reception
- 6PM: Dinner
February 5
- 7AM: Breakfast Buffet Opens
- 8:15AM: General Session
- 9:30AM: Breakout Sessions
- 10:15AM: Breakout Sessions
- 11AM: Keynote Address from Dr. Freeman Hrabowski
- 12PM: Lunch & Book Signing
- 1PM: Breakout Sessions*
- 2PM: Breakout Sessions
- 2:45PM: Breakout Sessions
- 3:15: Break
- 4:00PM: Breakout Sessions
- Off Site Dinners
February 6
- 7AM: Breakfast Buffet Opens
- 8:30AM: General Session
- 9:15AM: Breakout Sessions
- 10:00AM: Breakout Sessions
- 10:45AM: Breakout Sessions
- 11:30AM: Lunch Buffet Opens
Scroll down for session titles and descriptions.
The Carolina Inn is no longer accepting hotel reservations - they are at capacity during our event. We encourage you to book a room at The Graduate Hotel on Franklin Street, which is a short walk to the Carolina Inn. There is no official room block, but a number of HelioCampus staff and clients are staying there as an unofficial satellite hotel.
Hear from the Community
Learn why higher ed leaders from across the country love the HelioCampus Community Summit and why they come back year after year.
Find the Best Sessions Based on Your Interests
Get excited about sessions from your peers.
Keynote: Dr. Freeman Hrabowski
More InformationKeynote: Dr. Freeman Hrabowski
Presenters
- Dr. Freeman Hrabowski President Emeritus University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Driving Change: Insights and Innovations from Internal Organizational Effectiveness Leaders
More InformationDriving Change: Insights and Innovations from Internal Organizational Effectiveness Leaders
Presenters
- Ralph Gigliotti Assistant Vice President for Organizational Leadership, University Academic Affairs Rutgers University, NCCI President
- Jeremy Bean Assistant Vice President, Office of Enterprise Change and Transformation Penn State University, NCCI Board of Directors
- Joseph Drasin Assistant Vice President for Enterprise Service Strategy University of Maryland, NCCI Board of Directors
- Kim-Marie Jenkins Senior Director of Organizational Change and Culture University of Maine System, NCCI Past President
- Rick Wernoski Associate Vice Chancellor for Operational Excellence University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NCCI President Elect
Product Roadmap: Assessment & Credentialing
More InformationProduct Roadmap: Assessment & Credentialing
Presenters
Product Roadmap: Financial Intelligence
More InformationProduct Roadmap: Financial Intelligence
Presenters
Product Roadmap: HelioCampus Data Analytics
More InformationProduct Roadmap: HelioCampus Data Analytics
Presenters
Texas A&M Transformation of IR Office, Data Strategy, and HelioCampus
More InformationTexas A&M Transformation of IR Office, Data Strategy, and HelioCampus
From this transformation, AGGIE Insights has been developed and is growing and evolving into a highly sought after strategic partner. Hear their journey of this transformation with an all access, unfiltered conversation with the team that has forever changed how data is used at Texas A&M University. The journey can be seen through several key steps to enhance its effectiveness and adaptability.
Presenters
- Michelle Mitchell Assistant Vice President Texas A&M University
- Chris Huff Lead Helio Analyst, VP Planning, Assessment & Strategy Texas A&M University
- Mahmut Gundogdu Data Scientist Texas A&M University
Academic Activity Margins: Comparative Managerial Accounting Measures Tied to Academic Activity
More InformationAcademic Activity Margins: Comparative Managerial Accounting Measures Tied to Academic Activity
Presenters
- Carl Forney Associate Director of Advanced Analytics Ohio University
The Quest for Better Data Governance (Panel)
More InformationThe Quest for Better Data Governance (Panel)
But… does it have to be this way? Do we need to live in fear of the next data foe? How do we find peace in this land of data?!
Well… sorting out governance can certainly help!
Join this panel of data governance experts to learn how three different institutions are approaching data governance at their institution.
Presenters
- Cole Heady Director of Decision Support Ball State University
- Caroline Maulana Business Intelligence Director for the Division of Information Technology University of South Carolina
- Kevin Joseph Senior Director, Business Intelligence University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Driving Change: Insights and Innovations from Internal Organizational Effectiveness Leaders
More InformationDriving Change: Insights and Innovations from Internal Organizational Effectiveness Leaders
Presenters
- Ralph Gigliotti Assistant Vice President for Organizational Leadership, University Academic Affairs Rutgers University, NCCI President
- Jeremy Bean Assistant Vice President, Office of Enterprise Change and Transformation Penn State University, NCCI Board of Directors
- Joseph Drasin Assistant Vice President for Enterprise Service Strategy University of Maryland, NCCI Board of Directors
- Kim-Marie Jenkins Senior Director of Organizational Change and Culture University of Maine System, NCCI Past President
- Rick Wernoski Associate Vice Chancellor for Operational Excellence University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NCCI President Elect
Charting New Waters: Soaring into Technology Modernization with an Enterprise Data Warehouse
More InformationCharting New Waters: Soaring into Technology Modernization with an Enterprise Data Warehouse
Learn about UNC-Wilmington's technology modernization initiative through the creation of an Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW). This panel session will highlight the experiences of stakeholders who have been involved in different phases of this project to make this possible. Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of one institution's implementation process and outcome.
This includes talking about institutional innovation needed to address the following aspects of implementation:
- Technical build and configuration
- Data Model Development and Validation
- Analysis and Support Planning
- User Permissions
- Training and Rollout
Presenters
- Michael Smith Director of Institutional Research and Analytics UNC Wilmington
Data Literacy by Design
More InformationData Literacy by Design
Presenters
- Alyse Carter Schultz Institutional Research & Planning Analyst II Ohio University
Overcoming Data Friction to Improve Academic Performance
More InformationOvercoming Data Friction to Improve Academic Performance
Presenters
- Dr. Celena Kusch Executive Director, Center for Academic Innovation and Faculty Support University of South Carolina Upstate
Paths to Learning: Course Needs Planning
More InformationPaths to Learning: Course Needs Planning
Presenters
- Ezra Brooks Data Innovations Lead for the Division of Information Technology University of South Carolina
- Caroline Maulana Business Intelligence Director for the Division of Information Technology University of South Carolina
Product Roadmap: HelioCampus Data Analytics
More InformationProduct Roadmap: HelioCampus Data Analytics
Presenters
Proliferating Data Literacy: Driving Campus Engagement for Student Success
More InformationProliferating Data Literacy: Driving Campus Engagement for Student Success
Key highlights include:
- Ball State’s Data Stewards Program: Sponsored by Institutional Research and Decision Support (IRDS), this initiative plays a pivotal role in managing and utilizing student data for decision-making.
- California State University’s Certificate in Student Success Analytics: Learn about the impact of Ball State's participation in this program and how it has shaped its data practices for student success.
- Cardinal S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Quarterly e-Magazine: This publication serves as a resource to share insights and strategies around data and student success initiatives.
By the end of the session, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Ball State equips faculty and staff to better understand and leverage data in their work to enhance student outcomes.
Presenters
- Jason Rivera Vice Provost for Student Success and Dean of University College Ball State University
- Cole Heady Director of Decision Support Ball State University
Who are your data users? Using data personas to support your stakeholders
More InformationWho are your data users? Using data personas to support your stakeholders
It’s time for data literacy practices to evolve from a one-size-fits all approach to a more customized approach. In this session, deeply experienced practitioners from University of Massachusetts Amherst and Ohio University will share the challenges and possible solutions we have encountered by supporting these five key stakeholder segments. Hear campus perspectives on how to handle these different groups to support their use of data and growth in data literacy skills supported by research-based best practices in data literacy.
Presenters
- Loralyn Taylor Associate Provost, Institutional Effectiveness and Analytics Ohio University
- Krisztina Filep Director of Operational Analytics University of Massachusetts Amherst
Dashboard Show & Tell
More InformationDashboard Show & Tell
Presenters
Advancing Self-Study: Showcasing New Features and AI-Driven Insights
More InformationAdvancing Self-Study: Showcasing New Features and AI-Driven Insights
Presenters
- Susan Pierre-Louis Senior Product Manager HelioCampus
- JP Connelly Product Manager HelioCampus
Developing a Comprehensive Learner Record to Support Student Learning and Success: Case Studies from Johns Hopkins University and University of Georgia
More InformationDeveloping a Comprehensive Learner Record to Support Student Learning and Success: Case Studies from Johns Hopkins University and University of Georgia
Presenters
- Shefali Dhar Senior Director of IT Services University of Georgia
- Fiona Liken Associate Vice President for Instruction and Registrar University of Georgia
- Dr. Janet Schreck Senior Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Accreditation Liaison Officer Johns Hopkins University
- Chadia Abras Director of Institutional Assessment Johns Hopkins University
Driving Change: Insights and Innovations from Internal Organizational Effectiveness Leaders
More InformationDriving Change: Insights and Innovations from Internal Organizational Effectiveness Leaders
Presenters
- Ralph Gigliotti Assistant Vice President for Organizational Leadership, University Academic Affairs Rutgers University, NCCI President
- Jeremy Bean Assistant Vice President, Office of Enterprise Change and Transformation Penn State University, NCCI Board of Directors
- Joseph Drasin Assistant Vice President for Enterprise Service Strategy University of Maryland, NCCI Board of Directors
- Kim-Marie Jenkins Senior Director of Organizational Change and Culture University of Maine System, NCCI Past President
- Rick Wernoski Associate Vice Chancellor for Operational Excellence University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NCCI President Elect
JHU’s Vision for the CLR and Lifelong Learning
More InformationJHU’s Vision for the CLR and Lifelong Learning
Presenters
- Dr. Janet Schreck Senior Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Accreditation Liaison Officer Johns Hopkins University
- Chadia Abras Director of Institutional Assessment Johns Hopkins University
Product Roadmap: Assessment & Credentialing
More InformationProduct Roadmap: Assessment & Credentialing
Presenters
Texas A&M Transformation of IR Office, Data Strategy, and HelioCampus
More InformationTexas A&M Transformation of IR Office, Data Strategy, and HelioCampus
From this transformation, AGGIE Insights has been developed and is growing and evolving into a highly sought after strategic partner. Hear their journey of this transformation with an all access, unfiltered conversation with the team that has forever changed how data is used at Texas A&M University. The journey can be seen through several key steps to enhance its effectiveness and adaptability.
Presenters
- Michelle Mitchell Assistant Vice President Texas A&M University
- Chris Huff Lead Helio Analyst, VP Planning, Assessment & Strategy Texas A&M University
- Mahmut Gundogdu Data Scientist Texas A&M University
The Quest for Better Data Governance (Panel)
More InformationThe Quest for Better Data Governance (Panel)
But… does it have to be this way? Do we need to live in fear of the next data foe? How do we find peace in this land of data?!
Well… sorting out governance can certainly help!
Join this panel of data governance experts to learn how three different institutions are approaching data governance at their institution.
Presenters
- Cole Heady Director of Decision Support Ball State University
- Caroline Maulana Business Intelligence Director for the Division of Information Technology University of South Carolina
- Kevin Joseph Senior Director, Business Intelligence University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Academic Activity Margins: Comparative Managerial Accounting Measures Tied to Academic Activity
More InformationAcademic Activity Margins: Comparative Managerial Accounting Measures Tied to Academic Activity
Presenters
- Carl Forney Associate Director of Advanced Analytics Ohio University
Driving Change: Insights and Innovations from Internal Organizational Effectiveness Leaders
More InformationDriving Change: Insights and Innovations from Internal Organizational Effectiveness Leaders
Presenters
- Ralph Gigliotti Assistant Vice President for Organizational Leadership, University Academic Affairs Rutgers University, NCCI President
- Jeremy Bean Assistant Vice President, Office of Enterprise Change and Transformation Penn State University, NCCI Board of Directors
- Joseph Drasin Assistant Vice President for Enterprise Service Strategy University of Maryland, NCCI Board of Directors
- Kim-Marie Jenkins Senior Director of Organizational Change and Culture University of Maine System, NCCI Past President
- Rick Wernoski Associate Vice Chancellor for Operational Excellence University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NCCI President Elect
From Anomalies to Insights: Streamlining University Data for Better Benchmarking
More InformationFrom Anomalies to Insights: Streamlining University Data for Better Benchmarking
The result of this work will be shared, highlighting how the improved benchmarking results supported by validated data better reflect the University’s actual state. The process has led to a better understanding of their own data, and it has included business areas as partners with “skin in the game.” The Stony Brook team anticipates that future use of the data supported by this validation process will ensure that senior leadership can make the most informed decisions on strategic objectives while maintaining operational efficiency.
Presenters
- Braden Hosch Vice President for Educational and Institutional Effectiveness Stony Brook University
- Christina Gonzalez People Analytics Specialist Stony Brook University
- Krista Tepedino Assistant Director of Business, Office of Finance & Administration Stony Brook University
- Erica Lawler Divisional Business Coordinator for Finance and Budget, Financial Planning & Analysis Stony Brook University
Overcoming Data Friction to Improve Academic Performance
More InformationOvercoming Data Friction to Improve Academic Performance
Presenters
- Dr. Celena Kusch Executive Director, Center for Academic Innovation and Faculty Support University of South Carolina Upstate
Product Roadmap: Financial Intelligence
More InformationProduct Roadmap: Financial Intelligence
Presenters
Strategic Workforce Management: Redeploying Resources to Areas of Need
More InformationStrategic Workforce Management: Redeploying Resources to Areas of Need
Presenters
- Bryan Elmore Assistant VP, Budget & Business Operations Auburn University
Texas A&M Transformation of IR Office, Data Strategy, and HelioCampus
More InformationTexas A&M Transformation of IR Office, Data Strategy, and HelioCampus
From this transformation, AGGIE Insights has been developed and is growing and evolving into a highly sought after strategic partner. Hear their journey of this transformation with an all access, unfiltered conversation with the team that has forever changed how data is used at Texas A&M University. The journey can be seen through several key steps to enhance its effectiveness and adaptability.
Presenters
- Michelle Mitchell Assistant Vice President Texas A&M University
- Chris Huff Lead Helio Analyst, VP Planning, Assessment & Strategy Texas A&M University
- Mahmut Gundogdu Data Scientist Texas A&M University
Upcoming Research: Examining the Relationship Between Enrollment and Institutional Spending Patterns
More InformationUpcoming Research: Examining the Relationship Between Enrollment and Institutional Spending Patterns
Presenters
- Robert Kelchen Professor and Head of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies University of Tenneessee-Knoxville
Who You'll Hear From
HelioCampus Community Summit 2025 speakers include a growing list of leading names in higher education. Check back often for new names.
Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III
Chadia Abras
Jeremy Bean
NCCI Board of Directors
Alyse Carter Schultz
Shefali Dhar
Joseph Drasin
NCCI Board of Directors
Bryan Elmore
Krisztina Filep
Ralph Gigliotti
NCCI President
Christina Gonzalez
Braden Hosch
Chris Huff
Kim-Marie Jenkins
NCCI Past President
Dr. Celena Kusch
Erica Lawler
Fiona Liken
Michelle Mitchell
Marisa Anne Pagnattaro
Ana A. Rivera
Dr. Jason Rivera
Dr. Janet Schreck
Michael Smith
Dr. Loralyn Taylor
Krista Tepedino
Rick Wernoski
Darren Catalano
Jack Neill
Susie Chang
Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III
President Emeritus of UMBC, Author & Keynote Speaker
Chadia Abras
Senior Director of Institutional Assessment, Associate Professor of Educaiton, Johns Hopkins University
Jeremy Bean
Assistant Vice President, Office of Enterprise Change and Transformation, Penn State University,
NCCI Board of Directors
Alyse Carter Schultz
Institutional Research & Planning Analyst II, Ohio University
Shefali Dhar
Vice President for Instruction and Senior Vice Provost for Academic Planning
Joseph Drasin
Assistant Vice President for Enterprise Service Strategy, University of Maryland,
NCCI Board of Directors
Bryan Elmore
Assistant VP, Budget & Business Operations, Auburn University
Krisztina Filep
Executive Director of Analytics and Institutional Research, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Ralph Gigliotti
Assistant Vice President for Organizational Leadership, University Academic Affairs, Rutgers University,
NCCI President
Christina Gonzalez
People Analytics Specialist, Institutional Research, Planning & Effectiveness, Stony Brook University
Braden Hosch
Vice President for Educational and Institutional Effectiveness, Stony Brook University
Chris Huff
Assistant Director, Planning, Assessment & Strategy, Texas A&M University
Kim-Marie Jenkins
Senior Director of Organizational Change and Culture, University of Maine System,
NCCI Past President
Dr. Celena Kusch
Executive Director, Center for Academic Innovation and Faculty Support, University of South Carolina Upstate
Erica Lawler
Divisional Business Coordinator for Finance and Budget, Financial Planning & Analysis, Stony Brook University
Fiona Liken
Associate Vice President for Instruction and Registrar, University of Georgia
Michelle Mitchell
Assistant Vice President, Texas A&M University
Marisa Anne Pagnattaro
Vice President for Instruction and Senior Vice Provost for Academic Planning, University of Georgia
Ana A. Rivera
Project Manager III, Texas A&M University
Dr. Jason Rivera
Vice Provost for Student Success and Dean of University College, Ball State University
Dr. Janet Schreck
Senior Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Accreditation Liaison Officer, Johns Hopkins University
Michael Smith
Director Of Institutional Research & Analytics, UNC-Wilmington
Dr. Loralyn Taylor
Associate Provost for Institutional Research and Effectiveness, Ohio University
Krista Tepedino
Assistant Director of Business, Finance and Administration, Stony Brook University
Rick Wernoski
Associate Vice Chancellor for Operational Excellence, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NCCI President Elect
Darren Catalano
CEO, HelioCampus
Jack Neill
Vice President, Product, HelioCampus
Susie Chang
Vice President, Client Success, HelioCampus
What to Expect
Networking
Connect with others facing similar challenges, like improving recruitment and retention, tracking student learning outcomes, preparing for self study, measuring academic program performance, understanding labor costs and delivering long range financial plans.
Exchanging Ideas
Helping institutions fulfill their missions drives us. Share what’s working at your institution, and get new ideas to energize your day-to-day work.
Diving Deep in the Data
At HelioCampus, we love data, and we know you do, too. We’ll share inspiration to get more mileage out of your existing analyses. Got a dashboard you think others should see? We’ll have a session for that too.
HelioCampus Community Summit FAQs
What kinds of topics and themes can I expect to learn about?
Sessions for the 2025 HelioCampus Community Summit will cover topics including:
- Strategic Planning
- Accreditation
- Enrollment & Admissions
- Student Success
- Financial Decision Making
- Skills Based Learning
- Workforce Planning
- Data Governance
- AI Use Cases
- Academic Cost Optimization
- Technology Modernization
The Community Summit Call for Proposals is now CLOSED. Speakers will be notified of their proposal's acceptance via email by October 31, 2024. If you have any questions or want to check your submission status, please email events@heliocampus.com.
What does attending the summit cost?
Registration for the HelioCampus Community Summit has no cost. Registration includes access to all sessions and meals. Attendees are responsible for paying for their transportation and lodging.
Will sessions be recorded or live streamed?
We are not planning on recording or live streaming any of the sessions.
What should I do if I have more questions?
You can email our events team (events@heliocampus.com) with any event-related questions.
What kinds of topics and themes can I expect to learn about?
Sessions for the 2025 HelioCampus Community Summit will cover topics including:
- Strategic Planning
- Accreditation
- Enrollment & Admissions
- Student Success
- Financial Decision Making
- Skills Based Learning
- Workforce Planning
- Data Governance
- AI Use Cases
- Academic Cost Optimization
- Technology Modernization
The Community Summit Call for Proposals is now CLOSED. Speakers will be notified of their proposal's acceptance via email by October 31, 2024. If you have any questions or want to check your submission status, please email events@heliocampus.com.
What does attending the summit cost?
Registration for the HelioCampus Community Summit has no cost. Registration includes access to all sessions and meals. Attendees are responsible for paying for their transportation and lodging.
Will sessions be recorded or live streamed?
We are not planning on recording or live streaming any of the sessions.
What should I do if I have more questions?
You can email our events team (events@heliocampus.com) with any event-related questions.