Data Literacy Essentials for Higher Education Professionals
Today, higher education professionals need to understand how to use data to answer operational and strategic questions. This program provides an overview of understanding data creation, use, analysis, interpretation, and storytelling for higher education professionals looking to increase their data literacy skills. Participants will build confidence and competency using data by learning and practicing techniques for incorporating data into their daily work and career goals. The target audience for this program is anyone working in higher education (faculty, staff, administrators) who analyzes data or makes data-based recommendations or decisions.
There are two online asynchronous courses delivered in Brightspace. The courses are 6 weeks in length each, and they contain approximately 3 to 5 hours of work each week. The courses are interactive (not self-paced) with instructor feedback to participants and capped at 20 registrants.
Course One is a required pre-requisite for Course Two. The pre-requisite can be waived for those who have significant experience and expertise utilizing the Course One learning objectives in higher education. A digital badge will be awarded for the completion of each course.
Sponsored by the SUNY Center for Professional Development (CPD)
Program Completion Requirements
To earn the Data Literacy Certificate, participants must complete two courses. Digital badges will be awarded for each individual course.
2025 Course Dates
- SUMMER 2025
Fundamentals of Working with Data (May 13th-June 25th)- Storytelling with Data (June 24th-August 4th)
- FALL 2025
- Fundamentals of Working with Data (September 2nd-October 13th)
- Storytelling with Data (October 14th-November 24th)
Course Descriptions
Course Pricing
How to Pay
Payment Terms
- Full payment is required within 30 days of registration. If the campus intends to cover the registration fee, prior approval must be obtained; otherwise, the registrant remains responsible for payment should the selected method be denied.
- Completion badges will not be issued until full payment has been received.
FULL payment is required 30 days from the date of registration. If the campus denies the selected payment method, the registrant will be responsible for payment.
Cancel/Drop Period
Registrants must utilize the course cancellation form (linked in the registration confirmation email) to be officially cancelled from the program.
- If you registered for all of the program courses to receive a full refund you MUST cancel no later than the end of the first week (Sunday) of EACH course.
- For multi-course registrations that include a discounted rate, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the discount, and standard course fees will apply.
No Shows
Programs have limited space and tend to fill to capacity. Individuals registered have reserved a space in the program. Registrants who do not attend will be charged the full registration fee. Refunds will not be issued for any registration in which a no show occurs, and written cancellation was not received prior to the event.
Click to view SUNY CPD Terms & Conditions Policy.
Click to view SUNY Refund Policy.
Meet the Instructors
Ahmad Pratama
Samy Garas
Dr. Samy Garas is a Full Professor of Accounting at SUNY Plattsburgh with over 20 years of academic and professional experience in accounting, auditing, and data analytics. He holds nine advanced professional certifications, including CPA (NY & CT), CIA, CMA, CFE, and CISA, reflecting his commitment to bridging academic theory with real-world expertise. His career spans teaching, research, and service across multiple countries and institutions, making him a leader in integrating technology and data-driven decision-making into accounting education.
Dr. Garas is a recognized scholar with 21 peer-reviewed publications and three book chapters, focusing on areas such as corporate governance, audit risk, forensic accounting, and data analytics. His innovative research includes using no-code and low-code technologies for data analysis, a subject directly relevant to his teaching. He is passionate about leveraging advanced tools like Tableau, Power BI, Alteryx, UiPath, and Python programming in his courses to prepare learners for the data-driven demands of the modern workplace.
As the Faculty Coordinator for Executive Education at SUNY Plattsburgh, Dr. Garas oversees the design and delivery of specialized workshops for healthcare managers, focusing on leadership, strategy, data analytics, and Lean Management. His experience in creating hands-on, industry-relevant learning opportunities makes him uniquely qualified to guide participants in the Storytelling with Data course.
Dr. Garas is also an accomplished educator, having been named an Open SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador. His courses are built on research-based teaching methods and emphasize the practical application of data visualization and analytics. His teaching philosophy centers on equipping students and professionals with the critical thinking and technical skills needed to analyze, interpret, and present data effectively, ensuring their success in both academic and professional arenas.
Contact Us
The SUNY Center for Professional Development (CPD) supports a wide range of professional development opportunities for the academic, technical, and leadership communities across the SUNY System.