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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

Fundamentals of Working with Data

Instructor: Ahmad Pratama

Target audience: All staff, administrators, and instructors working in higher education

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics of data literacy in higher education covering the data lifecycle, governance, and analysis. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of key data concepts and terminology including the essential components of data analysis.

Those who complete this course should be able to:

  • Understand the data lifecycle, basic data governance concepts, and common data terminology in the higher education ecosystem. 
  • Understand data analysis basics including:  
  • How to develop a research question that can be answered with objective and unbiased source data;  
  • Basic statistical concepts and the most common analytical techniques to make sense of data; 
  • How to mine, refine, and prepare data for analysis.  
  • Know how to conduct research involving human subjects including how to utilize surveys and engage with an Institutional Review Board (IRB).  
  • Know how to identify the key takeaways from the data analysis (how they answer the research question) in an executive summary.  
  • Critically evaluate data and data visualizations to recognize when it is being used incorrectly, unethically, or inappropriately.  

Storytelling with Data

Instructor: Samy Garas

Target audience: All staff, administrators, and instructors working in higher education.

This course builds on foundational data analysis skills to learn how to transform data insights into compelling and informative stories tailored for specific audiences in higher education. It is designed for those who have completed Course One or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge. 

Those who complete this course should be able to: 

  • Transform data insights into compelling and informative stories crafted for specific audiences. 
  • Engage diverse higher education stakeholders to gain their confidence and determine their objectives/goals in relation to the data analysis. 
  • Select appropriate data and visualization tools depending on the needs of the target audience(s). 
  • Create engaging, creative, and accessible presentations utilizing evidence-informed best practices. 

Course Pricing

CPD Member

$300 Per Course

Discounted course pricing when registering for two courses at one time

$260 per course 

Non-CPD Member

$350 Per Course

Discounted course pricing when registering for two courses at one time 

$310 per course 

Non-SUNY

$400 Per Course

Discounted course pricing when registering for two courses at one time

$360 per course 

Group Discounts Available

Additional discounts are available to groups of the following size attending the same program:

  • 5-9 people = 10% discount
  • 10-19 people = 15% discount
  • 20-29 people = 20% discount

Please send your group request to cpdinfo@suny.edu at least 30 days prior to the start of the course/program.

Register for 2025 Courses

How to Pay 

Available payment methods are:

  • Credit Card (Mastercard or Visa)
  • CPD General Points
  • SUNY Online+ Points  
  • Campus Check
  • Journal Transfer

CPD General/Technical Points: To pay with CPD General or Technical Points, your campus must be a CPD Member. Check if your campus is a member. It is the responsibility of the registrant to determine if enough points are available to use BEFORE completing the registration process. Please contact your Campus Points Contact to determine points eligibility.  If points are denied, the registrant is responsible for the payment. 

SUNY Online+:  To pay with SUNY Online+ Points, you must receive prior approval and you must submit a request via the SUNY Online+ CPD Points Approval Form

Campus Check: Prior campus approval is required. Make check payable to SUNY Center for Professional Development. Mail to SUNY CPD at the address below. 

Journal Transfer (State Operated Campuses Only): Prior campus approval is required. An account number with authorizing signature for Journal Transfers is required within 48 hours. You must print and return the invoice that is included with the registration confirmation email.

Important: FULL payment is required 30 days from the date of registration.  For more information click CPD Payment Terms and Conditions.

Meet the Instructors

Ahmad Pratama headshot

Ahmad Pratama

Dr. Ahmad Pratama is the Data Literacies Lead at Stony Brook University Libraries. He earned his PhD in Technology, Policy, and Innovation as a Fulbright scholar from the same university in 2019. As an interdisciplinary researcher, Ahmad’s expertise spans both traditional and computational research methods, allowing him to leverage cutting-edge technologies and contemporary approaches to bridge the gap between STEM and Non-STEM fields, effectively reaching a wider audience. Prior to rejoining Stony Brook University in 2024, he was an Associate Professor of Information Technology overseas. In his new role, he leads the development and instruction of data literacy programs at Stony Brook University Libraries, aiming to help the entire campus community understand how to critically use data, meaningfully interpret data, and effectively communicate with data. Ahmad is excited to expand his reach and share his expertise in data through SUNY CPD programs.
Samy Garas headshot

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.

Phone: 315-214-2440

Email: cpdinfo@suny.edu

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