SAS, University of Texas System launch public dashboard to share progress, performance

Web-based system establishes national model for information transparency

CARY, NC  (Dec. 15, 2011)  – Texas citizens have an unprecedented view into the effectiveness of The University of Texas System. Powered by SAS^® Analytics and SAS Business Intelligence software, the UT System Productivity Dashboard reports on nine focus areas, including undergraduate access and success, research, IT investments, philanthropy, PhD programs, and faculty and staff excellence.

The dashboard will show the public, staff and administrators how the UT System is meeting its Framework for Advancing Excellence. UT System Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa, MD , created the framework's action plan to advance productivity and excellence initiatives across the 15 campuses and system administration. Progress will be measured using technologies that include SAS Enterprise BI Server, SAS Enterprise Data Integration Server and SAS Visual Data Discovery .

"The dashboard is a national model for transparency in higher education," Cigarroa said. "An easily accessible public dashboard will assure the effective implementation and comprehensive measurement of UT System initiatives. Instead of waiting for annual reports on graduation rates, research expenditures and faculty workload, Texans will see real-time snapshots of these productivity measures across the UT System."

SAS and UT created an interactive, integrated system that stores and displays data and metrics from campuses, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and other sources. It establishes a central collection point for data and calculation of metrics for dashboard display. The project decreases the burden on IT staff by providing simple Web access for the public and administrators. It also reduces complexity through standardized definitions and data feeds, while ensuring data integrity and streamlining processes.

"The dashboard significantly advances the UT System's efforts to publicly report productivity and demonstrates our commitment to transparency and accountability," UT System Board of Regents' Chairman Gene Powell said.  “The Chancellor’s framework action plan aligns the efforts of the institutions, system administration and the Board of Regents to provide the most cost-efficient means for producing graduates while increasing the quality of education.”

More than 3,000 colleges, universities and business schools in 126 countries use SAS in areas such as strategic enrollment management, institutional research, longitudinal data systems and sustainability. With education specialists on every continent, SAS serves higher education by delivering software, services and academic programs that spark innovation and expand educational opportunities.

About The University of Texas System

The University of Texas System is one of the nation's largest higher education systems, with nine academic campuses and six health institutions. The UT System has an annual operating budget of $13.1 billion (FY 2012) including $2.3 billion in sponsored programs funded by federal, state, local and private sources. Preliminary student enrollment exceeded 215,000 in the 2011 academic year. The UT System confers more than one-third of the state's undergraduate degrees and educates nearly three-fourths of the state's health care professionals annually. With roughly 87,000 employees, the UT System is one of the largest employers in the state.

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Public view of the UT System Productivity Dashboard, powered by SAS® 
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