University of Illinois System
2025 University of Illinois System Data Summit banner

University of Illinois System Data Summit

Objective:

The University of Illinois System Data Summit is a one-day, in-person-preferred conference bringing together faculty and staff from across the university system to explore how data can be used to drive strategic impact and operational excellence in higher education.

Aligned with the University of Illinois System’s vision for data strategy, to inform decision-making, empower strategic initiatives, and enhance experiences across the university community, the summit will highlight how data is being used to improve access, support student success, and guide innovation in teaching, research, and operations.

The program features a keynote address on linking data strategy to institutional outcomes, panel discussions with university data leaders, and breakout sessions across two tracks: Data Strategy and Innovative Uses of Data. Sessions will focus on topics such as data literacy, governance, and practical examples of how campuses are using tools and technologies to turn data into actionable insight.

Select portions of the event, including the keynote, panel discussions, and closing remarks, will be livestreamed for limited virtual participation.

Event Details

Date: Monday, October 13, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(Optional social networking from 3:15 to 5 p.m.)

Location: Cisco Systems Building -- Downtown Chicago (The Old Post Office) Floor 2
433 W. Van Buren St.
Chicago, IL 60607

Contact: [email to be provided]

2025 UI System Data Summit: You Are the Bridge to the Future

Opening Remarks

Time: 10:00 - 10:20 a.m.

Speakers: Nick Jones, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data Analytics Officer

Linking Data Strategy to Institutional Success

Time: 10:20 - 11:00 a.m.

Speaker: Cara Giacomini - VP, Data, Research and Technology, Council for Advancement and Support of Education

Data Strategy Overview and Handoff Sessions

Time: 11:00 - 11:15 a.m.

Speakers: Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data Analytics Officer
Matt Riley, Associate Vice Chancellor, UIC
Kelly Block, Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer, AITS

Session: Data Strategy

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Topic: Data Literacy - "What do you know about Data Literacy"

Speakers: Thomas
Michelle G.
Amy
Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data Analytics Officer

Session: Innovative Uses of Data

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Topic: Student Data Model

Speakers: Joey - Student Data Group Panel
Chris T. - Gies Analytics

Birds of a Feather Lunch

Time: 12:15 - 1:00 p.m.

Topics: To be determined

Panel “What Does a Data Strategy Mean to You?”

Time: 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Moderator: Mairéad Martin, CIO, UIUC

Panelists: Katerine Chavall - UIC - great data resources at universities
Roy Campbell - UIUC
Ken Kriz - UIS

Session: Data Strategy

Time: 1:45 - 2:30 p.m.

Topic: Data Strategy and Governance

Speaker: Dimuthu Tilakaratne, Chief Data Analytics Officer

Session: Innovative Uses of Data

Time: 1:45 - 2:30 p.m.

Topic: College Examples

Speakers: To be announced

Closing Remarks

Time: 2:45 - 3:00 p.m.

Speaker: President Tim Killeen

Social Networking

Time: 3:15 - 5:00 p.m.