Ball State seeks to use data to boost student retention

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) – Ball State University hopes a new software program will help it track student data and improve their four-year graduation rate.

The Rapid Insight program uses data collected from a variety of sources to identify students who might need more support from the university.

The Star Press reports that data on Ball State students are collected in a variety of ways. Use of university-issued ID cards and responses to a freshman survey can create a picture of a student’s habits.

The Rapid Insight program will use that data to alert school officials to students who might need support.

The software is still in the testing phase, but officials hope to have the project in operation by this fall.