Finance and Administration (F&A) and University Human Resources (UHR) have awarded funding to eight interdisciplinary projects through the first cycle of the Driving Advancement Through Action & Data Analytics Working Grants, known as the DATA DAWG Grant Program.
These projects reflect a range of practical, cross-unit efforts focused on using data more effectively to support university operations, campus safety, and the overall experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Launched as part of the broader F&A/UHR Data Strategy Initiative, the DATA DAWG Grant Program provides up to $5,000 in seed funding for exploratory or pilot projects that improve how data is accessed, shared, and used across the institution. Projects must include staff from at least two F&A or UHR departments, with collaboration from other UGA units encouraged.
The following projects were funded as part of the first DATA DAWG Grant cycle:
- Public-facing Campus Crime Map/Emergency Preparedness Map
To make campus safety information clearer and more accessible, this project brings together multiple public safety data sources, including crime reports and hazardous materials incidents, into a single, easy-to-use map. Designed for both the campus community and safety teams, the tool will support faster pattern identification, response planning, and emergency preparedness.
- FABCON26
Focused on staff professional development, FABCON26 builds practical skills in tools such as Microsoft Fabric and Power BI. As the University of Georgia transitions to cloud-based data solutions like these, grant funding will support hands-on training for four staff members, enabling immediate application to campus reporting, analytics, and day-to-day operational decision making.
- Data Integration for Nutrition and Efficiency & Dining Analytics for Staffing and Hospitality (D.I.N.E. & D.A.S.H.)
This pilot introduces a data-driven approach to managing peak service periods within UGA Dining Services. Teams will track metrics such as guest volume, wait times, and staffing levels, then visualize the data in a dashboard to help managers reduce wait times, balance workloads, and improve the overall student dining experience. Built with low-cost tools, the model is designed for easy replication across other dining locations and units.
- Applying Predictive Analytics to Improve Campus Mobility, Safety and Services
Spring 2026 class schedule changes created new start times and transition periods across campus. This project examines how those shifts affect student movement and service demand in areas such as dining, transit, and parking, allowing units to proactively adjust staffing, service hours, and routes to maintain service quality and minimize disruptions.
- F&A/UHR Data Foundations
To support the foundational work of the F&A/UHR Data Strategy Initiative, this project establishes a new student position focused on data governance and reporting. The student will help migrate key data into UGA’s Data Cookbook, establish a sustainable maintenance process, and build reports and dashboards. By creating clear data definitions, simple documentation, and scalable processes, this project will reduce barriers to reporting, improve data quality, and support safer, more efficient operations.
- Chemical Database Modern Hardware Transition
This project modernizes inspection work and enhances data quality within the Environmental Safety Division by equipping team members with iPads optimized for the Campus Optics mobile platform. The new devices will allow staff to conduct chemical and safety inspections directly in the field using reliable barcode scanning, reducing manual data entry, errors, and inspection times.
- ArcGIS Indoors Pilot
Teams across F&A will pilot and assess the ArcGIS Indoors mapping platform to create a centralized, floor-by-floor digital map of buildings on the UGA Athens campus. Integrating indoor spaces, floorplans, assets, and operational data will improve space awareness, support facilities planning, and enhance emergency response and safety coordination.
- FMD Data Leadership Team: From Qlik Training to Strategic Data Leadership
A division-wide investment in data capacity, this project establishes a dedicated Data Leadership Team representing all 16 FMD departments. Through targeted training in the Qlik analytics platform, participants will develop the skills needed to translate operational questions into actionable dashboards and insights, strengthening reporting, decision-making, and long-term data leadership in alignment with the broader F&A/UHR Data Strategy Initiative.
