Five Questions with Don Johnston
Manager, Reporting and Analysis at Southern Cross University
Don chose to be interviewed on a bench seat overlooking the ocean at Byron Bay.
1. What is your job title?
Manager, Reporting and Analysis at Southern Cross University.
2. Briefly, how would you describe your role in your institution?
My role primarily is to manage the reporting of student and staff data through the Tertiary Collection of Student Information (TCSI) at Southern Cross University. We have a very capable team here who work closely with the various areas of the university, and ensure the data is collected, validated, and reported in a timely manner. Each year we then go through a comprehensive process to ensure that what we reported in the previous calendar year is complete and verified.
3. From your perspective, what will be the key skills, capabilities and knowledge required for institutional research moving forward?
A strong understanding in the areas of data collection and analysis, along with the ability to clearly articulate insights gained from institutional research undertaken using the various datasets that are now available. Also, an awareness of what is happening within the higher education sector and the ever-changing regulatory frameworks.
4. What do you believe will be the future priorities or emerging areas of interest for institutional research?
There is always an increasing appetite for more data, to not only demonstrate the great work being undertaken, but also to identify new areas of learning into the future; particularly as finances become further constrained as we move forward. Continuing to further understand AI is critical as it increasingly permeates into the higher education sector and the world in general.
5. What does being part of the AAIR community mean to you?
Having been a member of AAIR for nearly 30 years has helped me enormously with my role here at Southern Cross University. Working as part of a small team at a regional university, it is easy to feel you are the only one experiencing certain issues that arise in your workplace, or you are uncertain who to reach out to with the various questions that we all have.
From the first AAIR Forum you may attend, you will quickly realise that most of us are experiencing similar things, and have the same questions. Being part of the AAIR community opens the opportunity to reach out to people at other institutions to see how they might be dealing with these similar issues. The AAIR community is one that fosters support, encouragement, and immense collegiality within its membership.
About 15 years ago I was lucky enough to join the AAIR Executive Committee (the last few years as Vice President). Being on the AAIR Executive Committee has allowed for a greater involvement in the association (often being involved in the organisation of the annual forums). Nominating for the Committee is something I would encourage you to think about doing no matter what your level of experience is, as we all have something to contribute.
6. Complete this statement:
In my role, I can’t operate effectively without …
… a wonderful and very capable team to work alongside, as well as a very supportive management team above.
Don Johnston
August 2024
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