Town Hall Fosters Collaboration on the Future of SDS Undergraduate Studies

On Wednesday, April 16, the Association for Data Science (ADS), the undergraduate student governance organization for the School of Data Science (SDS), hosted a town hall to discuss the current state of the school and the undergraduate Data Science program. Incoming ADS President Hannah Wilson and Paige Pickett, President of the Graduate Student Council for SDS, organized the event, bringing together students, faculty, and SDS leadership in an open forum to encourage dialogue and gather student feedback.

SDS leadership in attendance included Executive Director Dongsong Zhang and Data Science Co-Directors Marco Scipioni and Shannon Reid. Throughout the session, students shared thoughtful suggestions to enhance the curriculum and overall student experience.

Changes in Coursework Moving Forward:

Among the most frequently requested improvements were the addition of a Basics of Excel course, more exposure to Power BI and SQL, and the option to take Python-based computing courses instead of Java. Students also called for a more straightforward introduction to available resources, such as DataCamp, at the start of Studio 1, more in-depth instruction on pandas, and a stronger emphasis on real-world data science applications in coursework. Additional suggestions included creating specialized tracks within the major (e.g., Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Data Analyst) and compiling a list of recommended electives aligned with different career paths.

Student Government Goals for 2025-2026:

The Student Government is committed to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for students interested in data science. Members expressed the following goals for the coming year:

1. Establish a Peer Mentorship Program: Pair experienced members with newcomers to foster academic growth, career guidance, and a strong sense of community.
2. Recognize Student Engagement and Leadership: Celebrate active member contributions through awards, leadership certificates, and graduation cords.
3. Enhance Career Readiness: Offer resume-building sessions, mock interviews, and career workshops tailored for data science roles in industry and academia.
4. Host Expert Talks and Industry Panels: Invite data science professionals, researchers, and alumni to share insights on emerging trends, career paths, and real-world applications.
5. Advance Data Literacy Across Campus: Promote foundational data skills and awareness through inclusive events open to students of all disciplines.
6. Provide Hands-On Technical Training: Organize boot camps and workshops on essential tools and topics such as Python, SQL, machine learning, and data visualization.
7. Host Another SDS Town Hall: Facilitate open dialogue between students, faculty, and professionals to discuss the future of data science, share feedback, and encourage collaborative planning for the organization’s initiatives.

Faculty and SDS leadership welcomed the feedback and emphasized their commitment to incorporating student input into future planning. ADS plans to make these town halls a recurring opportunity for students to engage directly with leadership and contribute to the program’s ongoing development. Students interested in continuing the conversation are encouraged to contact ADS leadership.