Events

Engage with DISC staff at these upcoming events and tell us what you are working on

Access, Disclosure, and Use of Federal Student Aid Data

📅 Wednesday, November 13, 2024
🕐 9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET
⏱️ 1 Hour Live Webinar

Register Now!

The U.S. Department of Education’s GENERAL-24-129 guidance clarifies how institutions and agencies can access, disclose, and use FAFSA data. Join DISC’s Baron Rodriguez for an essential webinar unpacking our comprehensive FAQ that addresses your most pressing compliance questions.

This timely session will help you:

  • Understand which regulatory framework (FERPA, HEA, or Privacy Act) applies to your specific use cases
  • Navigate the new clarifications on using FAFSA data for research and workforce outcome evaluation
  • Implement compliant data-sharing practices with third parties and SLDS partners
  • Leverage allowable exceptions to support student success initiatives without requiring consent
  • Avoid common compliance pitfalls and prohibited uses

Who Should Attend:

  • State education agency staff and SLDS administrators
  • Institutional researchers and financial aid administrators
  • Data governance and compliance officers
  • Community college and university leadership
  • K-12 and workforce development partners
  • Legal counsel supporting education agencies

Past Events

Unlock Your State Data System’s Full Potential: New SLDS Webinar Series Launches Oct 22

State leaders: Are you getting the most from your Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems?
Education Commission of the States (ECS),DISC @WestEd, Data Quality Campaign, and Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP) are launching a 4-part webinar series to help you transform your SLDS into actionable tools that serve real needs.

First Webinar: “So You Want a State Dashboard?”

📅 October 22, 2025 | 1:30-2:30pm EST
Learn from Michigan, Minnesota, and Nebraska’s success stories. Discover how to design dashboards that actually get used—moving beyond compliance to create tools that engage stakeholders and drive decisions.
Perfect for: State commissioners, agency leaders, legislative staff, CDOs, and SLDS teams.

You’ll leave with practical strategies you can implement immediately.

Data Privacy Week 2025

Join us in recognizing Data Privacy Week, a global initiative dedicated to promoting privacy awareness, protecting data, and fostering trust among individuals and businesses. DISC is proud to participate by spotlighting tools and resources designed to strengthen privacy protections and secure data within integrated data systems.

Let’s commit to a culture of data privacy together!

Let’s Talk AI: Ethics, Data, and Policy

Watch the video now!

Join us for an illuminating conversation about building trust and fairness in artificial intelligence. WestEd’s Data Integration Support Center (DISC) presents a candid discussion that will explore the real-world challenges of implementing AI responsibly within organizations.

This conversation is presented as part of DISC’s Data Privacy Week activities, as we promote privacy awareness, data protection, and fostering trust among individuals and businesses.

Assessment expert Dr. Sarah Quesen, along with Baron Rodriguez, DISC Executive Director and VP of WestEd AI, will take you behind the scenes to share their firsthand experience in developing a framework for responsible AI use. They will discuss what it truly takes to build an organizational culture that prioritizes fairness and quality when working with AI systems.

This conversation will address practical questions that matter to organizations considering AI adoption: How do you ensure AI-generated content meets your quality standards? What resources and staff expertise do you need? What processes should be in place before implementing AI in your daily operations? Drawing from their work in educational assessment, our speakers will share valuable insights that apply across various sectors and organizations.

Whether you’re a state data leader, policymaker, privacy officer, or legal counsel, this discussion will provide clear, actionable insights into establishing responsible AI practices within your organization. Join us to learn about the challenges, successes, and essential considerations for implementing AI in a way that aligns with your organization’s values and responsibilities.

Speakers

Baron Rodriguez

Executive Director, Data Integration Support Center at WestEd

Vice President, Artificial Intelligence, Client-Facing Technology, & Compliance

Sarah Quesen

Director, Assessment Research and Innovation

Community of Innovation Annual Convening

Join DISC’s Baron Rodriguez, Sean Cottrell, and LeAnn Fong-Batkin for sessions that span AI and system modernization.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) IRL
OCT 28 | 1:30 PM CST
Baron Rodriguez

Modernization Rubric for State Data Systems
OCT 28-29
LeAnn Fong-Batkin

CCSSO 2024 Fall Education Information Management Advisory Collaborative (EIMAC) Conference

Join DISC’s Baron Rodriguez and Sean Cottrell, as they lead two must-attend sessions designed to elevate your understanding of Artificial Intelligence and data privacy in integrated data systems.

Building a Secure AI Environment: Risks, Benefits, and Implementation for Research Use
In this pivotal session, Baron Rodriguez will take you through the intricacies of crafting a secure AI environment specifically tailored for research applications. You’ll gain insights into identifying potential risks, leveraging the benefits, and strategically implementing AI technologies to support and enhance your research endeavors. This session is crucial for anyone involved in research and development who is looking to responsibly incorporate AI into their work while maintaining a secure and ethical framework.

Enhancing Privacy and Security in Integrated Data Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Join Sean Cottrell for a comprehensive overview of the DISC’s innovative assessment to assist integrated data systems in safeguarding privacy and security. This session will delve into the latest techniques and strategies for protecting sensitive information, ensuring compliance with regulations, and establishing trust with stakeholders.