University Decision Support
Data Access
University Decision Support helps you navigate Northeastern’s comprehensive data resources to find the information you need for effective decision-making. Match your needs to the appropriate data source to access information through our officially supported tools.
UDS manages and supports the use of three central university reporting systems:
ODS
The Operational Data Store
The Operational Data Store (ODS) is a database offering current and historical data from the Student, Financial Aid, Co-op, Human Resources, and Admissions Subject Areas. The ODS is typically accessed by Argos, its officially supported reporting tool.
EDW
The Enterprise Data Warehouse
Accessed via Cognos, The EDW (Enterprise Data Warehouse) is a centralized repository for data from multiple sources and databases. Users access the EDW for data from the Research, Finance (historical) and Student Subject Areas.
Snowflake
Snowflake is a platform designed for experimentation for sophisticated users who wish to access unstructured data for models and visualizations. Snowflake may be accessed via a user’s preferred tool, such as Tableau.
Other regularly used data systems
Academic Analytics
Northeastern uses the Academic Analytics platform as a research discovery and collaboration tool. The database contains scholarly data on over 400,000 faculty members at over 470 U.S.-based research universities, including Northeastern. The data includes research grants, honorific awards, articles, books, conference proceedings, patents and more.
Unified Access Dashboard
To find other commonly used university data systems and reporting tools, refer to our Unified Access Dashboard for a list and how to request access to them.
Data access tools
UDS offers access and training on three official reporting tools for employees to conduct university business pertinent to their positions.