MAPS Leveraging AI for Data Informed Decisions

Course Overview

Course Description

Public leaders are often "data-rich but insight-poor." This course bridges that gap by teaching participants how to move from raw data to strategic action using the power of Artificial Intelligence. Participants will learn a "Decision-First" framework—starting with the policy outcome and working backward to identify necessary data. 

The workshop infuses AI as a cognitive partner to assist in cleaning messy datasets, identifying hidden trends, and synthesizing complex reports into actionable executive briefs. We will specifically address the ethical landscape of AI in the public sector, including data privacy and bias mitigation. This session is designed to empower managers to lead with confidence, ensuring that institutional data is not just collected, but used to drive public value. 

Intended Audience

This course is designed for middle managers, program directors, and department heads in local or state government and higher education. It is ideal for beginners to intermediate learners, with no coding or advanced statistical experience required. Participants will learn practical ways to save time on administrative data tasks and improve the accuracy and confidence of policy decisions.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Apply a "Decision-First" framework to identify the specific data points required to solve a policy or operational problem. 
• Utilize AI tools to clean, analyze, and synthesize large datasets into concise executive summaries. 
• Evaluate AI-generated outputs for bias, accuracy, and ethical compliance within a public sector context. 

Course Materials

Course materials will be provided in class.

Instructor

Jay Johnson brings nearly 30 years of experience in data analysis, institutional research, and public sector project management to this course. As Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Reporting at The Ohio State University, he leads a team responsible for key university metrics, executive reporting, and analyses that inform strategic decision-making.

Before joining Ohio State, Jay spent 14 years with the Ohio Board of Regents, where he designed and implemented the nation’s first web-based statewide postsecondary student tracking system. He also led statewide consultation and data-auditing efforts that supported the calculation and distribution of more than $3.5 billion in instructional subsidies to Ohio’s public colleges and universities.

In addition to his technical expertise, Jay is a seasoned educator who has taught project management and continuous improvement workshops for the John Glenn College MAPS program since 2010. His ability to translate complex data structures into actionable insights is grounded in over a decade of mentoring public sector employees, faculty, and staff on how to use data and project frameworks to drive institutional success. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Jay holds an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University.

Public profiles of Jay Johnson are available: 

· https://irp.osu.edu/people/jay-johnson

· https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-johnson-2a444710/ 

FAQ's

Follow these steps to make a cancellation:

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Cancellation Policy"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on “Cancel Registration” button
6. Click Finish

Follow these steps to make a substitution: 

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Substitutions"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on the “Substitute Registrant” button
6. Enter the name and email of the new registrant
7. Click Next
8. Click Confirm

Waitlist
What happens if I am on a waitlist for a course? You will receive an email confirming you have been added to a waitlist. If a spot becomes available, you will be notified by email.  

CEU and CPE Policy
Attendance in this course can earn:

• 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• 7.2 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs)

Attendance is recorded at check-in at the start of the day, and full CEU or CPE credit is awarded based on an honor system, with the expectation that participants are present and actively engaged for the full MAPS course.

Course Certificate
Your course certificate will be emailed to you following the course. It will reflect your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs) earned and your attendance of the course. 

Photography
The Ohio State University may occasionally take pictures during educational events for use in program communication. If you do not want to be photographed during this course, please email the MAPS team at glenn-training@osu.edu.

MAPS Membership 
A MAPS member receives a discounted rate of $250 for each course with the initial purchase of at least 12 credits. Each credit equals one course for one individual.

To inquire about becoming a MAPS member, please fill out the MAPS Membership Form. A Glenn College Professional Development team member will reach out to you.

Questions or want to learn more?