Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the upcoming event.

Question: Can a single student sign up and be paired with a team? Or are they required to sign up a team of three to five students?
Answer: Students can either sign up by themselves and the organizers will pair them with a team, or sign up as a team of three to five students.

Question: Do students need to be in a certain major or certificate to participate?
Answer: All majors and certificates are welcome.

Question: Is there a certain software students should know for data analysis?
Answer: Students can use any software program they are comfortable with, including (but not limited to) R, Python, MATLAB, SAS, ArcGIS Pro, PowerBI, and Excel.

Question: Do students need to be experts in data analysis to participate?
Answer: No, all skill levels are welcome, including students who have strong oral, graphic, and written communications skills!

Questions: Are there additional trainings during the event to help students with their skills? Answer: There will be optional training workshops during DataFest for upskilling on software programs and analysis, how to manage data, how to give an effective 5-minute presentation, and a few other topics.

Question: What if students get stuck on a problem and need help?
Answer: There will be graduate students, faculty and staff mentors at the event to help students with their data questions.

Question: Will there be food at the event?
Answer: Yes, plenty of free food and snacks will be on hand to keep participants fueled for the event!

Question: Are students required to be at the event venue the entire weekend?
Answer: Participants are required to be at the Friday night kick-off event and the Sunday presentation and awards ceremony. Participants can come and go through the rest of the weekend. There is a schedule for the weekend.