UC Riverside Information Technology Solutions (ITS) is excited to share updates on two initiatives that will make it easier to find, understand, and work with campus data:
- The upcoming launch of the UCR Data Catalog, a searchable data catalog
- The addition of datasets and reports to Looker, campus’ official reporting platform
As part of the modernization of UCR’s data systems, the current reporting tool, Cognos Analytics, will retire in February 2027.
What This Means for Campus
Today, Cognos users interact with a rigid report interface that makes it challenging to pull data themselves or edit reports without support from a BI Developer.
Starting early 2027, all campus users will be able to search for reports and datasets in UCR’s new data catalog. Many of those reports — including some UCR Cognos reports — will link out to Looker, the reporting platform replacing Cognos.
Data from UCR Cognos is currently being rebuilt by the technical team in Looker, which means users do not need to manually transfer data and reports to Looker. Keep an eye out for monthly release notes from ITS to understand which datasets and Cognos reports are currently available in Looker. New reports are released monthly!
What’s New: The UCR Data Catalog and Datasets in Looker
Once live, the UCR Data Catalog will become the starting point for finding campus data. You will be able to search by keyword and quickly find the right dataset or report, along with clear definitions of what the data means and who owns it.
Looker is where you'll view and work with most reports. You can view and build dashboards, drill into details, and explore data more easily than Cognos allowed. Data access in Looker will be granted automatically based on affiliation. However, users may also request access to data via the UCR Data Catalog.
Together, these tools mean less time spent hunting for the right report and more time using data with confidence.
Timeline
- September 2026 onwards: Monthly release of UCR Cognos reports in Looker
- February 2027: UCR Cognos Analytics retires (all reports available in Looker)
- Early 2027: Campus launch of the UCR Data Catalog
Note: Training information, along with Looker training details, for data owners, data stewards, and users will be announced soon.
Why We're Making This Change
Cognos runs on outdated technology without any vendor support, and its reports are difficult to update without specialized technical help. On top of that, different departments have often ended up with their own versions of the same report, leading to conflicting numbers and confusion about which one is "right."
The UCR Data Catalog with Looker reporting is built to fix this: one shared source for finding data, clearer definitions everyone can rely on, and reports that are easier to update and maintain going forward.
Supporting UCR's Strategic Goals
This move supports two of UCR's strategic priorities: investing in the success of the people who work, teach, and do research here, by giving them better tools to make data-driven decisions; and building financial stability, by consolidating reporting onto a single modern platform.
Thank you to UCR's Data Governance Advisory Board and the data owners and stewards who have worked closely with ITS to improve the integrity of our campus data and enhance how the university manages it. We'll continue to share updates as we get closer to launch.
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