Join us for the Unizin Hackathon, Hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln!

Published December 10, 2024

About the Hackathon

The Unizin Hackathon is an opportunity for those working with or interested in the Unizin Data Platform (UDP) to come together, collaborate, and build useful solutions. It’s designed to encourage exploration, sharing of ideas, and hands-on problem-solving. Whether you’re looking to standardize data definitions, create insightful visualizations, or work on your own project ideas, this event provides a space to dive into meaningful work alongside peers.

Who should participate?

The Unizin Hackathon is intended for a wide audience, including but not exclusive to those new to the Unizin Data Platform, those highly experienced with the Unzin Data Platform, data wranglers, coders, conceptual thinkers, IT professionals, faculty, researchers, and graduate students. Prior to the conference, we will have a synchronous online workshop introducing people to the Unizin Data Platform that have never used it before. During the conference, teams working within tracks will likely form across a range of complimentary areas of expertise.

Note: This is an onsite-only event. Virtual or hybrid participation is not available.

Tracks

We’ve organized the hackathon into three tracks to guide our efforts, but you’re also welcome to pursue your own ideas.

Common Data Assets – For backend enthusiasts

• • Explore the power of shared data resources. This track invites participants to develop solutions leveraging common data assets, focusing on interoperability, accessibility, and innovation that can benefit the entire consortium. Whether creating new APIs, data marts, or analytics tools, this track emphasizes collaboration and creativity to unlock the potential of institutional datasets.

Creative Visualization – For storytellers and designers of data

• • Data becomes most impactful when visualized creatively and clearly. This track challenges participants to craft compelling visualizations that transform UDP data into actionable insights. Design dashboards, reports, or interactive media that drive insight, understanding and decision-making in education, research, or administrative contexts.

Unstructured (Hack Your Own Track) – For the pioneers ready to shape their own path.

• • Innovation knows no boundaries. This open-ended track empowers participants to bring their unique ideas and skills to the table. Whether building a new tool, integrating systems, or addressing a specific institutional challenge, this track is for those who thrive on flexibility and out-of-the-box thinking. Think of it as the “unconference” track—participant-driven, flexible, and entirely customizable. Dream big and hack creatively.

How It Works

At the start of the hackathon, participants will learn more about each track and explore the opportunities available. Throughout the event, you’ll also have the flexibility to pivot between tracks as new ideas spark or as your interests evolve.

Synthetic Data and Access Approval

To facilitate teamwork across institutions, the hackathon will focus on using the synthetic data set which is common across all institutions. Ideas developed during the hackathon can then easily be redirected to your institution’s data. Approval to access synthetic data is required prior to the Hackathon. Please submit a service ticket to Unizin via email to support@unizin.org requesting access to the synthetic data.

Event Details

Pre-Hackathon Activities

Prepare for success by joining these optional sessions:

• UDP Bootcamp
  📅 Monday, March 10, 2025 | 🕘 9 AM–11 AM (Central)

  • Overview of UDP tools and data. Ideal for newcomers.

• Hackathon Roundtable
  📅 Friday, March 14, 2025 | 🕛 12 PM–1:30 PM (Central)

  • Collaborate and discuss project ideas ahead of the event.

Hackathon Schedule

Monday, March 17, 2025

• 9:00 AM – Welcome & Track Introductions

• 10:00 AM – Group Icebreaker

• 10:30 AM – Break & Group Organization

• 11:00 AM–5:00 PM – Hacking Begins! (Lunch Break: 12:30 PM, food provided)

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

• 9:00 AM – Day 1 Recap & Progress Sharing

• 9:30 AM–5:00 PM – Hacking Continues (Lunch Break: 12:00 PM, food provided)

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

• 9:00 AM – Day 2 Recap & Final Push

• 11:30 AM – Lunch & Formal Closing (food provided)

• 12:30 PM–5:00 PM – Optional Hacking & Wrap-Up

Travel Information

Airports

• Lincoln (LNK): 10-minute drive to campus.

• Omaha (OMA): 1-hour drive; transportation available via Omalink (advance reservations required).

Participants can schedule their departure for Wednesday, March 19 out of Lincoln (LNK) anytime after 1:30 pm, out of Omaha (OMA) anytime after 3:15 pm, or continue hacking through the afternoon and depart Thursday.

Hotels

• The closest hotel is the Embassy Suites by Hilton (0.8 miles, 17-minute walk). Many other options are available downtown or in the Haymarket area, all within walking distance. If booked prior to February 23, 5:00 PM Central Time, an Embassy Suites conference rate is available for $134 + $22.43 taxes = $156.43 per night: Reservation link

Parking

• Embassy Suites/City Ramps: $13.50 per day.

• Metered Parking: $1.25/hour (4-hour max).

• Virtual Daily Permits: $8/day for Area A (near Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall).

• Registration deadline is Friday, February 28th, 2025

Important Notes

• A Slack and GitLab account are recommended.

• Please have your account information ready before registering.

Let’s come together to create, collaborate, and innovate! Register now and start shaping the future of data solutions within the Unizin ecosystem.

Have Questions?

Email us at data_solutions@unizin.org for more details.

We can’t wait to see you in Lincoln this March!