---
title: "PolyData - QuickStart"
canonical: "https://tech.calpoly.edu/space/CPKB/1081147504/PolyData%20-%20QuickStart"
format: markdown
---
All staff and faculty have access to PolyData Dashboards. Access to dashboards and reports within the platform varies based on job duty and function. Learn how to access and navigate PolyData Dashboards and Reports. 

> ℹ️ An **Important Information** box can be found in the upper right corner of most dashboards and varies per dashboard, but typically includes the date the data was last refreshed from the Data Warehouse and an [About this Page](https://calpoly.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CPKB/pages/1293287445) link to dashboard documentation.
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Data Sources: PolyData Dashboards display data from the Data Warehouse. PolyData Reports (or BI Publisher Reports) display data from the Data Warehouse and other databases (e.g., Advance, MCA, etc.).

# Get Started

### Access  

<details>
<summary>Click here to learn how to access PolyData Dashboards</summary>

1. Log in to the **My Cal Poly Portal**.
2. Under the **My Apps** menu, click <span style="color: #ff0000">[PolyData Dashboards](https://analytics.calpoly.edu/ui/analytics)</span>. If you don't see the link, you may need to [add it to the ](https://calpoly.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CPKB/pages/2425437)**[My Apps](https://calpoly.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CPKB/pages/2425437)**[ menu](https://calpoly.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CPKB/pages/2425437).
</details>

### Welcome Dashboard

<details>
<summary>Click here to learn about the welcome dashboard</summary>

By default, users land on the Welcome dashboard when opening the platform. The Welcome dashboard is set up to provide basic information about the platform, contextual tips, and a list of contacts for each subject area.

![PolyData Welcome Dashboard. Dashboards on top-right menu is higlighted](media://9ff6128c-0d27-4faa-b533-94a6a3ac9d4d)
</details>

### Open a Dashboard

<details>
<summary>Click here to learn how to open a dashboard</summary>

1. From the top of the page, click the **Dashboards** dropdown menu to access your dashboard(s).
  
2. Click on the **arrow** to expand the subject area folder to view the underlying dashboard(s).
  
3. Click on the dashboard you want to open.
</details>

### Navigate a Dashboard

<details>
<summary>Click here to learn how to navigate a dashboard</summary>

Dashboards can have multiple pages, which will appear as separate tabs in the top section of the dashboard. Browse dashboard page content by clicking on the various tabs. Each section within a dashboard page is referred to as an *analysis*. A dashboard may have an adjustable filter, or *prompt*. 

![Cohort Characteristics page is highlighted](media://762ee340-6222-483a-9b7a-b71d917c6d92)
</details>

### Open a Report

<details>
<summary>Click here to see how to open a report</summary>

PolyData Dashboard also provides access to Oracle's BI Publisher tool. Reports you have access to will appear in the **Publisher Reports** folder. 

1. From the top of the page, click the **Catalog** link to access your dashboard(s).
2. Your browser will load a new page, displaying a file browser on the left. Under **Folders**, expand **Shared Folders **>** Publisher Reports**.
  
3. Go to the report you want, then click **Open**. Folder structures under each subject area folder vary based on the content available.
</details>

# Links

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