What is Plot-A-Thon?

A data visualization festival for all students!

The ability to tell a story from data is a highly desirable skill for employers. Plot-A-Thon gives students from any school the opportunity to learn about working with data through workshops from experienced professionals and peer tutors, then use that knowledge in a fun competition! Plot-A-Thon consists of Fall workshops that prepare students for the Plot-A-Thon Main Event: the February 28-hour Data Visualization Competition. During the Main Event held in CSUCI’s Broome Library, students are invited to spend the night, hack-a-thon style, while they work on the projects (overnight is optional). There will be plenty of food, caffeinated beverages, workshops, tutors, networking opportunities, and activities throughout the evening!

It is the ultimate “learning by doing” experience!

**PLOT-A-THON IS CURRENTLY ON PAUSE AND WILL NOT BE OFFERED THIS YEAR. PLOT-A-THON CANVAS FROM 2025-2026 IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR FREE ON-DEMAND MODULES. PLEASE USE THE LINK TO “FREE CANVAS.“**

The Data Visualization Process

Registration Period:
September 23, 2025 to February 6, 2026

Register for the main event (Plot-A-Thon Competition) once it opens in September! You can register to compete or just to participate. No experience in data visualization is necessary – just a desire to learn and have fun! Moreover, if you don’t have a team, we’ll place you in one! Registration period ends on February 6, 2026.

In addition, if you want to prepare for Plot-A-Thon or learn on your own, you can explore the data visualization process by enrolling in the Plot-A-Thon Canvas modules! We have one for CSUCI students (CSUCI Canvas) and one for students outside CSUCI (Free Canvas). Learn how to clean data, explore data visualization tools, or get a better grasp of data storytelling.

Canvas is perfect for learning on your own pace. Combine Canvas learning with Plot-A-Thon to get hands-on experience in a fun, team-based competition!