A diverse society has created a diverse education system, which in turn requires diverse and complex mechanisms of quality control. The diversity and complexity of the industrial, service, and knowledge-based economy, with its vast variety of occupations and dynamic labor markets, heavily influences the curricular structures and academic profiles…

Describes the purposes and roles of institutional researchers: (1) describe the institution, (2) analyze alternatives, (3) present the best case, and (4) supply impartial evidence, noting three dualities internal vs external demands; academic vs administrative culture; and institutional vs professional role that are particularly relevant. Also…

Drawing upon both the fund-raising and outcomes literature, a gift-giving model is described that explains the connection between a variety of alumni demographic characteristics, previous university experiences, and gift-giving interest and capacity. Donor behavior is viewed as a function of both capacity and motivation. However, the personality…

A regional survey of 141 higher education institutional research offices investigated the following aspects of program administration: research and analysis staff size; educational preparation and experience; location in the organizational hierarchy; functions and tasks; and role in assessment. Four different types of offices are described.…

This study examined reasons that some full-time students take longer than normal to complete a bachelor's degree, and whether students who extend their program are more like those who take only 4 years to graduate or are more like dropouts. One part of the study reviewed 64 transcripts of all traditionally-admissible new freshmen who entered the…

This study identified and classified the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) publication topics and authors since 1973 in order to provide a reference resource for institutional researchers. The study reviewed the following AIR publication collections: "Research in Higher Education"; "New Directions for Institutional…

A variety of departmental and student outcomes data was obtained and analyzed from faculty and graduating seniors in 27 academic departments located at a university classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Research II institution. The purpose of the study was to determine: (1) whether strong research orientation by an academic department…

A study at one research university investigated whether differences in departmental teaching and research climates are associated with differences in student outcomes. Results suggest departments with a balanced orientation toward research and teaching have the most favorable impact on students in terms of intellectual growth, disciplinary skills,…

This study examined the characteristics of students who default on their student loans and compared default among Whites, Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. Four logistic regression models were developed using information from the National Post-Secondary Student Aid Study which contains an array of pre-college, college,…