Institutional researchers might know more about non-tenure-track (NTT) faculty than leaders on many college campuses, particularly four-year institutions and research universities (Cross and Goldenberg, 2009). As such, institutional researchers play an important role in educating campus leaders about this growing segment of the academic workforce.…

Institutional Research is a new and fast growing field and those involved in it continually ponder their roles. When colleges were small, the president knew most things firsthand. With the growth of institutions and the increasing need for information, the institutional researcher has assumed the duty of investigating aspects of the college or…

The effective communication of desired information between the generator and the user requires one to accommodate variances in decision-making style, behavior, and context. The premise that decision making in organizations follows the classic rational model is discussed. (Author/MLW)

The forces and pressures affecting offices of institutional research in today's higher education institutions are examined. It is suggested that the heterogeneity of these institutions will produce institutional research offices that differ in their organizational locations, roles, and responsibilities. (Author/SF)

Problems of the college or university that center around the people who use the institution's computers are examined. It is suggested that effective use of computers in higher education depends on how well the users and providers understand the constraints and problems of each information system. (Author/SF)

Offers guidelines for developing a general-purpose fact book for an individual college or university, including: initial considerations of purpose, context for publication, issue orientation, and organization; content issues; inclusion of adequate information on all major topics addressed; and logistical or presentation considerations. (MSE)

A strategy is proposed for using student assessment to support the role of colleges and universities as learning-centered communities. It reframes the practice of formal, internal academic program review to focus on student learning and provides examples of data needed to support this process, some generated by the institutional researcher and…

Institutional research in higher education is seen as comprised of three levels of intelligence/information: (1) technical and analytical; (2) understanding of student, faculty, financial, and facilities issues; and (3) contextual intelligence concerning the culture of higher education and the particular institution. Knowledge and skills required…

This document compiles a year of institutional research produced at Tallahassee Community College. The 72 reports compiled here include several intra-institutional memoranda, annual reports to state and federal authorities, and reports to campus-wide committees, faculty senate committees, and individuals. Reports are presented in chronological…

Speculates on the contributions social science research can make to the field of domestic policy. Defines three approaches to applied social science: analysis, evaluation, and demonstrations. Recommends that present day social scientists give more attention to institutions and especially to the links between institutional and behavioral change.…

Argues that community college survival requires reliable information about environmental factors, trends, and changes. Reviews the use of strategic planning and change strategies. Considers the best way to organize an information-gathering unit, where to place it in the school's organizational structure, and how to staff it. (WL)

Ensuring the integrity of the intercollegiate athletics program is a fundamental responsibility of the college president. The institutional research professional should lead in designing, coordinating, and maintaining an athletics information support system, and support staff should conduct analyses and prepare special reports as needed to shape…

The Student Athlete Survey was developed and administered to all student athletes at a university during the spring semesters of 1994 and 1995. The survey was designed to: help the athletic department obtain early warning about potential problems; (2) gain insight into the quality of athlete/coach interaction; (3) obtain some global measures of…

Principles that institutional researchers should follow are discussed. The most important dictate is to present decision-makers the bare minimum of information necessary for the task; the material should be simple, short, and succinct. A report to assist decision-makers should not include extensive supporting documentation. The first step is to…