Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

OIRE Mission

The mission of the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness is to foster at the University a “culture of evidence,” where evaluation is supported by valid and reliable information, and where both planning and decision-making are knowledge-based. To achieve its mission, OIRE conducts both routine and special studies whose results are widely disseminated. In carrying out these responsibilities, we:

• conduct statistical analyses (both descriptive and inferential) of available University data on applications, admissions, enrollment, degrees, grades, retention and graduation, instruction, employees, and survey results;
• conduct survey research involving admitted students, currently enrolled students, graduating students, non-returning students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community residents;
• conduct research using qualitative methods (e.g., focus groups and telephone interviews) to add depth and richness to quantitative analyses and survey data;
• conduct environmental scans to provide contextual information for strategic planning purposes;
• manage data by creating and maintaining a data warehouse containing longitudinal information on applicants, enrolled students, alumni, academic programs, instruction, and personnel;
• maintain a website to disseminate reports and other information;
• consult with other units of the University involved in assessment and evaluation activities that need advice on methodology or assistance with such activities as survey design and implementation, statistical analysis of data, and report preparation;
• coordinate external reporting of institutional statistics to state and federal agencies, accrediting agencies, non-profit associations, and other organizations;
• prepare descriptive and analytical reports for use by campus policy-makers and policy-making bodies (e.g., the Fact Book).

Institutional Research & Effectiveness Staff