This paper describes a personal computer spreadsheet set up to carry out hierarchical log-linear analyses, a type of analysis useful for institutional research into multidimensional frequency tables formed from categorical variables such as faculty rank, student class level, gender, or retention status. The spreadsheet provides a concrete vehicle…

It is recognized that growing management information systems will require increased user involvement in acquiring, maintaining, and manipulating essential institutional data. A technique called Service/Requirements Analysis has been developed for incorporating user input into system design and development. (MSE)

Use of computers at Brown University and attitudes toward computing were investigated in 1984. Major areas of interest were: frequency of weekly computer use, past experience using computers, when respondents first used a computer, their gender, student status, years at the university, major, and parental and familial influences on computer use.…

The role of information research centers in institutional research activities was explored, based on 1,040 requests for student data at an information center at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, during 1980-1985. Three distinct information center markets were identified and mechanisms for serving each market were recommended. The first was…

The changing nature of institutional research due to the expanded use and capabilities of information technology was explored through a regional survey of institutional researchers, who indicated their involvement in information systems development. Results were analyzed for all respondents, by type of institution (four-year versus two-year), and…

The roles of institutional researchers in the overall goal setting and monitoring process were studied in 1982. In addition, the use of databases and new technology (e.g., computer models and planning aids, information retrieval systems, and national databases) as support mechanisms for assessment of institutional performance, and the methods used…

A computer application at Eastern Montana College provides individual and grouped instructional faculty load data. The mainframe-generated reports support department heads and administrators in decision-making concerning staffing, merit awards, equity, accountability, planning, and productivity. The reports are best suited to colleges that…

The accuracy and reliability of the student data base at the University of the District of Columbia were assessed. The data base, which is used by administrators for planning purposes, consists of the number of students enrolled in various course sections, the number of students enrolled in various departments by levels, and the principal fields…

A computerized system set up at the University of Illinois for monitoring graduates and their experiences in the labor market is discussed, along with trends among graduates that have occurred over an 11-year period. The university initiated studies of graduates in 1972. About one-third of the content of the surveys is devoted to vocational…