In this chapter, we explore the obligations for individuals and institutions that emerge from the newfound insights that are enabled through learning analytics. While ethical concerns are raised through learning analytics, a misplaced trend is a "do nothing" approach as a way to assure we "do no harm." We suggest that this is a…

This chapter describes the establishment of the Minority Male Community College Collaborative (M2C3), a research and practice center at San Diego State University. M2C3 partners with community colleges across the United States to enhance access, achievement, and success among men of color. This chapter begins with a description of the national…

Institutional research parallels preventive law in purpose and practice. Both help minimize problems and identify strengths in reaching institutional goals, identify and evaluate opportunities to accomplish goals, identify problems and solutions, find alternatives needed to minimize problems, and provide insights into future hazards and…

An attorney provides answers to frequently asked questions about the application of copyright law to the work of institutional research, including hard copy and electronic publishing, and its dissemination. Institutional researchers are treated as workers for hire, and the employer or institution is deemed the author and copyright holder;…

An attorney who has served both plaintiffs and defendants in court cases involving higher education institutions suggests several basic principles for institutional researchers in coping with a complex litigious environment: stay informed about major legal developments; consult your institution's attorney, and be proactive in the consultation; do…

The history of higher education's concern with student conduct is reviewed, and three specific issues in student discipline are examined: why colleges regulate student conduct; why students violate published regulations; and the appropriate institutional response to student misconduct. A need is seen for more institutional and educational research…

Reviews the basic concepts governing student aid funding and the mechanics of delivery, including a review of the development of current federal financial aid programs, the complexities of determining student need, institutional responsibility, and suggested areas for institutional research. Notes that the challenges ahead include strengthening…

Examines court cases involving financial exigency as a cause for terminating college faculty appointments, confirming the role of institutional data on judges' and juries' decisions. Institutions are encouraged to have some type of retrenchment policy in place, be prepared to supply analysis relevant to the specifics of the policy, and to provide…

A draft code of ethics for college and university institutional researchers and related activities, prepared by the Committee on Standards and Ethics of the Association for Institutional Research, is presented. It addresses issues of individual training and competence, responsibility, confidentiality, relationships within institution and…

The draft code of ethics prepared by the Committee on Standards and Ethics of the Association for Institutional Research is reviewed by section, with commentary on the precepts involved and the code's provisions for individual training and competence, responsibility, confidentiality, relationships within institution and community, and conduct…

Legal problems surround college administrators; those who fail to take precautions may encounter situations that result in legal or other administrative actions. Issues discussed include: hiring and firing; unfair treatment by administrators or colleagues; running afoul of state law or institutional policy; providing materials for defense against…

Institutional researchers should know state and federal laws and attorneys general opinions applicable to higher education concerning open meetings and open records, and be prepared for information requests by media and concerned citizens. Case law is examined, and practical steps researchers can take are outlined, including knowing who will…

Institutional researchers may become involved with the legal system as expert witnesses. Such experiences require patience, diligence, and tolerance beyond that normally required for conducting research. Specific experiences with litigation related to a bar examination, access and equity issues, and program transfer between state institutions are…