Many public university systems rely on their own institutional research (IR) offices, in addition to the IR offices from their member institutions, to help conduct the work of the university system. In this chapter, the author illustrates the type of work conducted by system-level IR offices using a nontraditional data source that can be used to…

Policy analysis provides the framework for enrollment planning in the Arizona university system. The new planning model consists of a statement of principles, a five-year strategic plan, an enrollment demand model, determination of institutional capacities, development of strategies to meet demand, and analysis of policy choices and consequences.…

Both financial and nonfinancial costs of education, such as time, effort, risk, and social and psychological perceptions are considered as influences on consumer behavior and as elements that an institution can manage in its efforts to maintain or change its position in the market. (MSE)

Data on parallels and divergences between the occupational structure and the distribution of college degrees across fields of study are examined with the conclusion that higher education is now providing more occupationally defined human resources than are needed and that other purposes must be called on to justify the size of the college going…

Two models of the relationship between higher education and work are examined (market model and manpower planning model) in light of available data on student perceptions of education and careers, how they make career decisions, kinds of market information available to them and higher education personnel and how they use it. (JT)

The importance of an effective, comprehensive marketing effort by higher education institutions is discussed in light of anticipated enrollment declines. A new professionalism in market research and techniques is called for and it is suggested that an effective marketing effort will provide primary and secondary benefits that can serve as guides…

There is no right way to forecast college enrollments; in many instances, it will be prudent to use both qualitative and quantitative methods. Methods chosen must be relevant to questions addressed, policies and decisions at stake, and time and talent required. While it is tempting to start quickly, enrollment forecasting is an area in which…

Issues in the application of enrollment demand analysis to institutions' pricing policy are discussed, including price change impact on enrollment, the role of enrollment demand models on long-range financial and personnel planning, use of tuition and financial aid policy in optimizing policymakers' enrollment objectives, and the redistribution…

Discussion of the agenda for research and practice in graduate and professional education identifies and discusses five arenas for assessment; demand; admission criteria; program quality; persistence; and student learning outcomes. Specific questions to be addressed and additional considerations are noted for each arena. (MSE)

Summarizes the University of Wisconsin System's systemwide multi-year enrollment management program authorizing enrollment targets in three phases covering the periods 1987-90, 1991-94, and 1995-2000. Reviews what other states are doing in statewide enrollment management, and outlines the demand and supply variables taken into consideration for…

Graduate education is entering an era of market segmentation, varying student demand, and changing requirements from employers, meaning graduate students will assess graduate opportunities differently and institutions will assess programs differently. The traditional view of graduate study as preparation for a research or teaching career and…