This final chapter provides observations about institutional research in community colleges derived from the preceding chapters and the issue editors' own experiences. Taken as a whole, the chapters in this issue, as well as the editors' experiences, suggest several observations about institutional research in community colleges. These include the…

It is a historically held principle of microeconomics that in the presence of better information, consumers make better decisions. This chapter focuses on information to guide consumers in making decisions about higher education. It examines the development and implementation of a one-stop career and college planning tool that leverages existing…

Planning change through faculty and administrative development is discussed. The development of a comprehensive faculty and administrative development program involves instructional, curricular, organizational, personal, and professional development. (Author/MLW)

The nature of institutional research in small, private colleges is examined. It is suggested that institutional researchers in small colleges are responsible for their own professional development and must generate their own plans and learning situations. (Author/SF)

The role of institutional research is examined as well as the essential qualities and tasks of the research personnel. The need to draw into the field able and analytical persons of integrity with strong backgrounds and experiences in various disciplines is cited. (Author/SF)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University undertook a comprehensive organizational development analysis to identify the cultural facilitators and barriers to change and the professional development needs of managers. The results suggested a comprehensive leadership development plan to create a climate for implementation of Total Quality…

Institutional research is defined and general and specific objectives to be met in a graduate training program for institutional researchers are examined. Also discussed are institutional research courses, internships, and dissertations. (Author/SF)

Oregon State University has created a permanent administrative position responsible for providing universitywide administrative and technical support for implementation of Total Quality Management. Introductory, strategic, team, and special-topic training are provided. Communication with the university community is a primary responsibility. The…

The history of institutional research is examined with specific reference to its promotion and organization during the last twenty-five years. It is suggested that institutional research now has all the elements necessary for its continuation and has become an established part of higher education. (Author/SF)

Workshop activities designed for the professional development of institutional researchers are described. It is suggested that a properly structured training session incorporates theory and experience and presents it in a format appropriate for the busy professional. (Author/SF)

The history of institutional research is discussed; present and future professional development needs are examined. It is suggested that future professional development activities help institutional researchers cope with an expanded, politicized, and decreasingly technical role. (Author/SF)

The nature of the legislative environment is discussed and observations are made about how institutional researchers can influence lawmaking outcomes. (Author/SF)

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)

Institutional research is discussed as part of a planning, management, and evaluation system. It is suggested that unless it links directly to planning, institutional research will cease to exist as a separate organizational entity in this period of constrained resources. (Author/SF)

This article proposes that the task of providing useful information for deans and department heads has major implications for the role and preparation of college and university institutional researchers. Six areas for consideration are examined: local needs assessment, data integrity and interpretation, collaboration, skills and knowledge bases,…