Artificial intelligence programing for computers is advancing rapidly. The translation of databases into an institutional research knowledge base is explored, including the heuristic knowledge of institutional research experience. (Author/MLW)

The practice and profession of institutional research and the Association for Institutional Research, which emerged in the 1950s and grew and consolidated in the 1970s in response to the changing concerns of higher education, face fragmentation and uncertainty in the 1980s. (Author/MLW)

Describes a survey conducted in St. Petersburg, Florida, to answer diagnostic questions about the need for Catholic schools in the diocese. Looks at study findings and by-products, such as an increased concern for Catholic school education and community participation in educational planning. (DMM)

Summarizes research findings on the characteristics of effective schools and offers suggestions for ways professional educators can improve educational programs for students. Looks at the implications of the findings for program evaluation and accreditation. (DMM)

Because a microcomputer system can be an expensive acquisition, the purchase decision needs to be made carefully. Steps to purchasing a microcomputer include: evaluating the data and word processing needs of the office, determining needs being met with existing capabilities, and making a cost-benefit comparison among systems. (MLW)

The key to the success of decision support systems will be the way that institutional researchers integrate the variety of specific and personal systems into a viable and coordinated institutionwide system. (Author/MLW)

The interest in and expansion of the interinstitutional research function by state agencies are analyzed. The increasing importance of this function is described in state level coordinating and governing agencies. (Author/LBH)

Describes the experience of Chemetka Community College (Oregon) in conducting a comprehensive local needs assessment survey by telephone. (DC)

Procedures permit grouping departments on variables that provide an equitable basis for departmental funding. The series of steps is outlined whereby the financial significance of various process and role variables can be determined. (Editor/LBH)

This brief document includes the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) mission statement, information about AACC as an organization, AACC departments, contacts, annual revenues and expenditures for 2005. Also included is a community college facts "at a glance" section, which provides statistics on the number and type of colleges,…

A strong case has been made for the need for organizations and individuals to pursue economic, social, and environmental policies and practices that will reduce the risks associated with present practices, that will be sustainable in the long run, and that will enhance the well-being of future generations. Appropriate indicators need to be…

DePaul University, a private Midwestern university, uses a pyramid model, which builds from prospects to alumni, to frame discussions of student flow. Using this pyramid, institutional and enrollment management researchers collaborated on the analysis of the university's Graduating Senior Survey to maximize efficiencies and enrich decision making.…

This paper describes the strategies used at the University of Puerto Rico (Humacao) to overcome limitations resulting from a low response rate to their alumni surveys. Evaluation of earlier experiences with alumni studies led to identification of two principles for effective alumni studies: (1) the alumni study has to be a collaborative effort…

This paper describes the year-long process of building a set of peer comparators for Oregon's seven diverse public universities to serve the analytic needs of budgeting, performance measurement, and trend analysis. Some underlying assumptions informed the development of the peer groups: because several critical political issues required…

This proceedings document is comprised of the 18 papers, panel presentations, and work shares presented at a 1996 conference on institutional research. The papers are: (1) "Using Cohort Analysis To Evaluate the Impact of a Support Program for Minority Students" (Hershel Alexander); (2) "The Institutional Researcher as Program Evaluator:…