Statistical modeling provides a method for colleges to use alumni-development information to create an equation predicting who is likely to respond positively to fund-raising appeals. This can make fund raising more cost-effective, provide higher returns on minimal investment, provide results quickly, and improve competitiveness. Resources…

Effective college information-technology (IT) planning must be integrated into institutional planning, mission, and goals. Topics discussed include key constructs for ensuring that the acquisition and implementation of IT furthers the institution's strategic plan, an inclusive governance structure and facility planning approach, funding…

Presents the 15-year story of the student affairs research operation at Northeastern University, covering the initial buildup, the demise due to institutional downsizing, and the resurrection. (Author)

Stresses the importance of common understandings of cost definitions and data collection in order to create reliable databases with optimal utility for inter-institutional analysis. Examines definitions of common expenditure categories, discusses cost-accumulation rules governing financial reporting, and explains differences between direct costs…

Explores the adoption and use of Native American-related nicknames and symbols by three U.S. universities: the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Miami University of Ohio, and Eastern Michigan University. Historical case studies review how the nicknames were chosen, how they evolved, and why the decision either to keep or replace the…

Student affairs research is informed by student development theories which help explain how students grow and develop during college. Knowledge of student development theories can help institutional researchers formulate research questions and interpret their results. Introduces several conceptual frameworks for understanding the learning and…

Reviews the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative and qualitative research in student affairs research, noting that many student affairs professionals question the value of more traditional quantitative approaches to research, though they typically have very good people skills that they have applied to being good qualitative researchers.…

Examines the theoretical basis for data mining, one of the essential knowledge management processes, and uses a case study to describe its application and impact. (EV)

Describes the purposes and roles of institutional researchers: (1) describe the institution, (2) analyze alternatives, (3) present the best case, and (4) supply impartial evidence, noting three dualities internal vs external demands; academic vs administrative culture; and institutional vs professional role that are particularly relevant. Also…

Reports on a nationwide survey of 601 members of the Association for Institutional Research concerning perceived levels of institutional research (IR) knowledge and skills, how IR knowledge and skills are acquired, and perceptions of effectiveness. The survey was based on Terenzini's (1993) three tiers of organizational intelligence. (Author/DB)

This paper argues that research assessment is of increasing importance as an instrument of New Public Management and within the context of efforts to establish a European Research Area. Specifically, it compares the procedures of research assessment in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Germany in an attempt to distil basic design…

To properly evaluate the financial contributions of each revenue source, institutional researchers must use key economic concepts in their work. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)

The author applies strategic response theory to develop hypotheses about the type of response that public colleges and universities will exhibit as a consequence of state policies to encourage the scholarship of teaching, discovery, and application. (Contains 2 tables.)

The purpose of this study was to assess awareness and use of a university recreational trail. The authors used an Internet questionnaire developed by the university's Institutional Research Department, with questions derived from the Environmental Supports for Physical Activity Questionnaire and the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey…

This paper provides an overview of research that I have conducted during my career using data sets collected by offices of institutional research. Many of the examples discussed in the paper deal with graduate education. The paper illustrates how valuable the data collection efforts by these offices are to academic researchers interested in…