How do I Build an IR Office?

Most accredited colleges and universities have an IR office.

Institutional research (IR) offices assist education administrators in the development and the decision-making processes needed to operate educational institutions through their administration of statistical data. IR offices are involved in all areas of school operations, such as admissions, curriculum development, financial aid, staffing and education finance planning. Most IR offices are located within the schools they administer.

Things You'll Need

• Integrated data warehouse network into all school educational systems
• Office space
• Administrative aid
• Office supplies
• Computer

Instructions

1. Review the existing office space, and determine office needs, such as administrative supplies, office equipment and communication requirements. IR offices gather statistical information for reporting and require the supporting infrastructure to accurately gather the information. Most institutions provide the office basics, such as office space, office equipment and clerical staff, allowing the institutional researcher to concentrate on building the IR office infrastructure, but a review of the provided office support is required for optimum statistical data gathering.

2. Consult with the school's computing services providers to determine the most efficient way to consolidate and provide accurate statistical data for government and administrative reporting. School and government administrations often request statistical data in such areas as student enrollment history, curriculum and grade reviews and employee demographic history. IR offices often consult with internal technology administrators to create accurate, stable and current data warehouses. Institutional research data warehouses centrally gather all departmental database information and consolidate it for consistent data reporting. Computing services will also assist the IR office in the creation of a website.

3. Develop consistent administrative procedures. The core mission of an IR office is to provide accurate statistical research, oversee the school's data management for reporting and support school administrators with statistical data to help in decision-making. IR offices also fulfill data requests from external organizations for research purposes or for compliance demands from the U.S. Department of Education and the state. Fulfilling compliance demands and reporting to the government for assessment is vital for continued federal accreditation, student aid qualification and grant funding. Other administrative demands may include providing administrative assistance in the implementation of school surveys.

4. Build working relationships with school department administrators. IR offices assist in statistical data gathering from various school departments. Establishing a working relationship with each departmental administrator is vital in the collection of all required statistical and administrative process information. For example, contact with the admissions department is essential when gathering student admissions information, such as student demographics, financial aid applicant information and admissions procedures.

References

• Adams Colorado State University: Institutional Research Office Information--Goals
• Association for Institutional Research: Web-based IR Resources
• University of Washington: Creating a Technology Based IR Office
• Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers (APPA): Four Core
• U.S. Department of Education: Accountability and Assessment
• University of Pittsburg: Office of Institutional Research