Institutional Research and Effectiveness
The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness supports & the continuous improvement of the student experience through the intentional and meaningful use of data and analyses to make informed decisions.
What We Aspire to Do
- Empower campus constituents to be collaborative in efforts to improve the student experience.
- Enhance the college’s capacity to use data and analyses in determining strategic and operational actions.
- Ensure external reporting is accurate, ethical, and reflective of the college’s success.
- Conduct a robust institutional research program that is proactive, informed by current trends in higher education, and champions of Ursinus’ liberal arts mission.
What is Institutional Research?
Institutional Research is defined as “the sum total of all activities directed at describing the full spectrum of functions (educational, administrative, and support) occurring within a college or university. Institutional research activities examine those functions in their broadest definitions, and embrace data collection and analytical strategies in support of decision making at the institution,” (Middaugh, Trusheim and Bauer, 1994)
What is Institutional Effectiveness?
Institutional Effectiveness is “the purposeful coordination and integration of functions that support institutional performance, quality, and efficiency; those functions include strategic planning, outcomes assessment, institutional research, regional/specialized accreditation, and program/unit review.”