Module 6: Internal data sources

Let’s scan your institution for various existing data sources and information you can expect to find. Your campus’s Institutional Research Office is a great place to start. 

  • Institutional Research: Also known as your campus’s IR office, this department often houses institutional fact books with enrollment, graduation and course data, performance reports, data dashboard, and accreditation metrics.
  • Student Affairs Divisional Reports: Your student affairs division likely publishes an annual report (you may even be responsible for coordinating the compilation of that report for the division or writing the submission for your department). These reports are rich in information with a high-level view of Student Affairs at your campus and details regarding division and department level goal, learning outcomes, department level key performance indicators or data points, points of pride.
  • National Benchmark Surveys: Has your institution participated in any national benchmark surveys? When was the last time? While there are countless surveys out there, these are some common studies to check and see if your campus has participated. If you’re not sure, you can often contact the associations sponsoring these studies to confirm any past participation or request a copy of the results (or the name of your campus representative who has the results).
    • National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
    • National Association of Colleges & Employers Career Services surveys
    • Ruffalo Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Survey (SSI)
    • Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE)
    • American College Health Association - National College Health Assessment II
    • Core Drug and Alcohol Survey
    • NASPA Consortium Studies
    • Skyfactor (EBI-Mapworks) surveys
    • College & University Counseling Center Directors Data Bank
    • Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I) surveys
    • Association of College Unions International (ACUI) surveys
  • Program Reviews, Self-Studies, or Audits: Universities also demonstrate accountability through frequent review and evaluation of programs and services, particularly again professional or regional standards. Learn more about your university’s accreditation process or inquiry about its last self-study or peer review. The Council for the Advancement of Standards for Higher Education (CAS) is a widely known review model.
  • Federal Compliance Reporting: Student Affairs departments often provide oversight of and leadership in aligning the institution with federal and state mandates, making much of this data readily available to others areas. Among others, these policy and compliance measures include financial aid, campus safety, student conduct, disability accommodations, and academic and student records.

Reflection Question

  • What national benchmark surveys has your campus participated in within the past 3 years?