What is Institutional Research?

Four basic activities describe institutional research:   

• Collecting data about the performance of an institution
• Collecting data about the environment of an institution
• Analyzing and interpreting the collected data
• Transforming and interpreting data analyses into information that can be used to support the institutional planning, set institutional policies, and make academic and management decisions

What are the functions of Institutional Research?

The Office of Institutional Research (IR) serves as a comprehensive source for information about Cleveland State University. The primary goal of IR is to collect, comprehend, combine, and analyze data pertaining to a range of operational activities at Cleveland State University. IR assists in the analysis and interpretation of these data to explain past patterns of performance and predict future trends in University performance. IR is also concerned with the systematic review and evaluation of educational programs, educational support services, administrative processes, and financial resources in order to assist in identifying the strengths and weakness of the institution. IR also provides coordination and support functions to academic and non-instructional departments with regard to the assessment of student outcomes occurring throughout the University.

What kinds of data are available?

• General and historical
• Data about students (enrollment and credit hour data, demography, and degrees awarded)
• Faculty and staff demography
• Facilities and associated utilization

Who may have access to these data?

Summaries and analysis are available to students, faculty, or staff in academic or support units needing information for publicity, presentations, reports, grants and contracts, public relations, news releases, or other legitimate university functions.

Institutional Research and Analysis
Cleveland State University