During the 2007-08 academic year, representatives from the main areas of the university responsible for student surveys (Enrollment and Marketing Research, CRM/Information Services, Institutional Research, Career Services, and Student Affairs), as well as representation from Academic Affairs met to discuss the coordination of all large scale student surveys at the university. The group decided that Institutional Research would continue to be the primary provider of consultation to university constituencies interested in gathering data on students through the use of surveys. The purpose of such consultation includes:
- Assisting in the survey planning process
- Consultation on survey methods and design to ensure that survey research is of the highest quality, and that this research produces information that adds value to university decision-making.
- Coordinating the schedule of deployment for student surveys
- The creation of a survey calendar to more effectively, strategically, and efficiently support survey research on campus, preventing scheduling bottlenecks and overburdening of particular populations.
- Sharing knowledge on existing data collected from previous and ongoing student surveys of sufficient scope
- Review of survey research projects to identify data that may have continued value for university study past the original study, with the informed consent and collaboration of the primary researcher.
We understand that the quality of the data received is directly related to the time and effort put into the survey design process, and we want to ensure that what's provided here will result in a high value product for the university. Ultimately, our goal is to increase the quality of the data collected and thereby the value of the information to the primary researcher and the university community.
Please use us a resource for your research needs. A contact list has been created so that you can get in touch with us at any time. Also, we have created a list of frequently asked questions, as well as provided information on the survey administration process.
While our primary focus was on the surveying of students, we also considered surveys of other university constituencies, including faculty, staff and alumni. If you are interested in surveying any group at the university, we would advise you to contact Joe Filkins in Institutional Research & Market Analytics.