In February 1980, a survey was conducted of 135 rural community/junior colleges in the Southeast to determine the college president's perception of the role and activities of the office of institutional research (OIR). Specifically, the survey instrument solicited information concerning: (1) the OIR's areas of inquiry with regard to administrative, financial, and goals-related issues; (2) the place of the OIR in defining the college's role; (3) the role of advisory committees of institutional personnel in institutional research activities; (4) financial support provided for the OIR; and (5) the OIR's role in facilities planning. The survey instrument also solicited institutional data to permit a comparison of college responses in terms of institutional size and age and the number of years the OIR existed. The survey revealed that of the 75 colleges providing usable responses, 69% had institutional research offices. Their responses permit several conclusions. Many schools had inadequate institutional research programs, due in part to lack of funds, lack of emphasis from the administration, and lack of a full-time director. Most presidents felt the OIR's role should be restricted to the compilation of reports, with only 35% of the presidents feeling it desirable for the OIR to suggest specific actions. The study report describes the survey methodology and findings, presents conclusions, and includes the questionnaire. (AYC)