This chapter is based on the author's experience working with geographic information systems (GIS) at the University of Arizona, along with insights gained through literature reviews and dialogue with staff at other universities. It is intended to convey some key organizational issues that are likely to bear on most campus administrative GIS…

Examines how analysts have treated rank in faculty salary models and the problems associated with either including or excluding controls for rank. Uses a sample selection statistical procedure to correct for the effects on salary of gender bias in promotion from associate to full professor. (EV)

Provides information on how hierarchical linear modeling can be used as an alternative to multiple regression analysis for conducting salary-equity studies. Salary data are used to compare and contrast the two approaches. (EV)

Presents techniques for institutional researchers and academic administrators to use in assisting faculty in implementing competency-based learning strategies. Discusses how competencies can be identified and how to approach consensus about expected levels of student performance; offers practical examples illustrating how competencies can be…

Provides techniques for identifying a particular score, or standard, that differentiates student competence from non-competence. Outlines explicit procedures for developing appropriate standards that can assist institutions in resisting legal challenges when the results of testing are contested. (EV)

Presents a framework for creating competency-based models, including an analysis of the utility of national competency banks. Presents a checklist that institutional researchers can use during and after the implementation phase to guide institutional success. Concludes with a bibliography of selected Internet-based resources in the area of…

Proposes a set of axioms, rules, and practical tools that campuses can use when they ask: What is our market position and is repositioning possible? The tools are designed to help higher education institutional leaders and researchers achieve the goal of being both market smart and mission centered. (EV)

Provides guidelines for building a consistent and reliable database of expenditures within an institution of higher education. Stresses the importance of involving key constituencies, including both data providers and data users, in decisions about building the data elements for such a database and the resulting campus cost studies. (DB)

Provides information regarding the National Educational Longitudinal Study database that was used for many of the studies in this volume. Provides relevant background and instructions so that others may use this resource from the National Center for Education Statistics. (Author/EV)

Effective college information-technology (IT) planning must be integrated into institutional planning, mission, and goals. Topics discussed include key constructs for ensuring that the acquisition and implementation of IT furthers the institution's strategic plan, an inclusive governance structure and facility planning approach, funding…

Highlights key issues for consideration in institutional research on college climate, including those that affect women, racial and ethnic minorities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students; and disabled students. These climate issues are also pertinent to majority students in diverse environments and are quickly becoming a regular…

Describes a variety of current instruments to measure college campus climate, some institution-specific and some commercially designed, ranging from general surveys to instruments that measure perceptions of very specific aspects of campus climate. Some general principles and considerations in such research are discussed briefly, and the…

Institutional researchers' work to support analysis and decision making can be more valuable if they are trained in group dynamics and facilitation. By practicing these arts, institutional researchers can help college and university decision-makers make decisions that are grounded in the support of institutional constituents. The Step Ladder…

While colleges and universities debate the value of teams, businesses use teams as a matter of survival. Motivated by competition and high cost, business leaders have created a new culture based on shared risk and reward. Decision making is no longer the responsibility of the few at the top, but is shared within and between most segments of an…

There is no right way to forecast college enrollments; in many instances, it will be prudent to use both qualitative and quantitative methods. Methods chosen must be relevant to questions addressed, policies and decisions at stake, and time and talent required. While it is tempting to start quickly, enrollment forecasting is an area in which…