In this chapter, we explore the contexts within which institutional researchers must try to ensure the ethical use of data. We also identify challenges institutional research professionals can face when navigating college culture while trying to ensure the ethical use of data. Finally, we identify potential solutions for improving institutional…

As institutions of higher education increasingly look to data as evidence to support planning, allocate resources, and inform teaching and pedagogy, ethical considerations regarding learning analytics have evolved from being on the margins to more central in the conversations surrounding institutional uses of student data. After outlining this…

A common and truly relevant question that many institutional researchers commonly ask is why are so many students dropping out of their declared major? This chapter guides institutional research professionals through the rationale and steps to identify and address one of such factors: outcome dependence, a pragmatically and timely relevant…

This chapter outlines conceptual and mathematical underpinnings of local indicators of spatial association, or LISA statistics. An empirical application shows how LISAs can be used to detect localized spatial processes impacting students and campuses.

This chapter provides a historical overview of the relationship between the military and higher education.

This chapter explores the lack of data about student veterans and reasons this lack of data raises particular concerns about for-profit institutions, which enroll a large percentage of student veterans.