July 30, 2020
A reimagined Office of Institutional Research is in the making
Since joining Kansas State University as the inaugural associate provost of institutional research in October 2019, a new era has begun at K-State of using data to make informed decision and support teaching and learning. The newly formed Office of Institutional Research combines and streamlines operations of the former offices of Planning & Analysis and Assessment into one unit. The new structure will bring more efficiencies, greater analytical capacities, and better information services to campus communities.
Currently, the office has two highly skilled professional teams. In addition to providing ongoing internal and external reporting services, the Reporting and Analytics team will place more focus on developing user-friendly business intelligence tools and providing users with easy access to data. The recent arrival of two new staff members significantly strengthened the reporting and analytical capacity of the team. Yuhao Liu serves as lead data analyst and has extensive experience in data modeling and statistical analysis. He will provide targeted research on student success, enrollment, and financial modeling. Daniel Carr, who transferred from K-State Global Campus recently, serves as a data analyst. He will join forces with other members of the team to provide more consolidated dashboards and reporting services to Global Campus and beyond.
The Assessment of Student Learning team has built a reputation around the world during the past decade. Our assessment system and approach have been adopted by many institutions alike across the U.S. and around the globe. The team will continue to explore ways to better assess and improve student learning by providing support to departments and programs. A few important tools, such as program assessment dashboards, automated presentation of assessment and survey data, have become critical information sources for many academic and non-academic units.
The Office of Institutional Research will continue to work with campus departments to meet data and information needs through innovative approaches. Data accuracy, top-quality user service and supporting K-State’s strategic directions, ongoing decision-making and student success are our top priorities. Please feel free to visit our website for published reports and BI tools, request data, or contact us if you have any questions.
Stay safe and healthy. Go Wildcats!
Bin Ning
Associate provost for institutional research