Understanding Institutional Research
Institutional research (IR) helps institutions like SFBU to make decisions based on data. It involves identifying data, compiling it logically, and then analyzing it for the benefit of all department decision-makers, including those in admissions, academics, and marketing. The IR team works closely with other departments to improve the institution's practices.
Core Functions of the IR Department
The Institutional Research (IR) Department’s mission is to provide data and insight for the institution to assist the institution in achieving student academic success. Data is disseminated to all departments as well as the Board of Directors in order to drive informed decision-making.
In addition, the IR Department collects and reports data for its governing bodies and accrediting agencies.
Have a request or question? Call us (510) 803-7328.
IPEDS
IPEDS is the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, a system of interrelated surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). At this time, SFBU provide data to IPEDS on a voluntary basis as it does not participate in federal student aid programs. The IPEDS survey collects data on enrollments, program completions, graduation rates, faculty and staff, finances, institutional prices, and student financial aid, which is made available to students and parents through the College Navigator college search Web site and to researchers and others through the IPEDS Data Center.