Mission and Scope

The mission of Institutional Research (IR) is to support evidence-based decision-making at SFBU by delivering integrated analysis, actionable insights, and high-quality research. The IR team enhances institutional performance by publishing dashboards, building surveys and other data collections, and ensuring data quality and integrity. By promoting best practices in data collection, interpretation, and dissemination, the office ensures institutional stakeholders have access to reliable and meaningful information.

Drawing on data from SFBU’s core administrative systems—including student, faculty, course, research, and financial data—IR establishes baseline metrics, conducts interpretive studies, and produces analytical reports to guide university planning and resource management. This involves designing and developing comprehensive analyses while ensuring timely delivery of accurate, relevant institutional data to the campus community. Partnerships with other campus offices allow the institution as a whole to ensure data integrity and gives IR the ability to aggregate, compare, and interpret this information to inform strategic planning and resource management. This collaborative approach ensures that data are used effectively to guide university operations and to provide an exceptional student experience.

Expertise

The IR team’s skills and expertise include:

  • Translating data into actionable insights through a deep understanding of higher education and SFBU’s organizational processes
  • Consolidating complex data sources into accessible, decision-ready reports tailored for university leaders
  • Applying advanced technical skills in data gathering, analysis, and reporting tools
  • Leveraging methodological expertise in statistics, survey research, and assessment
  • Providing reports for compliance purposes such as accreditation, IPEDS, and other agency reports
  • Determining programs to offer that will help SFBU deliver its mission

Data Request Portal

IR promotes the strategic use of institutional data to support SFBU’s educational mission. The IR Data Request Portal provides a streamlined process for accessing institutional data, along with self-service options and resources. The IR Request Policy provides guidelines for data usage, including criteria for fulfilling requests, limitations, confidentiality, and data sensitivity.