Monitoring and Reporting Vital Statistics
The Academic Data Reference Book (ADRB) has been published annually since 1971. This yearbook provides consistently collected and reported data on a range of topics. The complete series of these volumes provides a paper-based data warehouse from which trend data can be extracted. You can access the
latest edition of the ADRB.
External Reporting
OIRA responds to approximately five dozen annual surveys from external agencies. Responsibility for surveys has been assigned here in order to foster consistency in responding to similar questions. These surveys range from US Government data collection efforts to the US News surveys to college guidebooks and directories. To learn more, see AU's external data resources on
institutional assessment.
Survey Research Program
There is an increasing demand within the AU Community for information about student attitudes, opinions, and satisfaction levels. OIRA has responded to this need by developing a comprehensive survey research program. The program includes annual surveys of approximately 20,000 individuals, including freshmen, enrolled students and graduating students. Further
details about these surveys are available.
Research Reports and Projects
Demand for further information about selected topics defines the list of annual projects. Retention and graduation rate studies, academic program reviews and key indicator reports are among the topics currently included in this list. As a service unit, OIRA also makes every effort to respond to special requests for reports and studies.
Data Stewardship
OIRA, in cooperation with other select and administrative units (e.g. the Office of Enrollment, the Registrar's Office, and the Office of Information Technology), works to ensure the integrity of information obtained from AU's student data base. Currently the office is participating in development of a Business Intelligence system for AU executives and other AU staff.