Campus data systems are a crucial part of an institution of higher education (IHE) but especially to the IPEDS keyholders who often rely on the system for data collection and dissemination. Numerous campus data system products on the market offer a range of portals, reports, and features (i.e., Banner, PeopleSoft, Jenzabar). These products vary in complexity and cost; typically the more expensive products offer more automated functions and complex reporting tools. Further, the skills of the IPEDS keyholders may further impact the way these systems work for or hinder institutional use of IPEDS data and the quality of the data they provide NCES.

The purpose of this study is to examine various campus data systems and their features, how these features impact data quality, and how possible changes to IPEDS may influence keyholder burden based on campus data system features.

Data collection for this research will consist of surveys, interviews, online demonstrations of products and correspondence with product users, conducted over a 12-month period spanning July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. Surveys will be given to a sample of IR professionals to ask about campus data system and its features, as well as how possible changes to IPEDS may influence keyholder burden during reporting. A sub-sample of survey participants will be interviewed via phone or face-to-face.

My research questions concern 1) which campus data systems are used and features of each 2) how campus data systems influence IPEDS reporting, 3) how possible changes to IPEDS will influence keyholder burden due to campus data system features. Answers to these questions will provide an understanding of how campus data systems are used in reporting to IPEDS, and may help NCES understand additional ways to accept data from IHEs that could improve data quality and simplify data collection. Also, IR professionals and AIR may gain more understanding in how others use their campus data system to more efficiently populate IPEDS surveys and improve communication. Recommendations for effective communication during the completion of the IPEDS survey will be included in the final report. These results may also be useful to AIR in developing and improving training modules for IPEDS users and keyholders.

For more information, please contact Crissie Grove at Crissie.Grove@tun.touro.edu. Crissie Grove is a recent Ph. D. graduate in Educational Psychology from Florida State University. Her research interests include teacher effectiveness, teacher characteristics, and professional development for teachers. Her most recent position was the Director of Institutional Assessment at Thomas University before taking the postdoctoral fellowship position through AIR and NCES.

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