The Association for Institutional Research (AIR) is the world's largest professional organization for institutional researchers. The organization is focused on providing educational resources, best practices and professional-development opportunities for its more than 4,000 members. Its primary purpose is to support its members in the process of facilitating quality, data-informed decisions for the enhancement of higher education.

The field of institutional research (IR) is relatively unknown outside its own circles, because of the behind-the-scenes nature of the work. IR professionals work primarily on college campuses collecting a wide range of information that allows school administrators to make wise planning and fiscal decisions covering a broad range of institutional responsibility. These areas can include admissions, financial aid, curriculum, enrollment management, staffing, student life, finance, facilities, athletics, and alumni relations.

In addition to providing the data-driven foundation for good on-campus decision making, institutional researchers use the data they collect for government reporting and to benchmark their results against similar institutions.

In short, most of the important decisions made on campus regarding an institution's most vital programs and responsibilities are based on information collected by IR professionals. AIR makes sure these professionals are fully equipped to perform their jobs at the highest levels.

More about AIR

AIR Quick Facts

AIR Leadership and Governance

Affiliated IR Organizations

AIR Executive Office Staff

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