National Data Institute

National Data Institute: Using Federal Data to Support

Research on Science, Engineering, and Postsecondary Education

The application process for 2013 is closed.

Overview
2013 NDI
Application Process
Awards

With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) operates the National Data Institute: Using Federal Data to Support Research on Science, Engineering, and Postsecondary Education. The Institute is an intensive introduction to NSF and NCES datasets and research methodologies using large-scale national data sources.

The Institute is open to:

Institutional research professionals who wish to increase their knowledge of national datasets and skills for using such data in their IR role on campus
Faculty and graduate students with research interests in science, engineering, or postsecondary education
Staff from state and national associations with interests in science, engineering, or postsecondary education data sources
Postsecondary education researchers from non-U.S. institutions (limited number of spaces available)*

Note: All participants must have basic knowledge of statistical methods and experience using statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS, SAS, STATA).

The Institute aims to achieve four major objectives:

Stimulate interest in using national data to address research questions in institutional research, science and engineering, and postsecondary education
Instruct participants in the methods of using national data to conduct analyses, with primary emphasis on the new web-based data analysis systems developed by NSF and NCES
Enhance understanding about methodological and technological issues relevant to large-scale national data collection
Foster collaboration between participants and NSF and NCES staff to improve future data collection and analysis

Fellowship selection is based on a brief application. The deadline for applications is March 21, 2013. Selection notifications will be announced on April 18, 2013.

The application components are outlined below.

Contact information
Statement of interest and applicant’s learning goals
Statement of current research interests
Self-assessment of statistical and research skills, and knowledge of NSF and NCES datasets
Abbreviated curriculum vita
Letter of support (required for graduate students not working full-time)

Applications must be submitted online. Assistance is available from the National Data Institute (NDI) Team at NationalDataInstitute@airweb.org or 850-385-4155 x203.

*Funding from NSF and NCES is only available for individuals from U.S. postsecondary education institutions. In addition, one or two individuals from non-U.S. institutions may be accepted each year contingent on availability of AIR funding. The application is the same for individuals from U.S. and non-U.S. institutions.

The Institute will be held July 14 – 20, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Hotel, instructional costs, and U.S. roundtrip transportation are provided for Institute Fellows. International travel is covered up to $700.

Overview of the Institute schedule:

Fellows will devote the equivalent of one day to background reading and preparation prior to attending the Institute
Sunday, July 14, Travel to Washington D.C. (a.m.); Institute registration and opening session (p.m.)
Monday, July 15 – Friday, July 19 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Saturday, July 20 (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon) and travel home (p.m.)

The Institute includes lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on instruction. A laptop computer with wireless internet capabilities is required. Topics and activities include:

Overview of NSF databases
Overview of NCES databases
Demonstrations and exercises using specific datasets
Technical issues using national datasets and tools
Data confidentiality
Applying for a restricted use license
Day trip to either NSF or NCES
Data Policy Seminars from leading national policy experts
Opportunities to network and collaborate with colleagues

STEP 1: Individuals are encouraged to begin the application process as early as February 1, 2013 by providing initial contact information as the first step: name, email address, physical address, and institution affiliation. Providing this information assures that updates and deadline reminders will be sent to individuals via the email address provided. Providing contact information does not commit an individual to submit an application.

STEP 2: Complete the online application by following the National Data Institute Guidelines (PDF).

It is recommended that applicants write each section using word processing software and when finalized, cut and paste the text into the online application.

*Note: Applicants can save an application and return later to add and/or edit information until the application is finalized or the application system closes on March 21, 2013.

STEP 3: Submit the online application. When an application is successfully submitted a confirmation message will be sent to the applicant. It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit the final application and save the confirmation notice as receipt of a successful submission.

For questions and assistance please contact the National Data Institute (NDI) Team at NationalDataInstitute@airweb.org or 850-385-4155 x203.

An application may be withdrawn at any time before a final funding decision is made. A request for withdrawal must be sent to NationalDataInstitute@airweb.org. Confirmation of the withdrawal request will be sent to the applicant.

Applications are reviewed by AIR and a panel of national experts. Selection notifications will be announced on April 18, 2013. The names and institutional affiliations of Fellowship recipients are part of the public record that is provided to NSF and NCES and listed on the AIR website.

Coordination of Travel to Institute
Detailed instructions for making travel arrangements will be provided to each selected Fellow.

Preparation for Institute
Electronic reading documents will be sent to Fellows in advance of the Institute. Fellows will need to devote the equivalent of one day to background reading and preparation prior to attending the Institute. Fellows will also be required to participate in an online survey prior to the Institute.