New AIR–IHEP Network Empowers Institutions to Turn Data into Action
As data professionals, we know that data and insight aren’t enough—it’s what we do with them that truly drives impact. Turning information into meaningful change requires strategy, collaboration, and the courage to act.
That’s why the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) is partnering with the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) to launch the Postsecondary Data for Action Network—a new national community of practice for institutional and system-level teams dedicated to improving student outcomes and college completion. Learn more to apply before the August 28 deadline.
This initiative brings together cross-functional teams of 3–6 members, ideally composed of IR/IE professionals, administrators, and faculty, who are committed to leveraging institutional data to drive meaningful change. Selected teams will:
- Use their own administrative and institutional data to shape strategic decision-making
- Translate analysis into actionable insights for both policy and practice
- Share insights and campus perspectives with policy audiences at the state and federal level
What to Expect from Participation
Teams selected for the Network will engage in a year‑long learning community that provides:
- A virtual kickoff convening
- Four virtual touchpoints focused on shared learning, data practices, and student success strategies
- Visibility into federal and state postsecondary policy discussions
- Opportunities to engage with and inform policy development
- A small honorarium for participant teams
- A culminating in-person convening in Summer/Fall 2026
This is not a traditional student data summit or analytics bootcamp—there are no data-sharing agreements required. Instead, the initiative is flexible and participant-driven, recognizing the power of IR/IE professionals to influence campus and policy-level change through data-informed action.
Get Involved
This opportunity is ideal for members of the AIR community ready to elevate their role in shaping strategy and policy by harnessing data—not just for insight, but for action.
- Application deadline: 5:00 pm PT on August 28, 2025
- Team structure: 3–6 members from two or four-year institutions or systems, including IR/IE professionals, administrators, faculty, and decisionmakers
- Eligibility & details: Found in the full Request for Proposals on the IHEP website