AIR conducts surveys on a variety of topics to gather in-the-moment understanding from data professionals working in higher education. We share the survey summaries via this page. Visit AIR Hub, our online community, to engage others in a discussion
about these survey results.
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Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment Reporting Regulations
Released May 2024
During the fall of 2023, the Department of Education released several regulatory packages that add new and expanded reporting requirements for higher education institutions. These include Financial Value Transparency (FVT) and updated Gainful Employment (GE) rules. In April 2024, the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) surveyed members to better understand the resources and training needed to accomplish this reporting.
The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Institutional Research/Effectiveness
Released February 2024
The Association for Institutional Research (AIR) surveyed members to explore the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the institutional research/institutional effectiveness profession.
IR/IE Collaborations in Support of Student Success
Released November 2023
The Association for Institutional Research (AIR) conducted a random survey of U.S. post-secondary institutions to explore how the IR/IE office collaborates with other units/offices in support of student success. The survey launched July 14, 2023, and closed on August 14, 2023; 86 respondents participated in the survey.
Understanding the IR/IE Office Capacity
Released July 2023
We asked survey respondents to evaluate their IR/IE office workloads (measured on a 5-point Likert
scale). Just over half of respondents (56%) agree that their offices’ processes to manage workloads are
adequate (Chart 1). However, about half report (53%) that staff sizes (full-time equivalent or FTE) are
not sufficient to accomplish current workloads, and 42% indicated that they are dissatisfied with the
sizes of their current workloads.
Role of IR/IE Office in Institutional Campus Climate Surveys
Released May 2023
An institution’s campus climate survey is a powerful tool to better understand the perceptions and experiences of students, faculty, and staff, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and measure progress on key initiatives around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Leading and Managing During COVID-19
Released October 2020
Sudden change and its impact on the way we go about business highlight existing challenges and yet can give rise to new opportunities, too.
Assessment of Student Learning During a Global Pandemic
Released September 2020
COVID-19 changed institutions’ approaches to the assessment of student learning in spring 2020 and highlighted the need to understand students’ experiences of the continued unknown.
The “Home Work” of IR During COVID-19
Released August 2020
Working from home has afforded IR professionals new opportunities, but personal and professional challenges remain.
COVID-19, Reopening, and the Role of IR
Released June 2020
IR professionals help colleagues navigate questions about planning for fall 2020 as we navigate what feels like a perpetual unknown.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Institutional Research
Released May 2020
In the midst of the pandemic, IR continues to support decision making in ways both familiar and new.