The role of institutional research (IR) in higher education is to serve as a central source of official institutional data to support planning and decision-making across the college. At Wofford, the Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness reports to the Provost. The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness collaborates with faculty to assess student learning and achievement.
The primary goals of the Office of Institutional Research are to ensure that Wofford College is:
1. Informed. The Office of Institutional Research conducts, manages, and supports the accurate and timely collection and dissemination of actionable information across a broad range of reporting, research, and decision-support activities.
2. Effective. The IR/IE team supports efforts to evaluate operational effectiveness and assess student learning. They assist stakeholders – faculty, staff, students, or administration – in obtaining information to promote student achievement and institutional quality.
3. Accountable. The Office of Institutional Research promotes stewardship of institutional data within the larger efforts of college-wide data governance. The IR/IE team also oversees compliance with standards set by Wofford's regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).