Creating and Sustaining a Culture of Evidence and Improvement: How Can Integrating Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning Help?

After its 2004 WASC reaccreditation, CSU-Fresno decided it needed more and higher quality data and information, training on data use for faculty and staff, and integrated planning and assessment. In addition, its strategic plan called for a campus-wide culture of outcomes assessment and commitment to continuous improvement. To fulfill these goals, institutional research, program and outcomes assessment, and strategic and academic planning were aligned. Expanding and developing an office of Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning (IRAP) was a component of this integration. Other alignment processes include annual reporting, incorporating outcomes assessment into program review, adjusting the curriculum change process, annual funding for designated strategic goals, and collaborations between IRAP and related departments.

Nearly four years into this model, it is still evolving but results are positive. Administrators receive data, research and assessment results they apply to decisions about goals and initiatives. The campus community has learned more about students, academic programs and goals through widely accessible, user-friendly reports. Strategic planning progress is tracked and readily available to the public. Linkages between departmental and institutional goals are clearer. Faculty members receive feedback on using assessment more creatively to support program and university goals. A cohesive planning and review process maximizes effective use of resources. IRAP serves as a focal point and visible champion for the institution’s emphasis on use of evidence and improvement. 

This presentation focuses on our experience integrating institutional research, institutional and program-level assessment, and strategic and academic planning. Benefits, critical issues and challenges of integration will be discussed.