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Institutional performance benchmarking requires identifying a set of reference or comparator institutions. This paper describes a method by which an institution can identify other institutions that are most similar to itself using a methodology that identifies the nearest institutional neighbors based on a balanced set of metrics accessed from IPEDS [Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System] data. The Nearest Neighbor methodology is robust and flexible; it is easy to understand and to explain to others; and it is a hybrid method integrating judgment and analytical techniques. Use of the method is discussed, and it is compared to other methodologies such as Cluster Analysis. (Contains 1 table, 6 figures and 3 footnotes.)

Universities are coming under increasing pressure to demonstrate accountability in operations that affect student enrollment and that contribute to the increased cost of higher education. Institutional researchers are responding by working to provide strategic data-driven decision support that enables managers to evaluate the benefit of dollars spent on both instructional activities and non-classroom activities. While tools such as key performance indicators are useful for study of traditional activities, these tools frequently lack the flexibility to describe and generate all types of data required by the diverse, complex non-classroom activities of successful universities. This paper demonstrates how this problem can be addressed by involving relevant personnel in identifying mission-based success factors, indicators and learning assessments within key decision domains. A methodology is demonstrated that links assessed outcomes in Student Affairs to University strategic purposes. (Contains 5 exhibits and 3 figures.)

This paper describes a methodology for helping institutional research assess its roles and its effectiveness in supporting decision-making at all institutional levels. The paper discusses how to meet this goal by planning, doing, checking, and acting. Planning requires the understanding of the roles of the data custodian, the broker, and the information user. Doing involves performing these roles through five sequential steps. Checking requires understanding and overcoming barriers to effectiveness. Acting involves using strategies to integrate and interpret information in order to enhance its value to the institution. Individual sections of the paper define the term institutional research, establish the framework of the model, and discuss management of the various institutional research functions. Recommendations and suggestions for overcoming barriers are discussed. A table listing barriers to effective institutional research is appended. (Contains 15 references.) (CH)

This paper discusses the role of institutional researchers in changing attitudes within institutions of higher education on the importance of efforts to improve student retention. It describes activities undertaken at Virginia Tech to determine why students voluntarily withdraw from the university in the context of changing attitudes within the university. Kubler-Ross's five stages on death and dying are used as a model for attitude change at the institutional level. The five stages are: denial, hostility, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Suggestions are made concerning how to assist the institution in moving through the five stages from denial to acceptance. These principles are illustrated with summaries of three studies at Virginia Tech: (1) a pilot study to obtain basic information on withdrawing students; (2) follow-up surveys of students who left after one year or less; and (3) a program of 18 specific projects to foster student success. Several challenges for institutional research are identified, including the role played in persuading individuals and stakeholders that student retention should be viewed as a strategic activity. Appendices provide additional detail on the surveys conducted at Virginia Tech and on the student success projects. (Contains 26 references.) (LEE)

Concerns about published comparisons of colleges and universities are organized into a framework to guide further research. A systematic method for addressing specific issues about the guides is presented, and the environment in which the guides are used is examined. Research needed to assure that the guides make a valued contribution and are fair to various stakeholders is noted. (MSE)