The Institutional Research (IR) office provides institution-level data used for planning, reporting, accreditation, and leadership decision-making. Data requests ensure that information shared across the college is accurate, consistent, and aligned with the definitions used in required state, federal, and accreditation reporting.
This page exists to help you decide whether submitting an IR data request is appropriate and, if so, how to submit one that can be completed efficiently.
Appropriate Uses of Institutional Research Data
Submit an IR data request when you need data that:
- Supports college-level planning or decision-making
- Is used for accreditation, program review, grants, or external reporting
- Requires official institutional definitions
- Spans multiple terms, programs, or departments
- Will be shared beyond your immediate area
Examples of appropriate requests include multi-year enrollment trends, student outcomes by program, or institution-level performance measures.
Requests That Will Be Redirected
IR data requests are routinely redirected when the need involves:
- Daily operational tasks
- Simple lists or one-time lookups
- Individual student records
- Information already available through dashboards, reports, or departmental systems
Examples include class rosters, advising lists, single-student verification, or data maintained by another office. Redirecting these requests helps you receive faster assistance from the correct source.
Before You Submit a Request
Taking a few minutes to prepare your request helps avoid delays.
Be ready to clearly state:
- The purpose of the data and how it will be used
- The decision, report, or requirement the data supports
- The time-period, terms, or populations included
- Whether summary-level data will meet your needs
Before submitting, review:
- Existing dashboards or published reports
- Program review or planning materials
Privacy and Review
IR follows all applicable privacy laws and college policies. Requests involving sensitive or identifiable information may require additional review or may be limited to aggregated results. Requests may be returned for clarification if the purpose or scope is unclear.
What Happens After Submission
After submission:
- IR reviews the request for scope, priority, and compliance
- You may be contacted for clarification
- Requests supporting institutional reporting, accreditation, or leadership priorities are addressed first
Complex requests, especially during peak reporting periods, may require additional time.
Ready to Proceed?
If your request involves institution-level data used for planning, reporting, or analysis, submit an Institutional Research Data Request using the link below.
Submit an Institutional Research Data Request