Multiplying IR Functionality Across the Institution The Threefold

Multiplying IR Functionality Across the Institution The Threefold Power of the Veera Platform Matt Rehbein, Director of Institutional Research Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN #RIConf 2019

About Me • West Virginia native; Lipscomb University alumnus • Unusual path to institutional research: nine years of missionary work in Porto Alegre, Brazil • Began IR career in May 2011

Institutional Context • Fall 2018 enrollment = 4620; 250+ academic programs • Classified as “Doctoral/Professional University” by Carnegie • Since 2006, total enrollment has increased by 83%, employee FTE by 107%, and total expenses by 128% • Since 2006, IR Staff = 1, and operating budget has been cut 16%. Prior to my arrival, 5 different IR directors in 8 years

Relationship with Rapid Insight • Initial interest was predictive modeling for FTF retention • Began using Veera Construct & Veera Predict in fall 2015 • Veera Bridge rolled out in summer 2018

Formulating an IR Philosophy • Marshall Mc. Luhan: Canadian professor & cultural critic, pioneer of the study of media theory • “We become what we behold. We shape our tools and then our tools shape us. ” • How has the Veera suite shaped my professional practice?

Statement of Aspirational Practice for IR • AIR initiative (2014 -2016) calling for a new vision of effective IR focused on student success • In step with the expanding culture of data-informed decision making • “The goal is for smart people to make smart decisions to improve student success. ”

Statement of Aspirational Practice for IR • An Expanded Definition of “Decision Makers” • Structures and Leadership for Institutional Research • Leadership for the Institutional Research Function • A Student-Focused Paradigm

An Expanded Definition of “Decision Makers” • Top-down approach is insufficient to guarantee sustained institutional growth and goal attainment • “Students, faculty, and staff are key consumers and clients of institutional research”

An Expanded Definition of “Decision Makers” • Case Study: President, Provost, and Office of Global Learning want to examine financial aid incentives and recruiting for study abroad • Hypothesis: FTF bring in increasing number of prior credits and therefore aren’t interested in studying abroad since it will slow their time to degree • Changes in study abroad policy?

An Expanded Definition of “Decision Makers”

Structures and Leadership for IR • Rethinking the centralized “one source of truth” model • “The greatest potential for building effective institutional research is leveraging talent across the institution. ” • The ultimate goal: increase capacity for data-informed decision making

Structures and Leadership for IR

Structures and Leadership for IR

Structures and Leadership for IR

Structures and Leadership for IR

Leadership for the IR Function • Making the case for a Chief Institutional Research Officer • “Responsible for the tactical and strategic direction of the IR function. ” • Moving IR from transactional to transformational

Leadership for the IR Function

Leadership for the IR Function

Leadership for the IR Function

Leadership for the IR Function Data Stewardship Advisory Board (DSAB) IR will serve as initial chair Develop a governance framework for data use

A Student-Focused Paradigm • The selection and design of institutional research is predicated on a commitment to the success of all students. • Institutional reports demonstrate effective strategies for “telling the data story” and intentionally connecting all exploration to the student experience. • Avoid “silo” approaches that fail to recognize that students experience an institutional holistically.

Thank you! Questions/Comments? Matt Rehbein, Director of Institutional Research Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN Matt. Rehbein@lipscomb. edu 615 -966 -6043 office 615 -767 -9218 cell #RIConf 2019