Institutional Research

EMPOWERING PENN STATE THROUGH THE USE OF RIGOROUS DATA BASED EVIDENCE

The Institutional Research Team’s Goal

The Institutional Research team within OPAIR is comprised of data architecture, data engineering, data science and analytics, and institutional reporting. The group uses its unique position at the hub of research and information to support individual unit endeavors toward organizational excellence by making institutional data and strategic information easily accessible, clearly understood and well-leveraged both within the University and across the Commonwealth.

Our Projects, Dashboards, and Reports

Alumni Earnings

Through cooperation with the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Penn State conducted a project to estimate alumni return on their higher education investment. Data were gathered from 404,093 degrees awarded at all levels, degrees, and campuses.

Assessment Reports

The Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research reports annually to the Provost and the members of the University Committee on Assessment of Learning. Reports include submission rates by location, learning objectives assessed, types of measures used, and learning outcomes assessment activities.

Common Data Set

The Common Data Set is a standard for each undergraduate location. It has been produced over several years as a collaborative effort between the College Board, U.S. News and World Report, and colleges and universities.

Community Survey

In February 2020, Penn State University launched the Community Survey. The first of its kind, a University-wide survey was implemented as part of ongoing efforts to promote community, inclusion and diversity on campus and to support Penn State’s strategic priorities in these areas.

Data Digest

The Data Digest is a dynamic, accurate, and relevant data tool for the University. The Data Digest replaces the Fact Book and gives users more options. Users can now easily access configurable dashboards, discover the data, take filters forward through searches, and export information into an Excel file.

EADA Reporting

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) requires all co-educational institutions of postsecondary education who participate in a Title IV federal student financial assistance program, and institutions that have an intercollegiate athletic program, to prepare an annual report to the Department of Education on athletic participation, staffing, revenues, and expenses for men’s and women’s teams.

Economic Impact

In the 2017 fiscal year, Penn State contributed more than $11.6 billion to the state’s economy and supported more than 105,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, according to a report released in February 2019. Penn State returned $1.24 in tax payments to the Commonwealth for every $1 in state appropriations received.

Faculty Exit Studies

Penn State conducts Faculty Exit Studies every two years. The purpose is to better understand the experiences of tenure-line and non-tenure-line faculty members. The studies are conducted to respond to faculty concerns.

Faculty Senate Salary Report

Committee on Faculty Benefits’ report on Faculty Wages is an informational study that provides an examination of faculty salaries at Penn State. Only senators have access to supporting resources.

Faculty Tenure-Flow Rates

Penn State examines the rates at which provisionally appointed faculty members are promoted to tenure. The results are shared with administrative and academic leadership, as well as the University Faculty Senate.

General Education Student Survey

The General Education Student Survey collected data in 2019 and 2024 to assess student perceptions of General Education and its impact on their experience at Penn State.

iTwo (Institutional Insight)

iTwo is a web-based and metadata-driven data access, analysis and distribution environment available to Penn State information users. iTwo currently includes two interdependent components: Analysis and Dashboards.

Penn State at a Glance

Penn State at a Glance is a statistical overview of the University. This covers information about enrollment, funding, research, and alumni. There is also an overview of the University, academic programs, research, athletics, rankings, and campuses.

State Mandated Collection System

The State Mandated Collection System (SMCS) is used to collect faculty activity data each semester to meet the requirements mandated in the appropriation bill enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Appropriation Act 32-A, Section 6 and 7).

University Police and Public Safety Community Survey

Penn State University Police and Public Safety conducts a University-wide survey of students and employees every two years. The purpose of the survey is to learn more about the attitudes and opinions of students and employees related to the department’s police division.

Weekly Enrollment Reports

Weekly enrollment dashboards for census day and weekly fall and spring reports are presented for all degree levels and types across the University.