We collaborate with universities' own research and assessment offices, extending their capabilities and creating additional knowledge for the institution's leadership and other decision-makers. We also contract directly with deans, program heads, enrollment and marketing officers, and alumni and development teams.

Our research and assessment studies run the gamut from prospective student perceptions to alumni and donor engagement — with an active emphasis on the experiences and outcomes of current students. That strategic integration allows us to create a clear, shared picture of the whole student engagement lifecycle, a picture that informs planning across both administrative and academic departments.

We work with quantitative and qualitative data with equal rigor, and we often analyze existing data for new insights. Here are just a few of the kinds of studies we conduct for educational institutions.
 

• Prospective student research
  How aware are prospects of your school or program, and how do they perceive it within your competitive set? How can you strengthen your brand to increase the applicant base — and optimize the fit beween those applicants and your programs?

• Admitted student research
  Why do some admittees accept and others reject your offer? What factors most influence their decisions, and what can you do to increase your yield and strengthen your appeal in the minds of the most desirable candidates?

• Student learning outcomes assessment
  Your faculty members already assess student learning in every course. But broader, more summative outcomes assessment is rapidly becoming a must-quantify on many campuses. We can help you think about -- and implement -- ways of assessing critical thinking skills, student engagement, and other learning-related outcomes.

• Satisfaction and retention research
  The student experience involves much more than learning, of course. Our satisfaction, engagement, and retention studies identify strengths and weaknesses in all aspects of student life and spotlight key opportunities where improvements will have a strategic impact.

• Career/life outcomes studies
  We also look at post-graduation outcomes that are important metrics for many institutions, including post-graduate studies and lifelong learning, career achievement, and other lifestage and life-satisfaction factors.

• Alumni engagement studies
  A crucial component of higher ed research, ongoing alumni engagement research provides insights that help colleges and universities create a more engaged, active, and supportive alumni body.

• Donor participation research
  Donors, whether they’re alumni or not, are a key partner in the success of any institution of higher learning.  Understanding what motivates them to give – or gets in the way – helps organizations craft better annual funds, capital campaigns and overall relationships.

• Community relations and civic life studies
  Many universities actively manage their relationships with constituencies outside their gates. We conduct community research to bring area residents, civic leaders, and partner organizations into a dialogue about the role of the university and opportunities to foster more supportive and collaborative relationships.

• Faculty and staff studies
  In addition to prospects, students, and alumni, we conduct research with faculty and staff members to assess opinions and understand attitudes, needs, and perceptions. This input can be crucial whether you're working on gender equity issues, embarking on a strategic planning process, or evaluating a recent initiative.

In addition to research, we offer a few planning & consulting services to help leaders innovate, articulate new visions, redefine their programs and services, and plan for a more successful, sustainable future.