AIR Forum ‐ May 26-29, 2015 in Denver, CO
HERI is a proud Platinum sponsor of the 2015 AIR Forum
Presentations by HERI at the 2015 AIR Annual Forum
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM,
Room: Poster 1
Data Analysis and Research Methods for IR
Format: Poster Presentation Session
Abstract: As cost and financial aid concerns become increasingly significant in college choice, incoming freshmen apply to more schools than ever, and fewer students attend their first choice colleges (Eagan et al., 2013). However, it remains unclear how this affects their experiences once they get to college. This study examines how experiences during the first year vary based on students’ institutional choices. Using data from the 2014 Your First College Year Survey (YFCY), this study compares experiences of students from 4 groups: students not admitted to their first-choice institutions; students admitted to their first choices, but went elsewhere; students attending their first choices, but applied to multiple institutions; and students attending their first choices who only applied to 1 institution. Visual display of the findings shed light on the transition to college and how survey items, in addition to demographic data, can be used to add a level of analysis to institutional research.
Presenter: Ellen Stolzenberg (UCLA)
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM, Room: Poster 9
Assessment: Accountability, Institutional Effectiveness, and Accreditation
Format: Poster Presentation Session
Abstract: Institutions must better understand how various assessment methods can inform curricular and programmatic changes. This imperative is particularly relevant to STEM programs, which face the longstanding issue of underrepresentation of female and racial minority students. This poster shares two multi-method assessment plans and their development in addressing the evolving needs of programs geared toward retaining URM students in STEM majors. Viewers will come away from this presentation with a better understanding of how to integrate a variety of assessment methods and methodologies, and of the benefits and challenges of balancing formative and summative assessment. As such, they will be better equipped to serve new or evolving programs, which requires a dynamic approach to assessment.
Presenters: Hannah Whang (University of California- Los Angeles), Marc Levis-Fitzgerald (University of California-Los Angeles), Brit Toven-Lindsey (University of California-Los Angeles)
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM, Room: Room 405-407: Group 4
Data Analysis and Research Methods for IR
Format: Discussion Group Session
Abstract: This discussion addresses the use of multi-level modeling when examining first-year students’ engagement with civic practices. The following questions are discussed to promote a conversation about civic engagement on campus and how multi-level modeling can better inform programs and practices: What is the purpose of analyzing data accounting for nested structures? What individual and institutional characteristics are more likely to predict civic engagement? How can higher education practitioners and IR professionals use multi-level modeling to understand students’ engagement with civic practices in college? What practices promote civic engagement, especially for first-year students?
Presenter: Jennifer Berdan (University of California-Los Angeles)
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM, Room: Meeting Room 112 (Theater)
Data Analysis and Research Methods for IR
Format: Sponsored Speaker Session
Abstract: Across many universities and colleges, faculty and administrators use data for evidence-based decision making. While different methods of data gathering exist, valid and thoughtful surveys administered in a paper or online format can be a highly effective way to collect responses. The Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) provides institutions with the ability to better understand the experiences of their students through the administration of their five national surveys. All of the surveys are described in detail, emphasizing the longitudinal design. Additionally, administration techniques and tools are discussed to help institutions maximize participation. Finally, reporting procedures are outlined to highlight the practical use of the data for individual campuses. Overall, the objective of the session is to foster dialogue about the importance of survey research and to introduce one option in achieving this goal.
Presenters: Abigail Bates (University of California, Los Angeles), Dominique Harrison (Higher Education Research Institute), Maria Suchard (UCLA), Ellen Stolzenberg (UCLA)
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM, Room: Poster 60
Data Analysis and Research Methods for IR
Format: Poster Presentation Session
Abstract: With an estimated half-million job openings in engineering expected in the near future, strengthening pathways from engineering degree completion to entry into the workforce is of national concern. This study aims to identify the undergraduate experiences that contribute to the different post-college pathways taken by engineering degree holders. Using a national sample of 1,956 engineering graduates, findings from this study focus on experiences important to ABET engineering program accreditation criteria, emphasizing mobility along engineering career pathways to inform institutional policies and strengthen engineering retention rates.
Presenters: Bryce Hughes (University of California-Los Angeles), Robert Paul (University of California, Los Angeles), Kevin Eagan (University of California-Los Angeles)
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM, Room: Poster 10
Data Analysis and Research Methods for IR
Format: Poster Presentation Session
Abstract: The first college year can be a stressful time for students, especially when they are also concerned about their abilities to pay for school. Given the difficult adjustment to college, compounded by concerns over college costs, it is important to examine how these issues are related. This poster presents findings on the impact of students’ financial concerns on their adjustments to college. This study is unique in that it looks at students from multiple SES groups and examines their financial concerns, regardless of their financial needs. Using national data, this analysis examines the differences between groups of students with varying levels of financial concern. The poster presentation highlights different experiences of these students in their freshman years, which may impact their adjustments. There is also a section on the impact of these findings for institutions.
Presenter: Abigail Bates (University of California, Los Angeles)
Thursday, May 28, 2015
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM, Room: Meeting Room 106 (Theater)
IR Studies for Campus Decision Support
Format: Speaker Session
Abstract: Colleges and universities face increasing internal and external pressures to improve inclusion and equity on campus. However, measuring and benchmarking an institution’s climate for diversity can prove challenging. This presentation demonstrates how a new assessment tool—the Diverse Learning Environments (DLE) Scorecard—may help researchers identify and measure equity and inclusion at the institutional level. Aligning with national standards, the DLE Scorecard is linked to AAC&U’s Inclusive Excellence Framework as well as several VALUE rubrics. The presentation highlights how the Scorecard may be used to inform decision makers about practices, policies, and programs that may further the institution’s commitment to inclusion and equity.
Presenters: Oscar Mayorga (University of California, Los Angeles), Kevin Eagan (University of California-Los Angeles), Joseph Ramirez (University of California, Los Angeles)
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM, Room: Meeting Room 403 & 404 (Theater)
IR Studies for Campus Decision Support
Format: Speaker Session
Abstract: In the past year, colleges and universities have encountered increased pressure to assess and address instances of sexual assault on campus. Although a report issued by the White House suggests that one in five women will be sexually assaulted while in college, that statistic is based on a limited sample of students collected from two public universities. This presentation contextualizes the latest developments in policy and legislation regarding campus sexual assault and highlights data from a number of institutions—both private and public—about the prevalence of sexual assault on campus and students’ perceptions about the institutional response to allegations. The session concludes with a conversation that engages participants about data on this issue and how campuses are adjusting to new regulations.
Presenter: Kevin Eagan (University of California-Los Angeles)
Facilitator: Jessica Sharkness
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM, Room: Room 405-407: Group 5
Assessment: Accountability, Institutional Effectiveness, and Accreditation
Format: Discussion Group Session
Abstract: Survey research is a complex, multifaceted approach often used in higher education assessment. However, discussion of the multitude of factors to consider before, during, and after survey administration is not as common. The discussion addresses three overlapping themes and chronological periods: administration and planning, best practices, and college impact. Questions guiding this discussion include: What are key considerations on your campus when planning and administering surveys? How are data disseminated and utilized once a survey has been administered? Are there particular components of survey research with which your campus struggles? What are the most successful aspects of survey research at your institution? Along with the experiences of session participants, staff from CIRP at the UCLA Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) share examples based on years of survey design, administration, and research experience.
Presenters: Ellen Stolzenberg (UCLA), Dominique Harrison (Higher Education Research Institute)
