FAQs and Helpful Tools
Welcome to the resource hub of the Office of Institutional Research and Analytics (OIRA). This section is designed to support the data collection, analysis, and reporting needs of our campus community. Below, you’ll find key resources and tools to help you navigate and utilize institutional data effectively:
- Request Data: Submit requests for new data collection, such as surveys, or access data that has already been compiled by OIRA. We’re here to help you obtain the information you need for your projects and reports.
- Explore Resources: Access content and best practices from peer institutions, offering valuable insights across various campus departments and initiatives.
- Understand Statistics: Learn about key statistical tests and their applications, whether you’re working on small-scale projects or large-scale institutional analyses.
Our goal is to make institutional data more accessible and actionable for everyone in our university community. If you need further assistance, our team is here to support you.
Where can I find Institutional Data?
Institutional data can be found in several reports and resources available on our website, including the PLU Quick Facts, annual reporting via IPEDS and Common Data Set (CDS), institutional dashboards, and various enrollment and graduation reports. For specific data needs, you may submit a data request through our office.
How do I make a data request, general, or survey project request?
To make a data or survey request, please email a request at oira@plu.edu . Be sure to include detailed information about your data needs, such as the type of data, time frame, and purpose. Once submitted, our team will review your request and get back to you with the next steps.
What is the difference between Retention and Persistence?
- Retention typically refers to the percentage of students who continue their studies at the same institution from one year to the next.
- Persistence generally refers to the continuation of a student’s education from term to term, regardless of whether they remain at the same institution. Retention is a specific measure of persistence within one institution.
What is the difference between live and frozen data?
- Live Data refers to data that is current and continuously updated, reflecting real-time information.
- Frozen Data is captured at a specific point in time and is not updated thereafter. For example, data is commonly frozen on the 10th day of the new term, with Fall 10th-day data often used to understand enrollment. This data is typically used for official reporting purposes, ensuring consistency in comparisons over time.
What is a census date or 10th-day and why is it important?
A census date / 10th day is a specific point during the academic term when student enrollment data is captured and “frozen” for official reporting. It’s important because it provides a consistent basis for comparing data across terms and academic years, ensuring accuracy in institutional reporting.