The Institutional Research function provides NIC with data to support national reporting projects, state reporting projects, institutional planning, defined action projects, and division, program, department and course analysis needs.
The Institutional Research (IR) function at NIC consists of a core IR team who provide structure, guidance and education regarding use and interpretation of data. IR staff work collaboratively with key employees in information centers throughout the institution who serve as data stewards and expert reporters for their unique functional areas. A healthy partnership with the Enterprise Applications team in the IT department allows for a strong data structure and reporting capabilities.
The IR team at North Idaho College is committed to supporting a data-literate and data-informed institution.
North Idaho College has determined a set of data standards that align with best practices in data collection and reporting. All NIC employees are expected to abide by these guidelines.
NIC participates in several internal, national and state reporting projects. Comparisons to state and national norms helps NIC to better inform actions for improvements to programs and services that support student success. An NIC login is required to access most reports.
- Common Campus Measures (CCMs) – This dashboard reflects yearly trends for all currently active CCMs. The data collected is used campus-wide for a variety of reporting purposes, including accreditation, strategic planning, and state reports requirements such as the yearly Performance Measurement Report.
- Common Data Set (CDS) – This data set is a collaborative effort among data providers in the higher education community and publishers as represented by the College Board, Peterson’s and U.S. News and World Report. The combined goal of this collaboration is to improve the quality and accuracy of information provided to all involved in a student’s transition into higher education, as well as to reduce the reporting burden on data providers. 2022-2023 Report.
- Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) – This survey is administered every other year to NIC students who have been in college for more than one semester to gather information about their overall college experience. CCSSE helps institutions gauge their performance in different areas of student engagement. Questions include how students spend their time; what they feel they have gained from their classes; how they assess their relationships and interactions with faculty, counselors and peers; what kinds of work they are challenged to do; and how the college supports their learning. NIC plans to administer the CCSSE during the Spring 2023 semester. Reports: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017.
- Idaho State Board of Education Data Dashboard and Annual Fact Book – NIC provides data to support a dashboard of commonly collected institutional measures among Idaho's public universities and community colleges. NIC also provides data for the Annual Fact Book published by the board.
- Integrated Postsecondary Data System (IPEDS) – This is a system of interrelated surveys conducted annually by the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education. IPEDS consists of 12 interrelated survey components that are collected each year. The completion of all IPEDS surveys is mandatory for all institutions that participate in any federal financial assistance program authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Annually, IPEDS creates a customized Data feedback report, a report that graphically summarizes selected institutional data and compares the data with peer institutions. Additionally, IPEDS data submitted by more than 7,000 institutions is accessible through NCES data tools.
- National Community College Benchmark Project (NCCBP) – This is a national data collection effort coordinated by Johnson County Community College in Kansas. The NCCBP collects and provides national community college effectiveness data enabling participating institutions to interpret and benchmark their performance. Annual national reports are available to NIC employees by request.
- Postsecondary Data Partnership (PDP) – This nationwide effort from the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) aims to help colleges and universities more easily understand student educational progress and outcomes. The objective is to provide easier access to better data to enhance knowledge and facilitate more informed decisions to support student success. NIC recently joined the PDP and submitted initial data in December 2020. NIC also participates in the public-facing Student Insights Dashboard.
- Student Achievement Indicators – NIC collects and shares widely a set of Student achievement indicators including, but not limited to, persistence, completion, retention, and postgraduation success. These indicators are disaggregated by race/ethnicity, age, gender, socioeconomic status, and first-generation status, with a goal of promoting student achievement and removing barriers to academic excellence and success. NIC also participates in the Postsecondary Data Partnership's Student Insights Dashboard featuring six different early momentum and completion dashboards.
- Survey of Entering Student Engagement (SENSE) – This survey is administered every other year to NIC students who are beginning their academic education. The SENSE helps colleges focus on students’ experiences in the critical first few weeks of college. Grounded in research about what works in retaining and supporting entering students, SENSE collects and analyzes data about institutional practices and student behaviors. NIC plans to administer the SENSE during the Fall 2023 Semester. Reports: 2021, 2019.