Education
Educational Opportunities
Being up-to-date on the latest institutional research strategies and techniques
is key to your success. The Forum is your one-stop conference for cutting-edge research,
critical information, and important updates.
The Forum also offers AIR members multiple learning opportunities and platforms.
Join rising stars and esteemed veterans from a variety of sectors as they engage
in a lively exchange of new ideas and share time-proven techniques and tricks of
the trade in:
“The AIR Annual Forum provides my team the opportunity to expand their knowledge
of cutting edge issues in the field. We also have the opportunity to learn
about best practices from other educational institutions. Through this exchange
of knowledge we always come home with ideas on how to enhance our department.”
- Dr. Janet C. Perry
Director of Institutional Effectiveness
Oklahoma City Community College
Panel Session
This is a presentation of a complex or broad topic by several discussants who are
fully versed on the subject. Panelists will represent differing perspectives and
contrasting views that will enrich understanding of the topic.
Poster Presentation
This is a presentation of research or project that uses exhibits to communicate
its purpose and outcomes. Posters will be displayed throughout the Forum and the
presenter(s) will be available during two scheduled 60 minute periods to discuss
the work and answer questions.
Research-in-Action Session
This is a presentation designed to share professional work products, effective practices,
innovative applications, and creative solutions in institutional research.
Pre-Forum Workshop
Half-day: 3 hour period; Full-day: 6 hour period
A presentation that conveys skills and techniques and/or increases awareness of
issues and problems in institutional research through hands-on, interactive, instructional
exercises, including small group activities and/or in-depth discussion. Workshops
are offered on the Saturday and Sunday preceding the Forum.
Scholarly Paper Session
This is a presentation accompanied by a written paper explaining the issues, methodologies,
and outcomes of a single topic. A scholarly paper may report the results of a research
study, describe a methodological IR application, or explore a theoretical construct.
Table Topic Discussion
This session is an informal, highly interactive discussion of a current topic or
issue in the field. The presenter will provide focus to the conversation by using
5 discussion questions designed to encourage participants to contribute their ideas
and relevant experiences.
Enhancing the Student Experience
Discover emerging research on student development. Track 1 focuses on the student
experience outside the classroom and in learning through community engagement.
Assessing Student Learning and Program
Learn new practices in assessing student learning. Track 2 sessions include best
practices in measuring and evaluating student learning with quantitative and qualitative
means. Institutional effectiveness topics are central to this track.
Developing Academic Programs, Curricula and Faculty Issues
Enhance your research on faculty and academic programs. Track 3 includes exploration
of faculty roles, workloads, and research practices.
Informing Institutional Management and Planning
Develop a plan for success. Track 4 encompasses research and practice related to
campus-level evaluation and management for decision-making support, strategic planning,
and organizational change.
Building Higher Education Collaborations, Policy Issues and Accountability
Engage in dialogue about issues that reach beyond the campus. Track 5 focuses on
state and system-level issues, evolving public policy, data exchanges and consortia,
and workforce and economic development initiatives integral to the higher education
mission.
Practicing Institutional Research: Theory, Techniques, Technologies, Tools and Ethics
Explore solutions to meet the challenges you face every day. Track 6 focuses on
topics related to the practice of institutional research, including organizational,
ethical, methodological, and technological aspects of the profession.