5P6 Using Data and Results in the Decision Making Process

STI tracks data on numerous areas including enrollment, retention and graduation rates, graduate placement, employer satisfaction, campus climate, and student satisfaction and places the results of this data on its STInet site, making the data available to all STI faculty and staff. This data is used by the appropriate group or individuals in order to determine STI current performance, develop a plan of action for improvement, and set measures for final outcomes.

At the institutional level, STI administration uses the data to help set institutional goals, objectives and key performance indicator targets. Programs and departments use the data to develop actions and measurements within their areas. Data is also shared with Advisory Committees who provide an industry perspective on the data and what it means. Institutional teams and committees are given specific data results according to the team or committee’s purpose and are asked to address any concerns the data may indicate.

Two databases for reporting program results have been revised to include planning and budget impact in the analysis. The process of having faculty use their data for developing budget justifications and annual plans is gradually improving. STI has strived as an institution to make this information more accessible by creating direct links to the data through the STInet site. Faculty have been given in-service time with built-in work sessions to complete reports. A designated faculty coach also meets with faculty to assist with program and student learning data analysis and reporting, and an Academic Planning Calendar has been developed to assist faculty in completing required student learning and action project reports (as well as other academic requirements).