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Planning, Assessment and Institutional research

Department of Institutional Research & Assessment


The mission of the Department of Institutional Research and Assessment (IRA) is to facilitate the continuous quality improvement of the University through the process of institutional effectiveness. Institutional effectiveness entails the gathering and analysis of data to enhance overall quality in the areas of planning, assessment, measurement of student learning outcomes, operations management, policy formation, evaluation for improvement and informed decision making. All activities of the office function in support of the University's mission and fall into the following major categories.

  • Coordination of institutional effectiveness efforts to maintain institutional accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC)
  • Coordination of University strategic planning activities and documentation
  • Coordination of University assessment/evaluation activities
  • Completion of federal and state surveys, reports, and databases as requested or mandated to maintain related funding
  • Collection, analysis, and dissemination of pertinent information to internal and external entities as appropriate
  • Development of databases suitable for longitudinal studies and statistical analysis
  • Preparation of the University Fact Book, University Annual Report and other salient documents
  • Design and implementation of internal studies related to students, faculty, staff, facilities, equipment, academic programs, academic support services, and fiscal resources
  • Coordination of other activities in support of planning, assessment, policy formation and decision making