The Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness

The Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (OPIE) is the central coordinating office for activities relating to institutional effectiveness and institutional accountability. OPIE seeks to provide reliable, systematic, and timely information to academic and administrative units in support of the University’s policy formation, planning, and decision-making.

In an effort to improve and maintain the quality of institutional data provided by the Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (OPIE), every attempt will be made to adhere to the standards of data accuracy and integrity as established by the Association of Institutional Research (AIR). The AIR Code of Ethics defines a normative expectation for institutional researchers and provides the foundation for institutional research.

Operational Calendar

Mission

The mission of the Office of Planning and Institution Effectiveness (OPIE) is to coordinate institution-wide planning, assessment, evaluation, and institutional research activities in support of the University's four-part mission of instruction, research, extension and outreach.

These activities include strategic and operational planning, assessment, institutional research, and institutional and compliance reporting with state, federal, and accrediting agencies. The Office's efforts are directed toward identifying, analyzing, and monitoring internal and external trends and developments that influence the University's mission and strategic vision.

Vision

We seek to become TRUE (Trusted, Reliable, Unbiased, and Effective) strategic advisors for all University constituents to support continuous institutional improvements and overall institutional effectiveness.

Major Functions

OPIE fulfills its mission by:

1. Coordinating and assisting with the development and implementation of the university’s comprehensive planning structure of strategic plan, six-year plan, and annual integrated operational and budget plans.
2. Developing and maintaining an electronic retrieval database of information pertaining to students, faculty, staff, academic programs, fiscal resources, library learning resources, physical plant and other areas as deemed necessary to assist administration in grant development initiatives, managing daily operations and making informed decisions.
3. Coordinating and assisting in conducting surveys and research projects pertaining to institutional administration, policy issues, and program development.
4. Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating key institutional data reports to internal and external constituencies.
5. Completing and responding to all mandatory and voluntary reports and surveys, with accurate data, required from OPIE by federal, state, and regional agencies and accrediting bodies.
6. Serving as a clearinghouse for all university related surveys, questionnaires, and inquiries in order to maintain the accuracy and consistency of the data contained.
7. Maintaining a historic repository of vital information on the University.
8. Conducting assessment and evaluation of the activities associated with the outcomes of institutional goals and objectives, reviews of academic, administrative and educational support programs and services.
9. Managing the Student Course Evaluation process.
10. Managing the commercial testing function in which the University serves as a testing center for Educational Testing Service and the College Board.
11. Supporting institutional and professional program accreditations and certifications.