Expanding a Small IR Office by Engaging Undergraduate Student Researchers Kathy L. Pulotu Ronald M. Miller, Ph. D Paul H. Freebairn, Ed. D

The Setting: BYU-Hawaii  2500 students  Mission to serve Asia and the Pacific  50% are international students  Participation in NSSE, CIRP, and other national surveys for several years  Ongoing campus surveys on graduating students, alumni, faculty evaluations

The Question:  How does a small IR office conduct research and analysis while maintaining the daily load of responsibilities?

The Answer:  By collaborative team effort from key players across the university – including students

The Players IR Staff Administrators Faculty Students

The Conceptual Model: NeedsRolesBenefits IR Staff Time/manpower for in depth statistical analyses and reports Provide data and guidance on data definitions; contribute to theory Research that fuels initiatives on campus and leads to presentations Administrators Research to support assessment and accreditation initiatives Designate research topics; provide financial support Validated data for decision making purposes Faculty Support for research leading to presentations and publications Teach; Implement practical applications of theoretical concepts Present and Publish; Find value in student success Students Motivating practical experience in research and problem solving Primary implementation workforce; contribute to theory; student leaders 1 on 1 interaction with faculty & administrators; broadened opportunities for career and education

Evolution of the Team  Find motivated students and faculty looking for research opportunities  Set up the structure  Execute through close mentorship by faculty, admin, and employees

IR Analyst Experience  Become a contributor to research activities that benefit the campus  Learn and practice research methods and techniques  Present research at AIR Forum

Faculty Experience  Benefits for Tenure  Personal Satisfaction  Student Selection  (Screening Course and Mentoring)  Human Factors and Ergonomics Society  Six Sigma Training

How do we motivate students to help?  Vision  Visible career path  Value of education  Hands on experience  Passionate Faculty

Student Experience  Research  Research Methodology, Data Collection, Survey Draft, Data Analysis, Report Writing, and Presentations  Leadership  Project Management, Student Lead, Team Leaders, Senior and Junior Researchers

Team Organization The Committee Administrators, Faculty, IR Staff, Student Leads Faculty Mentor Student Lead Topic Group Lead (i.e. Gender) Group Member Topic Group Lead (i.e. Ethnicity) Group Member Topic Group Lead (i.e. Class) Group Member Topic Group Lead (i.e. Major) Group Member

The Model in Use Elsewhere  Polynesian Cultural Center  Tonga  China

Meeting Cycle 2. Group Leads Meeting Make group assignments Explain new direction(s) Set deadlines 3. Group-Mentor Meeting Clarify assignments Learn techniques for completing assignments 4. Topic Group Meeting Run stats Complete assignments Report to leads 1. Committee Meeting Discuss new research projects Review work on current projects Decide what needs to be done next

What can you do?  Identify players on your campus  Appeal to their needs/motivations  Get backing from Administrators

Questions?

Contact Information Kathy L. Pulotu Ronald M. Miller Paul H. Freebairn