Association for Institutional Research
Enhancing Knowledge. Expanding Networks.
With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the Institute of Education Sciences, the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) operates the National Summer Data Policy Institute. The Institute is an intensive introduction to NSF and NCES datasets and research methodologies using large national data sources.
The Institute is open to:
- Institutional research professionals who wish to increase their knowledge of national datasets and skills for using such data in their IR role on campus
- Faculty and graduate students with research interests in postsecondary education
- Staff from state and national associations with interests in postsecondary data sources
- Postsecondary education researchers from non-U.S. institutions (limited spaces)
Note: All participants must have basic knowledge of statistical methods and experience using statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS, SAS).
The Institute aims to achieve four major objectives:
- Stimulate interest in using national data to address research questions in institutional research, the social sciences, and education
- Instruct Fellows in the methods of using national data to conduct analyses, with primary emphasis on the new Web-based data analysis systems developed by NSF and NCES
- Enhance understanding about methodological and technological issues relevant to national data collection
- Encourage collaboration between Fellows and NSF and NCES staff to improve future data collection and analysis
Fellowship selection is based on a brief application. The deadline for applications is March 22, 2010. Selection notifications will be announced no later than April 15, 2010.
The application components are outlined below.
- Contact information
- Statement of interest and applicant’s learning goals
- Statement of current research interests
- Self-assessment of statistical and research skills, and knowledge of NSF/NCES datasets
- Abbreviated curriculum vita
- Letter of support (for graduate students only)
Applications must be submitted online. Assistance is available from the National Summer Data Policy Institute (NSDPI) Team at nsdpi@airweb.org or 850-385-4155 x203.
The Institute will be held June 20 – 26, 2010 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Hotel, meals, and instructional costs are provided for selected Fellows. U.S. travel is covered in full; international travel is covered up to $700.
Overview of the Institute schedule:
- Fellows will devote the equivalent of one full day to background reading and preparation prior to attending the Institute
- Sunday, June 20 – Travel to Washington D.C. (a.m.); Institute registration, opening session, and dinner (p.m.)
- Monday, June 21 – Friday, June 25 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, June 26 (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon) and travel home (afternoon)
- After returning home, Fellows will devote the equivalent of one full day in preparing a narrative evaluation of their Institute experience
The Institute includes lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on instruction (a laptop computer with wireless Internet capabilities is required). Topics and activities include:
- Data Policy Seminars from leading national policy experts
- Overview of NSF databases
- Overview of NCES databases, including a focus on IPEDS data
- Demonstrations and exercises using specific datasets
- Technical issues using national datasets
- Data confidentiality
- Applying for restricted use license
- Day trip to either NSF or NCES
- Opportunities to network and collaborate with colleagues
STEP 1: Individuals are encouraged to begin the application process as early as February 1, 2010 by providing initial contact information as the first step: name, e-mail address, physical address, and institution affiliation. Providing this information assures that updates and deadline reminders will be sent to individuals via the e-mail address provided. Providing contact information does not commit an individual to submit an application.
STEP 2: Complete the online application by following the Fellowship for National Summer Data Policy Institute Guidelines (PDF). It is recommended that applicants write each section using word processing software and, when finalized, cut and paste the text into the online application.
*Note: Applicants can save application and return later to add and/or edit their information until either they finalize their application or the application process closes on March 22, 2010.
STEP 3: Submit the online application by following the directions at the end of the online application. When an application is successfully submitted, a confirmation message will be sent to the applicant. It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit the final application and save the confirmation e-mail as receipt of a successful submission.
For questions and assistance please contact the National Summer Data Policy Institute (NSDPI) Team at nsdpi@airweb.org or 850-385-4155 x203.
An application may be withdrawn at any time before the final funding decision is made. A request for withdrawal must be sent to nsdpi@airweb.org. Confirmation of the withdrawal request will be sent to the applicant.Applications are reviewed by AIR and a panel of national experts. Selection notifications will be announced no later than April 15, 2010. Fellowship recipient names and institutional affiliations are part of the public record that is provided to NSF and NCES and listed on the AIR Web site.
Coordination of Travel to Institute
Detailed instruction for booking flights and making other travel arrangements will be provided in a letter to each selected Fellow.
Preparation for Institute
Fellows will need to devote the equivalent of one full day to background reading and preparation prior to attending the Institute. Electronic reading documents will be sent to Fellows in advance of the Institute. Fellows will also be required to participate in an online survey prior to the Institute detailing their current knowledge of NSF/NCES datasets.
Final Report
Fellows are required to submit a two page narrative evaluation of the Institute experience to AIR no later than thirty days after the Institute. This should be an overview of the Institute experience, including a description of the impact of the Institute on the Fellow’s institutional research practices, future research plans, or other scholarly endeavors.