Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1993-1994, 1996-1997 (Creation)
Extent
2.0 linear feet (2 record boxes)
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment at South Dakota State University developed in the mid twentieth century in response to the need for coordinated institutional data and structured planning. Reporting to the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the office is led by a director and supported by professional staff. Its responsibilities include the management of institutional data, coordination of university wide assessment initiatives, accreditation reporting, and compliance activities. The office prepares institutional reports such as Factbooks, peer comparison data, IPEDS submissions, and Common Data Sets, and provides data in support of strategic planning initiatives, including Imagine 2023.
The office administers and coordinates assessment activities at multiple levels. Freshman placement is determined through ACT or COMPASS scores, and the office facilitates participation in the Cooperative Institutional Research Program. Departments administer the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency as required by the State Board of Regents. The office collects departmental assessment plans and graduating senior exit evaluation summaries for central review and analysis. Additional services include operating a testing center for national and Regents examinations, administering and proctoring exams, designing and analyzing surveys, processing instructor evaluations, and providing consultation on assessment practices.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The records primarily include annual reports, departmental assessment findings, and student performance data across academic levels. Key components include entering student profiles, mid-program and senior-level assessments (e.g., CAAP exams), credit by examination processes, faculty profiles, and comprehensive assessment plans from colleges and departments such as Agriculture, Engineering, Nursing, and Education. The collection also includes extensive documentation of curriculum development, survey instruments, graduate program reviews, and correspondence between assessment coordinators and department chairs. These materials reflect both internal and external evaluation processes, accreditation reviews, and efforts to improve institutional effectiveness.
This collection offers insight into institutional assessment practices from the 1990s through the early 2000s. It serves as a vital resource for researchers studying educational measurement, academic program evaluation, student learning outcomes, and institutional accountability in higher education. It is also useful for program administrators engaged in curriculum improvement and accreditation.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Information request form: Ask Us!
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.