The Purpose of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness provides campus-wide coordination, support, and advocacy for the advancement of the Southwestern Adventist University's unique mission through institutional accreditation, planning, assessment, Federal and State policy, research, and reporting. These processes ensure quality and promote the enhancement of the university’s various programs and activities as they seek to prepare Southwestern students for a lifetime of leadership and service throughout the world. 

Our Commitment to SWAU

At Southwestern Adventist University, we are dedicated to supporting our campus community by fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous institutional improvement.

• Trusted Campus Partner – Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administration to provide accurate, transparent, and meaningful data that informs planning and decision-making.
• Accessible and Reliable Data – Lead an effective data governance program to ensure faculty, staff, and leadership have access to accurate and reliable data tools for assessment and reporting.
• Strategic Support and Planning – Develop and maintain resources that support institutional planning, student success initiatives, accreditation, and policy development.
• Service-Oriented Approach – Provide timely, efficient, and proactive support tailored to the needs of SWAU’s students, faculty, and staff.
• Engagement and Education – Host regular workshops and training opportunities to help the SWAU community understand and utilize data effectively.

Core Functions

• Data Analytics and Technology – Enhance institutional decision-making through modern data visualization tools and reporting solutions.
• Data Governance – Ensure data integrity, security, and accessibility across university systems.
• Curricular Services, Policy, and Accreditation – Support academic program review, institutional & federal compliance, and strategic policy development.
• Assessment and Evaluation – Provide data-driven insights to support student learning outcomes, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement.