IR Office Moves Under Jurisdiction of Provost Auston

IR Office Moves Under Jurisdiction of Provost Auston
RICE NEWS OFFICE

President Malcolm Gillis has announced that the Rice University Office of Institutional
Research (IR), which in the past has functioned within the area of University
Advancement, has been moved under the jurisdiction of Provost David Auston.

Under the new arrangement, Director of Institutional Research Leona Urbish
and her staff will report to Assistant Provost Thomas Hochstettler. The IR office
serves as an important information clearinghouse for Rice and provides statistical,
analytical and research support for a variety of offices throughout the university.

This move comes in response to recommendations contained in a report from Thomas
Bohannon, assistant vice president for Institutional Research and Testing at
Baylor University, who, at the request of Vice President of University Advancement
Kathryn Costello, undertook a thorough review of the IR operation at Rice last
year.

Bohannon’s report concluded, among other things, that IR at Rice could be of
greater value to policy makers if its reporting line were transferred to the
provost.

"This change will align the research capabilities of the IR Office more
squarely with Rice’s mission of academic excellence," said Rice President
Malcolm Gillis. "The new reporting relationship enables the staff to play
a larger role in supporting the goals of Rice’s strategic plan."

Costello said, "Leona and the IR staff have added a great deal to the
team in University Advancement. We will miss their daily participation, but
we understand the merit in Mr. Bohannon’s proposal and fully support this move."

Auston noted that this transfer is being undertaken at absolutely no incremental
cost to the university. If anything, this move will increase even further the
effectiveness of the IR functions by harnessing them to the information resources
already available within the provost’s area, he said.

Urbish said that she and her staff are looking forward to this new working
relationship and the opportunity for greater interaction with both the academic
and administrative components of the university.

Questions should be directed to Thomas Hochstettler at (713) 527-4033.

For related information visit the following Web site:
Rice University Office of Institutional Research: www.ruf.rice.edu/~instresr/