Institutional Research and Planning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a research request?

We try to think about research as an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions.  In the case of practitioner-focused research and evaluation, the end goal is to understand and improve student experiences and outcomes. Typically, a research request would require:

• The extraction of data from an existing source (e.g. Banner).
• The collection of data (e.g. surveys or focus groups). 
• The identification of data from an outside source (e.g. National Student Clearinghouse).
• May involve documenting change over time or establishing baseline numbers to reach a better understand about specific outcomes. 

 

When I make a request, where does the data come from?

The data needed to answer your request is typically sourced from the Banner database, but it can also come from third-party software supported by the college, such as SARS, ClockWorks, Starfish. We also may access the MIS data supported by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (used to inform the Student Success Metrics and the Student Centered Funding Formula). Sometimes we will collect our own data whether through surveys and/or focus groups/interviews.

 

How long does it take for a request to be filled?

The response time can vary depending on the current workload and the difficulty involved in accessing the data requested.  Ideally, you want to build in as much time as possible and we will respond as quickly as we can. We generally request a two-week turnaround time if possible.

Feel free to contact the College Researcher if there are any questions or concerns about timeliness.

 

Who do I contact if I still have questions?

Elaine Kuo
Supervisor, College Researcher

Foothill College
650.949.6198
kuoelaine@fhda.edu