Institutional Research Support Fund

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    PURPOSE

    Good response rates are critical for any survey's validity. The data from the college's survey efforts are used in AQIP, LSQIP, Board Measures, scorecarding, program accreditation, and many other initiatives. In an effort to generate the best possible response from vital surveys, the Institutional Research Support Fund (IRSF) was established in 2007 to finance the purchase of (a) incentives to improve institution-wide research efforts (i.e. surveys, focus groups, interviews), and (b) other necessary tools (i.e., software, reports, etc.) that support institution-wide research.

    In accordance with Wisconsin statutes, no tax-based revenue monies may be used for the purchase of incentives; All IRSF funding comes from donations by individuals/entities. The IRSF and all donations to it are maintained by the Madison College Foundation.

    INCENTIVES AND SURVEY RESPONSE RATES

    In late 2005, incentives were adopted as a way to increase the response rate to our Graduate & Apprentice Follow-Up Surveys. After an initial pilot funded by the Madison College Alumni Association, the incentives project was continued for 2005-2006 graduates through a quondam Innovation Grant from the Madison College Foundation. The incentives for that year, consisting of an iPod, a digital camera, and a Wisconsin Dells vacation package, effectively reversed the downward trend and generated a 3.4% increase in the response rate. 

    Since incentives positively affected the response rate, a longer term solution was born in the form of the Institutional Research Support Fund. Becky Baumbach contributed the money to start the fund, with subsequent gifts coming from IRE staff and other institutional research enthusiasts throughout the college. The 2006-2007 year saw a 3.6% increase in the response rate.

    We thank those who have consistently supported our research effort by contributing to this fund.

    RESEARCH EFFORTS SUPPORTED BY IRSF FUND

    The fund has been used to purchase prizes for the following institution-wide research efforts:

    • Graduate Survey (graduates from degree, some certificate and apprenticeship programs)
    • Adult Learner Inventory (ALI)
    • Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI)

    The list above is not all inclusive of the institutional research efforts for which this fund may be used. If you feel your research has institution-wide accreditation impact, please contact zher[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (subject: Institutional%20Research%20Support%20Fund) (Zong Her) regarding availability of this fund for prize incentives for your research effort.

    DONATIONS

    Help IRE maintain consistent response rates for Madison College's institution-wide research by making a donation to the Institutional Research Support Fund. Donations may be made online through the Madison College Foundation's website. Please be sure to specify "Institutional Research Support Fund" in your donation.

     

    If you encounter any broken or incorrect links, please contact djmccormick[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (subject: Bad%20Link%20at%20URL%3A%20in%2Finstitutional-research-support-fund) (Daniel McCormick).

    Last Modified: October 18, 2011