2012 CBT- Data Capacity & Culture of Evidence Report

Abstract

Diane Troyer completed the review of the OCC Data Capacity with the assistance of multiple CBT team members. The review and subsequent recommendations focus on the effective application of data and clear evidence in strategic decision-making, planning, and college processes and operations. CBT found that, while the College has an excellent resource in the Office of Institutional Research (IR), the full capacity of that resource is not being utilized. While extensive data are collected and displayed, the data collection and dissemination is not focused on student success and a clear priority for improving outcomes including graduation. This will require clear direction from the College leadership as well as a shift toward college-wide engagement with student success data. A system for college-wide planning (academic, resource, and strategic) that carefully examines and applies data is not yet in place. The recommendations included in this report provide a framework for fully implementing a culture of evidence that values effective data collection, application of evidence in decision-making, and employee engagement and training in the use of data.