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Professional Development
Strengthen institutional research leadership skills and develop new approaches to create an effective data culture on your campus.
In accordance with Harvard University policy, Professional Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education affirms the right of all individuals to equal treatment in education without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The challenges facing higher education institutions are escalating, accelerating the pace at which decisions must be made. Leaders in institutional research play an increasingly pivotal role in helping institutions navigate these challenges and guide critical decision-making.
While some barriers to effective data use in higher education have persisted for decades—such as data silos, lack of governance, technical roadblocks, communication challenges, and limited professional development for analysts—new opportunities are also emerging. Advances like generative AI have the potential to make our work more impactful, accessible, and relevant.
Furthermore, the need to collaborate with colleagues across campus and with external partners, many of whom have not traditionally worked closely with institutional research, has never been greater. How can we strengthen the institutional research function while fostering cross-functional collaboration to support a data-based culture? How do we grow as leaders to meet new challenges and seize emerging opportunities? And how can we empower others to become confident data producers, users, and communicators?
Institutional Research and Data Leadership in Higher Education is an on-campus program designed to increase the effectiveness of institutional research and assessment and to support leaders by equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to enhance data-informed decision-making within the institution. The program welcomes interest and applications from all practitioners in the field
During four days on campus, you’ll form relationships with IR and data analytics leaders from across higher education. And with the support of our talented faculty, you’ll learn strategies to enhance IR, analytics, assessment, and decision-support-related efforts and functions across your institution, including data governance, strategic planning, and IT infrastructure development.
During your time on campus, you will:
As a university leader and a researcher, Drew Allen focuses on using data and analysis to support strategic planning in higher education.
This program is ideal for seasoned institutional research, analytics, and assessment leaders, as well as those stepping into new leadership roles in the following areas:
Titles may include:
This program welcomes applications from both individuals and teams. First-time applicants need to create a Professional Education account to apply.
Individuals: Click the "Apply" button at the top of this page to log into your Professional Education account and access the application page. Proceed with the individual form until submission.
Teams: Designate one participant or an administrative staff member as the Coordinator.
Invoices: Invoices will only be available upon your acceptance.
This program counts toward the Executive Certificate in Higher Education Leadership. Complete this program and two additional qualifying programs within 36 months to earn a distinguished credential designed to strengthen your leadership capacity and help you meet the evolving challenges of higher education.Learn more about the Executive Certificate in Higher Education Leadership.