Institutional Benchmarking and the 2025 Carnegie Classifications

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: Catholic University/University of DC

Institution Type: Any

Target Audience: Any

Presenter(s)

Victor M. H Borden, PhD (he/him/his)

Professor Emeritus
Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana, United States
Paige Borden, PhD

Chief Analytics Officer
University of Central Florida, United States
IM

Iryna Muse

Assistant Vice Chancellor for System Analytics and Business Intelligence
University of Alabama System
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
JT

James Trainer, PhD

Vice Provost Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
Villanova University, United States

Moderator(s)

MG

Mushtaq Gunja

Executive Director, Carnegie Classifications
American Council on Education
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Session Abstract: This panel brings together Institutional Research leaders and Carnegie Classification experts to examine the impact of the 2025 update on peer institution selection and benchmarking in higher education. Panelists will explore how the revised classifications influence strategic comparisons, challenge traditional affiliation-based peer selection, and support more equitable and accurate groupings. Through real-world examples and critical discussion, the session will assess gains and limitations of the new framework and consider future improvements to enhance its utility for institutional planning and accountability.

Keywords: Institutional benchmarking, peer comparisons, institutional performance assessment