Decentralized Institutional Research Through the Lens of Branch Campuses

Session Abstract: The international branch campuses (IBCs) of US universities offer a window into pronounced institutional decentralization, enrolling students and offering degrees thousands of miles away from decision-makers at their home campuses. Beyond mere differences in space and time zone, IBCs also have unique data analytics and reporting needs to sustain operations in their host country. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and Georgetown University in Qatar have taken two different approaches to meeting those branch-specific needs. By discussing the data needs of international and domestic branch campus as semi-autonomous parts of a university and the institutional research strategies used to meet those needs, this session will shine a light on both decentralization of the institutional research function and the complex dynamics that IR leaders need to navigate around a growing multiversity.

Keywords: Branch Campus, Qatar, Embedded Analysts, Franchise Model, Elaborate Profusion