Institutional Effectiveness
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness advances the university’s mission by providing leadership and support assessment and accreditation, institutional research, and strategic planning. We promote a culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement to enhance academic quality, institutional accountability, and student success.
Institutional Effectiveness Organization
Assessment & Accreditation
Supporting academic and co-curricular programs in developing student-centered assessment plans that enhance the student journey and ensure alignment with institutional and programmatic accreditation standards.
Institutional Research
Provide data access (collect, analyze, organize, & disseminate), internal and external reporting, and research.
Strategic Planning
Create a clear pathway for EWU’s future through strategic planning informed by ongoing institutional self-assessment and continuous improvement.
What is Institutional Effectiveness?
Institutional Effectiveness Institutional Effectiveness at EWU is a continuous cycle of planning, assessment, analysis, and improvement that supports the university’s mission and vision. Through data-informed decision-making, assessment drives institutional improvement and ensures alignment with EWU’s strategic priorities and long-term goals.
What are the main components?
Click the buttons on the left to learn more about each of the three functions.
Assessment and Accreditation:
Eastern Washington University (EWU) is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement through comprehensive assessment and accreditation processes. The university’s assessment initiatives focus on evaluating student learning outcomes across academic and co-curricular programs, ensuring that educational experiences align with institutional goals and effectively support student success. EWU holds institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), affirming its adherence to rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness. Additionally, several of EWU’s academic programs have earned specialized accreditations from recognized professional bodies, reflecting the university’s commitment to excellence in specific fields of study. These ongoing efforts in assessment and accreditation underscore EWU’s mission to provide high-quality education and to prepare students for meaningful contributions in their chosen professions.
Institutional Research:
Eastern Washington University’s Office of Institutional Research (IR) serves as a pivotal resource for data-driven decision-making, supporting the university’s mission through comprehensive data collection, analysis, and dissemination. The OIR provides access to a variety of tools and reports, including the annual Factbook, public data dashboards, and IPEDS surveys, which offer insights into enrollment trends, student outcomes, and institutional performance. By delivering accurate and timely information, the OIR aids in strategic planning, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives across campus. These efforts ensure that EWU remains responsive to the needs of its students and stakeholders, fostering an environment of transparency and accountability
Strategic Planning:
Eastern Washington University’s strategic planning process is a comprehensive, collaborative effort designed to define long-term goals and the strategies necessary to achieve them. Rooted in the university’s mission, vision, and values, the plan emphasizes student success, institutional equity, and community engagement. Key strategic objectives include enhancing the student experience, promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and investing in the university’s people and infrastructure. The planning process involves multiple steps—from preparation and stakeholder engagement to setting measurable targets and aligning activities across departments .
