Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Institutional Research and Effectiveness

The Office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness supports informed decision-making across West Liberty University through institutional research, accreditation, strategic planning, assessment, and data reporting.

Overview

The Office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness partners with academic and administrative units to promote continuous improvement and institutional excellence. Our work includes assessment, program review, strategic planning, accreditation, institutional reporting, and compliance with state, federal, and accrediting agencies.

By collecting, analyzing, and sharing meaningful data, we help the University evaluate performance, support student success, and make informed decisions that strengthen West Liberty University’s mission and future.

Accreditation &

Compliance

West Liberty University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of the nation’s regional institutional accrediting agencies. Accreditation affirms our commitment to academic quality, institutional integrity, and continuous improvement.

Our office coordinates institutional reporting and compliance efforts while supporting accreditation activities across the University.

Related Resources
Higher Learning Commission Accreditation
Accreditation Reports
Institutional Compliance Resources

View Accreditation

Planning

& Strategy

Aviation Scholarships

Aspire 2030 Strategic Plan

West Liberty University’s Aspire 2030 Strategic Plan provides the roadmap for the University’s future, guiding institutional priorities through innovation, student success, operational excellence, and community engagement.

The plan reflects a transparent, data-informed process involving faculty, staff, students, alumni, community leaders, and the Board of Governors.

Strategic Priorities

Academic Excellence & Innovation
Strengthening academic programs, expanding experiential learning, and preparing graduates for an evolving workforce.

Student Growth & Success
Supporting student achievement through inclusive learning environments, career readiness, and enhanced student support services.

Institutional Effectiveness
Building a culture of continuous improvement through assessment, data-informed decision making, operational efficiency, and professional development.

Community Partnerships
Expanding collaboration with schools, employers, alumni, and regional partners to create opportunities for students and strengthen our communities.

Strategic Planning Resources

  • Aspire 2030 Strategic Plan (Executive Summary)
  • Aspire 2030 Full Strategic Plan
  • Annual Strategic Progress Report
  • Strategic Plan SharePoint (WLU Login Required)

Assessment

& Program Review

Continuous assessment ensures that West Liberty University’s academic programs remain effective, relevant, and aligned with institutional goals.

All degree programs participate in a comprehensive five-year review process in accordance with West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission requirements. The Office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness supports faculty and departments through assessment planning, program review, accreditation reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Resources

  • Program Review Guidelines
  • Assessment Templates
  • Assessment & Accreditation Committee
  • Program Review Schedule

Institutional
Data & Reports

The Office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness collects, analyzes, and reports institutional data to support planning, accountability, and informed decision-making.

We coordinate required reporting to state and federal agencies, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and provide access to institutional reports and benchmarking resources.

Institutional Data Resources

  • IPEDS Data Feedback Report
  • College Navigator
  • Peer Institution Comparisons
  • Data Collection Calendar

Annual IPEDS Reports

  • 2025 Report
  • 2024 Report
  • 2023 Report
  • 2022 Report
  • 2021 Report

Leadership

& Governance

dualenrollment scaled

Institutional Leadership

The Office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness works closely with University leadership to advance strategic priorities, support accreditation, and provide reliable data for institutional planning.

Office of the President

President Dr. Tim Borchers leads West Liberty University with a commitment to student success, innovation, and community impact.

Resources

  • President’s Welcome
  • President’s Message
  • Board of Governors

Resources

& Policies

Access institutional documents, policies, reporting resources, and planning materials.

marketing2 scaled

Suggested resources include:

  • Consumer Information
  • Strategic Planning Documents
  • Assessment Resources
  • Accreditation Resources
  • Institutional Policies
  • Institutional Reports
  • Data Requests
  • Reporting Calendars

Contact the Office of Institutional

Research & Effectiveness

Sarah West
Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness
The Office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness welcomes questions regarding institutional data, assessment, accreditation, strategic planning, and reporting.

Contact Information
(Phone, email, office location)

Become A
Hilltopper

West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.

Scroll to Top