AAP ACADEMY ADMINISTRATION PRACTICE Research Project Growth Starts With Knowledge Abstracts The following abstracts describe a sampling of projects completed by Hanover Research on behalf of various higher education institutions during August 2012. 1750 H STREET NW, 2nd FLOOR, WASHINGTON, DC 20006 P 202.756.2971 F 866.808.6585 www.hanoverresearch.com
MARKET EVALUATION Feasibility Study for a Master s Degree in Music Therapy - In order to aid the University in gauging the feasibility of a master s degree in music therapy, Hanover Research assesses student demand and labor market outlook in the mid-eastern United States and nationwide. Relevant programs offered by regional competitor institutions are also profiled. Bachelor s and Master s Degree Programming Opportunities - In this report, Hanover examines labor market trends in the Midwest region. We identify high-growth occupations requiring a bachelor s or master s degree, indicating potentially viable areas of opportunity for University program development and/or expansion. We finish with a discussion of the availability of related degree programs among regional peers and competitors. Competitive Landscape for Cognitive Sciences Programs This report examines the competitive landscape for programs that award degrees in cognitive sciences or similar subject areas at the bachelor s, master s, and doctoral degree levels. We profile peers to identify admission requirements, credit requirements, program length, program pricing, program delivery, number of completions, program outcomes, and unique program features. Market Analysis Undergraduate Hospitality and Tourism Management Programs - In this report, Hanover analyzes the current market for undergraduate programs in hospitality and tourism management programs. Particular attention is paid to the market for such programs in the Canadian province, as requested by the University. Recognition of Students, Faculty and Staff at University Peer Institutions - Hanover profiles selected events and ceremonies designed to celebrate student, faculty, and staff, as well as their successes and accomplishments, at University peer institutions. Additionally, Hanover Research will offer brief profiles of several of these events. This information will help the University to understand the commonality of, and causes for, various ceremonies and events held by peer institutions. NSSR - Market Assessment of Terminal M.A. Programs Follow-Up - In order to assist the University for social research in its consideration of potential new terminal M.A. programs, Hanover presents this assessment of the market for a master s program in design ethnography and a master s program in migration studies. Additionally, Hanover examines a peer University s M.A. social sciences program in detail, particularly the composition of its faculty, student body, and the career paths of its alumni. Dual Degree Tuition Differentiation - This report examines the issue of tuition differentiation in the context of dual degrees, with a specific focus on graduate-level programs. The report surveys relevant policies and approaches currently employed at peer and non-peer institutions. 2012 Hanover Research www.hanoverresearch.com 2
Fraud Risk Assessments at Canadian Universities - In this report, Hanover analyzes fraud risk assessments in Canada as well as at Canadian Universities. The report is organized into the following three sections: literature review of fraud risk assessments, best practices in fraud risk assessments, and fraud risk assessment practices in higher education. Leadership in Small Jewish Communities - This document offers a brief introduction to leadership in small Jewish communities, as is made available by research on the topic. We also examine four distance learning degree programs related to religious leadership. Digital Animation Program Demand Assessment - Hanover examines trends in digital animation degree completions and labor market trends affecting the career opportunities for degree holders. The report includes profiles of four exemplary digital animation programs. This report will assist the University in determining whether or not to offer a degree in digital animation, and under what conditions a degree should be offered. Industrial/Organizational Psychology Competitor and Market Analysis - In this report, Hanover reviews the labor market demand for professionals in industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology and related fields, as well as student demand for degree programs that lead to such occupations. We pay special attention to regional competitors of the University s I-O Psychology Master of Arts degree program and the characteristics of students who enroll in these programs. Executive MBA Program Curricula, Formats, & Overall Market Situation - This report addresses a wide variety of issues related to Executive MBA programs, both nationally and in the local market. It is meant to assist the University s school of management in determining appropriate marketing activities, understanding the dynamics of the local and national market, and assessing how schools of business are responding to changes in the Executive MBA market sector. High-Demand Undergraduate Majors - Hanover investigates degree completion trends in general and specialized academic disciplines in psychology, technology, the humanities, and theology, among other areas. We compare the most popular disciplines, measured both by total completions and by growth in completions, at all HBCUs nationwide, at state institutions, and at city area institutions to identify specific high-demand programs that could successfully attract undergraduates to the University. QUANTITATIVE & QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS Graduate-Level Retention Study - In this report, Hanover Research evaluates key predictors of on-time graduation at the University. Specifically, we analyze student-level data, including demographic and academic characteristics, using a multiple regression modeling technique. 123 Connect: Performance and Retention of Fall 2011 Cohort - Hanover analyzes the impact of the Title V grant on the Fall 2011 cohort at the community college. In particular, 2012 Hanover Research www.hanoverresearch.com 3
the objective of this study is to understand the isolated and combined effects of the Title V grant and the various program components associated with it on students academic performance and retention rates. Solo Practice: Obstacles and Resources - This report synthesizes its three-part analysis of obstacles and resources related to solo legal practice. This report is intended to provide the University s law school with a review of best practices in solo practice incubators and legal residencies, as well as an in-depth qualitative analysis of Starting Out Solo member experiences and attitudes, as it considers how best to support law graduates considering a solo practice career track. State-Level Workforce Analysis - In this report, Hanover examines the composition of the labor market within the state, with particular attention paid to high-demand and fastgrowing occupations. In addition, we identify the most popular areas of postsecondary education in the state during recent years. Through a comparative analysis of state-level labor market data and postsecondary degree completions, we offer suggestions as to whether any gaps currently exist in educational offerings as related to workforce demand at the state level. SURVEYING Recruiter Survey Analysis - In this report, Hanover Research analyzes responses from a survey administered to the college of business administration s top 300 recruiters. The purpose of the survey was to gauge recruiters perceptions of the University s business programs and shed light on the factors that influence those perceptions. In our key findings, we report commonly shared responses and develop possible next steps for the University s college of business administration. Survey Analysis: Student Steel Bridge Competition - Hanover provides an analysis of responses to the Student Steel Bridge Competition survey. This survey gauges parent and participant perceptions of the event, held at the University in May 2012. The report s first section analyzes responses to the multiple choice items from the survey, and the second section describes trends and common themes from the open-ended questions. Evaluation of First-Year Legal Writing Program - Hanover examines how evening students perception of what legal writing entails and how they assess their own legal writing skills evolve during their first year at the law school. In addition to longitudinal analysis, we include a comparison between the responses provided by the evening students and responses provided by the day students at other law schools in a previous study. BENCHMARKING Graduate Tuition Pricing at University Peer Institutions Selected Programs - Hanover analyzes tuition costs for selected master s degree programs at University peer institutions. 2012 Hanover Research www.hanoverresearch.com 4
Benchmarking focuses on tuition rates for master s degree programs in the following disciplines: divinity, Christian ministry, social work, communications, English, accountancy, marriage and family therapy, and communication sciences and disorders (i.e. speech therapy). Additionally, differential tuition rates for master s degree programs at several selected University peer institutions are profiled. Tuition Discounting Benchmarking Update - Hanover examines the tuition discounting practices at a group of peer institutions, utilizing recent data on JD enrollment, tuition and fees, and grants. As part of the update, we have included an analysis of the trend in the percentage of total tuition revenue spent on grants and scholarships among the peer institutions. Transitioning from Rolling to Deadline Admissions - In this report, Hanover profiles the transition from a rolling to a deadline admissions policy at a number of institutions that have recently implemented the change. Drawing upon interviews with university officials, the rationale, strategies, and challenges of the transition process at three Universities are chronicled. Nursing Program Faculty Benchmarking - Hanover provides an in-depth comparison and analysis of nursing programs at twelve institutions identified as peers of the University. Our report includes a summary table of relevant data collected through secondary research, as well as brief profiles of each peer institution s nursing program. Benchmarking Innovative Solutions to the Rising Costs of Tuition in Higher Education This report provides the University with innovative financial aid strategies practiced by peer institutions to address students ability to pay for higher education. Additionally, we briefly present information on tuition discounting and differential pricing at the graduate level. LITERATURE REVIEW Title IV Last Date of Attendance Policies This report examines policies and procedures used by mid- to large-sized community colleges and universities regarding definitions and processing of Last Date of Attendance for students receiving Title IV funding. The report draws on secondary literature and presents brief institutional profiles. Best Practices in Benchmarking Faculty Workload - In this report, Hanover Research reviews best practices in benchmarking faculty workload through secondary literature. An appendix contains brief summaries of sample policies related to faculty workload at American institutions of higher education. Guidance for Campus Sustainability Councils - Hanover identifies recent trends in sustainability-related administration within university systems. We discuss common approaches to collaboration and coordination at the system and campus levels. In the process, we present case studies of the efforts undertaken by five prominent American university systems. 2012 Hanover Research www.hanoverresearch.com 5
Innovative Approaches to the Delivery of ELT for International Students - In order to aid the college in identifying new strategies in the delivery of English Language Training (ELT) for international students, this report provides an overview of innovative instructional practices, with a specific focus on considerations related to integrated (native and nonnative) classroom populations and varied skill levels. The Value of a Liberal Arts Education - Hanover examines the value of a liberal arts education and the importance of the curriculum for skills development. In particular, this report explores recent literature on the subject, particularly as it relates to community colleges. This information will be used by the community college to assess the value of its liberal arts program and the marketability of the skills gained from it. Content Delivery in the 2012 Classroom - In this report, Hanover assesses the emergent trends, projections, and observations regarding content delivery within higher education, focusing on the latest technologies, research-based delivery approaches, and recommendations from experts and educators. 2012 Hanover Research www.hanoverresearch.com 6