Implementing the ISSE – Perspectives of Institutional Researchers Involved in the Design, Fieldwork and Analysis of the pilot Irish Student Survey of Engagement

In 2011, the newly elected government in the Republic of Ireland published its Programme for Government. Within it was a commitment for a national student survey within the Irish Higher Education sector. In March 2013, fieldwork for the pilot Irish Student Survey of Engagement (ISSE), based on the NSSE and AUSSE surveys, was conducted. The implementation of the ISSE pilot was governed using a partnership model between key higher education stakeholders and government. This paper examines the involvement of Institutional Researchers at each stage of the project delivery, from questionnaire design and communications planning, to data analysis and publication of the final national report. Three institutional researchers, from University College, Dublin (UCD), NUI, Galway (NUIG) and Dublin City University (DCU) will present and discuss the contributions made by Institutional Researchers in the implementation of this national project, and involve delegates in a discussion on the options for ISSE and other national surveys to drive national policy, and institutional quality enhancement