IPAS Implementation Handbook

Published:
Briefs, Case Studies, Papers, Reports
Author(s) and Contributors:
Author(s): D. Christopher Brooks
Source(s) and Collection(s):
Sources(s): EDUCAUSE Research Collection(s): Research Report
ParentTopics:
Technology-Enabled Advising Student Information Systems Student Retention Student Success Learning Analytics

Abstract

While the use of analytics to promote student success is gaining in popularity, basic questions about what IPAS is and the issues institutions face during implementation and integration. The IPAS Implementation Handbook catalogs the experiences, observations, and practical advice from 19 institutions engaged in IPAS implementation projects. To facilitate comparisons, institutional IPAS data regarding expectations, goals, costs, benefits, change management efforts, implementation team composition, and end users are included.

Key Findings

  • Among institutions included in this study, 84% deploy solutions from at least three of the IPAS domains of educational planning, progress tracking, early-alert systems, and advising and counseling.
  • IPAS projects are not simply IT projects; they are student success projects that require the cooperation and collaboration of various departmental, functional, and service units for successful implementations and outcomes.
  • The most frequently cited change-management efforts for IPAS projects tend to focus on institutional priorities that align with strategic plans and involve key stakeholders and end users in the IPAS process.
  • Despite their interest in IPAS solutions as end users, faculty and students tended to be excluded from change-management efforts related to their institutions’ projects.
  • Including a diversity of non-IT groups in all phases of IPAS projects—especially on the project committee—is viewed as essential for gathering feedback from potential end users and increases the likelihood of campus-wide buy-in for IPAS solutions.

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