Office of Policy Analysis & Research
1534 Van Hise Hall
1220 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-6441
(608) 265-3175 fax
opar@uwsa.edu
The Office of Policy Analysis and Research (OPAR) supports systemwide planning, policy development, and evaluation through research and analysis. The office collects data and disseminates statistical reports for internal and external use.
OPAR develops and publishes "Occasional Research Briefs" and "Informational Memoranda" on topical areas such as enrollment trends, student retention and outcomes, and financial aid. The office also prepares reports on topics such as multicultural student enrollment, retention, and graduation. OPAR publishes "Student Statistical Reports" which are designed to answer general questions about UW System student headcount, full-time equivalent enrollment (FTE), and degrees conferred. It supports a wide range of research and evaluation activities in partnership with other units within System Administration. This includes preparing legislatively mandated reports and fulfilling Board of Regents ' reporting and accountability requirements .
OPAR acquires data through the management of the Central Data Request, which is a systemwide data collection effort involving a wide variety of areas including admissions, student enrollment, financial aid, and curricular activity.
OPAR is also responsible for disseminating information to state and federal agencies and other external organizations and is liaison to federal agencies concerned with data collection and reporting.