Publications

In 1997, the Common Data Set (CDS)  was created in response to increasing requests for data. The CDS is a means for colleges and universities to collect comparable data using a standardized definition for questions of interest to higher education data providers and publishers. Goals of the CDS include improving the accuracy and comparability of information reported about higher education and reducing the reporting burden on data providers.

CDS 2023-2024

The WKU Quick Facts offer a brief synopsis of institutional data. They show a demographic breakdown of WKU student enrollments at the national, state, and local level.

2023 Quick Facts

Byrd, A. (2018). "Effects of Study Abroad on Graduation & Retention Rates"

Blaetz, T; Helbig, T; Huff, G; Bogard, M. (2017). "Examining Higher Education Performance Metrics with SAS Enterprise Miner and SAS Visual Analytics"

Helbig, T. (2017). "It All Started with a Mouse: Storytelling with SAS® Visual Analytics"

Huff, Gina. (2016). "An Excellent Journey: Exploring the New ODS EXCEL Statement"

Helbig, T; Foraker, M. (2015). "Killing Them with Kindness: Policies Not Based on Data Might Do More Harm Than Good"

Vincent, Chris. (2015). "Enabling and Analyzing SAS® LASR™ Analytic Server Logs in SAS® Visual Analytics"

Foraker, Matt. (2014). "Institutional Research: Serving University Deans and Department Heads"

Huff, Gina. (2014). "Simple ODS Tips to Get RWI (Really Wonderful Information) from your RWI (Report Writing Interface)"

Helbig, T; Huff, G. (2014). "From Providing Support to Driving Decisions: Improving the Value of Institutional Research"

Bogard, Matt. (2013). "A Data Driven Analytic Strategy for Increasing Yield and Retention at Western Kentucky University Using SAS Enterprise BI and SAS Enterprise Miner"

Foraker, Matt. (2013). "Does Changing Majors Really Affect the Time to Graduate?"

Bogard, M; James, C; Helbig, T; Huff, G. (2012). "Analytics in Action: Using SAS® Enterprise BI and SAS® Enterprise Miner™ to Reduce Student Attrition"

Bogard, M; Helbig, T; Huff, G; James, C. (2012). "A Comparison of Empirical Models for Predicting Student Retention"

Foraker, Matt. (2011). "WKU Freshmen Performance in Foundational Courses: Implications for Retention and Graduation Rates"

Helbig, T; James, C; Huff, G. (2011). "No Do-Overs: Tips for a Smooth SAS Enterprise BI Server Implementation"

Huff, G; Helbig, T; James, C. (2011). "Absolutely Fabulous: Tips on Creating a Publication-Ready Report Using ODS Absolute Layout Functionality"

James, C; Huff, G; Helbig, T. (2011). "How to Get Promoted in Six Weeks or Less: A Step by Step Guide to a SAS 9.2 EBI Server Installation and Promotion"

SAS Education. (2012). "Best Practices in Information Management, Reporting and Analytics for Education - 10 Tips from SAS Education Customers for making the most of SAS Software and Empowering Users to Drive Action"