5. Complete this statement: In my role, I can’t operate effectively without …
…developing positive relationships with a wide range of people from all levels across my university, but also across the sector.
Five Questions with Penny Szybiak
Director of Planning and Performance, Charles Darwin University, Australia
Penny chose to be interviewed in chair #21.
1. What is your job title?
Director of Planning and Performance at Charles Darwin University.
2. Briefly, how would you describe your role in terms of your place in your institution?
I lead a team of institutional researchers at the dual-sector education provider, Charles Darwin University. We have responsibility for developing and implementing the university’s data warehouse and business intelligence strategy; undertaking research to guide strategic and operational decision making; managing student load planning and monitoring; managing government data reporting; and conducting surveys. My team report to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President Operations; however, we work closely with the Provost and academic units.
3. From your perspective, what are the emerging areas of interest in institutional research?
One of the key areas of interest for me is how, as institutional researchers, we can use data and research to positively influence government policy relating to post-secondary education. There are a range of policy agendas currently, where we have an opportunity to contribute to the policy environment. Performance funding, review of the Australian Qualifications Framework, and realignment of designated funding allocations just to name a few.
4. What do you believe will be the future priorities for institutional research?
As institutional researchers, we can only be truly effective if we are able to communicate and influence using the data analysis and research we undertake. Whilst there has been a recent focus on developing skills like data visualisation skills to help with this, I think the future priority for institutional researchers is to also develop emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. This will ensure we can not only communicate what the research is telling us, but also how we are able to influence our stakeholders to apply that information.
Answer 5 Questions
Would you like to feature in the ‘Institutional Researcher’s Corner’ segment of our newsletter, The Institutional Researcher? Contact our trusty editors with the answers to 5 simple questions, and we’ll feature you in an upcoming issue.
