MENU

Special Interest Groups

AAIR is committed to…

…providing opportunities for its members and associates to explore their special interest areas in the field of institutional research through its Special Interest Groups (SIGs).

Feature icon

What are the AAIR SIGs?

AAIR currently has six special interest groups (SIGs):

Each year, sessions are set aside for these SIGs to meet during the AAIR Annual Forum.

There has also been some interest in establishing a ‘Quality Assurance’ SIG. Discussions are ongoing to determine if there is sufficient interest in this specialist area, and if so, how best to proceed in establishing the new special interest group.

Business Intelligence Word Cloud

Business Intelligence and Analytics

The Business Intelligence and Analytics Special Interest Group provides a forum for the sharing of information and discussion about the use of:

  • data warehouses
  • business intelligence tools
  • analytics
  • management information environments
  • digital dashboards
  • portals, and
  • data quality frameworks and processes at tertiary education institutions.

Visit the Business Intelligence and Analytics SIG page

ChatGPT generated image with the words DATA GOVERNANCE in the centre and images of people, technology, padlocks etc. around the outside.

Data Governance

The Data Governance Special Interest Group (SIG) recognises that data is a critical organisational asset that supports strategic decision-making but also requires robust oversight to manage risks such as poor quality, inconsistent sources, unauthorised access and misinterpretation. The group brings together professionals in data and governance roles to share experiences and best practices, discuss current and emerging policy and legislative requirements, network with colleagues from other institutions, and hear from leading experts in data governance. The SIG is co-chaired by Louise Branch-Smith and Tanya Parker, who support connection and knowledge exchange across the sector.

Visit the Data Governance SIG page

Banner for the GLobal University Rankings Special Interest Group. There is a map of Australia and of New Zealand, and also includes images of Sydney Harbour and Mount Fuji.

Global University Rankings

The Global University Rankings Special Interest Group (SIG) provides a forum for discussion and knowledge sharing about international university ranking systems and their implications for higher education institutions. The group focuses on understanding ranking methodologies, analysing institutional performance, and exploring how rankings influence strategy, reputation, and policy within the tertiary education sector. Members collaborate to share insights, experiences, and emerging developments in global rankings.

Visit the Global University Rankings SIG page

Photo of wooden blocks with words such as compliance and policy on them

Institutional Reporting

Institutions are required to report to their federal government responsible for tertiary education across a number of areas. These areas may include reporting on students, graduates, staff, research and finance. The Institutional Reporting Special Interest Group allows persons responsible for any of these areas to receive regular updates from their respective government representatives face-to-face.

Visit the Institutional Reporting SIG page

Photo of a chalk board with hands pointing to the words Forecasting

Load Management and Planning

The Load Management and Planning Special Interest Group provides a forum to share ideas, improve processes, build networks of colleagues, and discuss load management topics such as:

  • student load
  • budget forecasting
  • admissions modelling and reporting
  • government targets, compacts, and broad policies affecting current or future institutional load.

Visit the Load Management and Planning SIG page

Picture of a survey with checkboxes

Surveys and Evaluation

The Surveys and Evaluation Special Interest Group provides a forum for those whose responsibilities include:

  • student and course evaluations
  • QILT surveys of graduates etc.
  • staff surveys
  • other benchmarking surveys.

Visit the Surveys and Evaluation SIG page

Want to know more?

Why not sign up to our Newsletter mailing list as well? The AAIR Newsletter has information pertinent to SIG members.

Sign up to the Newsletter

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, AAIR hosted a SIG Forum around the middle of each calendar year. The AAIR SIG Forum was held in different states each year, giving everyone the best chance of attending. Originally the AAIR SIG Forum was purely for Data Warehousing, then from 2009 until 2019, included streams for all AAIR special interest areas.

Please view our previous AAIR SIG Forums.

Sessions are set aside for these SIGs to meet during the AAIR Annual Forum each year.

Subscribe to our Mailing List