Institutional Research
Query Requests
Page Content
Overview
The Office of Institutional Research at The University of Southern Mississippi creates and alters queries for internal community members. While the Office accepts ad hoc data requests, query requests focus more on making changes to existing queries and creating new ones which are helpful in generating reports for those who need it on a frequent basis, providing flexibility and ease of access to end users directly. A query request typically involves a dataset that will be utilized multiple times with minimal changes to its criteria; for entirely unique datasets that are not foreseen as potential repeats, please submit a standard data request.
For running these queries, query run access is required.
APPROVED INFORMATION
Per the Southern Miss and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) Compliance Policy, The University of Southern Mississippi has designated the following items as directory information:
- Student’s name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Campus e-mail address
- Major
- Dates of attendance
- Classification
- Degree(s) earned
- Previous institutions attended
- Participation in student organizations
- Participation in University recognized organization and activities
- Honors and awards
- Student’s photo
- Dean’s/President’s list
All query requests will be reviewed to determine what data is allowed to be distributed per the Southern Miss and FERPA Compliance Policy.
Southern Miss Query Request Policy
QUERY REQUEST BEST PRACTICES
PREFERRED COMPLETION DATE: Please allow AT LEAST 3 weeks for the processing of your request. NEW VS. EXISTING: Specify whether the request involves creating a new query or editing/changing an existing one. FREQUENCY OF USE: Retain and communicate a realistic estimation of how often you expect to run the query. DESCRIPTION OF INFORMATION REQUEST:
Example: Fall 2022, Spring 2023 Tip: IR default “Academic Year” is modeled from IHL metrics with summer leading (Summer 2022, Fall 2022, and Spring 2023 is Academic Year 2022-23). Aid Year refers to fall leading data (Fall 2022, Spring 2023, and Summer 2023). Please be sure to define which type of year you are seeking. PURPOSE OF YOUR REQUEST Let us know why you are requesting this query; context can help us help you! Example: The query requested will help us independently track first-generation student enrollment over time without the need for the turnaround associated with a one-time data request. |