What We Do
We believe that better academic research can expand college access and student success in lasting ways. We do this by collaborating with practitioners to develop and implement research studies addressing their specific needs and capacity constraints. We bring an equity-oriented and evidence-based approach to these partnerships, where our team collects, manages, and analyzes data with the goal of improving policies and practices to better promote student success – particularly for underrepresented students.
How We Do It
We do this through a unique research-practice partnership with UW-Madison’s Division of Enrollment Management. Internal partners include the Office of Student Financial Aid, Office of Admissions and Recruitment, and the Registrar’s Office. We also do this through external partnerships with other universities, philanthropic organizations, governmental agencies, and schools and colleges on campus. In each setting, we approach our research questions and evaluation plans in collaborative and student-centered ways that leverage data insights to improve programs, policies, and practices.
Why This Approach Matters
Researchers and practitioners benefit greatly from one another’s expertise. Research is better when well-informed by practice. And practice is improved when it engages with research. By being physically located in the Division of Enrollment Management, the lab builds and maintains relationships with financial aid administrators, admissions counselors, and several professionals within the division supporting students on a daily basis. This proximity allows administrators to have convenient and direct access to researchers who can help develop and respond to research questions to help support/inform their decision-making. Our approach allows the lab develop and test new ideas for promoting student success.