KAFU Center for Institutional Research

KAFU Center for Institutional Research (CIR) is a structural unit of the university. In its activities, the CIR is guided by the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, regulatory and legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan governing the activities of educational institutions, current legislation of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the KAFU Charter, the KAFU IQMS Guide, and the Researcher’s Code of Ethics.

The CIR operates without state registration and without acquiring the rights of a legal entity. It uses the property and resources of KAFU, as well as other sources not prohibited by the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to fulfill its goals and objectives.

Goals and Objectives of the CIR

The main goal of the CIR is to promote the improvement of university operations and to enhance the educational process.

To achieve this goal, the CIR sets the following objectives:

• Conducting formative monitoring studies of various processes;
• Analytical work based on research findings;
• Organizing, together with the KAFU Academic Quality Council, meetings to clarify key elements and results of studies, recommendations, and corrective actions;
• Collecting, accumulating, and systematizing analytical information;
• Interacting with the Academic Council, Rectorate, faculty deans, and departments of KAFU.

Institutional Research

The CIR director prepares an annual institutional research schedule at least once a year. Once approved, the schedule is enacted and becomes mandatory for all structural units of the university.

The procedure for conducting research and reporting complies with the general rules for conducting internal institutional research.

Research is conducted directly by CIR staff.

Any category of participants in the educational process and any university departments may be surveyed as part of institutional research.

The duration of an institutional study depends on its type, specific characteristics, and the size of the target audience (number of respondents). A final report is submitted to the university’s senior management and heads of structural units upon completion of the study.

CIR staff carry out both quantitative and qualitative analysis of survey results using mathematical and statistical methods.

The data analysis resulting from institutional research provides information on:

• Analysis of institutional monitoring results.
• Stating the current situation and dominant opinions;
• Identifying risk zones and their potential causes;
• Recommendations, possible strategies, and approaches to corrective actions;