2010 Conference

The Pacific Northwest Association for Institutional Research and Planning 2010 Conference will be held at the Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia from Oct 3-5. This will be our 31st annual conference.

To register for the conference please go here

The Sandman Hotel is offering a guest room block at a rate of $89 CAD/night. To book your rooms at the Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre, please call 1-800-SANDMAN or (604)-681-2211 quoting the group name and reservation number (PNAIRP Conference – Group Confirmation #522334) to receive the group rate of $89 CAD per night plus tax. Bookings must be made before September 9, 2010 to qualify for the group rate.

Alternative lodging options for members in Washington who may wish to stay in Blaine or Bellingham to comply with out-of-state travel restrictions can be found here.

We hope to see you in Vancouver!

Theme - Institutional Research as a Social Science

The social sciences offer a systematic exploration of the social world, often with the goal of improving lives and effecting social change. As institutional researchers, we use social science research methods in an applied context. Our findings may be used to improve access, equity, and success for students. We contribute to understanding the experiences of non-traditional learners, and to mapping young people’s transitions into adulthood.

Presentations on all topics are welcome, and the following areas are especially encouraged:

• Social science research methods in IR (e.g. experimental,  correlational, naturalistic observation, case studies, surveys, etc.);

• Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods of measurement (e.g. assessment of student learning, student experience, performance indicators, etc.);

• Statistical methods in IR (e.g. causal model, logistic regression, item response curves, etc.)

• Social science content areas in IR (e.g. anthropology, cultural studies, economics, political science, psychology, etc.); and

• Non-traditional learners, including Aboriginal, visible minority, and first-generation learners.

Keynote Speaker: Tony Penikett

Tony Penikett has enjoyed a broad-ranging career in politics, negotation, and mediation. From 1985 to 1992, he served as Premier of Canada’s Yukon Territory, during which time his government negotiated and signed an umbrella agreement for First Nation land claims in the territory.

He has also served as a Senior Policy Advisor in Saskatchewan and as Deputy Minister of Negotations for British Columbia. His book, Reconciliation: First Nations treaty making in British Columbia, was published in 2006. He is currently a Vancouver-based mediator, and teaches in Simon Fraser University’s Master of Public Policy program.

Call for presentation proposals

The PNAIRP Conference Committee is pleased to invite you to submit presentation proposals for the 2010 Conference. We welcome conference proposals on any aspect of IR and Planning professional practice, but especially encourage proposals that address the theme once determined.

Please consider sharing your expertise either through a paper presentation (45-minute sessions), a showcase session (10 to 20 minutes per presenter), or a panel discussion.

The 2010 PNAIRP Conference Committee is looking for proposals of completed research as well as works in progress. A work in progress does not necessarily have to be completed before the annual meeting, however enough information should be provided to stimulate discussion on the topic.

Proposals for pre-conference workshops are also invited under the general title, Tools of the Trade. Please share your knowledge on theoretical models/frameworks relating to higher education, relevant technological software (e.g., MS Excel, MS Access, SPSS, SAS, reporting software such as Tableau etc.), and/or statistical reporting techniques, or other areas of your practice. The Tools of the Trade sessions run for 90 minutes.

Proposals will be evaluated by at least two reviewers, using a blind-review process. The criteria used to evaluate the research proposals will include interest to practitioners, professional articulation of the research problem, and the appropriateness of the topic to the theme of the conference. You will find the proposal submission guidelines in the attached document.

Please forward this call for proposals to any colleagues who may be interested in presenting at our 2010 conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.

PNAIRP 2010 Proposal submission guidelines (PDF)

Travel Grants & Training Opportunities

Information on opportunities available to you this year.
PNAIRP Travel Grant Information pdf (85kb)