Data from IPEDS
IPEDS successfully collects data on various universities and colleges related to performance criteria. These data are multifaceted and allow us to look at the situation at universities based on accurate statistical criteria and indicators (Overview of IPEDS data, n.d.). Table 1 provides an overview of the three areas of data for the University of North Florida.
Based on the data obtained, conclusions can be made about strengths and weaknesses. Data from the educational sector provide information on the number of students, the number of degrees, and the successful completion of training. This data allows us to analyze the situation in the university related to the organization of the educational process. The financial sector provides a simplified understanding of the university’s revenue and expenditure mechanisms, which allows us to establish the accumulated profit and suggest ways to use it. Finally, information on the number of employees and teaching staff allows us to understand the extent to which the university is provided with qualified personnel.
Strengths
The strengths are associated with graduation and retention rates and the financial sector, indicating sufficient conditions for the organization of the educational process and its development. Sufficient staff ensures that classes and seminars are conducted organically, where most students learn valuable skills (University of North Florida, n.d.). Based on the data on student graduation, it is possible to judge the effectiveness of implementing training programs and their retention among students. In addition, the level of earnings, regardless of the type, is high enough to support the high costs of education and provide for its employees.
Weakness
Despite the high earnings and student financial aid figures, there is an issue with how the staff is organized. Virtually all the staff are researchers or professors, but this is insufficient to support a student body of more than 15,000 (University of North Florida, n.d.). The percentage of undergraduate certificate recipients is only a little more than half, so there seems to be a problem with the retention of undergraduates. The weakness of the university is probably related to the cost of tuition since financial aid coverage is only one-third small for a comfortable education for students.
Data from the University of North Florida
A search of the University of North Florida’s official financial information revealed similar information to that provided by IPEDS. First, the total amount of revenues by the university was clarified as $14,120,574, which is identified in the annual report as the total of gifts (Annual report 2019 – 2020). In addition, the level of assets is over $150 million.
Second, according to the official website, the number of incoming students tends to be 16,000 (About UNF, n.d.). The official website also states high student retention rates, but no exact numbers are reported. According to both the university website and IPEDS, the University of North Florida is a promising university to enter. Despite the high cost of tuition, the retention rate is acceptable, and the organization is probably trying to motivate students.
References
About UNF. (n.d.). University of North Florida. Web.
Annual report 2019 – 2020. (2021). University of North Florida, Foundation Inc. Web.
Overview of IPEDS data. (n.d.). National Centre of Educational Statistics. Web.
University of North Florida. (n.d.). National Centre of Educational Statistics. Web.