Institutional Effectiveness, Accreditation and Research

The Institutional Effectiveness, Accreditation and Research Department (IEAR) provides Polk State College with program assessment and evaluation and accreditation guidelines to ensure compliance with our accreditors as well as any state and federal mandates and institutional research. The Grants Office represents a centralized team of specialists responsible for activities related to governmental, foundation or corporate grant funds that support Polk State’s strategic priorities.

IEAR’s responsibilities include satisfying internal information needs across all dimensions of Institutional Research, coordinating accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness activities throughout the College, and facilitating Polk State’s strategic planning process.

IEAR promotes an environment of excellence and continuous improvement in support of the College’s mission, vision and values. This focus on continuous improvement of quality and effectiveness is also underlined by the fact that institutional effectiveness is one of the 14 core requirements, or “basic qualifications an institution must meet to be accredited.”

Mission
Advance Polk State by leading assessment, supporting accreditation and strategic planning that fosters continuous improvement, student success and data-informed decision-making, ensuring accountability and excellence, while strategically pursuing grant funding opportunities, developing impactful grant projects, implementing and managing to produce positive outcomes.

Vision
Be a central hub of data-driven information and resources to foster an environment of innovation and excellence for sustained growth and success which benefits the greater Polk County community.

Location
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Accreditation and Research is in the Administration Building (WAD) corridor on the Winter Haven Campus at Polk State College.