Institutional Effectiveness, Accreditation, and Research

The Institutional Effectiveness, Accreditation, and Research department (IEAR), provides Polk State College with program assessment and evaluation, accreditation guidelines ensuring 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.

Our 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.

We promote 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 fourteen core requirements, or “basic qualifications an institution must meet to be accredited.”

Our 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.

Our 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.

Our 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.