Despite national declines in college enrollment, the University of Hawaiʻi has seen steady growth in its student population, particularly among local students. This growth is guided by data-informed insights from the UH Institutional Research, Analysis & Planning Office (IRAPO), which helps shape policies that enhance student success across the 10-campus university system.
As part of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy, IRAPO ensures institutional data is accessible to leadership, faculty, students and the public, promoting transparency and strategic planning.
“As a team of twelve at IRAPO, our mission is to support the UH community with accurate, meaningful data,” said Kara Plamann Wagoner, IRAPO director. “We are not just about numbers, we’re about connecting people to information and one another, ensuring insights lead to action.”
Data that drives change
We are not just about numbers, we’re about connecting people to information and one another, ensuring insights lead to action.
—Kara Plamann Wagoner
IRAPO serves as UH’s central hub for historical and real-time student data, covering key areas such as:
- Enrollment trends
- Student success metrics (graduation, retention, degrees awarded)
- Course registration and transfer rates
- Financial aid distribution
By collecting, analyzing, and reporting this data, IRAPO informs university policies, academic programs and student support initiatives.
Supporting students and faculty
IRAPO‘s work has influenced major university initiatives, such as “15 to Finish,” (PDF) an evidence-based campaign launched under former IRAPO leadership that encouraged students to take 15 credits per semester to graduate on time, while lowering education costs and accelerating workforce entry. “15 to Finish” has gained momentum and institutionalization at colleges and universities nationwide over the last decade.
“We often hear assumptions about enrollment or student success,” Plamann Wagoner said. “Our role is to provide clear, reliable data in context that tests those assumptions, leading to more informed decisions that truly support students across all ten campuses.”
Beyond academics, IRAPO plays a key role in university strategic planning, contributing to systemwide initiatives and developing metrics to track progress toward institutional goals and continuous improvement. In addition to long-term planning, IRAPO has also supported responsive decision-making in times of crisis. During the pandemic, its research guided UH’s emergency financial aid initiatives and student support services, helping to address urgent student needs.
Enhancing access to data
IRAPO is also instrumental in federal compliance, ensuring UH meets reporting requirements for the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which impacts funding and accreditation.
To make data more accessible, IRAPO is in the process of revamping its website to enhance usability. By the end of 2025, students, employees and the public will be able to browse interactive dashboards and streamlined reports for timely and accurate answers. The office remains committed to innovation and connection, leveraging new technology while building community to meet the university’s evolving needs.
The new website is seeking input. Share your ideas by emailing irapo@hawaii.edu.
