Established in 1994, OIR serves an essential role--that of being the official source of information to Rice about itself.  This organizational intelligence function reflects the demand for increasingly sophisticated analytical support as higher education institutions operate in progressively more dynamic and competitive environments.

OIR spends a significant amount of time, resources, and human capital in conducting detailed analyses and research about issues, policies, and other items of interest and need for Rice.  Both Rice-specific and peer institutional comparative analyses are conducted.  National, state and consortial studies are performed.  Further, OIR provides facts and figures to the Rice community through both its electronic and hard copy publications, responds to information requests on wide ranging topics, and coordinates standard institutional reporting to Federal and state agencies.

Annually, 15 to 20 major survey and research projects are conducted (in addition to annual reporting), and as many as 200 topics for data are researched.  Services are institution-wide; and OIR works with the schools, the colleges, campus committees and associations, and the administration.  Assistance and consulting are always in the offing to both the internal and external Rice community.  Collaborative activities with campus colleagues and leadership roles in state, regional, and national professional associations complete the information sharing activities of OIR.