The Office of Institution Research was founded in 1989 to centralize data collection at Clemson in preparation for the 1990 institutional self-study for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Clemson was one of the first institutions to conduct a self-study when the program was initiated during the late 1950s. In November 1959, a Steering Committee was appointed and by August of 1961 the self-study was completed with a report from the Visitation Committee prepared later that year. In similar fashion, in 1970, 1979, and 1989 Steering Committees were appointed by the President of the University. These Committees solicited the nominations of college and department self study committee members who created self-study reports for their colleges and departments. Until 1989, the work related to institutional self study was carried on more sporadically in preparation to the self study each decade although some colleges such as Agriculture prepared five year updates on their self study or other reports to accrediting bodies. By the late 1980s, accrediting bodies expected institutions to conduct ongoing assessment activities, which in turn required an office with permanent staff.
From the description of Office of Institutional Advancement self study records, 1955-1994 (bulk 1959-1991). (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 55003951
