General Data Requests: Please review the Data and Publication Center for current reports, data, and information that the Commission makes available to the public as well as the File Specs and Report Calendar section that lists the data currently collected from public higher education institutions. To request information that is not currently available through these sources, please complete the data request form below, providing as much information as possible to assist the research review team in determining the best way to respond. Completed forms should be emailed to Melanie Baker at Melanie.Baker@wvhepc.edu or Zornitsa Georgieva at Zornitsa.Georgieva@wvhepc.edu.

• Data Request Form

Research Requests:

The Commission has developed a process whereby external researchers may request data and information to conduct research and program evaluation studies germane to postsecondary education if the research study meets specific criteria related to scientific merit and feasibility; the research is consistent and in alignment with the goals and priorities of the Commission and Council; appropriate privacy, confidentiality, and security are ensured throughout the proposed research; the research meets the qualifications of a FERPA exception as outlined in 20 U.S.C. § 1232g(b) and (h) - (j) and 34 CFR § 99.31.; and all necessary legal documentation are signed and in place.

All research requests are considered on a case-by-case basis to determine feasibility including time commitment, if the request is in accordance with the Commission's research criteria, and if the request is compliant with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

To begin the research request process, please complete the research proposal application below, providing as much information as possible to assist the research review team in determining the appropriate next steps. Completed applications should be emailed to Melanie Baker at Melanie.Baker@wvhepc.edu or Zornitsa Georgieva at Zornitsa.Georgieva@wvhepc.edu.

• Research Proposal Application

Conditions and Limitations:

• The research review team will review all data requests and research proposal applications. There is no guarantee of approval, and length of reviews may vary due to complexities of requests and internal workload.
• Pursuant to FERPA we will not release student-level data or other personally identifiable information to external parties except when subject to formal research or data access/disclosure agreements legally binding all parties to specific terms and requirements.
• Linking data to external data sources, attempting to re-identify data is not permitted by researchers and can result in legal action.