Promotional Data Policy

Purpose

To ensure transparency, accuracy, and compliance with federal regulations, Mid Michigan College adheres to this policy for collecting, verifying, and publishing satisfaction, employment, or placement rates, as well as generic industry data, in promotional content and materials.

Data Collection & Survey Method

Data of this nature is collected by Institutional Research, Program Coordinators, and Departments for the purpose of promotion.

• The exact timing, questions, and definitions for different data points may vary slightly. To ensure clarity, the individuals or departments collecting these data points are required to
  • Meet with Institutional Research or Mid’s Institutional Review Board before surveying.
  • Record essential information for future reference.
    • To be eligible for publication, the data collector must document
      • Total number surveyed.
      • Number of valid responses.
      • Overall Response Rate.
      • Documentation of survey questions, timing, and outreach methods.
      • Definitions of each data point.
      • Confirmation of whether employment is in the field of study. (if applicable)
  • Survey students via electronic, phone, mail, or in-person outreach methods.
  • Provide Strategic Communications with the data and definitions to be published.

Response Rate Requirement

Mid Michigan College will only publish program-specific data in promotional content if the survey achieves a minimum response rate of 25%. If this threshold is not met, no data will be published.

When published, the data must include the response rate and the contact information of the individual responsible for the data, in case additional details are needed.

Employment Verification

Employment is considered in-field only if

• The graduate confirms the position relates to their program of study.
  • General assumptions based on job title or employer are not sufficient.

Reporting Responsibility & Frequency

Program-specific data must be reviewed and updated at least biannually by the department or individual responsible for collecting the data. All records must be thoroughly documented, accurately sourced, and properly retained for future reference.

The department or individual collecting the data is responsible for the validity of the data. Institutional Research and/or Strategic Communications are reporters and publishers of data only.

Use of General Labor Market Data

The College may include general labor market data from reputable sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity, O*Net Online, or other verified third-party labor market providers. These data points may include

• Projected employment growth.
• Average or median income.
• State, Regional, or national job demand.
• Typical education levels for entry into a career field.

When using this information, it must be clearly separated from program-specific data and accompanied by a citation of the data source. These figures are intended to provide general career context and are not to be interpreted as data specific to graduates of Mid Michigan College programs.

Policy Oversight

This policy will be updated as needed to maintain compliance with U.S. Department of Education requirements and accreditor expectations.