The primary function of the Office of Institutional Research is to support the academic, student affairs and other administrative functions of Community College of Philadelphia by providing information for decision making. Using institutional documents, such as the Mission Statement and Strategic Plan, the Institutional Research Office initiates research and evaluation studies for assessing institutional effectiveness.

The Institutional Research Office routinely gathers, analyzes, and reports information required by federal, state, and accrediting agencies, as well as by Community College of Philadelphia decision makers. Institutional Research staff regularly collaborate with administrators, faculty, and staff about research design, instrument development, data analysis, and other related research topics.