History
DIRA was established in 2008 in response to LAU’s strategic expansion and the growing need to professionalize the University’s analytic capabilities. Dr. Diane Nauffal was appointed to found DIRA, with a mandate to develop systematic approaches to data management, institutional assessment, and evidence-based decision-making. Reporting directly to the Office of the President, DIRA was positioned as LAU’s central hub for institutional data and strategic analysis.
Since its founding, DIRA has evolved from basic reporting functions to comprehensive analytics, sophisticated assessment frameworks, and strategic decision support. Today, we partner with academic and administrative leaders across the University to enhance educational quality, support accreditation processes, monitor institutional performance, and advance LAU’s strategic priorities. Through rigorous analysis, transparent reporting, and collaborative engagement, DIRA enables LAU to make evidence-based decisions that enhance student success and institutional excellence.
Mission
DIRA at LAU transforms institutional data into strategic insight. Through rigorous analysis, innovative assessment, data-informed analytics, and transparent reporting, DIRA supports evidence-based planning, enhances student learning, and advances institutional excellence.
Turning data into insight — and insight into excellence.
Values
At DIRA, our work is grounded in principles that shape how we think, collaborate, and lead. These values uphold trust, integrity, and innovation in every analysis, ensuring that evidence inspires action and meaningful institutional progress.
- Integrity: We uphold accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all our data, assessment, and reporting practices—earning the trust of the university community.
- Data Governance: We steward institutional data responsibly through clear standards, secure systems, and consistent practices that ensure accuracy, privacy, and ethical use across the university.
- Collaboration: We partner with academic and administrative units to build shared understanding, strengthen data literacy, and foster collective ownership of institutional knowledge.
- Innovation: We leverage analytics, technology, and creative methodologies to transform data into actionable insight that drives sustainable improvement.
- Accountability: We ensure transparency, reliability, and evidence-informed decision-making through responsible and consistent practices.
- Excellence: We strive to enhance the quality, relevance, and impact of education, research, and institutional effectiveness at LAU.