The Office of Institutional Research maintains a repository of integrated data and information in both electronic and print formats, and publishes reports for internal and external use to describe various aspects of the university; conducts analyses of existing data to inform policy and decision-making, and administers surveys to evaluate the experiences of university members, particularly students; and facilitates the strategic-planning process for the university in cooperation with the University Planning Council, which is chaired by the director of university planning and research. Together, the Office of University Planning and Research and the University Planning Council play a custodial role for the Action and Assessment Plan and the Annual Report Card, which track Northeastern's progress. The office also provides support and consultation for unit planning, as needed.