About the Survey Research Office

What we are

The Survey Research Office, a unit of the Center for State Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Springfield, is designed for meeting the survey-related needs of organizations that are involved in public affairs. We specialize in offering survey services to state and local government agencies and to non-profit organizations. We offer the credibility and objectivity associated with University research along with experience in conducting applied research.

The SRO can draw upon the practical and academic experience of units and personnel within the Center for State Policy and Leadership as well as upon the academic expertise that exists within the broader University community.

Our extensive experience in conducting applied research makes us aware of the decision-making needs that drive your research and the resource constraints that put practical limits on it.

Proven track record

The SRO has a proven track record in conducting survey projects ...

... on diverse subjects. These have ranged from: the level of radon in households -- to preferences and behaviors of theater patrons -- to public opinion on issues -- to satisfaction of clients with programs -- to the impact of a proposed lake on area residents -- to the experiences of people when they leave welfare -- to the ways that people become involved in their local communities. And, these are only a selection.

... and on diverse "populations," including: the general public, both statewide and local; patrons and customers; employees and members of organizations; clients; service providers; businesses; professionals, including physicians and dentists; and populations with special conditions and needs.

Quality work and individualized service at a reasonable cost

The SRO staff has a collective pride in our work. Clients will work directly with a small number of professional staff. This translates into individualized services at a reasonable cost. At the same time, clients can be assured of having projects conducted by interviewing and mail-out staff who have extensive training and experience.

(SRO receives minimal funding from the University for its operation. This means our existence depends upon money derived from outside grants and contracts. As such, we must charge for our services. Yet, because UIS has a public affairs mission -- and because we are located in the primary Center at UIS devoted to public affairs activities, our goal is to offer our services at a reasonable cost.)

Our services: a full range that can be tailored to meet your needs

SRO offers a full range of survey services and selected data management services. These include:

research design
sampling design and selection
questionnaire development
data base preparation
data collection, through:
- telephone interviewing
- mail-out surveys
- personal interviewing (limited)
- Internet surveys
data input, editing, and coding
statistical analysis
report design/preparation
presentation of results
graphic illustrations
focus groups

SRO can design and conduct an entire survey project, or these services can be tailored to meet the needs, resources, and capabilities of clients.

Statewide polls

Periodically, the SRO conducts statewide public opinion polls. Through these polls, we track Illinois public opinion on such topics as the economy and the performance of public officials. These polls also offer an opportunity for organizations that cannot afford an entire statewide survey to "buy" a limited number of questions. On a cost-per-question basis -- and for a limited amount of money, organizations can get advice on question wording and obtain statewide and regional results as well as results by demographic groups.

Where we are

We are located in the Human Resources Building (HRB) on the far eastside of the UIS campus. (Parking Lot A, accessed from University Drive, is located just south of the building.) Our main office is HRB 120, and the Interviewing Laboratory is located in HRB 109. The Lab contains 19 interviewing stations as well as the Interviewing Supervisor's Room and the office of the Assistant Director.

To see the Director or Office Manager, visitors should go to SRO's main office.

To learn more about how SRO can meet your survey research needs:

e-mail the director at: schuldt.richard@uis.edu
or call us at 217/206-6591.