It is difficult to call attention to problems when those responsible for them are able to frame the discussion around them. One essential tool of activists is research. By doing research, we can expose what's going on behind closed doors. We can pressure those in power through such exposure. And we can build support for our cause by showing people the facts they wouldn't otherwise see and demonstrating our credibility.
Research can be as simple as going to the school library or clipping news paper articles.
You can get an amazing amount of information just by asking institutions for data. For example, if your administration wants to raise tuition, call them up and ask them to send you the facts behind the increase, including information on financial aid, teacher salaries, and investments. If you go to a public university, this information should be easy to obtain. For campus organizing, it may be useful to answer some questions about your school. In many ways, information is power, and being able to access information is an essential democratic right.