Common Data Set 2019-2020
Differs by program (calendar system): A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that have occupational/vocational programs of varying length. These
schools may enroll students at specific times depending on the program desired. For example, a school might offer a two-month program in January, March, May, September,
and November; and a three-month program in January, April, and October.
Diploma: See Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma.
Distance learning: An option for earning course credit at off-campus locations via cable television, internet, satellite classes, videotapes, correspondence courses, or other
means.
Doctor’s degree-research/scholarship: A Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master’s level, including the preparation and defense of a
dissertation based on original research, or the planning and execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some examples of this
type of degree may include Ed.D., D.M.A., D.B.A., D.Sc., D.A., or D.M, and others, as designated by the awarding institution.
Doctor’s degree-professional practice: A doctor’s degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills for the recognition, credential,
or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these degrees were formerly classified as “first-professional” and may include:
Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.); Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.);
Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.
Doctor’s degree-other: A doctor’s degree that does not meet the definition of a doctor’s degree - research/scholarship or a doctor’s degree - professional practice.
Double major: Program in which students may complete two undergraduate programs of study simultaneously.
Dual enrollment: A program through which high school students may enroll in college courses while still enrolled in high school. Students are not required to apply for
admission to the college in order to participate.
Early action plan: An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the
candidate is not committed to enroll; the student may reply to the offer under the college’s regular reply policy.
Early admission:
A policy under which students who have not completed high school are admitted and enroll full time in college, usually after completion of their junior year.
Early decision plan: A plan that permits students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer if applicable) well in advance of the regular
notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three possible decisions for
early decision applicants: admitted, denied, or not admitted but forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.
English as a Second Language (ESL): A course of study designed specifically for students whose native language is not English.
Exchange student program-domestic: Any arrangement between a student and a college that permits study for a semester or more at another college in the United States
without extending the amount of time required for a degree. See also Study abroad.
External degree program: A program of study in which students earn credits toward a degree through independent study, college courses, proficiency examinations, and
personal experience. External degree programs require minimal or no classroom attendance.
Extracurricular activities (as admission factor): Special consideration in the admissions process given for participation in both school and nonschool-related activities of
interest to the college, such as clubs, hobbies, student government, athletics, performing arts, etc.
First-time student: A student attending any institution for the first time at the level enrolled. Includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended a postsecondary
institution for the first time at the same level in the prior summer term. Also includes students who entered with advanced standing (college credit earned before graduation
First-time, first-year student: A student attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. Includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college
for the first time in the prior summer term. Also includes students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).
First-year student: A student who has completed less than the equivalent of 1 full year of undergraduate work; that is, less than 30 semester hours (in a 120-hour degree
program) or less than 900 clock hours.
*New student orientation: Orientation addressing the academic, social, emotional, and intellectual issues involved in beginning college. May be a few hours or a few days in
length; at some colleges, there is a fee.
Full-time student (undergraduate): A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits, 12 or more quarter credits, or 24 or more clock hours a week each term.
Geographical residence (as admission factor): Special consideration in the admission process given to students from a particular region, state, or country of residence.
Grade-point average (academic high school GPA): The sum of grade points a student has earned in secondary school divided by the number of courses taken. The most
common system of assigning numbers to grades counts four points for an A, three points for a B, two points for a C, one point for a D, and no points for an E or F.
Unweighted GPA’s assign the same weight to each course. Weighting gives students additional points for their grades in advanced or honors courses.
Graduate student: A student who holds a bachelor’s or equivalent, and is taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level.
*Health services: Free or low cost on-campus primary and preventive health care available to students.
High school diploma or recognized equivalent: A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of studies, or the attainment of
satisfactory scores on the Tests of General Educational Development (GED), or another state-specified examination.
Hispanic or Latino: A person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.
Honors program: Any special program for very able students offering the opportunity for educational enrichment, independent study, acceleration, or some combination of
these.
Independent study: Academic work chosen or designed by the student with the approval of the department concerned, under an instructor’s supervision, and usually
undertaken outside of the regular classroom structure.
In-state tuition: The tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements.
International student: See Nonresident.
International student group: Student groups that facilitate cultural dialogue, support a diverse campus, assist international students in acclimation and creating a social
network.
Internship: Any short-term, supervised work experience usually related to a student’s major field, for which the student earns academic credit. The work can be full- or part-
time, on- or off-campus, paid or unpaid.
*Learning center: Center offering assistance through tutors, workshops, computer programs, or audiovisual equipment in reading, writing, math, and skills such as taking
notes, managing time, taking tests.
*Legal services: Free or low cost legal advice for a range of issues (personal and other).
Liberal arts/career combination: Program in which a student earns undergraduate degrees in two separate fields, one in a liberal arts major and the other in a professional or
specialized major, whether on campus or through cross‑registration.
Living learning community: Residential programs that allow students to interact with students who share common interests. In addition to living together, students may also
participate in shared courses, special events, and group service projects.
Master's degree: An award that requires the successful completion of a program of study of generally one or two full-time equivalent academic years of work beyond the
bachelor's degree. Some of these degrees, such as those in Theology (M.Div., M.H.L./Rav) that were formerly classified as "first-professional", may require more than two full-
time equivalent academic years of work.
Minority affiliation (as admission factor): Special consideration in the admission process for members of designated racial/ethnic minority groups.
*Minority student center: Center with programs, activities, and/or services intended to enhance the college experience of students of color.
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