CommonDataSet2022-2023
Credit course: A course that, if successfully completed, can be applied toward the number of courses required for achieving a degree, diploma,
certificate, or other recognized postsecondary credential.
Credit hour: A unit of measure representing an hour (50 minutes) of instruction over a 15-week period in a semester or trimester system or a 10-week
period in a quarter system. It is applied toward the total number of hours needed for completing the requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or
recognized postsecondary credential.
Cross-registration: A system whereby students enrolled at one institution may take courses at another institution without having to apply to the
second institution.
Deferred admission: The practice of permitting admitted students to postpone enrollment, usually for a period of one academic term or one year.
Degree: An award conferred by a college, university, or other postsecondary education institution as official recognition for the successful completion
of a program of studies.
Degree-seeking students: Students enrolled in courses for credit who are recognized by the institution as seeking a degree or recognized
ostsecondary credential. At the undergraduate level, this is intended to include students enrolled in vocational or occupational programs.
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
rogram 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 -
rofessional 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 from high school).
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.
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