Common Data Set Initiative
• The Common Data Set (CDS) initiative is a collaborative effort between publishers and the educational community to improve the quality and consistency of information reported by college and university officials and to reduce the burden of compiling such information which is used in guide books, publications, and other media. The goal of the CDS is to develop standard and precise questions along with data definitions that will be incorporated into participating publishers' existing surveys, which will continue to be the primary data collection instruments. The participating publishers since 1995 include The College Board, Peterson's, U.S. News & World Report, and Wintergreen/Orchard House.
Data Sources:
• Besides OIEP, Office of Admissions, Office of Financial Aid and other George Mason units contribute to the Common Data Set data.
More Information:
• Can be found at :
www.commondataset.org