Association for Institutional Research
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#31Title: Changes in IPEDS for 2005-06 Prepared: September 7, 2005 Note: The AIR Higher Education Data Policy Committee recommends that you share copies of this Alert with the individuals at your institution who are responsible for the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Institutional Characteristics, Human Resources, and Finance surveys, and the IPEDS keyholder. Summary The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has announced changes in the IPEDS data collection system for 2005-06 (see http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/web2000/changes0506.asp). Current Status The collection of accreditation information was removed from IPEDS in 2005-06. The IPEDS now links to the Office of Postsecondary Education Accreditation Web site for this information. Collection of information on student services was reduced in scope. The data will be made available on IPEDS College Opportunities On-Line (IPEDS COOL). Modifications to Existing Collection: The Employees by Assigned Position (EAP), Salaries (SA), and Fall Staff (S) surveys will be merged into one data collection instrument. The combined survey is a reorganization of the prior three surveys with improved instructions and definitions. Data reported on the EAP will determine reporting on the other sections. Employees without faculty status will be reported in the Fall Staff section so that reporting is consistent with the way data are reported in the EAP section. The Finance Survey will be available during both the winter and the spring reporting periods. The data must be locked by the end of the spring collection. Additional Clarification Items: A Total column is provided in the Institutional Characteristics Survey for institutions that do not have data on applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students by gender. Two questions will be added to the Finance Survey General Information Page to determine (1) whether institutions that participate in intercollegiate athletics account for the revenues and expenses as auxiliary enterprises or treat them as student services, and (2) whether Pell grants are treated as pass through (i.e., agency) transactions or as federal grant revenues to the institution. Other Changes: The NCES will merge the on-line IPEDS glossary that contains only definitions with the data-collection glossary that also includes instructions and notes. The new version also will include alternative definitions from other sources (e.g., college guidebooks). Excel file import formats will be available for the 2005-06 Human Resources and Finance collections. These will be posted on the NCES Web site this fall. Implications for Institutions Institutions will want to carefully review the changes in the IPEDS surveys and be sure that the appropriate individuals are notified. Note: The NCES recommends that institutions review their accreditation information on IPEDS COOL (http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool/) to be sure it is correct. If there are errors, send an e-mail to ipedsaccr@ed.gov. Timeline July 27 - registration opens and survey forms and instructions posted September 7 - Fall Collection opens October 19 - Fall Collection closes for institutions December 7 - Winter Collection opens January 25 - Winter Collection closes for institutions March 8 - Spring Collection opens April 19 - Spring Collection closes for institutions Additional Resources Comprehensive information about IPEDS is available at http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds. All 2005-06 survey forms and instructions are available on the NCES Web site: http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/webbase.asp. Publicly available institutional information can be checked at the IPEDS COOL site: http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool/. The IPEDS Help Desk can be reached by calling 1-877-225-2568 or sending e-mails to ipedshelp@rti.org. Author: Carol Fuller Coordinated by the Higher Education Data Policy Committee. All opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Association for Institutional Research. |