Data Dictionary

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A

 

Data Element	Definition
Academic Advising	An opportunity for students to meet with their coach to obtain and review their plan of study and to select courses.
Academic Coach	College staff member or faculty member responsible for providing guidance in course or progrloam related issues.
Academic Term (Semester)	Designated number of weeks of instruction that comprise the academic year. Fall and spring periods with 16 weeks of instruction and one week of final exams. The summer semester is shorter than 16 weeks.
Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO)	The individual appointed by the institution’s CEO to serve as the primary contact between the institution and HLC. The ALO communicates changes at the institution to HLC, responds to communications from HLC, and provides oversight for the currency, accuracy and timeliness of institutional information submitted to HLC, including the Institutional Update.
Accreditation, institutional	Accreditation that evaluates an entire educational institution and accredits it as a whole.
Accreditation, specialized (also called programmatic accreditation)	Accreditation of units, schools or programs within a larger educational institution or for the sole program or area of concentration of an independent, specialized institution.
Accredited institution	An institution accredited by HLC.
Accredited status	Status that indicates an institution is accredited by HLC.
Add a Course	To enroll for additional courses after registration is complete, accomplished through the Registrar’s Office.
Add / Drop Period	A set period of time after the first day of classes when students can add or drop a class through the Registrar’s Office.
Affective Outcome	What students CARE ABOUT; students' feelings, attitudes, interests, and preferences.
Articulation Agreement	A formal agreement between NMJC and a four-year college or university which outlines specific course, grade point, and credit requirements necessary to transfer from NMJC to that four-year institution. Some articulation agreements are also established with high schools to provide advanced placement opportunities, advanced college credit, and College Career Pathways or 2 +2 articulated college credit.
Assessment	A systematic and ongoing effort to collect, analyze, and interpret evidence that describes institutional, departmental, divisional, or program effectiveness, with the goal of improving student learning and development.
Assessment Instrument	The assessment instrument is the specific tool or means of collecting the desired information. Example assessment instruments include but are not limited to interviews, portfolio evaluations, scoring rubrics, standardized tests, and surveys.
Assessment Method	Refers to how the outcome or goal is assessed. The assessment method describes generally how the information/data will be collected, which may involve either direct or indirect measurement. Additionally, the method specifies from whom the data will be collected and at what time points. Example assessment methods include but are not limited to evaluation of student academic work, observation, and self-report methods.
Assessment Plan	A document that outlines the student learning outcomes (for academic programs) or unit outcomes (for support units), assessment methods used to collect evidence related to the attainment of each outcome, and the intervals at which the evidence is collected and reviewed.
Assurance Argument	A narrative in which the institution explains how it meets HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation, which is supported by linked documents in the Evidence File.
Audit	To take a course in which the final grade is AU. Generally, involves regular attendance and participation, but limits graded activities, such as exams; requires full payment of tuition and fees; student must register for the class through the normal processes and indicate that the class is to be taken for audit.

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B

 

Data Element	Definition
Benchmark	A point of reference for measurment; a standard of achievement against which to evaluate or judge one's own performance. A program can use it's own past-performance data as a baseline benchmark against which to compare future data/performance. Additionally, data from another (comparable, exemplary) program can be used as a target benchmark.

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C

 

Data Element	Definition
Career program	A specialized degree designed to equip a student with the skills and general educational backgroung needed for employment in a specific field.
Case Study	An in-depth examination of a single instance or event. A case study provides a systematic way of looking at an event(s), collecting data, analyzing information, and reporting the results.
Certficate Program	An academic program of study in a specific field intended for occupational training, upgrading or retraining, generally requiring 30 credits or less. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the program.
Cognitive Outcome	What students KNOW; knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, & evaluation.
Commencement	Commencement is the formal ceremony conferring degrees and certificates upon qualified graduating students.
Common Course Numbering	Common course numbering refers to courses that are numbered the same at all New Mexico state universities and colleges.
Completion (Rate)	The attainment (or rate of attainment) of a degree, other formal award, or other completion goal by a studnet (or among a cohort of students).
Co-Requisite	A co-requisite is a course which must be taken at the same time as another course.
Course-Embedded Assessment	Method of assessing student learning outcomes within the classroom environment, using course goals, objectives and content to gauge the extent of the learning. Such assessment uses existing information that instructors routinely collect (e.g., test performance, student portfolios) via both direct and indirect methods of measurement.
Course Reference Number (CRN)	A number assigned to a specific course section in the schedule of classes.
Credit Hour	A credit hour is a standard measure of the amount of instructional time required to successfully complete a course. (For example, ENG 111, College Composition, is a 3 Credit Hour course, which usually means it will meet for 3 hours each week.) For the length of each class session and lab hours, if any, be sure to check with your advisor or a faculty member regarding specific courses.
Criteria for Accreditation	The framework for determining an institution’s accreditation.
Curriculum	Set of courses focused in a particular field (i.e., Accounting, Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Nuclear Engineering Technology, Nursing).
Curriculum Mapping	Process of evaluating curriculum in relation to intended outcomes to ensure that students are receiving appropriate instruction and to enable the program/department to identify gaps in the curriculum and provide an overview of program accomplishments.

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D

 

Data Element	Definition
Degree Program	An Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) or Associate in Applied Science (AAS) plan of study requiring a minimum of 60 credits for completion.
Developmental Course	A basic skill development course numbered below 100/1000 in the College catalog which is credited in meeting financial aid eligibility and veterans benefits but does not count toward the minimum requirements for graduation.
Direct Measurement	Measures that require the student to demonstrate his/her knowledge and skills in response to the instrument. Examples of direct measurement include 1) achievement tests such as objective tests; 2) student academic work such as essays, presentations, portfolios, and course assignments; 3) observations or case studies; 4) performances.
Distance Learning	Courses offered via the Internet. Also, ITV courses are considered distance learning courses.
Drop from a Course	To cease to participate in a course during the registration period, accomplished through the Registrar’s Office.

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E
 

Data Element	Definition
Elective	Course requirement(s) in a program of study which may be fulfilled by choosing from a variety of specified courses.

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F

 

Data Element	Defintion
Financial Aid	Funding provided to students from various sources to assist in defraying expenses of college (See Financial Aid section of this catalog).
Financial Aid Form (FAFSA)	A standardized application including detailed financial data, which is required to determine eligibility for all financial aid programs.
Formative Assessment	Refers to assessment that is carried out throughout the course, project, or time-frame to provide feedback regarding whether the objective is being met. Formative assessment may be conducted for the following reasons: program improvement; to provide feedback to improve teaching, learning, and curricula; to identify students' strengths/weaknesses and to assist in placing students based on their needs.
Full-Time (Student)	Student registered for 12 or more credits in a semester at NMJC.

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G

 

Data Element	Definition
GPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)	An educational standard computed by multiplying the number of credit hours of a course by the points assigned to the course grade, then dividing by the total number of hours. Point values are: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0.
Goal	Describes a broad learning outcome or concept (i.e., what you want students to learn or a unit to achieve) expressed in general terms. Example goals include, Problem-solving skills or Providing high quality, cost-effective healthcare for students.
Graduation	Official confirmation of the completion of a certificate or degree program. Graduation is dependent on the approved completion of all program and institutional graduation requirements and is approved by the Office of the Registrar.

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H
 

Data Element	Definition
Hybrid / Blended	A hybrid course combines face-to-face classroom instruction and online internet-based learning. Typically, 50 percent of the time is in the classroom and 50 percent of the time students work independently on their own computers.

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I

 

Data Element	Definition
Indirect Measurement	Measures that ask students to reflect on their learning rather than to demonstrate it. Examples of indirect measurement include self-report methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups
In-District Resident Students	Whose permanent residence is in Lea County New Mexico are charged in-district tuition. They must meet the in- state residency requirements and have lived in Lea County for the past 90 days.
In-State Resident	Tuition charged to students who live in New Mexico and have established residency according to the guidelines provided by the State of New Mexico. Students are charged out-of-district tuition.
Institutional Effectiveness	The extent to which an institution achieves its mission and goals. Institutional Effectiveness is monitored through ongoing, integrated, institution-wide, research-based planning and evaluation processes that (1) incorporate a systematic review of institutional mission, goals, and outcomes; (2) result in continuing improvement of institutional quality; and (3) demonstrate how well the institution is accomplishing its mission.

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J

 

Data Element	Definition

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K

 

Data Element	Definition

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L

 

Data Element	Definition
Lab Hours	Lab hours are learning activities, which are “handson” rather than the traditional lecture / discussion. Lab hours provide experiments / exercises that focus on the lecture applications. Since lab hours are the co-requisite to the lecture / discussion portion of a class, students need to register for both (lecture and lab) course reference numbers (CRN’s) in the same semester.
Learning Outcome	Specific, observable, and measurable knowledge or skill that the student gains/develops as a result of a specific course.  These outcomes are clearly stated in the course syllabus. There are three categories of student learning outcomes.

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M

 

Data Element	Defintion
Mission Statement	Statement of a Unit’s purpose (the end result the Unit seeks to accomplish) and how it supports the Institutional Mission.

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N

 

Data Element	Defintion
NMHED	Acronym for the New Mexico Higher Education Department; The state-level governing body that oversees institutions of higher education and collects data pertaining to students for purposes of compliance, record-keeping, and analysis.
Non-Credit	Non-academic course oriented to personal interest or continuing education needs of persons seeking non-credit bearing instruction.

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O

 

Data Element	Definiton
Objectives	Specific skills, values, and/or attitudes students should exhibit that reflect the broader goals. For example, a possible objective for an Anthropology course would be, Students will able to identify trends and patterns in anthropological data.
Open Pathway	A pathway for maintaining accreditation with HLC that features a 10-year reaffirmation cycle where quality assurance and quality improvement are addressed separately.
Operationalize	To define a term or object so that it can be measured (usually in terms that distinguish the term/object from others.
Out-of-District Resident	Students are classified as out-of-district residents if they declare their home is within the state of New Mexico but outside of Lea County. Students are charged tuition according to the out-of-district rate.
Out-of-State Resident	Students are classified as out-of-state residents if they declare their permanent residence to be outside the state of New Mexico. Students are charged according to the out-of- state tuition rate

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P

 

Data Element	Defintion
Persistence Rate	Is measured by the percentage of students who return to college at any institution for their second year. A student-centered metric focused on behaviors that indicate continued enrollment. This may or may not be indicative of ongoing enrollent that fulfills a program of study or the student's stated educational intent.
Plan of Study	A worksheet of courses required to earn a degree in a chosen area of study. Used as a road map for course selection. Used to conduct a final audit for graduation.
Portfolio	Collection of student work over time that is used to demonstrate student growth and achievement in identified areas. Portfolios may contain research papers, tests and exams, case studies, audio or video tapes, computational exercises and other original works, as well as personal essays, journals, and self-evaluations.
Prerequisite	Skill or course required for entry into a course or program of study. Program Director Instructor who provides in-depth information about a certificate or degree program.
Program Goals	Intended outcomes of instruction, stated in general terms, further defined by a set of specific (observable and measurable) student learning outcomes. Program goals reflect institution-wide goals and the program's mission.
Program Evaluation	Determination of the adequacy of the program in fulfilling its mission, goals, and objectives.
Program of Study	(See Degree Program and Certificate Program)

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Q

 

Data Element	Definition
Quality Initiative	A major quality improvement effort conducted by institutions between Years 5 and 9 of the Open Pathway that addresses a current concern or aspiration specific to the institution.
Quality Initiative Report	A report submitted by an institution on the Open Pathway upon completing its Quality Initiative that reflects on accomplishments, documents achievements and strategies, and defines new priorities and challenges.
Qualitative Measurement	Measures that rely on and evaluate descriptions rather than numeric data. Examples of qualitative data include responses to open-ended survey or interview questions; evaluations of writing samples, portfolios, or formal recitals; participant observations; ethnographic studies.
Quantitative Measurement	Measures that assess objectives by collecting numeric data and analyzing the data using statistical techniques. Examples of quantitative data include GPA, grades, exam scores; forced-choice survey responses; demographic information; standardized teaching evaluations.

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R

 

Data Element	Definition
Reaffirmation of Accreditation	An action by an HLC decision-making body confirming, based on evaluation, that an institution may retain its HLC accreditation. Among other reasons, an institution that has lost legal authority to operate as an institution of higher education cannot be reaffirmed.
Registration	The process of signing up for courses, including paying tuition and fees.
Reliability	The extent to which an assessment method produces consistent and repeatable results. Reliability is a precondition for validity.
Residence (Credits Earned In)	A minimum of 15 credit hours applicable to an associate degree must be granted by NMJC as opposed to credits transferred in from another institution of higher education or earned through proficiency examination.
Retention Rate	Is measured by the percentage of students who return to the same institution. The continued enrollment of students from one specified time point to the next. Retention is an institutionally-focused measure as it focuses on students' continued enrollment within New Mexico Junior College.
Rubric	A scoring key. Typically, a rubric is a grid that outlines identified criteria for successfully completing an assignment or task and establishes levels for meeting those criteria. Rubrics provide an efficient and reliable way to evaluate complex products or performances and to define precise outcomes and expectations. Rubrics can be used to score everything from essays to performances and portfolios.

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S

 

Data Element	Defintion
Semester (Term)	See Academic Term.
Schedule of Classes	A printed list of classes to be offered in the upcoming term, including CRN, day/time and location, with information about admission, payments and registration.
Short Session	See Part of Term.
Skill Set Certificate	A document issued by an academic division upon successful completion of a combination of approved courses that provide specific skills.
Special Topics Course	A course that is not a part of NMJC’s regular course offerings and may change each term. Topics courses complement NMJC’s regular course offerings in a subject area or program. They may emphasize subject matter or content introduced in other courses, content at a more advanced level, or content that is not covered in other NMJC courses.
Standard Pathway	A pathway for maintaining accreditation with HLC that features a 10-year reaffirmation cycle where quality assurance and quality improvement are integrated for comprehensive evaluations.
Strategic Planning	Long-term (i.e., often 3-5 year) planning at the level of the whole institution or unit that focuses on adaptation to the organization's external environment and the future. Guided by a vision of the organization in the future, strategic planning attempts to position the organization favorably with respect to needed resources.
Summative Assessment	Refers to assessment that is carried out at the end of a course, project, or time-frame to evaluate whether the objective was achieved (i.e., the overall performance). Thus, it is typically used to assign course grades. Summative assessment may be conducted for the following reasons: evaluation and accountability; decision-making regarding fund allocation; to aid in program level decision-making; to respond to demands of accrediting bodies, state, and federal agencies.

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T

 

Data Element	Definiton
Traditional Grade	Letter grade (A, B, C, D or F) used in calculating the grade point average.
Transcript	An official, permanent educational record of student’s enrollment at a college, showing courses attempted and completed, grades and grade point average, and graduation.
Transfer Credits	Credits for courses taken at another institution and counted toward a NMJC certificate or degree, or credits taken at NMJC and applied toward a degree at another institution.
Transfer Guidelines	Informal documents which suggest courses to be taken at NMJC that transfer into a four-year college.
Transfer Program	A degree program designed for students who plan to continue their academic careers beyond the associate degree level through transfer to a fouryear college or university
Triangulation	The use of a combination of at least two assessment methods, such as surveys, interviews, and observations, to measure a unit outcome.
Tuition	Charges to student by the college for registration in credit courses of instruction.

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U

 

Data Element

Defintion

Unit Outcomes

Intended outcomes that reflect the area or service that can be improved using current resources and personnel and are assessable within one assessment cycle. Unit outcomes should be under the direct control of the unit and in-line with a University Strategic Plan goal, objective, or strategy. FOR ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS, unit outcomes are primarily process-oriented, describing the support process/service the unit intends to address. FOR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT UNITS, unit outcomes may include both process and student learning outcomes.

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V

 

Data Element	Defintion
Validity	The extent to which an assessment method measures or assesses what it claims to measure or assess. A valid assessment instrument or technique produces results that can lead to valid inferences.
Value Added	The enhancement that students acquire (to knowledge, skills abilities and other attributes) as a result of their higher education experience. It is a measure of what value, to the student, has been accumulated as a result of a period of time in higher education. Institutions may be evaluated or assessed on the basis of the cumulative value that they add to their students.

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W

 

Data Element	Definition
Web Enhanced	Online course activity complements class sessions without reducing the number of required class meetings. Any course tied to the traditional classroom but involving some sort of computer usage while still anchored to the normal time spent in classes would fall into this category. Traditional courses and web-enhanced courses are very similar and therefore not usually considered to be distance learning courses.
Web Hybrid	Current convention is to classify a course as web hybrid if thirty percent (30%) or more of the course activity is provided online. Web hybrid courses feature a combination of synchronous and asynchronous delivery using online technologies such as a Learning Management System (LMS) or a website to present content.
Web Online	All course activity is delivered and completed online using NMJC’s Learning Management System (LMS) which is currently Canvas. There are no required face-to-face sessions within the course that must take place at the home campus. However, proctored examinations may be required during the course. If a proctored examination is required, the testing site must be within close proximity of the student’s location while taking the online course.
Withdraw From A Course	To cease to participate in a course after the add / drop period, accomplished through the Registrar’s Office. Student can also drop a class from the T-Bird Web Portal.
Withdraw From the College	To cease to participate in all courses for one semester or more, accomplished through the Registrar’s Office.

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X

 

Data Element	Defintion

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Y

 

Date Element	Definition

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Z

 

Data Element	Defintion

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