FAQs

• Does my academic degree program, administrative unit, or co-curricular unit need to conduct and report on assessments every year?
  Yes. All academic degree programs, administrative units, and co-curricular units need to participate in annual assessment. Assessment resources and reporting requirements are available on the OIEP website here.
• Do I need permission from my students to submit their work for assessment?
  Student work may be used for institutional assessment purposes without student permission. Consent is only needed when using student data or work products in a generalizable way, such as in professional presentations or publications–in which case, IRB approval is required. The policy on using student work in assessment is posted in Mason’s University Catalog, under Student Rights and Responsibilities.
• How do I know when an academic program is scheduled to participate in the Academic Program Review process?
  An up-to-date schedule for Academic Program Review is available on the OIEP website here.
• Where can I find information on Co-Curricular Assessment?
  Information can be found on the Co-Curricular Assessment page.
• Where can I find information on Co-Curricular Program Review?
  Information can be found on the Co-Curricular Program Review page.

https://oiep.gmu.edu/resources/nuventive/

A census date is the time during an academic term when enrollment records are frozen for reporting. OIEP completes three data pulls during the fall and spring terms:

Click on the following link for a list of the census pull dates from the past 10 years.

Summer terms follow a different schedule since they are not standard semesters in length. The census date for summer terms occur after the last day to add classes for Session F.

• What is the data source of OIEP enrollment data?
  OIEP pulls data from Banner, George Mason’s student information system. The data are then processed to address data errors and ensure alignment with State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) reporting guidelines.
• Why do OIEP enrollment numbers not match my numbers?
  There can be several reasons for data discrepancies.
  1. Timing – OIEP pulls data on a specific date, also known as census date. If you pull data from Banner on a different date, the data will inevitably vary due to record changes that can occur daily. If using MicroStrategy, these reports are intended for operational purposes. As such, data available through MicroStrategy are refreshed daily.
  2. Data cleaning and definitions – OIEP data are curated to follow state and federal reporting guidelines. As a result, OIEP dashboards and reports have very specific definitions. You can find common definitions that OIEP follows in the Glossary of Terms.
  3. Data filters – Enrollment numbers can vary widely depending on population(s) of interest. Take a closer look at your filters and ensure that the same filters and definitions are being applied.

• When are degree data pulled?
  Degree data are pulled from Banner for the entire academic year—summer, fall and spring—six weeks after the end of the spring exam period.
• If a major/degree program has moved from one college/school to another, where will the historical data be reported?
  Due to rapid changes in university structure and majors, OIEP is not able to keep the historical college mappings or student preferred college mappings. The college mapping for each major is based on the most recent structure.
• Where can I find time to degree data?
  OIEP has created a Time to Degree dashboard for First-Time Undergraduate Completers. The companion document that provides a comprehensive overview of the dashboard, including details on methodology and definitions.

• How do I request access to Nuventive?
  Send an email with your name and assigned unit/department to [email protected].
• How do I use Nuventive?
  Nuventive allows you to submit assessment information for your program/unit and view prior feedback. See the Nuventive Resources page for further information and step-by-step guides to navigate the site.

• How is a cohort defined?
  A cohort consists of degree-seeking students who enrolled in the fall semester. Depending on the view, the cohort includes first-time and/or transfer students for undergraduate students.
• Can you view undergraduate retention rates by major or other student characteristics, such as full-time vs part-time status?
  Yes, you can refer to the Comprehensive Undergraduate Retention and Graduation Rates dashboard. If you would like retention data not available on our website, please fill out a data request form.
• Do you have retention rates for graduate students?
  Yes, you can view retention rates for masters and for doctoral students using the Comprehensive Graduate Retention and Graduate Rates dashboard.

Please see our SET FAQ pages for instructors and supervisors and students.