Colorado State University > Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness
The Common Data Set is a standard set of definitions and data items intended to improve the accuracy and quality of information provided by the higher education community. The set is defined by the Common Data Set Initiative (http://www.commondataset.org/), and assists "all involved in a student's transition into higher education," including Institutional Research. The data in the CDS is used in nearly all regional and national calls for information, which in turn is disseminated to prospective students in one form or another.