The Higher Education Data System (HES) is an innovative online system that allows academic programs in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) to input their responses to surveys, applications, and annual reports directly into the HES through a Web-based interface. Some of these responses serve to create a program profile that is used in ASHA's new search engine, EdFind, for graduate level programs in CSD.
The HES was developed by ASHA in collaboration with the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD) and the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) to collect and report critical CSD program data in a consistent and usable manner. Some of the data collected from the HES will be used to address important issues in the CSD profession, such as those listed in ASHA's Focused Initiatives.
Who can participate in the HES?
Currently, the majority of the HES instruments (surveys, applications, and annual reports) are geared toward institutions with at least one graduate level degree program. Some instruments evaluate programs with at least a bachelor's level degree or are specifically for programs that are accredited (or in candidacy for accreditation) by the CAA.
How can the HES help academic programs?
By participating in the online data collection, the information input by academic programs will ensure the most current and accurate portrait of their institution. In turn, these data are used to provide critical program search information through EdFind to attract students interested in graduate programs in CSD. Additionally, the HES integrates data from other instruments within the same reporting period to lessen the reporting burden for the individual program (i.e., data are "prepopulated" from instrument to instrument when the same question is asked during the same reporting period).
Where can I find more information about EdFind?
For a more comprehensive explanation of EdFind, please visit the EdFind general information page. You may also want to try the EdFind Master's Program search or the EdFind Doctoral Program search via the ASHA Web site.
How often are data in the HES updated?
An institution has the opportunity to update basic academic program characteristics and respond with new data during the instance of each instrument that it is scheduled for and in which it chooses to participate. Not every institution qualifies for every instrument, but those with a minimum of a bachelor's level degree program in CSD will usually qualify for at least one instrument. Currently there are six instruments in the HES:
- ASHA Graduate Guide Survey
- CAPCSD Demographic Survey
- ASHA/CAPCSD Joint Doctoral Survey
- CAA Application
- CAA Annual Report
- CAPCSD Salary Survey
If I am an academic program director, how do I access the HES?
If you are an academic program director of at least a bachelor's level CSD program and would like more information about how to qualify for HES instruments and to access the HES, please contact the HES Manager at HES@asha.org.