In the complex world of higher education, the terms and terminology we use are crucial for effective communication and mutual understanding. Recognizing the need for clear and consistent definitions, AACRAO unveils its new Higher Education Glossary—a dynamic, searchable tool designed to clarify the language that shapes our field.
The Higher Education Glossary represents our commitment to defining and standardizing key terms used in higher education. Developed by AACRAO’s U.S. Higher Education Nomenclature Committee, this first iteration of the glossary is a collaborative effort involving a diverse group of AACRAO members, institutional leaders, and peer organizations. The goal is to foster a shared understanding across the U.S. higher education landscape by providing accurate, researched, and agreed-upon definitions.
Why a Glossary?
Higher education encompasses a vast array of specialized terms and concepts that can often lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Whether discussing admissions processes, academic policies, or institutional procedures, our terminology must be clear and consistent to ensure effective communication among stakeholders.
Terminology and definitions evolve, so we designed the AACRAO Glossary as a living document. It will continuously reflect current definitions and adapt to changes in the higher education environment. This iterative approach allows us to provide a resource that remains relevant and useful as the landscape of higher education changes.
A Work in Progress
We want to emphasize that the AACRAO Glossary is a work in progress. While the initial launch provides a robust foundation, it is not yet comprehensive. Our Nomenclature Committee is actively engaged in expanding and refining the glossary. We encourage you to explore the resource and offer your feedback to help us improve its functionality and accuracy.
Fill out our feedback form to provide feedback or report any errors you might encounter. We appreciate your input, as it helps us enhance the glossary and better serve the higher education community. Please note that at this time, we are not accepting suggestions or revisions to glossary definitions. Instead, our focus is on maintaining the accuracy and consistency of the terms currently included.
About the Nomenclature Committee
The AACRAO U.S. Higher Education Nomenclature Committee is central to this initiative. This committee is tasked with the ongoing work of defining and standardizing higher education terminology. Comprised of AACRAO members, institutional leaders, and representatives from peer organizations, the committee brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this essential work.
This committee plays a critical role in continuing the foundational work of defining terms and ensuring that the glossary evolves with emerging trends and changes in higher education.
We invite you to explore the AACRAO Glossary and take advantage of this valuable resource. Your engagement is vital as we work to support transparent and consistent communication in higher education. Visit our glossary page today to start your journey toward a better understanding of the terminology that shapes our field.