2013-2014 Shenandoah University Factbook
Explanation of Full-Time Equivalency WorksheetsFull-time equivalency is calculated in two ways on the following pages. The traditional method is shown in both sections on the left side.
The first column (# Enr for credit) shows the number of students enrolled in credit-bearing courses for the given semester. The next
column shows the number of credits hours enrolled. The third column shows a more “traditional calculation” of FTE. Each row is
calculated differently. The explanation follows.
At Shenandoah, both full- and part-time undergraduate FTE is calculated by dividing the credit hours enrolled by 15. Fifteen represents the
average credit load for a full-time undergraduate student.
Likewise, both full- and part-time graduate FTE for the School of Arts & Sciences, Business and Conservatory are calculated by dividing the
credit hours enrolled by 12. FTE for the Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy programs are calculated by dividing the credit hours
enrolled by 18. Credit hours for the Traditional Pharmacy program are divided by 17. All other graduate Health Professions programs are
calculated by dividing the number of credit hours enrolled by 12.
The Non-Traditional FTE is shown only on the first section of the sheet, at the far right side. It is calculated by taking the exact number of
full-time students enrolled and adding it with the traditional part-time FTE calculation. The column at the far right side of the page shows
the total (full- and part-time) non-traditional FTE, displayed by school.
At Shenandoah University, the Non-Traditional FTE was created because many full-time undergraduates were carrying loads (18 credit
hours or more) because of private lessons and ensembles. These students accounted for more than one FTE unit under the traditional
method of calculation. The non-traditional method alleviates this, so these full-time students are now calculated as one FTE unit.
NOTE: There are many different ways of calculating full-time equivalency. The following sheets show only two methods. When reporting
full-time equivalency (FTE) to different outside agencies, the university is careful to read and use the agency’s requested definition for its
calculation. It may be different than what is used internally and therefore, what is shown in this Factbook.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Institutional Research at [email protected].
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