The Transfer Common Data Format (Transfer CDF) is a universal data format proposed for use by all campus and university systems in the United States to facilitate the exchange of transfer course equivalency data. The format is structured in a system-agnostic manner, allowing campuses to extract data in the Transfer CDF format. Tools can then be developed to parse of transform data for import into common student information systems.

CDF Minimum Development Data Elements

The Transfer Navigator uses a minimal set of data elements, whereas as the SUNY Transfer Equivalency Platform (STEP) requires added data for advanced analytics. For the purpose of providing information for the Transfer Navigator, the following elements are required at minimum. Campuses generating manual files during initial development, may use the following as a guide when developing test files.

Element	Description	Format
MAP_ARTIC_TYPE	Indicates the articulation type. Values: S=Single (One to One), M=One to Many, G=Many to Many, R=Many to One	VARCHAR (1)
MAP_ARTIC_SEQ	Indicates the sequence number of a course where there are one-to-many, many-to-one, etc.… For one-to-one equivalents, a “1” will be inserted.	INT (11)
MAP_ARTIC_GRP_CODE	Where there is a one-to-many, many-to-one or many-to-many relationship, a unique code for the group must be identified. You may use your system-generated code or develop a unique coding schema. Single or one-to-one relationship do not require a group code.	VARCHAR (255)
MAP_SOURCE_INST_CODE	Campus SIS or system code for the source institution. Used for conversion purposes.	VARCHAR (255)
MAP_SOURCE_INST_DESC	The campus name (campus description) of the source institution.	VARCHAR (255)
MAP_SOURCE_CODE_PROV	The provider of the code used to identify an institution. Values: I = IPEDS, C = CEEB, A = Autoincrement, O = Other Used for Conversion Purposes.	VARCHAR (1)
MAP_DEST_IPEDS_CODE	Assumed to be the submitting campus. The IPEDS code is minimally needed, since the description and other elements are	INT (11)
MAP_SOURCE_SUBJECT	The discipline or subject code for the source course. (e.g. SOC, BIO)	VARCHAR (12)
MAP_SOURCE_NUMBER	The course number or identifier for the source course.	VARCHAR (12)
MAP_SOURCE_TITLE	The title of the source course. Campuses may determine short or long title (if applicable), provided the title is less than 120 characters.	VARCHAR (255)
MAP_SOURCE_CAT_START	The catalog starting year (YYYY) of the source course.	VARCHAR (25)
MAP_SOURCE_CAT_END	The catalog ending year (YYYY) of the source course. When a course is active and does not have an ending year, 9999 (end of time) is used. (Default = 9999)	VARCHAR (25)
MAP_DEST_SUBJECT	The discipline or subject code for the destination course. (e.g. SOC, BIO)	VARCHAR (12)
MAP_DEST_NUMBER	The course number for the destination course. Numbers provided should not include additional indicators (e.g. 101-B) unless it is an official part of the course entry in your catalog. If a course is an elective course, use XXX for all courses with the subject. For a common range, use 1XX to indicate any 100 level course (for example). For a series of courses, multiple equivs must be provided.	VARCHAR (12)
MAP_DEST_TITLE	The title of the destination course. Campuses may determine short or long title (if applicable), provided the title is less than 120 characters.	VARCHAR (255)
MAP_DEST_CAT_START	The catalog starting year (YYYY) of the destination (equivalent) course.	VARCHAR (25)
MAP_DEST_CAT_END	The catalog ending year (YYYY) of the destination (equivalent) course. When a course is active and does not have an ending year, 9999 (end of time) is used. (Default = 9999)	VARCHAR (25)