Term

Definition

ABD

"All but dissertation;" someone who has completed all their coursework and comprehensive examinations towards their doctoral degree and is working on their thesis/dissertation

Adjunct Instructor

Professor hired on a contractual basis; part-time, temporary

Academic Affairs

All elements of the campus related to the mission of the college/university (e.g., research, service, teaching).

Academic Calendar

Outlines important dates for the semester or term; Reflects the number of terms per year for a particular university. Some campuses operate on a semester system (e.g., Summer/Fall/Spring terms), while others operate on a quarter or trimester system (e.g., Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring terms). However, students are rarely summer required to take classes in summer sessions, regardless of calendar. Approximately three-fourths of universities utilize a semester system (https://www.studyusa.com/en/a/1235/what-is-the-difference-between-quarters-semesters-and-trimesters)

Academic Catalog

(aka Academic Bulletin) The official operations document for academics on campus. Outlines academic policies and procedures of the campus, provides requirements for each degree program, and gives descriptions of each course offered on campus.

Academic Freedom

The right of instructors and professors (as an individual and as a group) to determine degree requirements, content of courses, student evaluation strategies, and other issues, without interference from outside sources (including the university's own administration).

Academic Misconduct

The result of a student failing to meet and/or maintain specified academic expectations and standards. Academic misconduct can include cheating, as well as a student’s GPA falling below a set minimum.

Academic Probation

A student status, with a specific time duration, where the student who has previously failed, has a second chance to meet certain requirements. For example, a student may be given a year to increase their GPA to the required minimum. During this time, students are typically unable to participate in campus activities or hold leadership positions.

Academic Standards

Outlines the minimum academic criteria that students must meet to stay in Good Standing.

Academic Student Services

Resources and services that directly assist and/or support students in the completion of their degree requirements. These resources are located throughout the university’s campus and are offered through multiple organizational units.

Academic Suspension 

A student status where the student has been placed on academic probation, but failed to meet the standard after the allotted time period. Academic suspensions may prevent a student from registering for classes for a specific time (e.g., 1 year) or may require the student to "re-apply" to the campus prior to registering for classes. During this time, students are typically unable to participate in campus activities or hold leadership positions.

Academic Year

A school year. May begin with Summer or Fall semesters or terms, but starting points can vary by campus.

Academics

" of, relating to, or associated with an academy or school especially of higher learning" (Merriam-Webster.com). Formal, scholarly activities that typically occur on a college or university campuses and tend to focus on narrow details and topics. These activities emphasize non-technical skills such as critical thinking and reasoning.

Accelerated study 

A program that is designed for the student to graduate in less time. The student typically takes summer courses and more courses during the semester or term.

Acceptance

An official decision and notification of the student's admission to the campus.

Accommodations

Special considerations given to students with special needs. These considerations are typically administered by an Office of Accessibility.

Accreditation 

A process by which an institution of higher learning's academic standards and programs are certified to meet national standards. Accreditations are administered by organizations outside of the university and vary greatly.

Accuplacer

A pre-college test used to assess student reading, math, and writing skills

Add

When a student adds a class to their schedule, often after the start of the term. Each semester will have a "last day to add" date, which is the last day to add a class. These dates are usually very early in the semester to ensure that students can still succeed in the class, without having missed too much of the material.

Additional Programs

Degree programs that are (usually) optional and are added to the student’s basic degree plan. These programs offer the student an opportunity to study additional disciplinary and sub-disciplinary areas of knowledge.

Adjunct Instructor

A part-time teacher (often with a PhD) who is not eligible for tenure in the department.

Administrative Student Services

Resources that support students throughout the college journey. These services may not directly assist students in completing degree requirements, but they support the student throughout the college and the degree-earning processes.

Admissions Profile

Outlines characteristics of the group of students who were accepted by the university, usually in the preceding year. Statistics typically include the number of students who applied, were accepted, denied, and wait listed. Additionally, the distribution of average ACT and SAT scores, as well as the average GPA for the incoming class are also part of the common admissions profile.

Advising

A developmental, interactive process (and relationship) between an institutional representative and the student that assists the student in defining and refining their career destination(s), as well as building a foundation of knowledge; accessing resources, and unlocking opportunities available through that campus to uniquely prepare the student for that destination.

Advisor

A person who helps students meet the basic requirements for the degree, helps with scheduling, handles most paperwork, and troubleshoots administrative issues. Many advisors also assist students in accessing campus resources and unlocking opportunities. Advisors may be a faculty member (as part of their job) or a staff person (as their full time job).

Advocate

"One who pleads the cause of another" (Merriam-Webster.com). On campus, an advocate is a person, officially designated or not, who presents the student's point of view and serves as a "voice" for students. See Ombuds.

Alumni

(aka alumna, alumnae, alumnus) A former student who has graduated from that campus.

APA Citation Format

(aka alumna, alumnae, alumnus) A former student who has graduated from that campus.

Apprenticeship 

An experiential learning experience where advanced students work for a company, an organization, individual, or some other entity to gain work experience and apply the lessons learned in classes. Most internships last an entire semester or summer and are unpaid.

ARAC Appeal

American Psychological Association citation format. Students, particularly in the social sciences, are often required to use the APA citation format for bibliographies and references pages.

Articulation

On-the-job, paid, training programs are where someone who is new to the field (the apprentice) learns the skills needed for the job. Apprentices are trained by master craftsmen, who are experts in their field. They share their skills and knowledge to help the apprentice become an expert too.

Arts and Sciences 

Academic Regulations Appeals Committee : considers appeals for exceptions to undergraduate program academic regulations listed in the bulletin.

Associate Degree 

An agreement between a community college (aka "2-year college") and a university (aka "4-year college") where students can automatically transfer credits to the 4 year campus.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

A common college on campuses and usually among the largest. Typically includes the departments, schools, and divisions relating to the disciplines of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, foreign languages, and fine arts, among others.

Audit (Class)

A degree that is commonly understood to take 2 years to complete. Many Associates degrees require 60 credit hours to complete.

Bachelor's of Arts Degree

An associates degree that is designed to lead the student to a specific job field. Often designed for the mid-career professional.

Bachelor's of Science Degree

Attend a class without earning any academic credit. With permission of the instructor, students can register for classes as a "visitor." They are not required to do any of the assignments, do not earn a grade and will not receive credit hours for the class. When a course is audited, students cannot petition for the class to be included in their transcripts later.

Bachelor’s Degree

A more broad degree than the Bachelor's of Science degree. Traditionally allows for more flexibility through more electives.

Blended Learning

A more specific degree than the Bachelor's of Arts degree. Traditionally requires the student to complete a greater percentage of major requirements.

Blue Book

(aka Baccalaureate degree). Commonly understood as a "4-year" degree (but often takes longer to complete). The result of a student's journey through the foundation of knowledge, such as liberal arts, as well as discipline-specific study.

Board of Directors/Board of Trustees

Combines different instruction methods, including face-to-face teaching, learning activities, online and distance learning courses.

Board of Regents

A committee of university officers who have general supervision over the welfare and conduct of students.

Bookstore

The oversight committee for the university. Typically made up of faculty, administrators, community leaders, and students. Responsible for all major policy decisions, oversees financial matters of the university, and often makes "official" personnel decisions (hiring and firing). Board of Trustees are usually also responsible for officially conferring degrees.

Bursar

(AKA Board of Commissioners) Oversight committee of state's system of higher education.

Canvas

An on-campus store that sells books needed for classes, university "swag," and necessities for living on campus.

Capstone Course

Capstone Project

A capstone project is typically the result of a capstone course. Capstone projects may include conducting original research and writing a paper or compiling a portfolio of projects the student has completed throughout their college career. Projects may also be presentations or demonstrations of experiments.

Career Field

A more broad target for a career, with unidentified job descriptions; often associated with an academic discipline. Includes multiple career targets.

Career Path

Career Plan

A more broad target for a career, with unidentified job descriptions; often associated with an academic discipline. Includes multiple career targets.

Career Target

A specific position or employment role. Accompanied by a list of responsibilities and tasks (e.g., job description), designated work environment, and other characteristics.

Catalog Year

A full academic year (e.g., Fall, Spring, Summer); 2) the academic year the student was admitted (e.g., into the degree program).

Certificate

A small, additional program that students may add to their degree requirements. Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn a certificate in addition to their degree.

Chair

The head or "supervisor" of a department.

Citation Format

The specific way in which references are presented in a research paper. There are many citation format options

Class

A semester (or term) specific offering of a course. Classes will have section numbers, room assignments, specific faculty of record, meeting days and times and/or alternative mode of delivery. Classes are associated with scheduling.

Class

A semester - (or term -) specific offering of a course. A class is taught by a particular professor, during a certain semester, in a given location, at a designated time.

Class Evaluation

An opportunity, typically at the end of the semester or term, for students to "grade" the class and the instructor.

Class Ranking

Representation of student's performance (usually based on GPA), compared to the other students in his/her class.

Cohort

A group that begins something at the same time. For example, students who entered college during the same academic year may be considered a cohort.

CLEP

College (Academic)

An institution of higher learning (and/or organizational unit of university) that administers multiple certificates/degrees and includes multiple, related departments.

College Knowledge

Collegeization

Commencement

The ceremony in which degrees awards are publicly announced and celebrated. However, participation in a commencement ceremony does not guarantee graduation.

Common Data Set

A compilation of facts and figures on participating colleges and/or universities in the U.S. This data set includes information on all levels of higher education (including community colleges). The same questions are given to each campus, which allows for comparisons across campuses on those data elements. Common data elements include academic program offerings, student enrollment, persistence of students, type of faculty, and class size.

Commuter 

A student who lives off campus and drives to and from school on class days or commutes.

Compassionate Withdrawal

A type of withdrawal that allows the student to leave all classes and withdrawal from the university, without hurting their GPA. Compassionate withdrawal is typically due to a student's documented medical and/or personal issues.

Comprehensive Exam

An intense, most often essay, exam that covers all of the material presented throughout a course and/or degree program.

Concentration

Specialized focus areas within the major, often representative of sub disciplines. Some concentrations have a list of required courses, others are less formal. Many concentrations are also offered as minor degree program options.

Conditional Admission

(AKA Provisional Admission) An applicant who does not presently meet all of the requirements for admission, is accepted by a college/university and given additional time to meet the criteria or an equivalent criteria.

Conduct

"To cause (oneself) to act or behave in a particular and especially in a controlled manner" (Merriam-Webster.com)

Conference

An organized event where professionals can share ideas, present research findings, and network with others who work in the discipline and fields of that discipline.

Conferring of Degree

The degree is officially granted to the graduate and the graduate may exercise the honors of the degree. Occurs on a specific date, most often after the graduation ceremony. When degrees are officially conferred, the student's degree is finished and "completion" is stamped on the student's file.

Consortium 

A group of colleges or universities that jointly offer programs and courses for students.

Consortium Agreement

The agreement between a group of colleges or universities that jointly offer programs and courses for students.

Convocation

An official gathering of people. Some schools use convocations as smaller commencement ceremonies, while others have Opening Convocations to welcome the new academic year or term. Often held by a particular college, where individual students are recognized.

Cooperative education 

An experiential learning experience that combines on-the-job training with traditional education. Typically, the student will work one semester and go to school the next semester. Work is always paid, but it may take longer to graduate.

Core Curriculum

The total of all required courses.

Corequisite

An activity, course/class, sub-requirement, or other special condition that must be performed at the same time. For example, if a course requires concurrent enrollment with another course, students must register for both courses during the same semester/term.

Cost of Attendance (COA)

This is just the estimated cost, and not your final bill. This total predicts what it will cost you to go to college for the year. "The COA includes tuition and fees; on-campus room and board (or a housing and food allowance for off-campus students); and allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and, if applicable, dependent care. It can also include other expenses like an allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer, costs related to a disability, or costs for eligible study-abroad programs." (https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-does-cost-of-attendance-mean)

Counseling

Services that assist with mental health and other personal issues.

Counselor

Often a graduate student or some other staff personnel trained to assist the campus community with mental health and other personal issues.

Course

A series of topics that guide a subject-specific investigation. Includes the general content, description and expectations upon completion (which are the same, regardless of faculty member or semester offered). Courses are associated with degree requirements.

Course

An officially approved group of topics that guide an investigation into the knowledge of a specific subject.

Course Completion Prerequisite

A type of prerequisite that requires a course must be successfully completed prior to the student progressing (e.g., registering for a course with this prerequisite). Many introductory courses are course completion prerequisites for upper division/level courses.

Course load 

The number of credit hours a student is enrolled in during a semester.

Course Number

The identifying number associated with each course and class. Typically, the course number will identify the department teaching the course, as well as the level of the course.

Credit Hours

Measurement of "size" or "worth" of a specific course/class. Traditionally based on the number of "in-class" hours (or equivalent) scheduled per week.

Credit/No Credit Classes

Campuses may allow students to enroll in classes on a credit/no credit grading scheme. Students who successfully complete the course receive credit for the credit hours of the course, but the grade is not included in any GPA calculation. Typically, only a few courses are available credit/no credit each semester.

Cross-registration 

An agreement between campuses to allow students to register for classes at another institution without applying for admission. Especially beneficial for students of smaller campuses.

Culture

"A pattern of basic assumptions—invented, discovered, or developed by a given group as it learns to cope with its problems of external adaptation and internal integration—that has worked well enough to be considered valid and, therefore, to be taught to new members as the correct way to perceive, think, and feel in relation to those problems." (Schien, 1985: pg. 9). Impacts all explicit, implicit, visible and invisible aspects of the organization, including the collective identity, customs, language, priorities, rules, strategies, and day-to-day interactions. Is the result of learned behavior and is transmitted through cohorts and generations. Distinguishes one group from another.

Cumulative GPA

The average of all grades earned in all courses (except in certain circumstances, such as remedial courses or credit/no credit classes).

Curriculum 

The list of courses offered by, and required by, a particular campus.

Dean

The person administratively in charge of a college.

Declaration of Major

The student’s official notification - to the university and all of its parts - of the degree (e.g., discipline and type) the student intends to earn. To graduate, students must complete the specified degree requirements associated with that major.

Declaring Candidacy

The official act of applying for graduation. Notifies the university of the student's intent to graduate in a specific semester. Typically triggers the student's degree audit.

Deferral/Deferment

For early application/early decision applicants: the student has not yet been accepted. The early applicant's file will be reviewed with the regular pool of applicants. For regular applications: the college/university is reviewing the application, but needs more information or more time to make a decision.

Degree

A higher education achievement/award that represents the successful completion degree requirements, as well as the student's own unique academic and administrative obstacle course. Reflects all of the knowledge the student has earned. The "diploma" of college.

Degree Audit

The process and time required to ensure that students have completed all requirements and sub requirements required by official degree program(s). During this process, officials from different organizational units review the student’s transcript and performance to ensure the student has completed their individual “obstacle course.”

Degree Customization

The opportunity to design a degree that reflects the individual student's interests and strengths, as well as specifically serves as the foundation of knowledge for the student's desired career destination.

Degree Program

An official collection of degree requirements that must be completed or satisfied before a student can graduate with a particular degree, from a specific college and/or university. May refer to all of a student’s degree requirements or a certain category or portion of requirements.

Degree Program Guide

A document that lists all of the necessary requirements (including course, minimum GPA and credit hours) students need to complete to graduate with a specific degree.

Degree Requirements 

The required courses, GPA, credit hours, prerequisites, electives, and other requirements that must be met in order to graduate and earn the degree. Determines the academic aspect of the obstacle course that must complete to earn a degree.

Degree-Expected Term

The term the student expects to complete all degree requirements. May change throughout the student's college experience.

Department 

The organizational unit that "houses" a group of faculty that is responsible for the administration and content of a courses and degrees in a specific subject area or discipline.

Destination

Refers to the career field, target, or end goal after graduation. Usually reflects the student's next step - typically the desired career field and/or graduate school. Ideally the combination and result of one's specialization, environment, and effect.

Deviation/Substitution

Campus policy that allows students to substitute one course for another. For example, if a required course is not offered, a student may be permitted to take another course/class in its place. The new course would satisfy the requirement.

Dining/Meal Plan

A prepaid arrangement (and/or account) that pays for the student's meals in dining rooms on campus. These plans vary greatly and are added onto the student's tuition, fees, and housing costs.

Disbursement

Once all financial aid is released, it is applied to the student's account. If the amount of aid received is larger than the student's tuition, fees, and other costs, the campus will give (or disburse) the remainder to the student.

Discipline (Academic)

A category or subject of knowledge, typically divided into branches or sub-disciplines. Also known as “subject.” Common examples include Accounting, Economics, History, and Law.

Discourse

A type of class that emphasizes conversation, typical in upper division/level classes, where a wide range of opinions are shared.

Discussion Classes

An interactive class where the instructor and students will have discourse. A common method of instruction in upper division/level courses.

Division

Refers to different collections of organizational units of a campus. Can refer to departments, group of departments, or area of resources (e.g., Division of Minority Studies).

Doctorate/ PhD

Highest academic degree. People who have doctorate degrees have studied the information in their fields and are qualified to discover new knowledge in that discipline. Typically requires completion of a Master's degree and often takes 4-7 years to complete, but this time varies significantly.

Double Major 

An optional degree program that provides an opportunity for the student to equally focus and meet the requirements for two different majors, but not two different degrees.

Dream School

Colleges and universities where the student has less than a 10 percent chance of being accepted. Odds are the student is not a "fit" for these campuses.

Drop

When a student withdrawals from a class. Each semester will have a "last day to drop" date. Classes cannot be dropped, except in certain circumstances, after this date.

Dual Degree

An optional degree program that permits students to earn two different degrees at the same time. For example, a student may be able to earn a Master's degree at the same time they are earning a Bachelor's degree.

Effect

Reveals the impact someone wants to make in the world. Typically innate and does not change. Combines passion and purpose.

Elective

A class that is not specifically required by the degree. The student can choose to take the specific course or not.

Element Name

Definition

Emphasis 

See Concentration.

Enroll

Officially registering to take a class.

Enrollment

1) the number of students officially registered for (and in) classes on a campus; 2) the process of registering for classes

Environment

The sum total (and impact) of one's formal surroundings, including atmosphere, expectations, people, values, etc. Can be initially defined by examining the setting's Tradition, Identity, and Culture.

Exclusion Prerequisites

A situation where taking one course negates or removes the value of another course. Some courses present material and topics that significantly overlap with other courses. In these situations, the university establishes that only one of the overlapping courses can count toward the degree.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

".... a measure of your family's financial strength and is calculated according to a formula established by law. Your family's taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) are all considered in the formula." (https://fafsa.ed.gov/help/fftoc01g.htm).

Experiential Learning

Specific learning situations where students have an opportunity to apply concepts to real-world situations. Experiential learning occurs when students learn, not only from the experience, but from analyzing and reflecting on that experience. These opportunities may be in addition to, part of, or separate from, the degree-earning process.

Extra Effort Activities

Activities that are not required by the degree or university, but that significantly increase the student's employability

Extra-Curricular Activities

Non-classroom activities, such as athletics, student organizations and clubs.

Faculty

Instructors and professors in college. There are different levels of faculty, different titles, and different responsibilities.

Faculty Mentor

(aka Academic Advisor). A faculty member who provides advice and guidance on discipline specific issues, such as upper level courses, career direction, and internships.

FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing this application is the first step in the financial aid process. This application collects information about the student (and their family's) financial status. The review of the FAFSA will determine how much financial aid the student may receive for college.

FERPA

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Establishes and ensures confidentiality of the student's education records. FERPA prevents colleges and universities, as well as their staff, from discussing student grades and other performance measures with anyone other than the student (including parents).

FERPA

A federal law that protects the privacy and rights of students. Colleges/universities and their staff are prevented from sharing information with people other than the student (including parents).

Final Exams (Finals) 

The last exam of a class. Often given during finals week and can include all of the material covered throughout the semester or term (see Comprehensive Exam).

Finals Week

The first week after the last day of classes for a semester or term. While classes are not held during this week, most students must complete exams (some comprehensive exams) and projects.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships help make college or career school affordable.

First-Generation Student

A student who is the first in their family to go to college.

Fraternities/Sororities

(aka Greek System) Fraternities (social organizations for men) and Sororities (social organizations for women) are student organizations on campus. Each has its own requirements for admission and may offer housing options only available to their members.

Free Semester

A semester where the student has no specific requirements to fill, other than the total number of credit hours required for the degree. Offers students a variety of options for their last semester.

Freshman

A student who is completing the first quarter of their degree program. For example, for students completing 120 credit hour degrees, Freshman will have completed between 0-29 credit hours .

Full-Time Status

A student is enrolled in 12 credit hours or more for the term. The 12 credit hour "full-time" measure fulfills the requirement for federal financial aid, but will not ensure graduation in 4 years.

General Education Courses

Provides students an "overview" of disciplines (especially Liberal Arts), departments, and possibilities for majors on campus. Typically include "basic" subjects, such as Math, English, Natural and Social Sciences, Humanities and Cultural Diversity. Primary lower division/level courses.

General Education Requirements

Collectively provides students with an "overview" of various disciplines, departments and major possibilities on campus. Typically include "basic" subjects, such as Math, English, Natural and Social Sciences, Humanities and Cultural Diversity.

Good Standing

The student's conduct is acceptable and the student is progressing sufficiently toward degree completion.

Grade Forgiveness

A policy that allows students to retake a class for a second chance at a higher grade. Grade forgiveness policies vary greatly by college/school, department, degree program, and university.

Grade Point Averages (GPA)

The average score of all coursework completed (may be based on letter grades and/or quality points). Most often used to evaluate the student's academic performance.

Graduate Assistant/Graduate Adviser (GA)

A graduate student (enrolled in a Masters or Doctoral program) who "helps" faculty teach and conduct research. Often responsible for research activities, tutoring, lab classes, and grading. Graduate Assistants most often work for the university in exchange for tuition and other benefits.

Graduate School

An academic organization unit (e.g., college/school) on campus that administers graduate degrees (such a Master's and Doctoral Degrees). A common college on campuses in the United States.

Graduate Student

A student who is enrolled in a graduate program and is earning a Master's or Doctorate degree.

Graduation

The completion of all degree requirements.

Graduation Requirements

A common category of degree requirements that often connect all degrees across campus, regardless of major. These requirements tend to be more administrative and quantity oriented. Typically, these requirements are satisfied by, and while completing, other categories and requirements.

Grants

Often called “gift aid” because these funds are not typically paid back. There are different types of grants and many are administered by the federal government. Grant eligibility is determined by the student’s FAFSA.

Greek Life

Refers to all fraternities and sororities on campus, as well as their activities.

Grievance

An administrative process that allows students to settle disputes with employees of the university, such as professors. Grievances are often filed, against faculty, to challenge an official class grade.

Hardship Withdrawal

See Compassionate Withdrawal.

Hispanic Serving Institutions

An accredited college or university where 25% or more of full-time students are Hispanic.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

An accredited college or university, established prior to 1964, whose primary purpose is to educate African-Americans.

Hold

An administrative, official campus action that prevents the student from progressing. Holds are typically placed on the student's account and can prevent them from registering for classes, applying for graduation, or obtaining a transcript from the university. While there are many reasons for placing holds on student accounts, one of the most common is failure to pay fees.

Homecoming

A period of time and/or specific events that welcome alumni and other former campus community members back to the college/university.

Hometown School

The college/university campus that is closest to the student’s home. Students who live in areas close to multiple universities will have their choice of hometown school.

Honor Roll 

A status given to students who have meet certain GPA requirements (can include President's, Dean's, and other types of Honor Rolls).

Honors program 

Programs for students with high GPAs. Honors Programs typically have different requirements, but can be used with any major on campus. Special scholarships are often available for Honors students and these students may be assigned to a designated Honors dorm.

Housing Contract

The "lease" for the student's dorm or on-campus housing assignment. Outlines the rules and regulations for living on-campus, which the student agrees to when signing the document.

Humanities Courses

A common element of general education requirements. Can include fine arts, literature, foreign language, and philosophy.

Hybrid Class

A type of class offering that utilizes both traditional, face-to-face settings, as well as online meetings.

Identity

Beliefs, conditions, qualities, and other elements that uniquely distinguish one campus from another. Sets the "ideal" for the campus community and is often presented in the "branding" or marketing of the campus to the outside world.

Impact

The "difference in the world" the student desires to make by the work they want to do

Inclusion

Official and specific efforts by a university campus that can increase the feeling of acceptance and belonging of students in underrepresented groups.

Incomplete

An official notation, issued by the instructor/professor, that indicates the student did not complete the requirements for that course/class. An incomplete stays on the student's transcript until the course/class is completed. It is common practice to fail a student if the requirements are not completed by the specified time frame.

Independent study 

Allows a student to work directly, one-on-one with a professor. Often, the student and the faculty member agree upon and outline the expectations, assignments and goals of the course.

Instructor

A teacher of a course who may or may not be considered a full-time faculty member. Instructors may be temporary hires and may not have a PhD, but have a lot of experience in their field.

Inter-College Transfer

The process by which a student, declaring an initial major or a new major, must administratively transfer to a new college. While students may be allowed to take classes toward completing their new degree, the student will not be able to graduate until they are formally admitted into the appropriate college. Students must officially transfer to the college from which the degree is conferred in order to graduate with that degree.

Internship

An experiential learning experience where advanced students work for a company, an organization, individual, or some other entity to gain work experience and apply the lessons learned in classes. Internships can be paid or unpaid and can last for a full semester or summer.

Interdisciplinary 

When knowledge from two (or more) disciplines combine to develop something new. Interdisciplinary is often used as a descriptive term for degree programs, departments, and research.

Interest

A loan fee (typically a percentage of the amount borrowed) paid to the lender for the use of their money. Interest is usually quoted as a yearly rate, but added to each monthly payment when repaying the loan.

Intrusive/Proactive Advising

Model of advising that advocates consistent, deliberate, and official campus-initiated contact with students. Under this model, students (most often struggling students) are provided additional staff attention and resources to help overcome obstacles to student success.

Junior

A student who has completed between one half and three-quarters of degree requirements. For example, a student who has completed between 60-89 credit hours of a 120 credit hour degree.

Junior/Community College

A "2 Year" campus that most commonly offers Associates degrees (or "2-year" degrees).

Knowledge

Acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation or gained by sight, experience, or report.

Laboratory

1) a research area (e.g., Chemistry Lab); 2) a type of interactive class meeting where students interact more closely with the instructor and in smaller groups. Students are typically provided the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a corequisite lecture; 3) a type of study group and/or tutoring where students can receive additional help in a particular discipline.

Latin Honors, magna cum laude

A student graduating with magna cum laude honors is graduating "with great honor." Usually students have a higher cumulative GPA than cum laude graduates (e.g., 3.5 at the University of Colorado).

Latin Honors, cum laude

A student graduating with cum laude honors is graduating "with praise" or "with honor." Usually students have a high cumulative GPA (e.g., 3.3 at the University of Colorado)

Latin Honors, Eregia cum laude

Not a commonly used distinction. Represents that a student earned the same GPA required for summa cum laude, but under a more difficult honors curriculum.

Latin Honors, maxima cum laude

Not a commonly used distinction. Is an honor that falls between magna cum laude and summa cum laude.

Latin Honors, summa cum laude

A student graduating with summa cume laude honors is graduating "with highest honor." Usually students have a very high cumulative GPA (e.g., 3.8 at the University of Colorado).

Leave of Absence

A campus policy that allows students to take a "break" from college, even though the student is in good standing. There are commonly two types: voluntary (when the student decides to leave for medical or personal reasons) and involuntary (when the campus asks the student to take a break).

Lecture

A "typical" college course. The professor will provide information to the students, expecting minimal interaction from students.

Lecturer

A full-time instructor within a department. May be a permanent or temporary position. Lecturers are often required to teach more classes than professors and may not be subject to research expectations.

Legacy 

A student who has a family member who is an alumnus of the campus. Legacy students are sometimes given preferential admission.

Liberal Arts 

Includes disciplines such as English, humanities, math, natural and social sciences. The term “liberal” is derived from the Latin word “liber,” which means free, unrestricted. These disciplines provide the traditional liberal arts based bachelor’s degree with a comprehensive base of knowledge that forms a strong foundation for more specific studies (e.g., major).

Living-Learning Community (LLC)

Students live and take classes together, often in the same or similar degree program(s). Structured activities in these resident halls are reflective of the degree program.

Loans

Funds offered to students to help pay for college costs that must be paid back, typically with interest. There are different types of sources (e.g., government agencies and private banks) and types of loans (for students and parents).

Loans - Subsidized

A loan (and form of financial aid) where the government pays the interest on the loan while the student is still enrolled in classes, at least part time. These loans are based on financial need.

Loans - Unsubsidized

Loans that require interest to be paid throughout the entire loan period (including while the student is still in school). However, these loans are not dependent upon financial need.

M.Ed.

Master of Education

Magic Number

The average number of credit hours a student should “carry” each semester to graduate in 4 years (or less!). For example, a student earning a 120 credit hour degree will have a "magic number" of 15 credit hours per semester to graduate in 4 years.

Major 

The discipline or sub-discipline in which the student has decided to earn a degree; the student’s primary area of specialization.

Major Electives

Courses and other requirements, selected by the student, that satisfy requirements for the major.

Major Maps

An online tool which allows students to explore various majors offered through VCU.

Major Requirements

Identifies the primary discipline and focus of the degree; the student’s area of specialization. Represents the curses, experiential learning, standards, and other requirements designated as necessary to understand the knowledge reflected by the discipline of the degree.

Master's Degree 

Masters degree programs provide an opportunity for the student to study the field more in-depth and develop more advanced skills. Often takes 2-3 years to complete and typically requires the completion of a bachelor's degree (except in dual degree situations).

Matriculation

The process and/or action of officially enrolling in the university.

Maze of College

The academic and administrative obstacle course that must be completed for students to earn a degree. Consists of all degree requirements for each degree and each student; the bureaucracy of the campus, including policies and procedures, resources, staff and faculty; as well as the opportunities unlocked by navigating this bureaucracy. The maze of college is personal to each student and specific to each campus.

MBA 

Masters degree in Business Administration

Men's College

College or university that focuses on the education of men. Women are not admitted to these schools.

Mentor

"A trusted counselor or guide" (Merriam-Webster). Often, mentors help students with the details (such as identifying important courses and locating internships) of the journey to success. Advisors and professors may also serve as mentors throughout college.

Merit Based

Awards and recognition (including scholarships) that are given in recognition of deserving or worthy accomplishment or achievement.

Midterm

A class exam, typically administered in the middle of a semester or term, that measures how much a student has learned up to that point.

Military Academies and Institutions

Institutions of higher learning that train students to serve as officers in the various branches of the United States military.

Mini-Destination

One of multiple steps along the student's selected Career Plan.

Minor 

An optional degree program that is added to a major. Allows the student to add an additional "sub-area" of knowledge to their major (and degree).

Mission

Core reason for existence; Identified and established purpose and intention

Mission of Colleges and Universities

To discover, disseminate, organize, and/or protect the credibility of, knowledge. Each individual college and university - through research, service, and/or teaching activities - uniquely accomplishes this mission.

Mortarboard

The cap worn by graduates during the graduate ceremony.

MPA

Masters degree in Public Administration

Navigate

Online and mobile app that allows students to explore majors, review class schedules, search college resources, and schedule advising appointments.

Need Based

Scholarships (and other awards) given to students who need additional assistance (usually financial).

Net Price

The average cost of attending the college or university, minus the average amount of financial aid awarded to students. Each student's net price of college will be different (given different financial aid awards). However, the average net price reported can provide a general idea of the amount of money needed "out-of-pocket" for each school.

Non-Credit Courses 

Courses that are taken that do not meet any requirements for a degree. Most often used for people who are exploring a new discipline or just want to learn.

Non-matriculated 

Taking courses at a campus when the student has not been officially admitted or has been officially dismissed from campus. Non-matriculated students are not eligible for financial aid or other campus resources and activities (such as athletics).

Non-Traditional Student

(e.g., Adult Learner) 1) A student who is over the age of 25 and/or has not been in school for over 5 years; 2) a student who takes classes at non-traditional times (e.g., Saturday).

Office hours

Hours in which professors arrange for students to schedule individual meetings or walk-ins.

Office Hours

Times when a faculty member is expected to be in his/her office. This time is available to students for questions, comments or guidance. Some faculty encourage "drop-ins" during office hours, while others will prefer students to make an appointment.

Office of Admissions

This office is responsible for processing student applications and assisting newly admitted) students through the admissions process. On many campuses, the Office of Admissions is also responsible for marketing and orientation programs.

Office of Development

An organizational unit on campus tasked with assisting alumni, donors, and others in making financial contributions to the campus.

Online Class

A type of class offering where all assignments, instruction, meetings, and other class activities are held online.

Online classes

Courses that are taken on and through a computer rather than a traditional face-to-face classroom.

Online Learning Management System (Supplement)

(aka Blackboard, Springboard, many other names) The system used as a platform for online classes and to supplement traditional, face-to-face classes

Opportunity Zone

Includes all elements related to common, general opportunities throughout the college and degree-earning process.

Organization Zone

Refers to those essential elements of the maze of college that assist the student in navigating the campus bureaucracy and on-campus resources.

Organizational Structure

The official and unofficial bureaucratic relationship(s) (e.g., communication methods, hierarchy, policies and procedures) between various academic and administrative organizational units, responsible for the operations of a college/university campus.

Organizational Unit

An official college/university college, department, division, office, school, or similar, responsible for a specific part or phase of the college experience, degree-earning process and/or the operations of the university.

Orientation

A period of time officially allocated to the introduction of the student (and usually parents) to the college/university and to the campus itself. Orientation programs vary greatly by campus, but often include presentations from administrators and a meeting with an initial advisor. Transfer students may have a different orientation program than newly admitted students.

Paradigms

A group of related disciplines

Parent Weekend

A specified weekend where campuses invite the parents of current students to experience the college/university and life on that campus.

Part-time student

A student who is enrolled in 11 credit hours or less during a semester/term. May take one or two classes a semester.

Pass Rate

The percentage of a group of students who successfully completed an exam, course, and/or other accomplishment.

Pass/Fail Courses 

No letter grade is earned from the class - it is simply a Pass/Fail. However, the credit hours can be used to meet the requirements for a degree. See also Credit/No Credit Classes.

Peer Review

"A process by which something proposed (as for research or publication) is evaluated by a group of experts in the appropriate field" (Merriam-Webster.com)

Petition

A formal request submitted to the campus, by the student, of the student's request to be reinstated after an academic expulsion or suspension.

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy, a common doctoral degree type; Individuals with a PhD often use the title Doctor (often abbreviated "Dr" or "Dr.") with their name

Placement (Experiential Learning)

The agency, company, group, and/or organization the student works for through co-ops, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.

Plagiarism

A form of academic dishonesty where the student submits someone else's ideas and/or work as their own.

Post-Acceptance College Knowledge

The knowledge (information and skills) necessary to successfully navigate college, the degree-earning process, the university, and higher education as a whole.

Pregame Student Services

A category of student services that assist students (and their parents/families) through the initial stages of college, including admissions, financial aid, and orientation.

Prerequisite

An activity, course/class, sub-requirement, or other special condition that must be satisfied before the student can progress.

Prerequisite Course Completion

A course must be successfully completed prior to the student progressing. Many introductory courses are course completion prerequisites for upper division/level courses.

President (aka Chancellor)

The "head-person-in-charge" of a campus. Often, the President will be the "face" of the university and represents the campus in all external affairs. The President reports to the Board of Trustees (or equivalent).

Process

A specified series of requirements and tasks (including deadlines, paperwork, support services, and other elements) that must be satisfactorily completed to reach a certain goal (or to make progress toward a certain goal.

Professor

"A faculty member of the highest academic rank at an institution of higher education." (Merriam-Webster.com)

Professor

Members of the department. Most often have a PhD in the field and work at the university full-time.

Professor, Assistant

Typically a "new" professor. The vast majority of Assistant Professors do not have tenure. Assistant Professors often have six years to earn tenure.

Professor, Associate

The promotion for an Assistant Professor. Commonly, Associate Professors have met the requirements and earned tenure from the department.

Professor, Distinguished

A Full Professor who has earned an "exceptional" status by the campus. Often, Distinguished Professors are among the highest regarded faculty on campus.

Professor, Emeritus

A retired professor who is still associated with a university and department in some way (i.e., teaches courses).

Professor, Full

Full Professors have many years of experience (most often on the same campus they are currently teaching). They have exceed the standards for Associate Professor. Full Professor is, for most faculty, the highest faculty position reached.

Progress Prerequisites

A group of prerequisites that require a student to have reached a certain point in their degree-earning process prior to registering for a course (e.g., class standing or credit hour completion).

Promissory Note

A legal document that students (and typically parents) must sign, stating their intent to repay student loans.

Provost

Typically, the chief academic officer of a college/university. The Provost is the second highest position on campus and is typically responsible for the "internal" workings of the campus (including academics).

Purpose

Method or way in which someone expresses their effect. Identifies the "how" of one's effect. Highlighted methods include creators, connectors, visualizers, energizers, protectors, designers, recognizers and celebrators.

Quality Points

Converts letter grades earned in classes to points. These points are then used to calculate the GPA. In many quality point scales, “pluses” and “minuses” (e.g., B+, C-) will impact a student’s GPA.

Quarter

An academic year where terms are divided into 12 week (or similar) sessions. An academic year will consist of 4 terms (including summer).

Reach Schools

Campuses where the student has a 10-30 percent chance of being accepted. These schools may be challenging for the student, but these campuses may see a fit and accept the student.

Refund Deadline

If a student withdrawals from a college or university, they may be entitled to a refund of their tuition and fees. However, the longer the student waits to withdrawal, the less of a refund they will receive.

Registrar 

Maintains the official records for students on campus. Grades and transcripts are maintained by the Registrar.

Registration

The period of time allowed for, and the act of, enrolling in classes for a specific semester or term.

Rejection

(aka Denial) The college/university has determined that the student is not a "fit" for their campus, denies admission, and redirects the student to seek admission at another school.

Remediation

Additional academic assistance provided by (and often required by the campus) for students who may not be college ready.

Required Course

Courses that are specifically identified (by course number and name) by the student's degree program. Required courses must be successfully completed for the student to graduate, meaning that the student must take that course to meet that requirement.

Requirements Zone

Contains concepts, definitions, and terms relating to the most critical information for student success: degree programs and requirements.

Research

A formal inquiry into a particular question, subject, or topic, that uses accepted, standardized methods to discover knowledge relating to the topic.

Research Experience

The opportunity to work closely with, and be part of a team, discovering new knowledge on campus.

Research Grants

Funds provided to a principle investigator (e.g., professor) to complete an agreed upon research project. Many grants are awarded by the federal government.

Research Universities

Institutions of higher learning where research is the most important purpose for the university. These schools prioritize research (particularly funded research) and dedicate many resources to these efforts.

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) 

Offered by different branches of the service, a program that offers tuition assistance in exchange for a specified number of years in active duty. Combines military education with other studies.

Residence Council (RC)

(aka Hall Council) A small group of students and residential staff who serve as the "governing body" of a dorm.

Residency Requirements

Refers to the length of time (or specified number of credit hours) that a student MUST take courses on a specific campus to graduate from that campus.

Resident Assistant

Upperclass students who "work" for the campus, in exchange for a reduction in housing costs. Resident Assistants ensure that students living on campus (usually a floor of a dorm) adhere to all rules and regulations. Additionally, they assist with the transition to college, as well as academic and social adjustment.

Resume

A summary of accomplishments, achievements, and education. Typically used to apply for jobs, internships, and other endeavors.

Retention gap

The summer between college years 1 and 2, when many do not return to college for the second year.

Retention rate 

The number and percentage of students who actively enroll in classes the second year (sophomore year).

Retroactive Withdrawal

A withdrawal from a previously completed semester or term. May be used in conjunction with Compassionate Withdrawal.

Rigor

The tendency for upper level classes to become more strict and harder.

Rubric

A document that describes and outlines the criteria for how a particular assignment or paper will be graded.

Rural Campuses

Campuses located in remote areas, close to farms, wooded areas, and/or small towns (towns with populations less than 25,000). At rural schools, most students live on or close to campus, in student dominated housing. Typically, these campuses serve as the center of activities and life for their students.

S.E.E.D. of Success

Four initial, modifiable, decision points that are used as starting points for the student’s plan to success. Includes decisions regarding specialization, environment, effect and (career) destination.

Sabbatical

"A break or change from a normal routine (as of employment)." (Merriam-Webster.com) In higher education, professors may take a semester or year off from teaching to focus on a research project, such as writing a book or completing a grant-funded research project.

Safe Space

A specific department, location on campus, and/or office that welcomes and supports the LBGTQ+ community.

Safety Schools

Schools where there is a greater than 80 percent chance of the student being accepted. These schools may not be as desirable as others, but the student has the highest likelihood of acceptance at one of the campuses.

Salutatorian

Second highest ranking student in the class

Satisfactory Academic Process

"Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards ensure that you are successfully completing your coursework and can continue to receive financial aid. All students receiving financial aid are required to meet SAP standards. Federal regulations require the University to establish, publish, and apply standards to monitor your progress toward completing your degree program. If you fail to meet the SAP standards, you will be placed on financial aid warning or suspension. Your academic performance must meet the SAP standards below." (https://onestop.umn.edu/finances/satisfactory-academic-progress-sap)

Schedule of Classes

Informs students what courses will be offered during a particular semester or term, including the meeting dates, times and locations. Also includes the method of delivery and often, the name of the instructor.

Scholarships

Sums of money that are given or “gifted” to students for the purpose of paying for college tuition and other college-related expenses. Scholarships do not have to be paid back and, therefore, are a very valuable type of financial aid.

School

An organizational unit similar to a college. Like colleges, schools have several departments that offer different degrees, but the degrees are very related (such as Accounting and Finance). Often, endowments (money given to the campus for a specific purpose) financial support schools, which is one reason why a school may be named for a specific person. Schools are becoming more popular because they are great environments for interdisciplinary degrees. Commonly named after a specific person. Schools are becoming more popular because they are great environments for interdisciplinary degrees.

Semester

An academic year that is divided into 18 week (or similar) sessions. Academic years based on semesters will have 3 terms (including summer).

Seminar 

A type of class where the format is discussion. There is a strong expectation of a high level of interaction between students and the instructor.

Senior

A student who has completed three-quarters (or more) of their degree requirements (over 90 credit hours for a 120 credit hour degree) and who is preparing to graduate.

Senioritis

"an ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades" (Merriam-Webster.com)

Service

Professional and quasi-professional activities that assist, enhance, support, and/or evaluate various on- and off-campus efforts. Examples of service activities include committee work, research, and public speaking.

Service Learning

"Service-learning refers to learning that actively involves students in a wide range of experiences, which often benefit others and the community, while also advancing the goals of a given curriculum. Community-based service activities are paired with structured preparation and student reflection." (http://www.washington.edu/teaching/teaching-resources/engaging-students-in-learning/service-learning/)

Setting

The community surrounding a college/university’s campus. A campus’ setting may be rural, suburban, or urban. Each type of setting offers different college experiences and opportunities.

S.I.

Supplemental Instruction: a peer-assisted study session designed to assist students in courses that have proven difficult.

Sophomore

A student who has completed one-quarter of the degree, but not yet half. For example, for students completing 120 credit hour degrees, Sophomores will have completed between 30-59 credit hours .

Special Focus Colleges and Universities

Colleges and universities that specialize in the education of a particular group of students. Specializations of these universities may be based on disciplinary/professional, cultural/ ethnic, gender, and religious characteristics (e.g., female only colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and HSI (Hispanic Serving Institutions).

Specialization

Identifies the primary area of body of knowledge needed to support the journey to success. Knowledge refers to the balance and intensity of specialized information and experience/skills.

Stacked Prerequisites

A situation that requires the student to complete multiple prequisites prior to advancing.

Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct outlines the expectations the university has of its students. It often focuses on student behavior and conduct. Students agree to abide by the University's Code of Conduct when they register for classes. Additionally, it is common to require students to sign an acknowledgement stating they have read, understand, and agree to, the Code of Conduct.

Student Identification Card (I.D.) 

(aka College/University ID) The student's proof of being officially enrolled on a campus. Required to use the gym, libraries, access dorms, receive student discounts from merchants, and much more.

Student Organizations

Groups of students who consistently meet and have activities, usually for a specific purpose. Student organizations are officially approved by the university.

Student Services

A broad category of services offered by the university to empower students to succeed in and through college. Although there are many services offered on campus, common types of student services include advising, financial aid, and tutoring.

Student-Designed Major 

Students design their own program and develop nontraditional methods of meeting requirements.

Study Abroad

An opportunity for students to learn and study in a different country/culture. Students typically earn credit hours for these experiences.

Sub requirements

“Mini” requirements that must be completed, as part of the requirement, and for the requirement, to be satisfied. Sub requirements can be found within the requirement or in the “small print” of the degree program guide. Failure to satisfy all of the sub requirements of each requirement can prevent the student from graduating.

Summer Savings Expectation

An expectation by the university, either explicitly or implicitly stated, that students will earn an amount of money over the summer to contribute to college expenses.

Syllabus

An outline for a specific class. Include a course description, instructor contact and office information, texts, grading schemes, an overview of assignments, due dates, and a schedule of class topics. Some consider the syllabus a "contract" that describes the instructor’s expectations of the student. By enrolling in the class, the student agrees to the “terms” in the syllabus.

Symposium

A small conference, where experts in a particular field come together and present innovations and research.

T/TH; T/TR

Tuesday/Thursday schedule

Target Schools

Schools where there is a 30-80 percent chance of the student being accepted. Students may consider these schools likely acceptances.

Teaching

Concerted sharing of experience, ideas, or principles, by an artifact or person of authority, for the purpose of intellectual growth. Often organized by disciplines.

Teaching Assistant (TA)

See Graduate Assistant

Teaching Colleges

Schools that emphasize student learning as top priority. These campuses often highlight student success and are known for offering considerable student resources and support. These schools tend to be smaller campuses and are more likely to be private campuses. Teaching colleges are often also considered Liberal Arts colleges.

Tenure

Means that a faculty member has "earned" a permanent position in the department by meeting specific criteria.

Term

A specific session (length of time) of classes. See Quarter and Semester.

Textbooks 

Books (and sometimes other materials) that will be used in the class. Some books are required (the student is expected to have a copy of the book), while others are recommended (the book is considered beneficial for the student).

Thesis

1) a short summary of the main point of a paper or research; 2) a document containing original research required for a degree (e.g., Master's degree).

TIC

Acronym that stands for Tradition, Identity, and Culture. Serves as a method for evaluating and measuring each individual campus’ “personality.”

Tradition

Attitudes, standards, values, and other attributes passed down throughout time. Ways of thinking and acting that have, over time, become expected of, and by, those belonging to a particular environment.

Transcript 

An official record of the student's academic performance. Includes academic programs, coursework, and grades. This is the document that will be requested by future schools and employers as "proof" the student attended, graduated, and how well the student performed while in high school/college.

Transfer Credits

The credit hours, courses and grades that were earned somewhere other than the student's current campus, but applied to the student’s current degree.

Transfer Program 

Found in both community colleges and universities. Allows students to begin a Bachelors degree while earning credits toward an Associate degree (Associates' graduation not required).

Transfer Student 

A student who transfers from one campus to another, while gaining credit at the new campus for courses successfully completed at the former campus.

Tribal Colleges and Universities

Institutions that specifically educate Native American students and that are funded under the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978, the Navajo Community College Act or is cited by the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994. These colleges and universities are administered and controlled by Native American tribes.

Trimesters 

An academic year that is divided into 3 parts. See Quarter.

TRIO

Federal program designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tutor 

A person who helps students understand material and earn better grades in a specific class. Tutors must typically demonstrate, through grades or another method, a mastery of the material, an ability to understand the class, and help others.

Undergraduate

1) A student enrolled in an Associates or Bachelor's degree program. 2) A type of degree program.

University 

A specific location and/or group of organizational units that have the common purpose of discovering new knowledge through research, disseminating knowledge through teaching, and being of service to the community. A institution of higher learning that offers Bachelor's, Master's and/or Doctoral degree programs.

Upper Level Courses

(aka Upper Division Courses) Advanced courses where students are often required to apply the knowledge learned through general education and introductory major courses. These courses are typically more intense than lower level courses. These courses are typically associated with course numbers above 300/3000.

Urban Campuses

Schools located in cities with populations of 200,000 or more. While some campuses are self-contained, many students commute to these colleges and universities. There are many options of activities and opportunities in the areas surrounding these campuses. Therefore, many students have interests off-campus.

Valedictorian

Highest ranking student in the class

VCU RecWell

VCU's Recreation and Well-being; formarly two separate departments (Rec Sports and The Well) who have merged. Offers recreational sports as well and health and well-being resources.

Verification (financial aid)

As part of the financial aid process, students (and their families) may be asked for additional documentation (such as W-2 forms) to ensure the accuracy of the FAFSA. Students and their families MUST submit all required documentation. Failure to do results in the student losing all financial aid.

Visiting Professor

A teacher, often with a PhD, who is not a full-time member of the department and has not taught on the campus before.

Vita

Academic “resume,” often used by university faculty. Highlights the person’s research (such as books, grants, and journal articles), teaching, and service contributions.

Waitlist

The applicant meets all of the requirements for admission and will be accepted by the college/university, provided there is enough space or "spots" available.

Weed Out Course

Weed out courses are informally designated, often information-intensive, courses that may help confirm the student’s “fit” in that major. These courses are often difficult and require substantial work. Therefore, students who do not fit in that major could struggle and may be “weeded out.”

Withdrawal

Removal of student from class. Class withdrawals are most often student-initiated.

Withdrawal, Complete

Complete withdrawal from classes during a semester or term. Procedures for withdrawal are established and official permission is required. Fees and tuition may or may not be refundable. If withdrawal from classes is due to a medical or personal situation, the university may issue a compassionate withdrawal.

Work-Study

A type of financial aid that allows students to work university-sponsored jobs and get paid for that work. The money for these programs comes from the federal government, but is distributed by each university in the form of the student’s paycheck.

You First

VCU program to provide services and resources to first-generation students.

Zoom Calls

A digital platform that allows for virtual/video chatting between two or more people by accessing a link.