45 Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms
Academic Year
Annual period during which a student attends and receives formal instruction at a college or university , typically from August or September to May or June.
Academic Catalog
College publication detailing academic programs, policies, regulations, and procedures, and student services.. The Catalog includes all classes offered by the institution with descriptions and prerequisite/corequisite information. This document serves as the students “contract” with the University and students should follow the Academic Catalog for the academic year they began at the University.
Academic Calendar
An Academic Calendar stores the important dates and events of the academic year, such as the first day of classes, Convocation, the add/drop deadline, when open portal registration is, and final exam week, to name a few.
Accredited
An Academic Calendar stores the important dates and events of the academic year, such as the first day of classes, Convocation, the add/drop deadline, when open portal registration is, and final exam week, to name a few.
Add/Drop
Students who start taking a class and discover it may not be the best “fit” or they need a different class can “add” or “drop” during the designated add/drop period listed on the Academic Calendar. This period is typically the first week of classes. If students choose to leave a class after the add/drop deadline, this is considered a course withdrawal and a ‘W’ will be reflected on their official transcript.
Academic Year
Annual period during which a student attends and receives formal instruction at a college or university , typically from August or September to May or June.
Add/Drop
Students who start taking a class and discover it may not be the best “fit” or they need a different class can “add” or “drop” during the designated add/drop period listed on the Academic Calendar. This period is typically the first week of classes. If students choose to leave a class after the add/drop deadline, this is considered a course withdrawal and a ‘W’ will be reflected on their official transcript.
Commencement
Otherwise known as graduation, an academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred.
Convocation
A ceremony at a university which involves the gathering of faculty, staff, and the upcoming graduating class to welcome and celebrate the new incoming class of students.
Co-requisite
A course or other requirement that a student must take at the same time as another course or requirement.
Credits (credit hours)
Annual period during which a student attends and receives formal instruction at a college or university , typically from August or September to May or June.
Curriculum
Lessons and academic content taught in a school or in a specific course or program.
Dean
An administrator at a college who has responsibility for one academic department or for an entire college of various related academic studies.
Double Major
Students can complete a double major, or dual degree, as a second specialization to their principal field of study. Students should review this option carefully with their Faculty Advisor based on their specific circumstance and goals.
ePortfolio
A collection of in-and-out of the classroom work in an electronic format that showcases learning over time. The ePortfolio shows evidence of a student’s creativity, performance, expertise, and leadership. The ePortfolio is an institutional graduation requirement at Bay Path and students will keep track of their progress on their Degree Audit.
Extracurricular
Activities and experiences outside of the regular academic course of studies.
Faculty Advisor
A member of the school ‘s faculty who provides advice and guidance to students on personal, academic, and career matters within their major department.
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) Release
Because students enrolled at college are considered adults, colleges are not allowed to communicate with anyone, including parents and guardians, about anything related to a student’s academic performance, housing situation, and tuition bills. Students may wish to sign a FERPA consent to release an authorized third party (e.g., a parent or guardian) to contact the university on a students behalf and discuss their academic and/or financial records.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
A measure of a student’s academic achievement at college, based on a calculation of grades received and credits attempted and earned.
General Education Requirement “Gen Ed”
The core or basic college courses that your degree requires you study as you study subjects related to your major. All students must complete the core general education program to graduate, no matter what their declared major.
General Elective Course
Courses that students can choose to take for credit toward their degree , but are not required or contributing to their Major or Core General Education requirements. Sometimes students will use General Electives to earn double majors or minors/concentrations, however, this is not required.
Liberal Arts
Studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills, rather than occupational or professional skills provided by your major field of study
Major
The principal field of study of a student at a university.
Minor/Concentration/Certificate
An academic subject area that a student chooses to have a secondary focus on during their undergraduate studies. Unlike a major , a minor is typically not required, but it allows a student to take a few additional courses in a subject different from their major. Students should review this option carefully with their Faculty Advisor based on their specific circumstance and goals.
Pre-requisite
Course that you must complete with a satisfactory grade before enrolling in another course.
Provost
The senior academic officer of a university who oversees all academic departments, policies and curriculum -related matters.
Registrar
The Registrar’s Office maintains the official student records after admission. This Office processes registration requests, schedules classes and maintains class lists, enforces academic policies and regulations, and keeps a permanent record of academic history including grades.
Syllabus
A document that communicates information about a specific course and defines the learning objectives and outcomes, expectations and responsibilities, grading, and main components of what will take place within the course, including major assignments, projects, and/or exams.
Transcript
An official transcript is a copy of your permanent academic record and includes courses taken, dates of attendance, major, type of degree awarded, your cumulative grade point average (GPA) and all honors received at the University.
Navigator Advisor / Educator Coach
Navigator Advisors (TRAD) / Educator Coaches (TAWC) assist students in their transition to University life, as well as with the educational and career planning process.
Work Study Job
Some students earn financial aid in the form of a work study job on campus. This opportunity allows students to earn money to put toward their tuition or to receive in check payment. Students will learn more about work study jobs later this summer through the Sullivan Career & Life Planning Center through our Handshake software.