COLLEGE LINGO (GLOSSARY)
2 + 2
A plan that lists the courses students should take their freshman and sophomore level years, and the courses to take at a four-year institution the junior and senior years.
3-PEAT
Third attempt tuition charge. Due to state legislation, the Alamo Colleges District is no longer reimbursed by the state for courses taken by students who have attempted the same course three or more times previously (which includes courses taken that results in a grade of “W”). Therefore, the tuition for such a “three-peat” course will be the current cost for out of state tuition.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Allegations that include, but are not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. Punitive actions and sanctions may be imposed. The academic integrity procedure is outlined in F.4.2.2 (Procedure) Academic Integrity Disciplinary and Appeal Process.
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL
Status of a student not allowed to enter classes for at least one regular semester. Academic Dismissal results when a student on Academic Probation during a semester fails to meet minimum academic standards prescribed by the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District.
ACADEMIC PROBATION
Applied to a student whose grades are below minimum performance standards at the end of a semester. Removal from probation is accomplished by meeting the standards while on probation. Failure to meet the standards while on probation for two successive regular semesters results in Academic Dismissal.
ACADEMIC YEAR
From August 1 to July 31, including fall and spring semesters and summer sessions.
ACES
ACES is a secure web-based portal provides students, staff, and faculty with access to various applications using a single sign-on. Features include access to registration, financial aid information, email, announcements, library materials, and access to online course materials.
ACDOL
Alamo Colleges District Online (ACDOL) is dedicated to quality in teaching and learning in the online environment. You can complete certificates or associate degrees in many high demand programs that are fully online.
ADD
Enrollment in a course after initial registration.
ADVISOR
Assists students in following a degree plan, selecting appropriate classes, and registering during group advisement sessions.
APPEAL
A student request for reconsideration or review of a decision affecting financial aid suspension, dismissal, grade change, prerequisite challenge, disciplinary action, etc.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE
Granted by two-year colleges and offered at the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District; usually 60 semester hours of credit.
- Associate of Art
- Associate of Science
- Associate of Applied Science
- Associate of Arts in Teaching
AUDIT
Registration in a course for non-credit status. A grade of “AU ” is assigned to auditing students. An additional audit fee is required.
“BASICS”
Courses that satisfy general education core curriculum requirements for a degree. Caution: Courses may differ based upon major, field of study, transfer institution, or catalog year.
BASIC SKILL LEVELS
Students must test out or complete a certain course or courses to demonstrate the appropriate skill level to enter the next higher-level course. Basic skills prerequisites for classes are listed with the course descriptions in the online college catalogs.
BURSAR
The business office where students may pay bills.
CAMPUS ACCESS FEE
A Campus Access Fee, included with the tuition and fees, gives access to campus facilities, including open parking areas. Tobin Lofts residents must pay an additional fee for a decal that allows parking in the reserved resident parking area at Tobin Lofts.
CATALOG/BULLETIN
Publications that give college information, degrees/programs, admissions and graduation requirements, etc.
CENSUS DATE
The date on which the college certifies enrollment to the state. Courses dropped by students on or prior to the Census Date will not appear on permanent records and will not affect the three attempt rule.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
A technical program designed for entry-level employment or for upgrading skills and knowledge within an occupation. Certificate programs typically serve as building blocks within Associate of Applied Science program.
COLLEGE LEVEL
Courses that require college level skills, particularly in the areas of reading, mathematics, and writing, usually based upon the results of college entry tests and/or previous academic records.
COLLUSION
The unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing any coursework/assignment.
CO-LISTED CLASSES
Classes that may be taken either for credit or non-credit (continuing education).
CORE CURRICULUM
All degrees at all Texas public institutions require a “general education core.” All of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District require the same core curriculum, and upon completion it will be transferable to any Texas public institution of higher education. Some majors at transfer universities may specify a specific course(s) within the core. Students are encouraged to verify with the transfer institution of choice if a specific course is designated.
CO-REQUISITE
A course that has to be taken at the same time as another course.
CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Provides a variety of quality, relevant and essential traditional and non-traditional educational programs to individuals, businesses, and the community to help fulfill employer training needs, as well as career and/or personal training aspirations. Also referred to as Continuing Education.
COUNSELOR
Provides services that may include academic, transfer, career, personal and crisis counseling. Counselors also teach student development courses.
COURSE NUMBER
All credit courses are identified by a four-digit number. The first number identifies the level of the course:
0 - Developmental
1 - Freshman
2 - Sophomore
The second number indicates the semester credit hour (SCH) value of the course. The third and fourth numbers distinguish the courses within a program area.
CURRICULUM
Set of courses or program of study outlined in a degree plan, or lessons taught in a course.
DEAN’S LIST
Students who earn a 3.5 or higher grade point average at the home/primary and/or one of the other colleges in the Alamo Colleges District. Students may be enrolled part-time (6-11) semester hours or full-time (12 or more) semester hours.
DEGREES
- Associate - Granted by two-year colleges; usually 60 semester hours of credit.
- Bachelor’s - Granted by four-year colleges or universities; usually 120 semester hours of credit.
- Master’s - Granted by some colleges and most universities; usually 36+ semester hours of graduate-level courses beyond the bachelor’s degree, plus a major research paper (thesis).
- Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D, etc.) - Granted by a few colleges and some universities; usually 45+ semester hours of graduate-level courses beyond the master’s degree, plus extensive research and intensive written report (dissertation).
DEGREE PLAN
An education road map for successful completion of a certificate, associate’s degree, or transfer to a four-year institution.
DEPARTMENT CHAIR
The head person of an academic department.
DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES
Courses designed for students whose records indicate that they need preparation for entering college level courses.
DISCIPLINE
Related courses in a given subject area, such as history.
DISTANCE EDUCATION
Courses offered through a variety of instructional modes. Delivery systems include Internet courses, telecourses, and hybrid courses.
DROP
Voluntary or involuntary official withdrawal from a course.
DROP-SLIP
In order to officially withdraw from a course the form “Notice of Change” must be submitted to the Admissions and Records office. Ask your instructor for “drop” procedures applicable at various times of each semester.
ELECTIVE
A course a student chooses to take that is not a required part of the regular curriculum.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Activities that occur outside the classroom during the student’s personal time.
EXTRAMURALS
Competitive activities through tournaments and leagues. To be eligible to participate, participants must be enrolled in at least 6 college credit hours and maintain a minimum 2.0 institution GPA at the college offering the extramural activity. These requirements are verified and monitored during the semester.
FACULTY
College and university faculty are ranked (lowest to highest) as adjunct, lecturer, instructor, assistant professor, associate professor or full professor.
FACULTY MENTOR
Assists students with particular requirements for each department’s programs of study and assesses what courses are needed to complete the degree plan.
FLEX CLASS
Courses that are only 8 weeks long . Flex I constitutes the first eight weeks of the semester. Flex II constitutes the second eight weeks of the semester.
FINALS
Final examinations. End-of-semester course examinations in each subject of about 2-1⁄2 hours’ duration. Refer to the Schedule of Classes for the final exam schedule.
FINANCIAL AID
Various forms of student financial assistance including grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study. Federal Pell grants are the most common form of financial aid.
FRESHMAN
A student with less than 30 semester hours of college level credit.
FULL-TIME STUDENT
Students taking 12 or more credit hours in a semester/term across the colleges. Some grants, loans, or scholarships may require full-time student status.
GPA (GRADE POINT AVERAGE)
Numerical grade average calculated on completed courses. The minimum overall institution GPA for Good Standing is 2.0.
GRADE/QUALITY POINTS
Quality points are number values assigned to the letter grades, e.g., A=4 points, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0.
GRADUATE
A student who has satisfied the minimum requirements for a degree program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
GRANTS
Federal and state financial aid funds that do not have to be paid back. Students are required to apply once per year.
GRIEVANCE POLICY
The Academic Grievance Policy is a process through which students may elect to resolve conflicts where there is clear and convincing evidence that the student has been treated unfairly or abusively by faculty or college personnel.
- Academic Grievance Policy F.4.6 (Policy)
- Non-academic Grievance Policy and Procedures F.4.7 (Policy) and F.4.7.1 (Procedure)
HYBRID COURSE
Combines traditional lecture, discussion or lab sections with online or other computer-based learning. Hybrid courses move a significant part of the course work to the computer or Internet, which reduces the amount of time spent in a classroom setting.
HOLD
Prevents registration and indicates the action that students need to take before they can register for classes. Examples include outstanding parking tickets or library fines, missing transcripts , or academic progress issues.
INSTITUTION GPA
Numerical grade point average calculated on completed courses at the student’s home/primary college. The institution GPA is used for Academic Standing.
INTERNET COURSE
Students participate in the class by using the internet for all or part of the coursework. The instructor posts a webpage that contains course information and assignments. Communication between students and instructors occurs by e-mail.
INTRAMURALS
Provides students, staff, and faculty the opportunity to participate in activities that are fun, promote wellness, and encourage socialization. In order to be eligible, participants must be currently enrolled students or currently employed faculty/staff.
JOINT ADMISSIONS
Agreements between the community college and universities that allow a smooth transfer process for students by identifying courses for transfer. Joint admissions programs give students access to university resources, such as a libraries, before they even begin taking classes.
LEARNING RESOURCES CENTER/LIBRARY
Campus resource center offering on-site library materials, information technologies, and instructional services necessary to support and supplement the teaching-learning process.
MAYMESTER
Three week session offered between the Spring and first Summer session. A full-time student is enrolled in 3-4 semester hours.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION (NSO)
NSO offers students the opportunity to engage with college representatives and other students for academic advising and to learn about valuable resources supporting student success.
ORIENTATION
An informational meeting or activity required for most courses taught over the Internet or television.
OVERALL GPA
Numerical grade point average calculated on completed courses at all of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District.
PAYMENT PLAN
Students may elect to utilize the payment plan to pay tuition. Half of tuition balance is due by the payment deadline and the remaining half is divided into two payments. This plan is available only during the Fall and Spring semesters. An additional fee is required for the Payment Plan.
PERMANENT RECORD
A student’s permanent record, part of the official archives of the college, contains personal data, test scores, summary of transfer and admissions information, courses attempted, grades, grade points and scholastic status.
PERSONAL INDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN)
Students will use PIN processing at critical advising touchpoints to meet with assigned advisors when they complete 15 hours, 30 hours and 45 hours of coursework.
PLAGIARISM
In college, plagiarism generally means copying and submitting for course credit a sentence, paragraph, or article, without identifying or crediting the source. Plagiarism usually results in a failing grade.
PRE-MAJOR
Students wishing to transfer for a 4-year degree will designate the major they plan to pursue upon transfer.
PRE-REQUISITE
A course that must be satisfactorily completed prior to taking another course.
PRESIDENT’S LIST
Students who earn a 4.0 grade point average at one or more of the colleges. Students may be enrolled part-time (6-11) semester hours or full-time (12 or more) semester hours.
PRIORITY REGISTRATION/TIME TICKETING
Date and time of registration when current students are scheduled to register earlier than newly admitted students.
RECRUITER
A person who provides outreach and support for area high schools, businesses, and community organizations. Support may include testing, admissions and financial aid information.
REPEATED COURSES/GRADE RECALCULATION
If a student repeats a course, the higher grade earned is considered in assigning grade points. It is the student’s responsibility to fill out a recalculation form at Admissions and Records for this consideration. Other colleges and universities may not follow this practice.
SB1231 (6 DROP RULE)
Students are limited to a total of six course drops during their undergraduate career, including courses dropped at another institution as defined in Section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code, which limits the number of courses that may be dropped under certain circumstances.
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
Publication that provides instructions for registration and enrollment information; courses offered, course numbers and course instructors; and times and locations. A Schedule of Classes is published before each semester and is available online.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Eligibility criteria varies, and financial aid awards made on competitive basis. Funds awarded are not required to be repaid.
SECTION NUMBER
Identifies the specific section of a particular course. For example, there may be several classes of the course English 130. Each class, called a “section,” is denoted by digits appearing after the decimal: Eng.1301.001, Eng.1301.002, etc.
SEMESTERS AND COURSE LOAD
The colleges in the Alamo Colleges District offer courses in a variety of formats ranging from 3 to 16 weeks in duration. Students may take a maximum number of courses as designated for the respective semester. No student may enroll for more than 18 semester hours during Fall and Spring semesters or full-time during Maymester, Flex and Summer Sessions except by written authorization of the Vice President of Student Success or a designee.
SMART START
A success initiative to support students in being ready for class and actively engaged in learning on the first day and throughout the semester.
F.6.1.5 (Procedure) Student Success: Comprehensive Monitoring/Advising System
SOBI
A behavioral awareness and intervention program that identifies and provides support and assistance for students who display concerning, disruptive or threatening behaviors. The Strategies of Behavioral Intervention (SOBI) team offers consultation, education, and support to faculty, staff, and administration in assisting students, recommends appropriate intervention strategies and connects students with needed campus and community resources. Students may submit Behavior Incident Report named or anonymously at https://publicdocs.maxient.com/incidentreport.php?AlamoColleges or call the ethics hotline at 1-866-294-3696 or online at http://www.ethicspoint.com.
SOPHOMORE
A student who has 30 to 59 semester hours of college level credit.
STUDENT ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a federal requirement that students must meet to receive both federal & state financial aid. In addition to the Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, students must comply with the Alamo Colleges District’s SAP Policy in order to be eligible to receive financial aid including student loans.
STUDENT ADVISOR
A guide to help you plan your educational career. A student advisor will review your degree plan, monitor your academic progress, assist with transfer planning, and provide general information.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Outlines acceptable and unacceptable conduct on campus and the consequences for student’s actions.
STUDENT EMAIL
Email services are provided to students of the Alamo Colleges District in support of the educational, training and outreach mission of the colleges and the administrative functions to carry out that mission. Your college-assigned student email account is considered an official channel for communication between the colleges and you.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Outlines Alamo Colleges District’s students’ rights and responsibilities .
STUDENT LOANS
Short-term loans - Offered during registration to cover the cost of tuition, short-term loans are only awarded to students guaranteed to receive grant funds and must be repaid within 30 days.
Long-term loans - Amount borrowed that has been determined by student financial need. Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or withdrawal from school.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
F.6.2 (Policy) Student Responsibility for Success
The Alamo Colleges District’s students are expected to assume responsibility for contributing to their own development and learning. Academic success is directly tied to the effort students put into their studies, the degree to which they interact with faculty and peers, and the extent to which students integrate into the campus life.
SUMMER SESSION
Five, eight and ten week sessions are offered June-August, the length varying by class. A full-time student is enrolled in 6 or more credit hours. A part-time student is enrolled in fewer than 6 semester credit hours.
SYLLABUS
An overview of the assignments and activities to be included in a course, which essentially constitutes a contract between student and instructor.
TELECOURSE
Prerecorded video programs that are broadcast through Time Warner Cable and Grande Cable. Telecourse tapes and DVDs can also be purchased in the college bookstores.
TRANSCRIPT
A permanent record of the courses attempted and grades received, the transcript also includes courses withdrawn after the Census Date. An official transcript includes the college’s seal and the registrar’s signature. Transfer institutions require an official transcript from each college attended. Transcripts from the colleges of the Alamo Colleges District include the courses completed at the home/primary college with courses taken at the other colleges as transfer courses.
TRANSFER CREDIT
Courses that another college or university will accept to meet its requirements.
TRANSFER PLAN
An education road map for successful transfer to a four-year institution. A Transfer Plan alone may not lead to a degree from one of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District.
UNDERGRADUATE
Classification applied to any student with less than a bachelor’s degree.
VIRTUAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS
A consortium of Texas community colleges making online courses available to students when the courses are not offered at the local college. Students receive instruction provide by other colleges while remaining enrolled in and receiving services from the local community colleges.
WEB ADVISING
Available online or via e-mail for students who have questions or concerns about registration, academic needs and available student support services.
WORK-STUDY
Student employment on campus, work-study is only available to students receiving Pell grants.
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