College Terms

Schedule of Classes

Colleges prepare Class Schedule for each semester during previous semester. With help of academic advisors and/or faculty members, students make up own individual class schedules for each semester theyre enrolled. Courses designated in Class Schedule by course department, course number, time, and days course meets.

CO-OP Education

Cooperative Education enhances student's learning experience by comparing it with real world employment college business community cooperate provide student work experience in jobs related to their major the employment is arranged around class hours its part-time may continue each semester student is enrolled.

Financial Need

Cost of Attendance (COA) = Financial need

Diploma program

Credit courses of 41-52 credit hours, may include few general education courses mainly concentrates courses in particular field of study.

Midterm Exams (Midterms)

During middle of each semester, instructors may give mid-term exams test students on material covered during the first half of semester some classes have only two tests, mid-term and final.

Department

Organizational unit in higher education institution, responsible for academic functions in field of study. also be used in broader sense to indicate administrative or service unit of institution.

SAP Appeal

Students fail meet standards of satisfactory academic progress as defined in college catalog and student handbook have option submitting an appeal financial aid office is able consider appeals based on illness, separation/divorce, or work-related issues students become ineligible due GPA or completion rate: Submit SAP appeal only if academic difficulties were direct result events beyond control illness, separation/divorce, death, or work related. Note: student doesn't have an appealable situation, student take 6 non-remedial credit hours during same semester (pay out of pocket), pass both classes with 2.0 GPA or better regain federal aid eligibility following semester. Students become ineligible due to 150% rule Submit SAP appeal explaining why have accumulated so many hours beyond program's requirements along with degree evaluation form completed by academic advisor. Note: student completes has completed program of study, submit transcript or degree verifying completion. Students ineligible due to 150% rule may not regain eligibility by paying out pocket for six credit hours in same semester.

Jump Start

former name program college classes can take while still in high school getting jump start on college means can lighten load in college or graduate early.

EFC (Expected Family Contribution)

formula established by U.S. Congress calculates EFC or what family can contribute to education, determines student's financial aid eligibility based on results of formula, formula takes account family's income, assets, number family members, and number in household attending college at least half-time it's based income from prior year of enrollment, for 2009-10 academic year students sometimes parents 2008 income considered when calculating contribution.

Full-Time Enrollment/Part-Time Enrollment

full-time is enrolled 12 or more credit hours in semester full-time status for summer term 12 credit hours, part-time enrolled in less than 12 credit hours in semester.

Final Exams (Finals)

given during the last week of classes each semester type of final administered in course is left to discretion of instructor, final exams given on specified dates, may be different than regular class time, usually listed in each semester's class schedule.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

grade point average equivalent of their average for curriculum course work. letter grade equivalent point value: A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2, D = 1 and F = 0 student may determine grade points each course by multiplying number of points grade is worth times number credits course carries, "B" grade, three points, in three-credit course nine grade points; "A" grade same three-credit course worth 12 grade points grade point average found by adding total grade point values for all courses, dividing by total number of credits attempted during same period of time.

Associate Degree

granted upon completion of program of at least two, but less than four years of full-time equivalent college work Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are conferred upon students who successfully complete programs designed for transfer to senior college Associate Degree requires completion of minimum of 60 credit hours including general education courses along with courses within specific program of study, with cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Advisor

help choose correct courses review course requirements in program you have chosen to pursue, and help with any academic problems you may encounter some institutions, faculty as part of job duties conduct academic advisement other institutions may designate specific staff as academic counselors advisors help select classes, plan course schedules and answer questions about course credits.

Course Numbers

identified by numbers usually containing three digits like Freshman English might be one hundred and one first digit indicates class year in which subject is usually taken course number beginning with "zero" indicates it doesn't carry credit hours applicable to degree.

Registrar

institution responsible for maintenance of academic records may include such duties: maintenance class enrollments, providing statistical information on student enrollment, student eligibility for academic honors, administering probation and retention policies, and verification of completion of degree requirements for graduation.

Private/Public Institutions

institutions differ primarily in terms of source of financial support public institutions receive funding from state or other governmental entities and administered by public boards private institutions rely on income from private donations, from religious or other organizations, and student tuition.

Blackboard

Web-based set of Course Tools designed to deliver online learning.

Curriculum

a program courses approved for particular degree or certificate earn degree or certificate in specific program must complete curriculum for that program.

Academic Suspension

student academic probation fails earn minimum semester GPA for credit hours earned at next semester enrollment, she/he will be suspended from college and will not be allowed enroll for one full semester. During period of suspension, students be encouraged to remedy causes of lack of progress.

Financial Aid

available from grants, scholarships, loans, tuition assistance and part-time employment from federal, state, institutional, private sources, awards from programs may be combined "award package" meet cost education financial need, available funds, student classification, academic performance, sometimes timeliness of application determine types and amounts of aid awarded

Loan

borrowed money that must be repaid.

Current Student

student currently enrolled this semester at Greenville Technical College

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

career degree gives technical skills for entry-level employment in workforce it's not designed for transfer although it's not considered transfer degree agreements may be in place with other institutions that allow smooth transfer of credits.

Dean's List

category of students in college/university who achieve high grades during their stay in academic term or academic year all students who earn minimum twelve semester credit hours in one hundred level courses and above who achieve minimum GPA of three point four be placed on Dean's List same goes for part-time students.

President's List

category students in college or university who achieve high grades during their stay in academic term or academic year students who earn within semester minimum 12 semester credit hours in 100-level courses and above, achieve grade point average of 4.0, be placed on President's List.

Registration Verification

checks ensure student made satisfactory grade pre-requisite courses before term begins students who didnt successfully complete pre-requisite course be removed from upcoming course registration process is run at beginning of every full and half semester.

Early College/College in High School

classes are college classes you can take while you're still in high school called "jump start" program allows high school students lighten load in college even graduate early.

Hybrid

classes combines online learning and face-to-face instruction schedule, structure can significantly vary from one class to another typically determined by instructor based on learning goals, course objectives, content, available resources course offers at least 25% face-to-face time combined with most 75% online components or up to maximum of 75% face-to-face time at least 25% online components is hybrid course.

Humanities Courses

classes cover subjects literature, philosophy, language, and fine arts most undergraduate degrees require certain number of humanities credit hours.

Academic Process

colleges require students maintain minimum cumulative GPA to remain in school.

Degree Audit/Program Evaluation

compares student's academic progress to requirements of desired academic program.

Audit

student doesn't want to receive credit in course may with approval of instructor audit course as "visitor" student who audits course cannot ask or petition college at later date to obtain college credit for audited course no financial aid or VA benefits can be awarded for audited course.

Academic Notice

student semester GPA falls below minimum described in Academic Progress will be placed on academic notice and be restricted to 12 semester credits at next registration notice flag will be noted on student's grade report.

Re-admit Student

student who has attended College in past, but hasnt been enrolled for past three consecutive semesters or more.

New Student

student who has never been student at College before.

Major/Minor

student's chosen field of study usually requires successful completion of specified number of credit hours minor is designated as specific number credit hours in secondary field of study.

Lecture vs. Laboratory vs. Discussion Classes

students attend class on regular basis and instructor lectures on class material laboratory classes require students to perform certain functions in controlled situations that help them test and understand what is being taught in lecture discussion classes offer students opportunity to talk about material being taught, ask questions, and discuss material with classmates.

Cost of Attendance

total amount attending college including tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, transportation, miscellaneous personal items, loan fees, study abroad costs, dependent care expenses, disability-related expenses and cooperative education program costs.

Junior/Community College

two-year institution of higher education course offerings include transfer curriculum with credits transferable toward bachelor's degree at four-year college and occupational or technical curriculum with courses study designed prepare students for employment two years.

Bachelor's Degree

undergraduate degree offered by four-year colleges and universities Bachelor of Arts degree requires portion of student's studies be dedicated arts literature, language, music, etc. Bachelor of Science degree requires portion of studies be in sciences chemistry, biology, math, etc. minimum credit hour requirement for bachelor's degree is 120 hours.

Credit Hour

unit of measure represents hour of instruction can be applied to total number of hours needed for completing requirements of degree, diploma, certificate other formal award courses taken in college usually measured in terms of credit hours earn one credit hour, student must attend class for one classroom hour per week for whole semester (fiveteen weeks) classes offered in one through four credit hour increments sometimes larger amounts.

Orientation

valuable resource provides variety of information that will help navigate through college policies and procedures all new or re-admit students required participate in online student orientation prior to enrolling in classes.

Faculty

composed of all persons who teach classes for college.

Prerequisite Courses

condition requirement must be met before enrolling in course satisfy prerequisite, must receive "C" or better in course to advance to next class

Electives

courses of choice which may taken for credit toward degree or certificate in any curriculum may be chosen from wide variety of courses.

Purge

date registered students with any balance due will be deleted from all classes 3 things can protect you from purge, completed financial aid file, Do Not Purge payment plan, full payment of all charges.

Priority Dates

dates by which need to have file completed in order to get financial aid before fee-payment deadline.

Non-Credit Courses

dont meet requirements for certificate or degree at given institution non-credit courses may serve one of several purposes: explore new fields of study, increase proficiency in particular profession, develop potential or enrich life experiences through cultural and/or recreational studies.

Continuing Education

education intended for adult learners, especially beyond traditional undergraduate college or university age its not normally considered to include basic instruction as literacy or GED preparation instead, as term suggests, its assumed that student already has education and simply continuing it included within continuing education are non-degree career training, workforce training, and formal personal enrichment courses (both on-campus and online). Continuing education is offered through Economic Development and Corporate Training.

Honors

enhance college experience for bright, highly motivated students small, challenging classes encourage give take between student and instructor, enhance opportunities for independent research, allow student pursue individual goals.

Placement Testing

ensure that started in right classes for academic background and program taking class for which you're not prepared could prevent from successfully moving forward in college career if test scores indicate you need additional preparation before you enter classes that count toward your program, you may need take one or more developmental courses.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

federal application must be completed to receive federal aid, forms may be completed online.

Official Transcript

According to guidelines set by American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and endorsed by Southern Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (SACRAO), "official college transcript is one that (the receiving institution) have received directly from issuing college or university must bear college seal, current date and appropriate signature transcripts received that dont meet requirements shouldnt be considered official and should be routinely rejected for permanent use."

Division

Administrative unit of institution, usually consisting more than 1 department; unit of institution based on year-level of students lower/upper division or branch of institution, instructional or not Division of Student Affairs.

ARC

Admissions and Registration Center

Career Degree

Associate in Applied Science gives technical skills for entry-level employment in workforce AAS not considered transfer degree agreements may be place with other institutions allow smooth transfer credits.

Counselor

assist with career exploration, personal development, academic challenges, short-term personal counseling can refer you to community agencies.

Degree Plan

List courses and requirements needed for degree certificate plan schedule get approval for financial aid get copy in course catalog or in advising office.

Lottery

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) available for eligible full-time students (12 or more credit hours) and eligible part-time students.

Letter Grades/Grade Point Averages (GPA)

Most colleges use letter grades and GPA's in determining students' grades, grades at most colleges are figured using following method: A's worth 4 points, B's worth 3 points, C's worth 2 points, D's worth 1 point, F's worth 0 points to figure GPA, simply multiply number of hours course is worth by number of points for letter grade, then add up totals for each course and divide by number of credit hours result is grade point average.

Drop

No record on transcript there's no charge for course can drop course without penalty before end of the add/drop period official drop doesn't appear on transcript, doesn't count as attempt on class, grants 100% refund of tuition. Enrollment Fee only refundable prior to start of class.

Do Not Purge

Payment plan with single payoff date called "Do Not Purge" because protects schedule from purge can break balance due up into any kind of payments you want, as long as get it paid-in-full before due date encourages to apply for aid good idea start immediately making partial payments, so that you don't have come up with lump-sum by payoff date charged late fees and interest if you go past due.

Alumni

People who graduated from college means everyone with degree, certificate and/or diploma or who has completed 24 or more curriculum credit hours and isnt current student.

Developmental Courses

Pre-college level courses help students improve skills prepare for college-level courses placement test scores, courses may be required in order to be eligible to take college-level courses required for program of study.

Degree Requirements

Prescribed institutions for completion of program of study generally termed degree requirements may include minimum number hours, required GPA, prerequisite elective courses within specified major and or minor areas study.

Degrees

Rewards for successful completion of prescribed program study 3 types of degrees Associate obtainable at 2 year community/junior college, Bachelor's offered by 4 year colleges/universities, Graduate obtained after bachelor's degree Master's or Doctorate.

Flagged Account

See hold

ACT and SAT

acronyms for American College Test and Scholastic Aptitude Test. Both designed measure student's level of knowledge in basic areas such as math, science, English, and social studies. Colleges require results of either ACT or SAT before granting admission.

Fees

additional charges not included in tuition, may charged to cover cost of materials and equipment needed in certain courses, may be assessed for student events, programs, and publications.

International Student

applicant who is requesting student visa or transferring from another college under student visa.

Co-requisite Courses

are taken during same semester some co-requisites recommended however some may be required.

Experiential Learning

knowledge and skills gained from life experience which credit may be awarded under certain circumstances

Master Promissory Note

legal, binding document must be signed by borrower prior to loan funds being disbursed the promissory note states terms and conditions of loan, including repayment schedule, interest rate, deferment policies, and cancellation provisions.

Incomplete

may assign incomplete to student, will be assigned only when student hasn't completed major assignment or examination course requirements must completed within mutually agreed upon timeframe by instructor, student by specified time or "I" grade will automatically changed to "F".

Online Classes

meet via computer, through online learning management system, like Blackboard online students log in attend class there they access course lectures, receive assignments, and correspond with classmates and instructors.

Grant

monetary award given to help pay college expenses usually not repaid by student.

Extra-Curricular Activities

non-classroom activities can contribute to well-rounded education can include activities like athletics, clubs, student government, recreational, social organizations, and events.

Award Letter

notification of financial aid award, award letter lists types and amounts of financial aid student is eligible for finalize the award package student must sign return award letter to Financial Aid office.

Bridge Programs

offer additional path for transferring certain four-year college also feature seamless transition sophomore after spending freshman year Greenville Technical College completing 30 transferable credit hours meeting GPA requirements desired major at institution.

Kingwood College

open-enrollment institution most students accepted once completed admissions process

Certificate program

organized series credit courses consisting 8-40 credit hours which concentrates study in particular field though certificates include one or more general education courses.

GTC4me

password-accessed information portal allows community of students and employees share collaborate, interact with one another.

Add/Drop

period time at beginning of each term when schedules can be adjusted without penalty. length of add/drop period varies by class and determined by number of instructional weeks.

Registration

period time when students register for classes to be offered during upcoming semester.

Expulsion

permanent removal of college and student.

Academic Alert

student academic notice fails earn minimum semester GPA for credit hours earned at end of next semester of enrollment, she/he will be placed academic alert. Students academic alert may register for next semester with GTC counselor or advisor who will assist student in identifying and implementing appropriate interventions. student will allowed register for nine semester hours. Students note that status as full-time student is jeopardized while academic notice; therefore, financial aid and insurance eligibility will be affected.

Hold

placed on academic record when outstanding obligation monetary or materia, occurs it's released when obligation has been satisfactorily met anyone who has it placed on record will not be allowed to register, receive transcripts, or receive other services from college until it's released.

Enroll/Register

procedure students choose classes each semester also includes assessment and collection of fees.

Register/Enroll

procedure which students choose classes each semester also includes assessment and collection fees.

Application/Acceptance/Admission

process by prospective student submits required forms and credentials to their chosen institution application criteria may include one or more of previous academic records, test scores, interviews, recommendations, and information provided by applicant depending on application requirements of particular college, student can gain acceptance to institution if decision to accept application is positive admission is status granted to applicant who meets prescribed entrance requirements of college.

Articulation

process of comparing content of courses that are transferred between postsecondary institutions

Administrative Withdrawal

processed if student registers for course but fails to attend; student attends at least once during add/drop period, fails attend after add/drop period; or student been recorded absent more 20 percent of course contact hours.

Catalog

provide types of information parents students need to know about school lists institution's history philosophy policies procedures its accreditation status courses of study degrees certificates offered physical facilities admission enrollment procedures financial aid student life activities etc.

Refunds

refund tuition paid by students who officially drop courses by specified dates schedule of dates, percentage tuition eligible to be refunded, other pertinent policies regarding refunds can be found in Student Services offices all campuses college reserves right modify tuition refund policies as necessary.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

required by programs except South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance to ensure students who are receiving federal state aid making measurable progress toward completion of degree, diploma certificate program within reasonable time frame performance is measured in following areas: completion rate, GPA and length of eligibility. Completion Rate: Financial Aid recipients required complete two-thirds of credit hours attempted. Cumulative GPA: Financial Aid recipients maintain minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Length eligibility (150% rule): Financial aid recipients complete program of study without having attempted more that 150% of credit hours required complete curriculum. Maximum length of eligibility is 180 non-remedial total credits limit includes transfer credit earned.

Business Office

responsible for financial transactions of college.

Loan Counseling

session provides information about how to manage student loans, both during and after college session required for all first-time borrowers and must be completed before loans are certified with lender.

Accreditation

status awarded by professional body with interest in maintaining standards for members.

Bookstore

stock all books and other materials required in all courses offered at institution as well as providing basic sundries and clothing items.