Higher Education Glossary

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Academic Advising

Academic Advising is the support provided to students by academic advisors to help them navigate aca ... learn more

Academic Calendar

An Academic Calendar is the schedule of important dates and deadlines, such as the start and end of ... learn more

Academic Credit

An Academic Credit is a unit of measurement used to quantify the amount of academic work completed b ... learn more

Academic Governance

Academic Governance is the system of shared decision-making and oversight structures within a colleg ... learn more

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity means the commitment to honesty, ethical behavior and responsible academic conduc ... learn more

Academic Probation

Academic Probation means a status assigned to students who fail to meet academic performance standar ... learn more

Academic Staff

Academic staff refers to individuals who are employed by a university to teach, research and/or prov ... learn more

Academic Standards

Academic Standards are the criteria and expectations for academic performance and conduct establishe ... learn more

Academic Standing

Academic Standing is a student's overall status with respect to their academic performance and progr ... learn more

Academic Suspension

An Academic Suspension is a disciplinary action taken against a student who has failed to meet acade ... learn more

Academic Term

An Academic Term is a period of time in which academic courses are offered, typically lasting severa ... learn more

Academy

An Academy is a higher education institution that offers specialized training, often in fields relat ... learn more

Academy (academic division)

An Academy is an academic division or subdivision within a college or university responsible for off ... learn more

Accreditation

Accreditation is the process of evaluating and certifying the quality and standards of an educationa ... learn more

Accreditation Agency

An Accreditation Agency is an independent organization responsible for conducting accreditation revi ... learn more

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements are the criteria and qualifications that must be met by students seeking admi ... learn more

Admissions

Admissions is the process of evaluating and selecting applicants for admission to a college or unive ... learn more

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement is a program offering college-level courses and exams to high school students, al ... learn more

Advisor

Advisor is a faculty or staff member assigned to provide academic guidance and support to students i ... learn more

Advocacy Organization

An Advocacy Organization is a group that advocates for policies and practices that support and impro ... learn more

Alumni Association

Alumni Association is an organization composed of former students of a college or university, promot ... learn more

Articulation Agreement

Articulation Agreement means an agreement between two educational institutions outlining the transfe ... learn more

Assessment

Assessment is the process of evaluating learning outcomes to determine the effectiveness of educatio ... learn more

Assistantship

Assistantship means a financial aid award that provides a stipend and/or tuition waiver to graduate ... learn more

Associate Degree

Associate Degree is a degree granted by community colleges or some four-year institutions upon compl ... learn more

Associate Professor

Associate professor is a faculty rank above assistant professor and below full professor. Associate ... learn more

Audit

Audit means to attend a course without receiving credit or a grade. Students may audit a course for ... learn more

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Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's Degree is a higher education undergraduate degree typically earned after completing three ... learn more

Benchmarking

Benchmarking means a process of comparing an institution's performance against other institutions or ... learn more

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees is a governing body responsible for overseeing the administration and financial af ... learn more

Bursar

Bursar is a financial administrator responsible for managing student accounts, billing and collectio ... learn more

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Campus

Campus is the physical location of an institution of higher education, including buildings, grounds ... learn more

Campus Housing

Campus Housing means residential facilities on or near a college campus provided for students attend ... learn more

Campus Safety and Security

Campus Safety and Security is a department or office responsible for ensuring the safety and securit ... learn more

Career College

A Career College is a higher education institution that offers practical training in a specific trad ... learn more

Career Fair

Career Fair is an event where employers and job seekers come together to network and discuss employm ... learn more

Career Services

Career Services is an office or department providing resources and assistance to students and alumni ... learn more

Center

A Center is an academic division or subdivision within a college or university responsible for offer ... learn more

Certificate

Certificate is a credential awarded upon completion of a program of study in a specific area, typica ... learn more

Certificate Program

Certificate Program is a program of study focused on a specific area of interest that leads to the a ... learn more

Chancellor

Chancellor is the chief executive officer of a university system or institution. learn more

Class Rank

Class Rank is a student's position within their graduating class based on their academic performance ... learn more

Class Schedule

Class Schedule is a list of courses offered by an institution, including times and locations. learn more

Class Size

Class Size is the number of students in a particular class or course. learn more

College (academic division)

A College is an academic division within a university responsible for offering instruction and condu ... learn more

Commencement

Commencement is a ceremony to mark the completion of a degree program and the awarding of degrees to ... learn more

Commencement Speaker

Commencement Speaker is a guest speaker chosen to address graduating students at a commencement cere ... learn more

Common Application

Common Application is an online application used by over 900 colleges and universities to simplify t ... learn more

Community College

A Community College, also known as Junior College, is a higher education institution that provides t ... learn more

Conservatory

A Conservatory is a specialized higher education institution that offers training and education in f ... learn more

Continuing Education

Continuing Education means educational programs designed for adults who wish to continue their educa ... learn more

Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education means a program that combines classroom instruction with practical work experi ... learn more

Core Course

Core Course is a required course in a specific academic program that provides a foundation of knowle ... learn more

Core Curriculum

Core Curriculum is a set of courses that all students are required to take regardless of their major ... learn more

Counselor

Counselor is a professional who provides guidance and support to students in various areas, such as ... learn more

Course Catalog

Course Catalog is a publication that lists all the courses offered by a university, including course ... learn more

Course Completion

Course Completion means finishing all the requirements for a course, such as attending lectures, com ... learn more

Course Evaluation

Course Evaluation is a process of assessing the quality of a course and the effectiveness of the ins ... learn more

Course Load

Course Load is the number of courses or credits a student is taking in a given semester or academic ... learn more

Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus is a document that outlines the objectives, requirements, assignments and policies o ... learn more

Course with a major research component

Course with a major research component means a course that involves conducting original research or ... learn more

Course Withdrawal

Course Withdrawal means dropping a course before the deadline, usually without any academic penalty, ... learn more

Credit Arrangements

Credit Arrangements are agreements between institutions to recognize credits earned at one instituti ... learn more

Credit Transfer

Credit Transfer is the process of transferring credits earned at one institution to another institut ... learn more

Credits

Credits are units of academic measurement awarded for the completion of a course, usually based on t ... learn more

Curriculum

Curriculum means the set of courses and requirements for a degree program. learn more

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Dean

Dean is the chief administrative officer of a college or school within a university. learn more

Degree Audit

Degree Audit is a review of a student's academic progress towards completing degree requirements. learn more

Degree Program

Degree Program is a set of courses and requirements leading to a specific degree, such as a bachelor ... learn more

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements are the courses and other requirements that a student must complete to earn a de ... learn more

Department

A Department is an academic division or subdivision within a college or university responsible for o ... learn more

Department of Higher Education

A Department of Higher Education is a national or local government organization responsible for lice ... learn more

Developmental Courses

Developmental Courses are courses designed to help students develop basic academic skills or to catc ... learn more

Dining Hall

Dining Hall is a campus facility that provides meals to students and other members of the university ... learn more

Distance Education

Distance Education or Distance Learning is education or learning that takes place remotely, often th ... learn more

Distance Learning

Distance Learning or Distance Education is education or learning that takes place remotely, often th ... learn more

Division

A Division is an academic division or subdivision within a college or university responsible for off ... learn more

Doctoral Degree

Doctoral Degree is an advanced degree awarded in many fields of study, typically requiring several y ... learn more

Dormitory

Dormitory is a campus facility that provides housing for students. learn more

Dormitory Advisor

Dormitory Advisor is a staff member who provides guidance and support to students living in a dormit ... learn more

Dual Enrollment

Dual Enrollment is the process of enrolling in college courses while still in high school, often ear ... learn more

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Educational Opportunity Program

Educational Opportunity Program is a program designed to provide support and resources to students f ... learn more

Educational Technology

Educational Technology is the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. learn more

eLearning

eLearning means electronic learning, often referring to online or web-based courses. learn more

Elective Courses

Elective Courses are courses that students can choose to take, often outside of their major requirem ... learn more

English Language Proficiency

English Language Proficiency is the ability to read, write, speak and understand english at a level ... learn more

Enrollment

Enrollment is the process of registering for classes and officially becoming a student at a universi ... learn more

Enrollment Deposit

Enrollment Deposit is a fee required by some colleges and universities to secure a student's spot in ... learn more

Enrollment Status

Enrollment Status is a designation of a student's registration status indicating whether they are cu ... learn more

Entrance Exam

Entrance Exam is an assessment test required by some universities to evaluate prospective students' ... learn more

Essay

Essay is a written composition required by some colleges and universities as part of the admissions ... learn more

Executive Education

Executive Education are non-degree programs offered by universities to provide continuing education ... learn more

Extracurricular Activity

Extracurricular Activities are activities outside of the academic curriculum, such as clubs, sports ... learn more

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Faculty (academic division)

A Faculty is an academic division within a university comprising one field of study and responsible ... learn more

Faculty (academic personnel)

Faculty is the academic staff at a college or university who teach courses, conduct research and pro ... learn more

Faculty Advisor

Faculty Advisor is a faculty member who provides academic advising and guidance to students in their ... learn more

Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate is a governing body made up of faculty members responsible for making academic policy ... learn more

Fellowship

Fellowship is an award granted by a university or external organization to support graduate students ... learn more

Field of Education

Field of Education is a specific area of study within the broader field of education, such as curric ... learn more

Field of Study

Field of Study is the specific subject area in which a student is pursuing a degree, such as biology ... learn more

Final Exam

Final Exam is an examination given at the end of a course to assess a student's understanding of the ... learn more

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is financial assistance provided to students to help them pay for college, including s ... learn more

Foreign Language

Foreign Language is a language other than the student's primary language that is taught as part of t ... learn more

Fraternity

Fraternity is a social organization of male students at a college or university that typically focus ... learn more

Fraternity House

Fraternity House is a residence for members of a fraternity where they live and socialize together. learn more

Freshman

Freshman is a first-year undergraduate student. learn more

Full-time Faculty

Full-time Faculty is academic staff members who are employed by a college or university on a full-ti ... learn more

Full-time Study

Full-time Study is a designation indicating that a student is taking a full course load and is consi ... learn more

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General Education

General Education is a set of courses required of all students in a college or university that provi ... learn more

General Studies

General Studies is a degree program that allows students to take a variety of courses from different ... learn more

Governing Body

Governing Body is the group responsible for making decisions and policies that affect a college or u ... learn more

GPA

GPA means grade point average, a measure of a student's academic performance calculated by averaging ... learn more

Grade Distributions

Grade Distributions is a report indicating the distribution of grades received by students in a part ... learn more

Graduate Assistantship

Graduate Assistantship is a position in which a graduate student provides teaching, research, or adm ... learn more

Graduate Attributes

Graduate Attributes mean the skills and knowledge that graduate students are expected to have acquir ... learn more

Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate is a non-degree program that provides specialized training and education in a p ... learn more

Graduate Degree

Graduate Degree is an advanced degree awarded to students who have completed a program of graduate-l ... learn more

Graduate School

A Graduate School is a division of a college or university that offers postgraduate or advanced degr ... learn more

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements are the courses, credits and other criteria that must be met in order for a ... learn more

Grants

Grants are financial aid given to students that do not need to be repaid. learn more

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Higher Education Award

Higher Education Award is a recognition of achievement or accomplishment in a specific field of stud ... learn more

Higher Education Provider

Higher Education Provider is an institution that offers higher education programs or courses to stud ... learn more

Higher Education Services

Higher Education Services are services that support the academic, social and personal development of ... learn more

Honors Program

Honors Program means a program that provides advanced and challenging coursework to high-achieving s ... learn more

Honors Thesis

Honors Thesis is a research paper or project completed by a student in an honors program. learn more

Housing

Housing is accommodation provided to students by the institution or university they are enrolled in. learn more

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Independent Study

Independent Study is a course of study designed by the student with approval from a faculty member. learn more

In-state Tuition

In-state Tuition means tuition rates charged to students who are residents of the state where the in ... learn more

Institute (academic division)

An Institute is an academic division or subdivision within a college or university responsible for o ... learn more

Institute of Technology

An Institute of technology is a higher education institution offering education and training in spec ... learn more

Institutional Research

Institutional Research means research conducted by an institution to improve operations, policies an ... learn more

International Education

International Education means programs and initiatives that facilitate cross-cultural exchange and l ... learn more

Internship

Internship means work experience related to a student's field of study, often for academic credit. learn more

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Joint Awards

Joint Awards mean collaborative awards given by two or more institutions or organizations. learn more

Junior College

A Junior College, also known as Community College, is a higher education institution that offers two ... learn more

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Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes are statements that describe the knowledge, skills and abilities that students sho ... learn more

Lecture

Lecture is a method of instruction where the instructor delivers information to a large group of stu ... learn more

Lecture Hall

Lecture Hall is a large classroom designed for lectures and presentations. learn more

Liberal Studies

Liberal Studies are a multidisciplinary approach to education that emphasizes critical thinking, com ... learn more

Library

Library is a place where students can access resources, including books, journals and electronic mat ... learn more

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Major

Major is the primary field of study that a student is pursuing in a degree program. learn more

Master's Degree

Master's Degree is a postgraduate degree that typically requires one to two years of study beyond a ... learn more

Matriculation

Matriculation is the process of enrolling in a degree program or institution. learn more

Mentor

Mentor is a faculty member or experienced student who provides guidance and support to a less experi ... learn more

Merit-based Aid

Merit-based Aid is financial aid awarded to students based on their academic achievements or other a ... learn more

Ministry of Higher Education

A Ministry of Higher Education is a government organization responsible for licensing, overseeing, r ... learn more

Minor

Minor is a secondary field of study that a student may pursue in addition to their major. learn more

Minority Student Services

Minority Student Services are services and programs designed to support students from historically u ... learn more

Mode of Delivery

Mode of Delivery is the method used to deliver a course or program, such as in-person, online, or hy ... learn more

Mode of Study

Mode of Study is the schedule and structure of coursework, such as full-time, part-time, or accelera ... learn more

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National Honor Society

National Honor Society is an organization that recognizes high-achieving high school and college stu ... learn more

Need-based Aid

Need-based Aid is financial aid awarded to students based on their financial need. learn more

Non-degree Seeking

Non-degree Seeking means enrollment in courses without pursuing a degree. learn more

Non-traditional Student

Non-traditional Student means a student who may not fit the traditional mold of a college student, s ... learn more

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Office of Admissions

Office of Admissions is the department responsible for recruiting and admitting students to an insti ... learn more

Office of Disability Services

Office of Disability Services is the department responsible for providing accommodations and support ... learn more

Office of International Affairs

Office of International Affairs is the department responsible for supporting international students ... learn more

Office of the Registrar

Office of the Registrar is the department responsible for maintaining student records, including enr ... learn more

Online Courses

Online Courses are courses offered entirely online through a virtual platform. learn more

Online Learning

Online Learning are educational opportunities that use the internet to deliver course materials, ass ... learn more

Open Day

Open Day is an event for prospective students and their families to visit a college or university ca ... learn more

Orientation

Orientation is a program or event that introduces new students to the college or university, its cul ... learn more

Out-of-state Tuition

Out-of-state Tuition is the higher tuition rate charged to students who are not residents of the sta ... learn more

Outreach Programs

Outreach Programs are programs that connect the college or university with the community, often focu ... learn more

Overseas Study

Overseas Study means study abroad programs that provide opportunities for students to study in anoth ... learn more

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Part-time Faculty

Part-time Faculty are instructors who are not employed on a full-time basis but are hired to teach o ... learn more

Part-time Study

Part-time Study means enrollment in fewer courses than a full-time student, usually with the intenti ... learn more

Peer Advisor

Peer Advisor is a student who provides advice and guidance to other students, often related to acade ... learn more

Peer Tutoring

Peer Tutoring is a program in which students tutor other students in a particular subject. learn more

Placement Test

Placement Test is a test used to assess a student's knowledge or proficiency in a particular subject ... learn more

Polytechnic

A Polytechnic is a higher education institution offering vocational education and training in specia ... learn more

Postgraduate

Postgraduate refers to a student who has completed a bachelor's degree and is enrolled in a graduate ... learn more

President

President is the top executive officer of a college or university, responsible for overseeing its op ... learn more

Presidential Scholarship

Presidential Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded to students who demonstrate exceptiona ... learn more

Principal Investigator

Principal Investigator is the lead researcher on a grant-funded research project, responsible for ov ... learn more

Professional Degree

Professional Degree is a degree that prepares students for a specific profession, such as law, medic ... learn more

Professional Development

Professional Development means activities designed to improve a professional's skills, knowledge and ... learn more

Professional School

A Professional School is a higher education institution that offers advanced programs in fields such ... learn more

Provost

Provost is the chief academic officer of a college or university, responsible for overseeing its aca ... learn more

Public Ivy

Public Ivy is a public college or university that is considered to provide an education comparable t ... learn more

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Qualifications Authority

A Qualifications Authority is an organization that oversees the development, implementation and reco ... learn more

Quality Assurance Agency

A Quality Assurance Agency is a public or private organization that assures the standards and qualit ... learn more

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Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning is the process of granting academic credit or recognition for prior le ... learn more

Recreational Facilities

Recreational Facilities are facilities on a college or university campus that are designed for leisu ... learn more

Rector

Rector is the head of a university, typically used in european institutions. learn more

Rectors Council or Conference

Rectors councils and conferences are organizations that bring together university rectors to discuss ... learn more

Registrar

Registrar is the official responsible for maintaining student records and academic policies. learn more

Research Assistant

Research Assistant is a student or staff member who supports the research efforts of a faculty membe ... learn more

Research University

Research University is a university that emphasizes research, often with graduate programs and signi ... learn more

Residence Hall

Residence Hall is a dormitory or housing facility for college or university students. learn more

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Scholarship

Scholarship is financial aid awarded to students based on merit, need, or other criteria. learn more

School (academic division)

A School is an academic division or subdivision within a college or university responsible for offer ... learn more

Semester

Semester is a division of the academic year, typically lasting 15-16 weeks, during which courses are ... learn more

Seminary

A Seminary is a higher education institution that offers courses in theology, religious history, phi ... learn more

Service Learning

Service Learning means an approach to education that integrates academic learning with community ser ... learn more

Sorority

Sorority is a social organization for women in college or university, often with a focus on philanth ... learn more

Student Affairs

Student Affairs is the department or division of a college or university responsible for student ser ... learn more

Student Attrition Rates

Student Attrition Rates mean the percentage of students who withdraw or drop out of an educational p ... learn more

Student Center

Student Center is a central hub on a college campus that provides a variety of services and resource ... learn more

Student Cohort

Student Cohort is a group of students who enter a program or university together and progress throug ... learn more

Student Completion Rates

Student Completion Rates is the percentage of students who successfully complete an educational prog ... learn more

Student Loan

Student Loan is a type of financial aid that must be repaid, often with interest, after a student gr ... learn more

Student Union

A Student Union is an organization that represents and advocates for the interests and rights of uni ... learn more

Study Abroad

Study Abroad is a program that allows students to study in a foreign country, often for a semester o ... learn more

Subject

Subject is a specific area of study within a larger field, such as english literature or chemistry. learn more

Support Staff

Support Staff are employees of a university who provide administrative and logistical support to fac ... learn more

Syllabus

Syllabus is a document outlining the course objectives, topics, assignments and expectations for a p ... learn more

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Tenure

Tenure is a status granted to a faculty member at a university, which provides job security and acad ... learn more

Thesis

Thesis is a research paper or project that a student completes as a requirement for a degree. learn more

Trade School

A Trade School is a higher education institution that offers practical training in a specific trade, ... learn more

Transcript

Transcript is a record of a student's academic coursework and grades. learn more

Transfer Credit

Transfer Credit is credit for coursework taken at one institution that is accepted by another instit ... learn more

Trimester

Trimester is an academic term that lasts for three months, typically used in schools with a year-rou ... learn more

Tuition

Tuition is the cost of attending a university, which covers instructional fees and other charges. learn more

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Undergraduate

Undergraduate is a student pursuing a bachelor's degree, typically in their first four years of coll ... learn more

University Alliance

A University Alliance, similarly to a University Association, refer to a group of regional or global ... learn more

University Association

A University Association is an organization of multiple universities sharing common goals and intere ... learn more

University Club

A student or faculty organization focused on shared interests or hobbies within higher education ins ... learn more

University President

University President is the highest-ranking administrator of a university, responsible for overseein ... learn more

University Rankings Organization

A University Rankings Organization is an entity that ranks universities based on a ranking methodolo ... learn more

University Society

Universities Society is a collective organization or group formed within a university or higher educ ... learn more

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Vice-chancellor

Vice-chancellor is an administrator at a university who serves as the chief executive officer in the ... learn more

Vice-chancellors Council or Conference

Vice-chancellors councils or conferences are organizations that bring together university Vice-chanc ... learn more

Vocational School

A Vocational School is an educational institution that offers practical training in a specific trade ... learn more

Please feel free to submit missing university or higher education-related terms, academic jargon and commonly used acronyms.