Glossary of Terms
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Academic Standing - Procedure in place to help students maintain a satisfactory GPA.
Academic Supervision - Students on Academic Support whose semester GPA falls below 2.0.
Academic Support - College credit students whose semester GPA falls below 2.0.
Accreditation - Certification that the College has met established standards and is nationally recognized by appropriate accrediting agencies.
Add/Drop - A designated time period during which students can add or drop classes and make adjustments in their schedule without penalty or cost.
Adult General Education - Adult General Education classes are for individuals who need to improve basic reading, writing and language skills.
Adult Secondary - Adult secondary programs are for students who are older than 18 years of age and are seeking a high school diploma or a GED®.
Advanced Placement - Earning of college credits prior to enrollment (usually during high school) by passing certain examinations, such as those administered by the College Entrance Examination Board.
ACT - Formerly known as the American College Testing Program and nationally recognized achievement test, The ACT Assessment is designed to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The test covers four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science.
Articulation Agreement - Agreement between Florida's public state colleges and universities assuring junior-level status to students who complete the state college general education and graduation requirements in university parallel (A.A. degree) programs.
Assessment - Initial testing and subsequent evaluation of students to aid in placement and progress in reading comprehension, writing, English, arithmetic and algebra.
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) - Career or technical-focused degree designed for students who want to enter a specific employment field. A.A.S. degrees are not designed to transfer to a four-year institution.
Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree - Career education programs designed to allow students to immediately pursue careers which require a college degree at the technical or para-professional level. Some A.S. degrees transfer to a university.
Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree - This degree is designed for transfer to a four-year institution. The equivalent of two years of full-time academic coursework at a state college plus two academic years at a university result in a student receiving a bachelor's degree.
Audit - Credit classes taken for no credit. Usually used as a refresher course.
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) Degree - A four-year, college credit degree program designed to prepare students for advancement within specific workforce sectors.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree - A four-year degree (typically 120 credit hours, with some exceptions) with a scientific emphasis.
Basic Abilities Test (BAT) - Per state mandate, effective 2000, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) requires the Basic Abilities entrance exam for criminal justice and law enforcement programs. Sixteen ability components, identified by FDLE as important for success in law enforcement training and job performance, are assessed with BAT. The Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJ-BAT) is approved for Law Enforcement programs and the Florida credentialing process. The Florida Basic Abilities Test (F-BAT) is approved for Correctional Officer training programs.
Career and Technical Programs - A.S. Degree, Applied Technology Diploma, College Credit Certificate and Career Certificate programs with courses designed to prepare students for specialized occupations.
Career Certificate (previously named PSAV) - Career training programs for students planning to enter vocational and technical career fields which do not require a degree.
Catalog in Force - The catalog of the year when a student first enrolls provided the student has maintained continuous enrollment. Its graduation requirements can be followed for up to five years.
Certificate of Professional Preparation (C.P.P.) - A college credit certificate designed to prepare baccalaureate degree holders for licensure, certification, credentialing, examinations or other demonstrations of competency necessary for entry into professional occupations.
Civic Literacy Requirement - Florida state requirement that degree-seeking students must pass both a civic literacy course and an assessment.
Cooperative Education (Co-op) - Method of earning credit for employment under special arrangements.
College Credit Certificate - College credit program of study designed to provide the basic professional courses of an occupation.
College Level Academic Skills (CLAS) - The state of Florida Legislature repealed the requirement to pass the "College Level Academic Skills Test" (CLAST) to be awarded an Associate in Arts degree effective July 1, 2009. However, the College Level Academic Skills (CLAS) requirements remain in effect. The CLAST is now called the CLAS requirements. What were termed "exemptions" are now the "requirements."
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - An acceleration method of earning college credit by exam, The College-Level Exam Program or CLEP provides students of any age with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses.
College Night - An evening for students, prospective students, families and friends to meet and visit with representatives of more than 100 colleges and universities. Usually held in early October.
College-Preparatory/Developmental Courses - A combination of placement testing and mandatory special courses designed to ensure that students have college-level reading, writing or math skills prior to attempting college-level courses.
Common Prerequisites - The State of Florida has identified Common Prerequisite courses for all university majors. These prerequisites must be completed by all students going into that field of study.
Computerized Placement Test (CPT) - The College uses ACCUPLACER, a Computerized Placement Test (CPT), to provide information on the student's level of skill and accomplishment in reading, English and mathematics. The test is used to determine the appropriate placement in English, mathematics and reading courses.
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) - One CEU is awarded for every 10 contact hours of instruction in an organized continuing education, non-credit course.
Continuing Workforce Education - Courses and programs designed to provide skills and knowledge to students pursuing short-term career enhancement goals.
Continuous Enrollment - Unbroken enrollment in Fall and Spring terms.
Corequisite - A course required to be taken at the same time as another course.
Course Load - The number of credit hours being attempted. A full-time course load is 12 credit hours or more of course work in a 16-week term; six credit hours in a 12-week term such as the Summer Term.
Credit-by-Examination - The award of credit based on the demonstration of knowledge as assessed on an examination. Examples of this include Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, CLEP and DANTES programs.
Credit Hour - One credit represents one hour spent each week in class during a 16-week term. For example, a student enrolled in ENC 1101 (3 credits) spends approximately three hours weekly in 16 weeks of class.
Cut-off Score - State mandated minimum score level that must be met or exceeded for placement in college credit coursework.
Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) - DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) is an accredited method of credit by exam. Prometric(R), makes the DSST Program available. College credit is awarded to those who demonstrate knowledge comparable to someone who completed the course in a classroom.
Degree Audit - Formal list of courses completed and required to be completed to qualify for graduation. A degree audit is performed by the Registrar's Office at the student's request. A student should make such a request after successfully completing 40 semester hours and before their last term.
Degree Seeking Students - Students who have been admitted to a degree awarding program (A.A., A.S., B.S., or B.A.S.) or a college credit certificate program.
Dual Enrollment - Enrollment by a high school student in one or more courses that count for credit in both high school and college.
Early Admissions - An accelerated program for 12th grade high school students to earn both high school and college credits. Student must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per term. Qualified students may enroll in courses based on placement testing and appropriate admissions requirements.
eLearning (formerly known as distance learning) - Video, online and mixed modality courses that are delivered via video and/or online and serve as an alternative to traditional, campus-based instruction.
Elective - Courses in excess of the general education requirement. In most cases, the course should relate to the student's major. Consult with an academic advisor for more information.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - College credit English as a second language courses for non-native speakers of English.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) - Courses for students who are speakers of languages other than English and who need to improve their basic English skills in reading, writing, grammar, listening and speaking.
English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) - Generic term for any English language proficiency test for non-native speakers of English. See LOEP.
Entry Assessment - An evaluation of basic skills to determine course placement. Course placement may include college-preparatory and/or college-level courses. See CPT, ELPA , PERT, and LOEP.
Exemption - Test requirement is met with another acceptable requirement. The requirements are NOT waived but met with another 'allowable' requirement.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. S 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."
Fee - A financial charge for courses or services.
Financial Aid Transcript - Official record of financial aid funds received by a student. This is required of all students who transfer from another institution and apply for financial assistance.
Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) - Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) is the collective name for the Florida teacher certification tests which include the Professional Education Test (PEd), the General Knowledge Test (GK), and the Subject Area Examinations (SAE). Certification testing requirements for teacher candidates are described in Florida Statutes (FS), Chapter 1012 and Florida Administrative Code (FAC) 6A-4.0021.
Florida Statutes - A permanent collection of state laws organized by subject area into a code made up of titles, chapters, parts and sections. The Florida Statutes are updated annually by laws that create, amend or repeal statutory material. This includes the School Code Rewrite (selection of material in chapters 228-246 and creation of new code and chapters 1000-1013).
First Time In College (FTIC) - Term used to define first term of college enrollment following the attainment of a GED® or High School Diploma. This population of students is intricately tied to performance funding.
Foreign Language Requirement - A requirement of Florida's state universities. Universities generally require two years of the same foreign language at the high school level or 8-10 credit hours at the state college level.
Full Cost of Instruction Fee - The amount, exclusive of state funding, established by the College to pay all costs associated with teaching a course.
Full-Time Student - Enrollment for 12 or more credit hours in Term I or II, six or more semester hours in Term IIIA or IIIB and other A or B terms.
General Education - Thirty-six credit hours of liberal arts courses required in university parallel, A.A. Degree programs, as well as B.S. and B.A.S. programs. Fewer General Education credit hours are required in A.S. Degree programs.
General Educational Diploma (GED®) - The State of Florida awards the equivalent of a high school diploma for students who pass all categories of a GED® test. The GED® program consists of courses that prepare students to take the GED® test.
General Knowledge Test (GK) - State mandate effective July 1, 2002, the Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE) requires passing the General Knowledge Test for Florida teacher certification. The GK is a basic skills achievement test.
Gordon Rule - State Board of Education (SBE) Rule 6A-10.030, also known as the Gordon Rule, requires students graduating with an A.A. Degree to meet specific requirements in the areas of writing and mathematics. Satisfactory completion of this rule requires that a student earn a grade of "C" or higher in each applicable course.
Grade - Alphabetical measures of academic success ranging from excellent (A) to failure (F).
Grade Forgiveness Policy - The Grade Forgiveness Policy permits students to repeat a course in an attempt to improve a grade. Repeating a course is permissible only for courses in which a student earned a "D" or an "F." A student will be limited to two repeats per course. Upon a third attempt, the grade issued will be the final grade for that course.
Grade Point Average (GPA) - A measure of the student's scholastic standing obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted.
Grade Points - A numerical value assigned to each grade for the purpose of computing grade point average (GPA).
Graduation Application - The application a student must file in the Records and Registration Office to be awarded a degree. This application must be submitted by the deadline date listed on the College Calendar.
Grant - Funds which do not require repayment awarded for college expenses to qualified students in financial need.
Hybrid/Reduced on Campus Time - Online or remote video instruction with face-to-face classes on campus on specific days and times.
Independent Study - Capable students may acquire course credits at their own pace through non-classroom, student-faculty interaction. An additional fee is charged. Special permission is required.
International Student - A student who has entered the United States on a non-immigrant visa, most often an individual on a student visa. Immigrants, refugees and U.S. citizens who do not speak English as a native language are not classified as international students.
Institutional Credit (E.P.I.) - A competency-based program that provides baccalaureate degree holders in a field other than education the opportunity to become certified K-12 teachers.
Institutional Testing Administrator (ITA) - One ITA is appointed in each participating institution. This person coordinates and directs the administration of a specified examination.
Learning Community - Courses that are thematically linked and integrated across different subjects or disciplines with the purpose of enhancing student learning and success. Typically students are concurrently enrolled in two or more courses, and they participate in group study sessions, career exploration, community service and personal/professional development activities.
Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) - A test designed to determine the English ability of students whose native language is not English.
Limited-Access Programs - Some specialized programs are regularly identified as limited-access. They have additional admission criteria and the number of students who may enter the program is limited. Limited-access programs may have specific enrollment eligibility requirements imposed because of the following: (a) physical facility limitations; or (b) state licensure rules and regulations established and implemented pursuant to laws, rules and regulations over which the College has no discretionary authority. Limited-access program students are selected for admission to these programs based upon Equal Access/Equal Opportunity standards, past student performance, current academic performance and continuing academic potential.
National College Testing Association (NCTA) - The National College Testing Association (NCTA) is an organization of testing professionals in post-secondary institutions and testing companies focusing on issues relating to professional standards, test administration, test development, test scoring and assessment.
Non-credit - A course for which college credit is not granted.
Non-Degree Seeking Students - Students wishing to earn college credit for self-enrichment, teacher certification or transfer to another college.
Online Courses - Courses offered in an online instructional format using the College's Learning Management System.
Orientation - Prior to registering for courses, new students must participate in an online student orientation session and advising appointment.
Part-Time Student - Students enrolled in a total of six to eleven credit hours in any term.
Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) - The College uses the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test to provide information on the student's level of skill and accomplishment in reading, English and mathematics. The test is used to determine the appropriate placement in English, mathematics and reading courses.
Prep Exit Exam - Also known as the Florida College Basic Skills Exit Test, this state-mandated test is administered to students completing college preparatory coursework. Students must pass this exam prior to enrollment in college credit general education, English or mathematics courses that apply to degree requirements.
Prerequisite - A course or placement score requirement that must be satisfactorily completed before taking the next higher level in a related course.
Probation - A status given to students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Provisional Student - A student who has not met all necessary requirements for admission and, thus, has restrictions on the courses that may be taken.
Quality Points - The value, ranging from 4 to 0, for grades from A to F for all courses completed, used in determining a grade point average. (Also see GPA.)
Reaffirmation of Accreditation - Two-year process to maintain regional accreditation with SACSCOC.
Registration - The process of enrolling for courses. May be accomplished in person or online. Non-credit registrations can also be completed by fax or mail.
Regionally Accredited Institution - Colleges and universities accredited by any of the following six regional associations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges - Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools - The Higher Learning Commission, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Commission on Colleges and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities and Accrediting Commission for Junior Colleges.
Remote - Classes meet virtually via live video for lectures and discussion. Students attend virtual classes on set days and times.
Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) - ROTC programs are offered at the University of Central Florida. Students may, through cross- or dual-enrollment, earn college ROTC credit and degree credit.
Residency - To qualify for in-state fees, students must sign a notarized statement confirming that they have resided in Florida 12 consecutive calendar months prior to the start of classes for the term in which they wish to enroll.
Restricted Access Programs - Some specialized programs are designated restricted access. They have additional admission criteria established and implemented related to past student performance, current academic performance and/or continuing academic potential. Equal Access/Equal Opportunity standards also apply to admission to restricted access programs.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - A nationally recognized college aptitude test, it was renamed the SAT I: Reasoning Test in 1993. The assessment is designed to predict student readiness for college work.
Student Transition and Academic Resources (STAR) Center - Located on the Altamonte Springs and Sanford/Lake Mary campuses, STAR offers student assistance in Vocational Preparatory Instruction (VPI) for certificate seeking students needing remediation, professional tutoring and test preparation material.
State Board of Education (SBE) - Florida’s state education governing body.
Student Course Load - Number of credit hours carried by a student each term.
Student Government Association (SGA) - Official representatives of the student body to the administration in matters concerning student life.
Student Life - The office responsible for coordinating social, cultural, intellectual, recreational, leadership, group development, campus and community service projects, lectures and concert programs and advising for student organizations.
Student Support Services - Support, advising, assessment, tutoring and other services provided to students who are qualified due to educational, economic, cultural, verbal or physical disadvantage. A federally funded program.
Suspension - Student status under which a student is not permitted to attend college for a specific period of time.
Term - Time period during which classes meet. Fall and Spring terms are approximately 16 weeks. Summer term is 12 weeks. A three-credit course meets approximately 45 hours during a term.
Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) - Complete Battery Level 9 or 10 (and Complete Battery Level 7 or 8 until no longer supported by the publisher) is an academic assessment used in career certificate programs and additionally used for admission purposes in some Health Sciences Programs. The State Board of Education mandates program exit requirements for career certificate programs in excess of 450 clock hours.
Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) - TEAS replaces the NET and HOBET test used for Admission Points to some limited-access Health Sciences Programs. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a multiple choice test designed to determine the academic readiness of applicants to post-secondary education programs. It is used to evaluate the academic preparedness of students entering some Health Sciences Programs. The TEAS contains four subtests: Math, Science, English and Reading.
Textbook Affordability and Adoption - Procedure for adoption of instructional materials and other course materials with the goal of minimizing the cost to students, while maintaining quality education, achieving desired learning outcomes and allowing for academic freedom.
Transcript - A student's official academic record of college courses, grades, biographical and test data.
Transfer Student - A student who attended a college or university before coming to the present institution.
Transient Student - One who attends a few classes at one educational institution to complete degree requirements at another institution. A transient student letter from the host institution must accompany the student at the time of registration.
Tuition - Financial charge for each credit hour of instruction.
University Parallel Program - Courses of study leading to the A.A. degree which parallel the lower-division requirements of a bachelor's degree.
Vocational Credit - Vocational Credit is different from college credit. It does not transfer to other colleges and universities and is not applicable to college credit certificates or degrees. Accumulation of vocational credits in a specific area may result in a Career Certificate (previously named PSAV). Thirty clock-hours of instruction equal one vocational credit. Fees for vocational credit courses are charged on the basis of vocational credit.
Waiver - Requirement waived typically due to a learning disability. The requirement is not exempted but is waived.
Weekend College - Classes offered Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday.
Withdrawal - A student can withdraw (by completion of proper forms) from any course in a term by the established date. Withdrawals after that date will be granted only through established institutional procedures. A student will be limited to two withdrawals per course. Upon the third attempt, the student will not be permitted to withdraw and will receive a grade for that course.
