Glossary of Terms

A

Academic Advisor - An academic advisor is a person who helps students identify career and/or transfer goals and who helps students select courses that support those goals. An advisor also links students to resources and interprets college policy. See www.aacc.edu/resources/academic-services/academic-advising/ 

Academic Calendar - The Academic Calendar  defines session start and end dates, planned breaks with no classes and final exam dates.

Academic Dishonesty - This is behavior such as cheating, plagiarism, and other acts that violate the college’s academic integrity policy. See Academic Regulations all on one page  

Academic Dismissal - Students who have attempted 12 or more credits and whose adjusted cumulative grade point average falls into the dismissal zone as specified in the academic standing table . 

Academic Probation - Students who have attempted 12 or more credits and whose adjusted cumulative grade point average is below a 2.0 and does not warrant dismissal as specified in the academic standing table .

Academic Regulations - Academic regulations are the official policies and rules of the institution that apply to faculty, staff and students.  They include such topics as credit limits, grading system, registration and withdrawal from classes, choosing or changing your program of study, procedures for requesting exceptions to stated regulations and much more.

Academic Standards Petition - A process for requesting an exception to college policy. Exceptions are reviewed by a committee composed of Anne Arundel Community College faculty and staff. See Academic Regulations all on one page . 

Academic Support Services - Those services which enhance student learning; includes Counseling, Advising and Career Services, Tutoring Office Services, Supplemental Instruction and more.

Academic Year - This begins the first day of the fall term and ends the last day of the summer term.

Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) -  This allows students to complete multiple developmental English, reading, and mathematics courses within a term.

Accommodations - Educational modification made for students as required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and as supported by documentation provided to the Disability Support Services office.  See http://www.aacc.edu/resources/disability-support-services/

Accreditation - A designation awarded by a professional body charged with maintaining standards for its members. For example, Anne Arundel Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 

Accuplacer - A testing tool used to assess a student’s reading, writing and math skills for placement in appropriate courses.

Adjunct - A fully qualified instructor who teaches on a part time temporary basis for an academic department.

Adjusted GPA - Excludes the first grade earned in the course when the course has subsequently been repeated and excludes courses that have been forgiven from the total cumulative gpa calculation.

Advanced Placement - High school courses which offer college level content. Students may receive college credit for appropriate scores. See AP Table  in the Credit for Previous Learning catalog section.

Alumni - Persons who have graduated from the college.

Application for Admission -  This is the form submitted by anyone who wishes to enroll in credit courses for the purpose of earning a degree or certificate.  This form collects your personal information and academic history and is used to establish or update your personal student record at the college.   Please click here to apply online.

Articulation Agreement - (Transfer Agreement) An agreement between academic institutions regarding transfer of credit. To view agreements visit http://www.aacc.edu/resources/academic-services/transfer-services/transfer-agreements/  

ARTSYS - ARTSYS is an online transfer tool intended to aid transfer of students from Maryland community colleges to the University System of Maryland institutions and other participating institutions.  Access through the Maryland State website: http://www.artsys.usmd.edu/

Associate Degree - An award that is earned after the completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours, including general education courses, program requirements, as well as other requirement as specified by the program of study.  The minimum adjusted gpa to earn an associate degree is 2.0.  Types of associate degrees include:

Attendance -  Presence in class and/or participation in assigned activities. Attendance requirements for the college can be found on Collegewide Policies and Academic Regulations on Registration & Attendance  pages and policies specific to each course are stated in the course syllabus.

Attendance Tracking - This is a report generated by each instructor indicating which students were not present at any time, online or face-to-face, during the first two weeks of each term or half- term.

Audit - Students who are registered for a course in audit status will not earn a grade or receive credit. They are under no obligation for regular attendance, preparation, recitation or examination.  No financial aid or VA benefits can be awarded for an audited course.

Award Letter - Notification of financial aid that lists grants, scholarships, loans and/or work programs for which a student is eligible.

B

Bachelor’s Degree - This is the undergraduate degree requiring completion of a minimum of 120 credits with a grade point average of 2.0 awarded by four-year colleges and universities.

C

Canvas  - Canvas is a learning management system used to deliver online courses and to supplement traditional courses.

Career Degree - A career degree, such as the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) gives students technical skills for entry-level employment in the workforce. Although neither the AAS nor AAT is not considered a transfer degree, agreements may be in place with other institutions that allow smooth transfer of credits.

Cashier’s Office - The Cashier’s Office is responsible for all financial transactions of the college including tuition payment.

Catalog - The catalog is the official source of academic rules, regulations, programs of study and course descriptions for an academic year.

Catalog Year - A catalog year refers to the academic regulations and program requirements in place for a given set of Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer terms.  A student may follow the program requirements in any catalog year provided it is for the current year or one of the four preceding academic years, and is for a year in which the student completed at least one credit or developmental course.  See Graduation Requirements . 

Certificate - A certificate is an academic award designed to assist with the development of knowledge, skills and abilities for employment.  The courses in many certificates match the program requirements for the corresponding associate degree.

Closed course or section - This is a course or section of a course which has reached maximum enrollment. Students may not enroll in closed courses or sections.

Commencement - The award ceremony honoring students who have fulfilled the requirements for and applied for graduation.

Completion Rate - For continued financial aid eligibility, recipients are required to successfully complete at least 67% of the credit hours attempted in every term and cumulatively.

Computer Intensive - A course format where traditional lecture time is replaced by technology-based instruction.

Concentration - A concentration is a structured plan of study within a degree program. The number of credit hours and particular course requirements for a concentration varies, as listed in the degree requirements. 

Concurrent Enrollment - A student who is simultaneously enrolled at AACC and in high school.  See Admissions ’ Early Access Programs for secondary school students.

Continuing Education Courses- Continuing education courses, also known as noncredit courses, are for personal or professional interest. Continuing education courses are not used toward a credit degree.

Co-requisite Courses - A set of courses required to be taken during the same term.

Counseling Services - Personal counseling provided by Master’s-level trained and Maryland-licensed counselors.

Course Prefix -  A three-letter code that represents a discipline. For example: ENG for English, HIS for History.

Course Numbers - All courses are identified by numbers usually containing 3 digits. Course numbers beginning with a “0” identify courses that are counted in course load but excluded from grade point average and credit totals.

Credit by Examination - A way to earn credit following successful completion of a departmental examination or standardized test such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Credit Hour - A unit of measuring educational credit, usually based on the number of classroom hours per week throughout a term.

Credit Load - The total number of credits for which a student registers during a given term.

Credit Overload - Registration for more than the credit limit allowed by a student’s academic standing. Special permission is required and may be granted by an academic advisor or the Academic Standards Committee.

Cum Laude - A designation meaning “with honors” on the final transcript and diploma of a student whose adjusted gpa is between 3.4 and 3.59.

Custom Transfer - A Transfer Studies , Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree that is customized (or adjusted) to meet the needs of a particular student.  Students interested in Custom Transfer should consult with an academic advisor.  With careful planning, this degree allows students to meet both Maryland general education requirements and the specific requirements of a four-year institution’s program to which the student wishes to transfer. 

D

Dean -  Administrative officer overseeing a specific academic or administrative division of the college.

Dean’s List - A designation on the transcript for full time students taking 12 or more credits with an adjusted gpa of 3.4 or higher.

Degree- An award that is earned after the completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours, including general education courses, program requirements, as well as other requirement as specified by the program of study.  The minimum adjusted gpa to earn an associate degree is 2.0.  See also Associate Degree.

Degree Audit (or Evaluate Program Progress Tool) - A tool that merges the requirements for a program of study with the coursework the student has completed, has in progress and has registered for in a future term, thereby indicating additional courses a student needs to complete degree requirements.

Degree Plan  - A proposal that projects when a student will complete courses and requirements for a program of study.

Department - The basic organizational unit responsible for the academic, administrative or service functions of an institution.

Department Chair - Administrator who oversees a specific academic department.

Developmental Course - Pre-college level courses designed to help a student improve skills and prepare for college-level classes.   (link to Academic Regulations)

Disability Support Services -An office that facilitates equal access to educational opportunities and social experiences for qualified students under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Dismissal - This is the separation of the college and student.  A student may be dismissed for academic reasons (see Academic Dismissal) or non academic reasons.

Distance Learning - A method of nontraditional course delivery that allows a student to participate in course work remotely.

Diversity -Differences including race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information and ability.

Diversity Courses - Courses that focus on one or more elements of diversity:  race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information and ability.   

Division - An administrative, instructional or service segment of the institution that includes multiple departments.

Drop Period - A designated time period during the start of each term where students may drop courses without penalty or financial obligation. Details available by contacting our Records and Registration office

Dual Credit - A program that allows a student to take a college course and earn both college and high school credit. 

E

Early College Access Program (ECAP) -  Early Access Program classes are college classes students can take while students are still in high school. Formerly called ‘jump start,’ this program allows high school students to lighten the load in college or even graduate early.

See Admissions ’ Early Access Programs for secondary school students.

EFC (Expected Family Contribution) - A formula established by the U. S. Congress calculates the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or what the family can contribute to education. The U.S. Department of Education determines the student’s financial aid eligibility based on the results of this formula. The formula takes into account the family’s income, assets, number of family members, and number in the household attending college at least half-time. The EFC is based on income from the prior year of enrollment. For example, for the 2016-17 academic year, the students (and parents, if required) 2015 income is considered when calculating the contribution.

Electives - These are credit courses of choice which may be taken in accumulating total credits toward a degree or certificate in a program of study. They may be chosen from a wide variety of courses. However, no more than three credits of physical activity (PHE) courses may be used as electives toward graduation.  Some programs (e.g., Science and Premedical Professional) may not allow physical activity courses to be used as advisor-approved electives. When a degree area of study includes electives, it is important to read any notes about those electives to determine if they have any special restrictions.  For example, some degrees allow students to take general electives, while others only allow discipline-specific electives, electives approved by an advisor or area electives.  These are the different types of electives:

Explore Course - A course that provides exposure to a particular major or majors within one of the Fields of Interest. 

Explore Program - A degree designed to allow students to become familiar with options within a given field of interest. In this degree, students complete courses common to a particular field of interest, and may take an explore course that provides more in-depth exposure to a particular major in that field.  

Extra-Curricular Activities - These are non-classroom activities that can contribute to a well-rounded education. They can include such activities as athletics, clubs, student government, recreational and social organizations, and events.

F

Faculty - Persons who teach classes for the college.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal  Student Aid) - The federal application that must be completed to receive all federal aid. The form may be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or  FAFSA en español
(AACC school code: 002058)

Fast Track - An option offered by specified programs of study for a student who has earned an associate or higher level degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Since the general education, computing, and information technology competency and diversity requirements are considered satisfied, students must only complete the program requirements. 

Federal Work Study Program - A form of financial aid that allows students to work on campus to earn a wage.

Fees - Charges not included in the tuition.

FERPA or The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 - A federal law that concerns the confidentiality of student education records.   See FERPA  policy.

Fields of Interest - Broad areas of study under which related AACC majors are grouped.  This helps students and prospective students chose a major that best fits their interests and goals.  For each field of interest, AACC offers engagement activities, a Field of Interest Liaison, and academic advisors assigned to that particular field.  

Fields of Interest Liaison - A member of the faculty or instructional staff who coordinates student engagement activities and serves as a resource for students within a given field of interest.

Final Exams (Finals) - The last exam of the course given on specified dates, which may be different than the regular class time.

Financial Aid - Grants, scholarships, loans, and part-time employment from federal, state, institutional, and private sources available to eligible students who are enrolled in eligible degree or certificate programs.

Financial Need - The difference between each student’s estimated educational expenses and the student’s/family’s ability to contribute toward those expenses. 

Full-Time Enrollment/Part-Time Enrollment - In general, the college considers a student full-time when enrolled in 12 or more credit hours in a Fall or Spring term.  A part-time student is enrolled in 1 to 11 credit hours in a Fall or Spring term.  In a summer term, the college considers a student full-time when enrolled in 6 or more credit hours. In some programs of study with clinical requirements, a student may be considered full-time when enrolled in less than 12 credits. (Details available by contacting our Records and Registration office.)  Students’ enrollment status is defined slightly differently for certain types of financial aid. (Details are available by contacting our Financial Aid office.)

G

General Education Requirements - The foundation of the higher education curriculum providing a coherent intellectual experience.  See State of Maryland policy Title 13B   and the catalog’s General Education Requirements  section.

General Explore Program - A degree that helps truly undecided students experience different subjects while completing Maryland general education requirements.

Good Academic Standing - An adjusted grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.

GPA - Grade Point Average that is calculated by dividing the total quality points by the total credit hours attempted.  (See also Adjusted Cumulative GPA and Total Cumulative GPA.)

Grant - Financial assistance that does not have to be repaid.

H

Hold - A hold placed on a student’s record will prevent course registration, receipt of transcripts or any other services from the college. See an academic advisor for information about having holds removed.

Honors Program - A program for high-achieving students who wish to excel in a diverse and interdisciplinary learning environment. The program maintains academic rigor while allowing flexibility for qualified students

Hybrid Course - A course that combines face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning. 

I

Incomplete - A temporary grade designator assigned only in exceptional circumstances when a student has completed a majority of the course but cannot finish on schedule. Unless the work is completed by the date approved by the instructor in the course, but not later than one month after the beginning of the next regular term, a grade of F will be recorded for the course.

Independent Study - An educational activity undertaken by an individual under the supervision of a faculty member. Typically a student and professor agree upon a topic for the student to research for an agreed upon amount of credits. Independent studies provide a way for well-motivated students to pursue a topic of interest that does not necessarily fit into a traditional academic curriculum.

International Student - Non-US citizens with F-1 (student) and J-1(exchange visitor) visas are considered International students.

Internship - A temporary work experience (paid or unpaid) that provides students with a number of opportunities including workforce experience and possible college credit.

L

Laboratory Section - Courses that include time in the laboratory may have separate sections for lecture and lab. This is noted in the course description. Lab sections are always identified with a course number and the letter “L”. Students must register for a lab section with the same number as the lecture section.

Learning Communities - This is two or more courses which are linked around a common theme.  These courses are designed to connect subjects through readings and assignments and to increase the ease in understanding the material. Furthermore, Learning Communities allow students to work with the same community of students in the linked classes, building relationships with other AACC students and helping each other succeed.

Letter of Recognition - Letters of Recognition consist of fewer than 12 credits in a prescribed sequence of courses focusing on acquisition of specific skill sets or of concepts within a specified context.   Letters of Recognition often are part of certificate programs and, in turn, of associate degree programs.  Not eligible for Financial Aid.

Loan - This is financial assistance that must be repaid and financial need may or may not be a factor.

M

Matriculation - This is the process of obtaining enrollment at the college.

Midterm Exams (Midterms) - During the middle of each term, instructors may give mid-term exams that test students on the material covered during the first half of the term. Some classes have only two tests, a mid-term and a final.

MyAACC - This is the student’s password-protected information portal.  It is designed to allow students to register for classes, access courses pay student bills, get grades, plan out a schedule, learn about campus events, join campus team sites, attend class online, check your MyAACC e-mail and more.

N

Non-Credit Courses (Continuing Education Courses) - Non-credit courses, also known as continuing education courses are for personal or professional interest. Continuing education courses cannot be used toward a credit degree.  Many noncredit job training and skill building courses award continuing education units, industry certifications or an AACC continuing education certification.

O

Official Transcript  - According to the guidelines set by the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), “An official college transcript is one that you (the receiving institution) have received directly from the issuing college or university. It must bear the college seal, current date and an appropriate signature. Transcripts received that do not meet these requirements should not be considered official and should be routinely rejected for any permanent use.”

Online Classes - Online classes meet via computer, through an online learning management system, like Canvas. Online students log in to attend class. There they access course lectures, receive assignments, and correspond with classmates and instructors.

Orientation - Orientation is a valuable resource that prepares a new student for academic, social and personal success with a variety of information that will help navigate through college policies and procedures. All new students are required to participate in an orientation prior to attending classes.

P

Part-Time Enrollment/Full-Time Enrollment - In general, the college considers a student full-time when enrolled in 12 or more credit hours in a Fall or Spring term.  A part-time student is enrolled in 1 to 11 credit hours in a Fall or Spring term.  In a summer term, the college considers a student full-time when enrolled in 6 or more credit hours. In some programs of study with clinical requirements, a student may be considered full-time when enrolled in less than 12 credits. (Details available by contacting our Records and Registration office.)  Students’ enrollment status is defined slightly differently for certain types of financial aid. (Details are available by contacting our Financial Aid office.)

Pathways (Program Pathways) -  Program Pathways is an initiative between Anne Arundel Community College and Anne Arundel County Public Schools to support successful transition of students from high school to college and careers.

Prerequisites -  Prerequisites are courses, certifications, assessment test scores, qualifications for enrollment in other courses, such as eligibility for ENG 111, or other measurable activities which must be successfully completed prior to enrollment in the course.

Prior Learning - Knowledge and skills gained from life experience for which credit may be awarded under certain circumstances through the award of Prior Learning credit.

Probation (Academic Probation) - An academic status that is noted on students’ records when their academic performance does not meet the qualifications for Good Academic Standing (achieving a minimum 2.0 gpa).  Credit limitations are imposed for students on Academic Probation.  See also http://www.aacc.edu/policies/satisfactory-academic-progress/ to review information about avoiding Financial Aid Probation and maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress.

R

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

Registration - The registration period is the time prior to the first class meeting when students can register for classes to be offered during the upcoming session.  Details available by contacting our Records and Registration office.

Reverse Transfer - Reverse transfer is the process to transfer credit from a four-year institution back to Anne Arundel Community College.  Reverse transfer award of the associate degree (reverse transfer) allows a student who transfers to a four-year institution prior to earning an associate degree to earn the associate degree while working toward a bachelor degree.

S

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) - To be eligible for Federal grants and loans, state grants and scholarships, institutional scholarships, and Federal and AACC student employment funds, a student must meet all Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards as set by the Federal government (HEA Sec. 484(c), 34 CFR 668.16(e) 34 CFR 668.32(f) 34 CFR 668.34).  For more details see the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress webpage.

SAP Appeal: Students who fail to meet the standards of satisfactory academic progress as described in the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy have the option of submitting an appeal. For more details see the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress webpage.

Schedule of Classes - AACC prepares a Class Schedule for each upcoming semester. With the help of academic advisors and/or faculty members, students make up their own individual class schedules for each semester they are enrolled. Courses are designated in the Class Schedule by course department, course number, time, and days the course meets.

Session - A Session is a period of time within an AACC term.  (AACC has four terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer.) In the spring and fall terms, there is a 15-week Session that spans the entire term, as well as 13-week, weekend, and two 8-week Sessions.   Details available by contacting our Records and Registration office.

Semester (or Term) - A standard academic unit of time.  The Fall and Spring semesters are each 15 weeks of the academic year.  The Winter and Summer semesters are accelerated and can be 4 to 6 weeks of the academic year.

Similar Courses - Courses that restrict award of credit based on significant overlap of content as reflected in the course outcomes and as noted in the course description. List available on Similar Courses  catalog page.

Student Aid Report (SAR) - A Student Aid Report (SAR) is a document received after the FAFSA is processed. The SAR will list all of the answers provided on the FAFSA. The SAR will contain an individual’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid. The institution will use this number to determine eligibility for financial aid based on the school’s cost of attendance.

Student Identification Card (I.D.) - A student I.D. is usually required in college. It is similar to a driver’s license and generally includes a photograph of the student, a student number, the student’s name, the name of the college, and the semester enrolled.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) - This is a learning enhancement program that offers a series of free group study sessions conducted by peer student leaders in science, accounting and social science.

Syllabus - The syllabus includes college, division, and departmental information and explains expectations, policies, assignments and requirements for a particular course.

T

Term (or Semester) - This is a standard academic unit of time.  The Fall and Spring terms are each 15 weeks of the academic year.  The Winter and Summer terms are accelerated and can be 4 to 6 weeks of the academic year.

Transcript - The transcript is a permanent academic record. It may show courses taken, courses or credits transferred, grades received, academic status, and honors received. The college will not release the transcript of a student who owes any money to the college.

Transfer Agreements (Articulation Agreements) - Anne Arundel Community College has transfer agreements (also known as articulation agreements) with area colleges and universities to help you transfer. If you follow one of these agreements, you can move from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree without loss of credits or duplication of courses.

Transfer of Credits - Some students attend more than one institution during their college career. When they move or transfer from one college to another, they also transfer accumulated credit hours from the former institution to the new one. The new institution determines which courses will apply toward graduation requirements.

Transfer Degree (AA/AS/AAT/ASE) - Transfer degrees are designed for students who want to complete their first two years of college work and then transfer on to a four-year institution. Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associates of Arts in Teaching and Associates of Science in Engineering degrees are the primary transfer degrees.

Total Cumulative GPA - A numerical calculation of all attempts in all credit courses at AACC where the student earned letter grades of A, B, C, D, F, or FX grades.

Tuition - Tuition is the amount paid for each credit hour of enrollment. Tuition does not include the cost of books, fees, or room and board. Tuition charges vary from college to college and are dependent on such factors as resident or out-of-state status, level of classes enrolled in (lower, upper or graduate division), and whether the institution is publicly or privately financed.

Tutors - A tutor is a person, generally another student, who has completed and/or demonstrated proficiency in a course or subject, and is able to provide instruction to another student. Tutors usually help students better understand course material and make better grades.

V

Verification -Verification is a process required by federal regulations, used to validate the accuracy of information and data reported on the FAFSA and/or for resolving conflicting information in a student’s financial aid record. Students are randomly selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education or by Anne Arundel Community College, based on certain criteria.

Virtual Writing Center - The AACC Virtual Writing Center provides help to students from all disciplines by offering synchronous online tutoring by appointment. Writing tutors, who are English department faculty, assist students in preparing written assignments. Research Librarians are available for help finding, evaluating, and citing sources for research papers.

W

Wait List -  Throughout the registration period, students who are eligible to take a course but find it is full, may put their name on a wait list. As spaces open in a course, students may be automatically enrolled in the class. Students are responsible for monitoring if they have been enrolled in a course from the wait list. If a student does not attend a course in which they have been enrolled, they will receive an F grade for that course.

WeekendYOU - This is AACC’s weekend college initiative which allows students to take a variety of classes on Saturdays or Sundays.

Withdrawal - Students may withdraw from courses during a semester. This action becomes valid after the add/drop period expires. A withdrawal does appear on a transcript, counts as an attempt on the class, and charges tuition fees. They do not, however, impact your GPA. Before making a withdrawal, it is the student’s responsibility to check with Financial Aid to see if their award is impacted.