Glossary of Academic Terms

A. A. - Associate in Arts

An under-graduate degree of at least 60 credits or more awarded upon successful completion of a program of study in liberal arts and sciences that prepares students to transfer to a baccalaureate institution.

A. S. - Associate in Science

An under-graduate degree of at least 60 credits awarded upon successful completion of a program of study in an applied subject area, such as computers, electronics, or health, that prepares students to enter the work force.

Academic Advisor

College staff member responsible for providing guidance in course and/or program-related issues.

Academic Term (semester)

Fall, spring, and summer weeks when classes are in session. The fall and spring semesters are approximately fifteen weeks long. The summer semester is seven weeks long.

Academic Year

Fall, spring, and summer semesters are generally from early September to mid August.

Add a Course

To enroll in additional courses after registration is complete. It may be accomplished only during the schedule adjustment period as specified on the academic calendar and processed through the Registrar's Office.

Adjunct Faculty

Members of the College staff who teach on a part-time basis.

Administration

College staff members responsible for management and supervision.

Alumni

Graduates, in the plural.

Articulation Agreement

A formal agreement between Cape Cod Community College and a four-year college or university which eases the transfer to that institution.

Audit

To take a course under an agreement which does not result in a final grade of A, B, C, etc. Generally involves regular attendance and participation, but limits graded activities, such as exams. Requires full payment of tuition.

Certificate Program

An academic program of study in a specific field intended for occupational training, upgrading or retraining, generally 30 credits or less in duration. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the program.

Commencement

Graduation.

Concentration

Required course of study in the A. S. programs. Recommended course of study in A. A. programs.

Credit Course

An academic course numbered 100 or above in the College catalog which may be applied toward completion of a degree or certificate (see Developmental Course).

Credit Hour

A standard measure of the amount of instructional time required to successfully complete a course. For example, ENL101, English Composition I, is a 3 credit hour course, which means that it will meet for 3 hours each week for one semester.

Curriculum

Set of courses focused in a particular field, i.e., accounting, criminal justice, and early childhood education.

Dean

Member of administrative staff responsible for supervision and management of a particular division of the College.

Degree Program

At Cape Cod Community College, an associate in arts or associate in science program of study requiring 60 credits or more for completion.

Developmental Course

A basic skill development course, generally numbered below 100 in the College catalog, which carries college credit but does not count toward the requirements for graduation.

Drop

To cancel registration in a course. It may be accomplished only during the schedule adjustment period as specified on the academic calendar and processed through the Registrar's Office.

Elective

A course requirement in a program of study that may be fulfilled with a variety of courses in the designated discipline area numbered above 100.

Faculty

Members of the College staff who teach.

Fees

Charges to students by the College for specific services.

Financial Aid

Funding provided to students from various sources to assist in defraying expenses to attend the College.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

A standardized application including detailed financial data that is required to determine eligibility for all financial aid programs.

Full-Time (student)

Students registered for 12 or more credits in the fall or spring semester.

GED

General Educational Development (high school equivalency diploma).

General Education Requirements

A common core of courses that all students are required to take which provide for the acquisition of the core skills and knowledge of a literate citizenry.

GPA (Cumulative GPA)

Grade point average used to compute student academic standing.

Matriculation

Formal application to and acceptance in a degree or certificate program.

Mid-Term

The point midway through an academic term.

Part-Time (student)

Student enrolled for 11 credits or fewer in the fall or spring semester.

Prerequisite

Skill or course required for entry into a course or program of study. Prerequisites may be satisfied by achieving appropriate Basic Skills Assessment scores or may be waived by the instructor. Prerequisites must be completed prior to (or be currently enrolled in) registering for the next level course.

Program

Refer to A. S. Associate in Science.

Transcript

Permanent record of student academic grades.

Tuition

Charges to a student by the College for registration in credit courses.

Withdrawal from the College

The formal process of notifying the College of the decision to discontinue attending all classes. Available through the Counseling Office.

Withdrawal from a Course

The formal process of notifying the College of the decision to discontinue attendance in a course. Available through the Registrar's Office.