Common Academic Words

abstract: 1) Summary of journal article, 2) portion of a thesis project.

accreditation: Regional recognition that an educational institution maintains an association's standards. The United States has six regional accreditation associations. FPU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

appeals: Formal written request by a student for permission to deviate from university policy.

auditing: Attending and participating in a class without receiving credit for the course. Audit fees apply.

baccalaureate: Applicable to a bachelor's degree.

blended or hybrid course: Blends online and face-to-face delivery. A substantial portion of the content is delivered online, typically uses online discussions and has a reduced number of face-to-face meetings. Also referred to as reduced seat time.

block registration: Registration for a group of courses.

CampusCruiser: University Web portal, used to access university email, courses, calendars, schedules, educational planning, registration, etc.

certificate: Recognition given for completion of an educational program of less than four years university work.

check-in: Final step of undergraduate registration process occurring at the beginning of each semester.

co-requisite: A course which must be taken in the same semester as a given course.

commencement: Ceremony celebrating anticipated completion of degrees.

concentration: A sequence of courses within a major designed to accommodate specific interests of students and meeting requirements of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

continuing education: Credit-bearing courses designed for lifelong learning and enhancement of professional effectiveness, not applicable toward a degree.

credential: Formal recognition of completion of requirements of an external agency.

degree: Title bestowed as official recognition for the completion of a curriculum.

degree completion: Accelerated programs and courses designed to give working adults the opportunity to complete a bachelor's degree.

diploma: Official document attesting to completion of a formal educational program.

educational plan: Individualized plan to guide students in completing degree requirements.

emphasis: A sequence of courses within a major designed to accommodate specific interests of students.

externship: A required period of supervised, advanced practice done off campus or away from one’s affiliated institution.

general education: A program of education designed to help the student discover the relatedness of knowledge and acquire a core of information, attitudes and skills basic to formal college education and continuing education through life.

graduation: Formal recognition of completion of degree requirements by the posting of the degree to the official academic record.

internship: Any official or formal program to provide practical experience for beginners in an occupation or profession on or off campus; synonymous with practicum.

major: Student's field of primary academic emphasis.

minor: A sequence of related courses that provides a student with limited competency in the designated field of study.

matriculation: The first registration following admission as a classified student.

Moodle: Online instructional tool.

non-baccalaureate: Not applicable to a bachelor's degree, e.g. preparatory courses, continuing education.

nonmatriculating: Describes a student who does not intend to seek a degree.

online course: A course where most or all of the content is delivered online and typically has no face-to-face meetings.

petitions: Formal written request by a student for permission to deviate from university policy.

practicum: Any official or formal program to provide practical experience for beginners in an occupation or profession; synonymous with internship.

prerequisite: A course that must be completed before a given course.

regalia: Cap, gown & tassel worn at commencement.

section: An offering of a course at a specific time, in a specific place, with a specific instructor.

semester: The undergraduate and graduate academic year is divided into three semesters: fall, spring and summer. The degree completion academic year is divided into two semesters: fall and spring.

session: A portion of a semester.

topics courses: Occasional or experimental courses designed to meet student interests and needs. They are not regularly scheduled.

undergraduate: Post-secondary student who has not received a bachelor's degree. Usually refers to traditional undergraduate students, rather than degree completion students.

web-enhanced course: Course that uses web-based technology to facilitate what is essentially a face-to-face course. May use a course management system or Web pages to post the syllabus and assignments.