Absence
|
See Attendance
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic Advising
|
Educational process in which a learner and advisor are partners in meeting established learning outcomes, working toward academic success and outlining steps for achieving the learner’s personal, academic and career goals.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic Advisor
|
Person assigned to help a learner with academic and personal challenges, including referrals to academic support, mental-health counseling and other campus offices. Advisor guides learner in planning coursework from term to term.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic Calendar
|
Schedule of all events that occur in an academic year; includes dates of course delivery, examination breaks and end of a term.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic Catalog
|
Publication that informs learners of their rights and responsibilities in their quest to reach an educational goal. Considered a legal document, it includes policies and procedures of an institution and how an institution interacts with a learner academically. Covers admission requirements and courses needed to reach an educational goal, and other topics including residency and academic integrity. To ensure all incoming learners are treated equally, catalog information is updated by catalog year.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic Dishonesty
|
Committing, or contributing to, a dishonest act when teaching, learning, doing research or participating in educational activities, as defined by an institution.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Academic Operations |
Covers many functions, including curriculum management (including syllabi management), catalog management, classroom-space management, class scheduling, credential-audit and completion processing, class registration and institutional and/or program accreditation. Proficient, efficient academic operations contribute to learner success, persistence, and completion.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic Probation |
Corrective measure used when the ratio of grade points to hours falls below the standard required for graduation or when other criteria are not met.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic program
|
Structured, organized educational curriculum designed to provide a learner with a specific set of knowledge, skills and qualifications in a particular field of study or academic discipline.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic program
|
Learner record maintained by an educational agency, institution or party acting on behalf of the agency or institution. Records include, but are not limited to, grades, transcripts, class lists, learner course schedules, etc. Also called .
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic Standing
|
Academic status of a learner often determined by a set GPA value. Common academic standing statuses include good standing, academic probation, academic dismissal, dean’s list, etc. Also used to identify if a learner is making progress toward degree objectives.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic transcript
|
Official record of a learner’s academic achievements; currently the predominant U.S. secondary- and postsecondary-education official document used to transmit completed coursework and the degree or certificate awarded.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic Year
|
Period of formal instruction that represents a complete school year at the same institution. May be divided into semesters, trimesters, quarters or other calendars. Term may be different from financial-aid year or fiscal year. Also see .
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Academic-year scheduling
|
Full academic-year schedule that is available when registration begins for the academic year; class schedules for each term are generated once a year.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Accreditation |
Evaluation of the caliber of a higher-education institution and its programs. Within the United States, accreditation serves as a method through which learners, families, government authorities and the media may ascertain the quality of an education provided by a particular institution or program.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Accreditation, Criteria For |
Agency's or association’s accepted qualitative and quantitative standards of excellence by which it evaluates the quality of education and/or training offered by an institution. Determines whether an institution merits accreditation. May include educational objectives and outcomes, educational program, admission practices, learner-support services, institutional study, training and experience of instructional staff, financial stability, and laboratory and library resources.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Accreditation Agency or Association |
Organization that establishes criteria for judging the quality of training, educational programs and education offered by educational institutions. Determines the extent to which institutions meet these criteria and issues a list of institutions, courses or educational programs found to be of acceptable quality. Members voluntarily meet membership criteria, as defined by the accrediting organization. Recognized accrediting agencies and associations are reliable authorities on the quality of training, programs and education offered by an educational institution. An institution’s accredited status governs in a large measure the acceptability of its credits by other institutions. Accreditors are either recognized or unrecognized. Recognition is granted by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Accreditors recognized by ED can serve as a link to Title IV federal student financial aid for institutions they accredit.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Action, Disciplinary |
Action taken by institution officers or agencies responsible for handling disciplinary violations, after consideration of the disciplinary problem; includes counseling and penalties.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Admission, Direct |
Proactive process in which colleges, state systems or individual institutions offer automatic acceptance to learners who meet predetermined academic criteria, such as grade-point average (GPA), before formally applying. Can be implemented through statewide programs with common admissions standards or through partnerships between specific high schools and colleges; eliminates the need for additional selection processes.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Admission, Early Action |
Nonbinding admissions process allowing a learner to apply early and to receive an admission decision sooner than a regular admission timeline. Does not require a learner, if accepted, to commit to attending an institution, allowing them to consider all options before making a final decision. Also see Admissions, Early Decision.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Admission, Early Decision |
Admissions process in which a learner applies to an institution in advance of the regular admission cycle and agrees to attend the institution, if admitted. Binding in nature. If a learner is admitted, they must withdraw all other college applications and commit to attending the institution.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Admission, Institutional-Selective |
Exercise of discretionary powers of selection by an institution of higher education. Selection is based on merit as determined by the college, rather than order of application. It is competitive and limited to those who are believed to be best qualified to benefit from the educational opportunities available.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Admission, Melt |
Percentage of learners granted admission who do not matriculate.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Admission, Open |
Policy of accepting any high-school graduate (no matter what their grades are) until all spaces in an incoming class are filled. (Source: CollegeBoard) Also an admission policy in which an institution will accept any learner who applies. (Source: )
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Admission, Program Selective |
Process in which a learner is accepted into a specific academic program contingent upon meeting additional, program-specific criteria beyond an institution’s general-admission requirements.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Admissions Criteria |
Comprehensive set of standards and procedures used by an educational institution to evaluate and select candidates for enrollment. Criteria form the basis for making informed decisions on learner admissions, ensuring alignment with an institution's goals and capacity, and encompass:
- established practices outlined in the admission policy that evaluates an institution's program nature, purpose and available resources
- specific requirements that reflect and implement the admission policy, including educational qualifications, place of residence and other predetermined standards
- evaluation of admission records, which includes all relevant information used in the admission procedure, with particular emphasis on a candidate's complete, accurate previous academic work
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Admission Interview |
Interview may be used in the selective-admission process; considered significant for use in borderline cases or competitive programs.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Adult Education |
Any organized program of education that seeks to provide an adult learner opportunities to further their education, regardless of previous educational attainment through formal and informal group leadership. U.S. Department of Education's adult-education category refers to learners taking courses other than college-grade courses on campus or at a branch campus.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Adult Learner |
Learner who may have to balance life, work and education. Typically age 25 and older; may care for dependents and/or work full time while enrolled. Often connected to the military. Also called Posttraditional learner. (source ACE)
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Advanced Placement (AP) |
Program sponsored by College Board in which learners take college-level courses at their high school before graduation. Learners may earn college credit by obtaining a minimum score on an AP exam in the course subject, as determined by an individual college.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Alternative credentials |
See Incremental Credentials |
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Articulation |
Process by which institutions of higher education recognize and transfer academic credits earned by a learner from one institution to another. Designed to ensure credits earned at one institution are accepted by another institution; may be applied toward a degree or program at another institution without unnecessary duplication or loss of credits.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Assistantship |
Awarded to graduate and advanced professional learners in recognition of competence and promise. Individuals usually have specified obligations to their major department in return for tuition remission and/or a stipend.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Attendance |
Learner’s engagement and participation in a class. The U.S. Department of Education requires learners receiving Title IV federal financial-aid funds attend classes during the period for which they receive aid, resulting in institutions establishing ways to verify attendance. This can include physical presence in a scheduled class or regular, substantive interaction between a learner and instructor in online or distance-education courses.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Average, Grade-Point |
Measure of scholastic success obtained by dividing the total number of grade points by the total number of hours of coursework completed.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Bachelor's Degree |
See Degree, Bachelor's
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Badge |
Online visual representation that recognizes skills, achievements, membership affiliation and participation.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Block Registration/Enrollment |
Learner is enrolled in a fixed set of courses, with a specific number of credits.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Branch Campus |
See Campus, Branch.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Bulletin |
See Catalog
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Campus, Branch |
Campus away from the educational institution’s main campus. Also see
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Carnegie Unit |
A measure of the amount of time a student has studied a subject. (Also see Credit Hour and the ).
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Catalog |
See Academic Catalog
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Catalog Number |
See Course Number.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Census Date |
Date established each term when an official enrollment count is recorded by an institution. Often tied to refund deadlines and/or financial-aid eligibility.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Certificate |
Official document indicating completion of purposefully collected coursework to signify understanding of a subject or topic. May also focus on confirming acquisition of specific skills.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Certificate of High School Equivalency |
Official document issued by state departments of education on the basis of evidence a person has completed the equivalent of a high-school course; accepted by some colleges in lieu of the regular high-school diploma. Also called General Education Development (GED).
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Certification |
Process in which an educational institution or recognized certifying body validates a learner has attained a specific level of skill or knowledge in a particular field or discipline.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Class |
Course from an academic catalog built into a class schedule; available for registration for a particular term. May be offered several times each term. Sometimes called a section.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Class Registration
|
Saving a specific space in a specific class with a specific instructor.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Class Standing
|
Learner’s status in respect to progress toward completion of their curriculum–freshman, sophomore, junior, senior. Usually based on the number of hours or courses completed at the time of registration. Some colleges add a scholarship requirement for advancement to another class. Classification may be for extracurricular, as well as academic, purposes.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Class-Schedule Building
|
Practice of accounting for all details needed to offer classes to learners in a term to ensure timely progression of a learner to meet educational goal(s).
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Classroom-Space Management
|
Inventory of instructional space and capacity, layout, technology and ownership. Data are used by institutions to manage assignment of classes to spaces that match the requirements of the class in size, configuration and resources Class-schedule building Practice of accounting for all details needed to offer classes to learners in a term to ensure timely progression of a learner to meet educational goal(s).
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Clock Hour
|
In unit-cost studies, represents one hour of instruction given to one learner. Class periods of from 50 to 60 minutes usually count as one clock-hour.
() Also see IPEDS definition.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Commencement
|
Graduation ceremony. See Graduation.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Committee, Academic Standing
|
Committee that establishes policies and makes decisions on questions relating to the academic status of learners, including asking questions about awarding degrees and the imposition of academic discipline.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Competency
|
Specific, measurable skill, knowledge, ability or capacity learner is expected to acquire and demonstrate as part of their academic program.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Completion processing
|
Inclusive of all administrative procedures used to assert a learner has fulfilled all institutional academic and administrative requirements for the credential sought.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Comprehensive Learner Record
|
Secure, verifiable learning or employment records supporting academic and workplace recognition and achievements, including courses, competencies, skills and employer-based achievements and milestones. (source: 1EdTech)
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Concurrent Enrollment
|
- Learner is enrolled in multiple postsecondary institutions at the same time
- Learner receives both high school and college credit when enrolled in courses taught by college-approved high-school teachers in a secondary environment through partnerships between high schools and colleges or universities, (source NACEP also called dual credit, dual enrollment, concurrent credit and coenrollment;
- High-school learner independently enrolled in a postsecondary institution while also enrolled in high school; does not receive credit toward high-school graduation requirements from the postsecondary enrollment.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Consultative Decision-Making
|
Model in which faculty's opinion and advice are sought, but authority remains with senior administration and board of trustees. Model revolves around information sharing and discussion, rather than joint decision-making. This is one of three identified models of decision-making used in shared governance in higher education.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Continuing Education Units
|
Standardized measure used in the United States and Canada to quantify and record noncredit continuing-education and professional-development activities. Typically awarded to individuals who complete specific educational programs, workshops, seminars or training courses designed to enhance skills, knowledge and competence in a particular field or profession.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Coopoerative Plan or Program
|
Provides for integration of classroom work and practical experience through alternate attendance at class and employment in business, industry or government. Also called Work-Study Plan or Work-Study Program. This is not the same as Federal Work Study.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Correspondence-Education Course
|
Course provided by an institution in which instructional materials are provided to learner by mail or electronic transmission, including examinations. Interaction between instructors and learners is limited, not regular and substantive, and primarily initiated by the learner. If a course is part correspondence/part residential training, it is considered a correspondence-education course. A correspondence education course is not distance education. (Source Higher Learning Commission) Also see Distance Education.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Correspondence-Education Program
|
Academic program in which 50% or more of required courses may be taken as correspondence-education courses.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Corequisite
|
Course, such as a lab or lecture, taken concurrently with another course; provides supplementary instruction or support to enhance a learner’s understanding of the primary course material.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Course |
Organized subject matter in which instruction is offered within a given period of time; credit toward graduation or certification is usually awarded after completion.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Course, Audit |
Enrollment in a course for no academic credit or assigned grade; has no impact on GPA. Audited courses cannot be used to complete degree requirements.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Course, Corequisite |
See Corequisite
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Course, Honors |
Enrollment in a course is limited to learners who meet a standard of academic achievement or who are admitted with permission of the institution. Courses normally have smaller enrollment to encourage active engagement with the instructor and other learners. Courses often include higher expectations of projects and/or analysis of a subject to demonstrate mastery beyond the commonly offered version of the course.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Course, NonCredit |
Not part of a curriculum pattern; no credit is granted for taking the course.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Course, Remedial |
Course provided by an institution to help admitted learners acquire necessary academic skills for college-level coursework. Often addresses foundational knowledge and skill gaps in mathematics, reading and writing. Institutional credit toward credential completion is not usually offered for these courses.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Course, Pass/Fail |
No-grade course in which pass or credit, or not-pass is given; generally not considered in the computation of learner’s grade-point average.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Course, Detail |
Resides at the academic-catalog level and includes various types of information, such as title, level, description, course-learning outcomes/performance objectives, pre- and corequisites, type, etc.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Course-Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
|
Course-specific, measurable statements that define what learners are expected to know, or be able to demonstrate, upon successful completion of a particular course.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Course Number
|
Indicates class level of a course. Same as catalog number.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Course Prerequisite
|
Preliminary requirement that must be met before a particular course can be taken.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Course Repeat
|
Retaking a course to make up a failing mark, raise a grade or obtain additional knowledge of a subject. In some instances, a course repeat requires permission.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Course Title
|
Descriptive name of a course; usually gives a general idea of course content.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Credential |
(See also Digital Credential and Incremental Credential)
Documentation confirming a learner’s qualifications, abilities or authority. Provided by a trusted third party, such as a college or university, with authority or accepted competence to issue the document. Term encompasses many different assertions of learning, including educational degrees, educational certificates, badges, certifications, licenses, microcredentials, nanodegrees and credit or noncredit certificates.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Credential Audit
|
Inclusive of the systemic, ongoing review of a learner’s completed academic progress toward a credential. Can be used by the administration, faculty, academic advisors and/or learners.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Credit, Military Service
|
See Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Credit, Resident
|
Academic credit earned by a learner through courses completed at the institution in which they are enrolled. Typically requires physical presence on campus or participation in institution-led learning activities or programs.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Credit, Transfer
|
Credit accepted from another higher-education institution for application toward a credential or degree.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Credit by Examination
|
Credit granted for satisfying course requirements by written or oral examination without a learner having been formally enrolled in the course.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Credit Conversion
|
When a learner transfers from one institution to another, earned credit may need to be evaluated at the new institution. A conversion equivalency exists and is used as follows.
- Quarter hours multiplied by 2/3 = semester hours
- Semester hours multiplied by 1½ = quarter hours
- Session hours or year hours multiplied by 2 = semester hours
- Session hours or year hours multiplied by 3 = quarter hours
- Term hours multiplied by number of weeks in term over 18 = semester hours
- Term hours multiplied by number of weeks in term over 12 = quarter hours
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Credit Hour
|
Amount of learner work defined by an institution, as approved by the institution's accrediting agency or state-approval agency; consistent with commonly accepted practice in postsecondary education. In determining the amount of work associated with a credit hour, institutions can take into account a variety of delivery methods, measurements of learner work, academic calendars, disciplines and degree levels. (34 C Sec. 600.2) Reasonably approximates not less than the following.
- 1 hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class learner work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester or one trimester hour of credit, or 10 to 12 weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different period of time
- at least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph above for other academic activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Credit For Prior Learning
|
Allows individuals to earn academic credit for knowledge or skills gained outside traditional classroom settings, such as through work, military experience or independent study. Learners can demonstrate knowledge through assessments, such as exams or portfolio evaluations, to receive credit toward a degree. Also called prior-learning assessment (PLA).
|
PLA |
2025 |
Curriculum |
Sequence of planned experiences, usually consisting of courses offered by an educational institution in which learners practice and achieve proficiency in content and applied learning skills.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Curriculum Management
|
Process of planning, implementing and evaluating an educational curriculum. Includes the design, development, organization and supervision of content, materials and activities of an educational program. Aims to ensure curriculum aligns with institutional and accrediting-body requirements and objectives.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Curriculum Sunsetting
|
Process of removing part of the curriculum from an institution. Process is complex and involves decision making, a teachout process and final-closeout process. |
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Deans List
|
Academic honor acknowledging a learner's academic achievement. Awarded to learners who achieve high grades during a specific term or academic year. Criteria for making the list typically include maintaining a certain grade-point average (GPA) and completing a minimum number of credit hours.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Deficiency
|
Learner fails to complete a course with a satisfactory grade.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Deficiency, Removal Of
|
Deficiency may be removed in various ways. Accomplished by completing a course in a secondary school, taking noncredit courses on campus, doing extra work in the field of the deficiency in addition to the usual degree requirements (3 semester hours of credit is the equivalent to 1 secondary unit, for example), completing courses in correspondence, extension or summer school, attaining a specified level of scholarship that automatically cancels the deficiency, demonstrating competence in the area of deficiency in some other manner recognized by the institution or by examination.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Degree
|
Academic credential or qualification awarded to a learner who has successfully completed a specified course of study in a particular field or discipline. Categorized into different levels and types, each with its own requirements and academic focus. In the United States, the common degrees awarded in higher education include, but are not limited to, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees. See IPEDS definitions for specific credential levels https://academicprograms.uic.edu/resources/ipeds/
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Degree Audit
|
See Credential Audit.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Degree with Distinction
|
Awarded to learners at the conclusion of their studies who have proved unusual achievement in a major field of interest.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Degree, Advanced
|
Post-baccalaureate academic degree, such as a master's, doctorate or professional degree; typically requires specialized knowledge and/or research in a specific field of study.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Degree, Honorary
|
Award conferred on an individual who has made profound, lasting contributions but has not completed formal academic requirements. Typically a doctoral or master’s degree.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Departmental Registration
|
Academic department registers a learner in some, or all, courses, rather than the learner registering themself.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Digital Credential
|
(See also Credential and Incremental Credential) An electronic representation of an earned skill or achievement. They can be embedded with metadata which make them verifiable, portable, and electronically sharable.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Digital Record
|
Record representing an achievement or award issued by an institution. Institution may send a data record to a degree-verification vendor.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Digital Standard
|
A set of guidelines and protocols designed to ensure efficient data exchange, interoperability, and secure management of data. Encompassing data structures, metadata standards, security measures, and user control mechanisms to facilitate reliable and protected digital interactions.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Digital Wallet
|
Secure, user-friendly platform where learners can receive, store, manage, and share digital credentials, such as degrees, diplomas, certificates, badges, or other proofs of learning or accomplishment. |
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Diploma
|
Physical or digital document that signifies a learner’s successful completion of academic requirements to attain an educational credential, typically a degree.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Diploma Mill
|
Unaccredited institution or organization that offers degrees or diplomas for a fee, often with little to no academic requirements; often fraudulent. Institutions lack legitimate educational standards, producing credentials that have questionable value academically and professionally.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Dissertation
|
Long essay on a particular subject produced after lengthy original research. Typically required for a doctoral program, it is submitted as the final step in the program. Candidates generally must also defend their dissertation findings and conclusion.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2025 |
Distributed Decision-Making
|
Decisions are made by groups responsible for specific issues. Faculty make decisions in certain areas, and the administration and board of trustees make decisions in other areas. This is one of three identified models of decision-making used in shared governance in higher education.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Dynamic Class Schedule
|
Schedule adds the next term once the current term is completed, such as once spring 2023 is finished, spring 2024 is created. Institution has a full-year class schedule available to learners. |
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Education Plan
|
Allows learners to identify classes they plan to take in upcoming terms, through the end of their degree program. Data is used by institutions to predict class demand and to create schedules of classes to support anticipated demand.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Educational Certificate
|
A formal document issued by an educational institution or a certified authority that verifies an individual has completed a specific course or program of study, often vocational or technical, and signifies that the learner has acquired certain knowledge or skills in that particular field.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Elective |
Refers to a course or subject that a learner may be able to choose to take as part of their academic program, but may not be a required or mandatory component.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
|
See the .
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Fully Collaborative Decision Making
|
Faculty and administration make decisions jointly; consensus is the goal. This is one of three identified models of decision-making used in shared governance in higher education.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Graduate Outcomes
|
The various achievements and statuses attained by learners after completing their credential programs at higher education institutions. These outcomes often include employment status, type and relevance of job secured, further study or training undertaken, development of professional skills, and contributions to society.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Incremental Credential
|
(See also Credential and Digital Credential)
An earned skill or achievement that can stand alone or be combined (or stacked) with other credentials to be applied to a higher-level credential, such as a certificate or degree.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Institutional-Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
|
Broad, measurable statements that define what learners are expected to know, or be able to demonstrate, upon successful completion of any instructional program. |
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Joint-Services Transcript (JST)
|
Synchronized transcript of training, experience, and education acquired during military service in the United States. Available to current and former military-service members in hard copy or an online delivery format.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Learner
|
Individual actively engaged in acquiring knowledge, skills, and understanding of a subject or a range of subjects.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Learner Handbook
|
Resource closely related to the academic catalog. Serves as a guide to help learners navigate their academic journey and understand an institution's policies, procedures, and resources. Content varies from one institution to another.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Learning-and-Employment Record (LER)
|
LER captures an individual's academic-learning experiences and their employment history, roles, responsibilities, and achievements. |
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Major |
Refers to a specific academic field or discipline that a learner chooses to focus on during their undergraduate studies. It is a required component of a learner’s degree program and represents the primary area of specialization.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Minor |
A secondary field of academic study or specialization that learners may pursue in addition to a major. A minor allows learners to explore and gain knowledge in a complementary or secondary area of interest.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Mastery Transcript
|
Secondary-education alternative to a traditional transcript. Currently in use only by private institutions. Does not include standard letter grades but assigns mastery credits.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Microcredential |
Competency or skills-based recognition that allows a learner to demonstrate mastery and learning in a particular area. Less than a full degree or certificate; it is a segment of learning achievement or outcome. Should be certified by a recognized authority.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Modality of Instruction
|
How instruction is delivered to learners by various formats, methods, and tools. Facilitates the learning process. Examples include classroom instruction, online learning, hybrid learning, internship, and practica.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Nanodegree |
Project-and-skills-based educational program. Once competency is demonstrated, a learner is issued a type of recognition of learning, affirming mastery of skills.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Outcomes
|
Three primary outcomes serve quality assurance purposes in academia.
Student-learning outcomes - See Student-Learning Outcome
Graduate outcomes – graduates’ employment rates, salaries, matriculation to advanced study programs, etc.
Program-level outcomes - See Program-Learning Outcome
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Prerequisite |
A course, condition, or requirement that must be successfully completed or met before a learner is allowed to enroll in a more advanced or subsequent course.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Prior-Learning Assessment (PLA)
|
Assessment and awarding of institutional credit for work or life experiences. Includes military training and experience, national or institutional examinations, or alternative demonstration of college-level knowledge and competencies. |
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Program |
Collection of courses an educational institution may award a degree or certificate for, once it is completed.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Program Closeout
|
Process at the end of sunsetting an academic program. Typically involves removing the program from the catalog, SIS, and degree-audit systems, then informing accreditors and the Department of Education. |
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Program Inactivation
|
Process for approving the sunsetting of an academic program. Involves various approvers at the institution, and may involve accreditor notification.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Program-Learning Outcomes (PLO)
|
Focused, measurable statements that define what learners are expected to know, or be able to demonstrate, upon successful completion of a specific academic program.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Registrar |
An administrative officer (or office) within a college or university responsible for managing and maintaining academic records, learner transcripts, and various aspects of learner registration and enrollment. This position (or office) plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of academic records and in supporting the institution's academic operations.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Section |
See Class.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Self-Service Registration |
Function that enables a learner to register for classes without support from staff.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Shared Governance
|
Framework by which decisions are made through formal structures and processes. Involves different stakeholders, particularly faculty.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Stackable Credentials
|
See Incremental Credentials.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Student-Information System
|
System to manage student data, including registering students in courses and managing grades, transcripts, and student test data.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Student-Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
|
Specific statements of what learners should know, or be able to demonstrate, when they successfully complete a learning experience. Written in concise, meaningful, achievable terms so learners understand what is expected of them.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Substantive Change
|
Significant change to the educational mission, program, or programs of an institution after an agency has accredited or preaccredited an institution.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Syllabus
|
A summary outline of a discourse, treatise, or course of study or of examination requirements
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Teachout
|
Institution must provide completion opportunities for impacted learners if it discontinues a program or closes or ceases operations.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Term
|
Institution's academic calendar and/or length of classes. Might be a semester, trimester, or a quarter, a short course offering, or another period of time less than a full semester, trimester, or quarter.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Transcript
|
An official record provided by an educational institution that documents a learner’s academic performance and achievements. It typically includes a detailed list of courses taken, grades earned, degrees conferred, honors received, and other relevant academic information.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Verification
|
To establish the truth, accuracy, or reality of something. For asserted credentials, this includes trusting the credential issuer and that the assertion/claim associated with the credential has not been modified.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |
Verifiable Credential
|
(VCs) are digital credentials that are digitally signed and cryptographically secured to ensure tamper-evident properties.
|
Ðãɫֱ²¥ |
2024 |