Glossary of College Lingo

3-2 ProgramA program offering students three years of study at Maryville College followed by two years of professional or specialized study at a university. The student is usually awarded two degrees upon successful completion of the program.
Academic AdvisorAdvisors guide and advise students to make informed choices related to their program of study, course selection, career choices, and other matters. Note that students bear ultimate responsibility for completing all requirements for graduation.  
Academic CalendarThe academic calendar lists pertinent dates related to academic programming, opening / closing dates, course registration and other official information. The calendar is listed in the College Catalog and posted on the College website.
Academic ProbationStudents are placed on academic probation when their GPA falls below 2.0. This warning indicates an immediate need to address academic performance.
Academic SuspensionStudents must meet cumulative GPA standards in order to maintain enrollment. Criteria needed to avoid suspension are listed in the College Catalog.
Add/Drop PeriodThe add/ drop period at the beginning of the semester is a time in which students can make schedule changes without a W (withdrew) appearing on the transcript. Specific dates can be found on the academic calendar.  
Bachelor DegreesMaryville College offers three bachelor’s degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Music (B.M.).
BaccalaureateA farewell sermon made to graduating seniors, families and friends in conjunction with commencement ceremonies.
CCAClayton Center for the Arts
CCMTyndale Wilson Center for Campus Ministry
CommencementCommencement is the formal name of the graduation ceremony held each May. Note that Maryville College does not hold a Commencement in December.
Commuter StudentA Maryville college student approved to live off campus rather than in one of the Maryville College residence halls.
ConvocationNormally the first Thursday of the fall semester, convocation is a formal ceremony celebrating the beginning of the new academic year.
Core CurriculumOften referred to as “general education,” the Maryville College core curriculum is a broadly based educational experience that defines a liberal arts education. All students, regardless of major field, are required to complete the requirements described in the College Catalog.
Course CatalogThe College Catalog is an important tool for understanding the College’s academic and administrative policies, procedures and academic programs. It describes all academic programs and associated policies and provides a list of courses required in each major as well as complete descriptions of all courses. The Catalog is available on the website.
Credit HourCourses are usually measured in credit hours. A credit hour is equivalent to about 1 hour of in-class time and about 2 hours of out-of-class work each week. Students can see their credit hours for each semester in Self Service. The appropriate number of credit hours is awarded to a student upon passing a course. At Maryville College, at typical course load is around 15 credit hours each semester. Full-time status requires a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Enrollments greater than 18 credit hours in a single semester result in overload charges.
CurriculumComposed of those classes prescribed or outlined by an institution for completion of a program of study leading to a degree or certificate. Students should note that it is the combination of core courses, major/major-related courses, and elective courses that leads to the required number of credit hours needed for graduation.
Dean The Dean is a vice president with oversight responsibility for a major area of the College. At Maryville College the Vice President and Dean of the College oversees all aspects of academic policies and programs. The Vice President and Dean of Students oversees areas of student involvement (activities/orientation/ community engagement) student wellness (Counseling/prevention/ conduct/ disability services/faith) and Residence Life and DEI related programs.
Dean’s ListThe Dean’s List is produced each semester identifying those students who have met a high academic standard. The equivalent of an honor roll, students who earn at least a 3.60 GPA for the semester, with no grade of “C” or below, are placed on the Dean’s List.
Disability ResourcesServices for students with disabilities are provided by staff in the office of Disability Resources and Accessibility located in the lower level of Thaw Hall. Accommodations are provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Elective CoursesElective courses are those credit-bearing courses taken by students to fulfill credit hours needed for graduation but are not required toward fulfillment of the major course of study. They are elected because of student interest and as a supplement to major courses.
Federal Work-studyFederal work-study is a federally funded program in which students are hired in campus jobs as part of their financial aid package. Students must complete the FAFSA and be qualified to take part in this work-study program. Some institutional work-study jobs are available that are unrelated to financial aid qualification.
FERPAThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. Although FERPA gives parents certain rights regarding their student’s educational records, it is important for parents to realize that these rights transfer to students once they turn eighteen or attend a school beyond high school. For more information, refer to http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/.
Final ExamsFinal exams are given during the final week of the semester. The dates and times are different from regular class time and are listed in the course schedule and the College website.
First Generation StudentsA term used to refer to students who are the first in their immediate family to complete a four-year college degree.  
First Year  SeminarsMaryville College requires that all new first-year students complete the First Year Seminar (FYS) course. While the course topics vary by instructor, all FYS sections introduce students to college-level critical thinking, communication, note-taking, test-taking skills and the requirements for the Maryville College Works program. The instructor of each section serves as the academic advisor for students in their section.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)The FAFSA is an application form administered by the U.S. Department of Education and used to determine a family’s eligibility for federal student aid programs and, in some cases, institutional, state and other private aid sources. A FAFSA must be completed and filed each year a student attends college.
Full-time statusFull time students must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. Full-time status is required for many financial aid programs and for NCAA athletic participation.
Flex DollarsFlex dollars represent a declining balance placed on the student’s  MC ID to purchase meal services on campus. Students’ meal plans include some Flex Dollars on their MC ID, and additional funds can be added through the Business Office.
Grade Point Average (GPA)Sometimes referred to as the Cumulative Grade Point Average, the GPA is a calculation of students’ overall grade average on a 4-point scale. A full explanation of the GPA is found in the College Catalog.
Graduate Student
Students at a college or university who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are pursuing an advanced degree like a masters or doctorate.
Health InsuranceMaryville College does not provide health insurance nor does it require students to have health insurance.  NCAA student athletes are covered under a college policy for any sports-related injury.
HOPE ScholarshipThe HOPE Scholarship is available to qualified Tennessee students who enroll in Tennessee colleges or universities and maintain a minimum grade average.
International StudentsInternational students are welcome at Maryville College. All foreign-born students who are not United States citizens are classified as international students.
IRISIRIS refers to the campus emergency notification system that allows College Security to communicate quickly with students, faculty, and staff in the event of an emergency or potential emergency on campus.
Liberal ArtsThe liberal arts represents the traditional set of courses and affirms the continuing values of a broad range of study in the humanities, the sciences, and the arts.
MajorStudents select a major during their first or second year of study that serves as the focus of study in a degree program.
Maryville College WorksMaryville College Works is the College’s premier college-to-career program that links students’ liberal arts education to a chosen career or vocation. Completion of the program is required for graduation for most students.
May TermMay Term is a three-week mini-term where students are enrolled in one course that meets for at least three hours every day equivalent to one semester long course. 
Meal PlanA meal plan is a pre-paid account for student meals while at college. All residential students are required to take part in one of the meal plans offered.
Mid-semester Progress GradesAt mid-semester, faculty submit a progress grade for all students to the Registrar. All mid-semester progress grades are shared with students’ faculty advisor and other appropriate College staff. These reports are used to inform and counsel students and are not recorded on the official transcript.
Mid-termsWhen given, mid-term exams generally occur in the middle of each semester and tests students on material covered to date.
MinorStudents are not required to complete a minor but may elect to do so as a secondary concentration in a specific subject or career field.
New Scots OrientationOur Fall orientation is a vital part of the college experience with activities designed to help new students adjust and familiarize themselves with the College. The program takes place at the beginning of the semester and attendance is required.
Non-Traditional StudentAny student who is outside the age range of traditional-aged students (18-24) is considered a non-traditional student.
Peer MentorPeer mentors are carefully chosen upper-class students who assist new students in their transition to Maryville College.
PDRPearsons Dining Room is a special events room in the rear of the main dining are of Pearsons Hall.
Pell Grant ProgramPell grants represent the largest federal grant program. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the College based on established federal guidelines.
Perkins Loan ProgramPerkins loans are federally insured loans funded by the federal government and awarded by the College. The loans feature a low interest rate and are repayable over an extended period.
Pre-ReqPre-requisites are courses that students are required to take prior to registering for a particular course.
RA Resident Assistants are trained student leaders responsible for supervising a group of resident students. They assist with questions, social issues, roommate issues, and other problems that might arise. They also assist in enforcing College policies within the residence halls.
RDResident Directors oversee Resident Assistants and are responsible for managing the overall well-being of the Residence Hall. Residence Directors often live in an apartment in the Residence Hall.
RegistrarA College official responsible for creating and maintaining permanent academic records, maintaining student files, and forwarding official student transcripts to employers and schools upon written student requests.
RegistrationThe process of becoming officially enrolled in classes for a semester. It begins with selecting courses and ends at the beginning of every semester via completion of necessary documentation and “checking in.”
Resident StudentThose students who live in one of the College operated residence halls.
Room SelectionRoom selection occurs in early spring and is the process of choosing living arrangements for the following academic year. (Policies and procedures for room selection are established by the Student Government Association.)
ScholarshipsScholarships are awarded based on a variety of criteria, such as academics achievement, talents, affiliations with various groups, or career aspirations. These funds are grants that do not require repayment.
SemesterGenerally speaking, a semester is one half of an academic year. However, other terms are included in each academic year. These include May term, and optional summer sessions.
Senior StudyThe Senior Study: The Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression Program at Maryville College, is a two-semester course sequence required of all students that affords each with the opportunity to work independently with a faculty supervisor on a topic of their choice.
Startin’ TartanSummer orientation, advising, and registration is our summer session for all incoming first-year students and families that includes information about all aspects of life at Maryville College.
Stafford loansStafford Loans, both subsidized (need based) and unsubsidized (non-need based), are student loans guaranteed by the federal government and available to students to fund their education.
Student Government Association (SGA)The official voice of the students, the SGA is a student elected body that represents the interests of all students while promoting and assisting Maryville College clubs, groups, and organizations.
Student IDStudents are issued a photo identification card that includes a randomly generated identification number used in lieu of a social security number. It is required to enter residence halls and upon entrance to the dining hall. (Replacement cost for lost MC ID is $20.)
SyllabusThe syllabus is an outline or overview of the course distributed by the instructor at the beginning of the course. The syllabus often includes course requirements, objectives, textbook information, contact information for the instructor, and a schedule of assignments and topics. Students are always encouraged to read the syllabus carefully and refer to it often throughout the course.
TartanAn online learning management system that allows professors to post course materials and communicate electronically with students outside of the classroom.
TranscriptThe official record of a student’s academic experience and includes a list of all courses attempted and the grade earned in each. The official transcript is maintained by the Registrar.
TuitionTuition refers to the amount of money charged for instruction and does not include charges associated with room and board.
Undergraduate StudentStudents at a college or university who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.
WithdrawalWithdrawal refers to the process of formally removing a student from a single class or from all classes for a semester. Established procedures must be followed as stated in the College Catalog. Withdrawals may have financial implications depending upon the date(s).