Reno High Huskies :: College Glossary

COUNSELORS
Academic Assistance
College and Career Planning

Applying To College
College Glossary
Cover Letters
Financial Aid
Preparing For An Interview
Letters Of Recommendation
Military
Resume

Staff
Educational Options
Registration Information
Testing Information
FAQ

College Glossary

Click on the terms below for a detailed description of each one.

Academic Advisor

The faculty member or staff professional assigned by the college to assist each student in planning a proper academic program.

Academic advisors assist students in course selection, scheduling, and provide insights into their specific major departments.
The student is called the academic advisee.

At UNR call the Advising Center at 784-4684 if you need help locating your academic advisor.
For other schools look up advising on the college�s website or contact the admissions or future students office to be directed to the appropriate contact.

Associate's Degree

Designed for students who take a course of study at a junior college.
Students often transfer to a four-year college to complete a bachelor�s degree, usually with junior standing.

Bachelor's Degree

This is the lowest degree confirmed by the university.
Although usually referred to as a four-year degree undergraduate students are currently completing a degree on average in five to five and a half years.
The student services professional that helps guide students through major and career exploration. Other services provided include resume critiques, help with finding internships and volunteer work, prep for graduate or professional school, and help with preparing for interviews.
At UNR call 784-4678 to set up an appointment with Career Development.
For other schools look up the career office on the college�s website or contact the admissions or future students� office to be directed.

Catalog

The catalog holds the requirements for each major and minor within the college including all course descriptions and also prerequisites/co-requisites (see definitions) for specific classes.
In addition to this information it discusses very important policies and procedures.
It is published once a year and for most colleges it is only published on-line. It is very important that you get acquainted with this tool right away.

College/School

Universities have separate schools/colleges that make up the University.

An example would be that UNR currently is comprised of ten different colleges and schools: Agriculture, Arts and Science, Business, Education, Extended Studies, Human and Community Sciences, Journalism, Medicine, Mining and Graduate Studies.

Co-requisite

A course that must be taken simultaneously with another.
The courses that hold co-requisites can be found at the end of the course description listed in the catalog.

Course Descriptions

Brief descriptions, including required prerequisites/co-requisites, of the courses offered at the university.
Always read these descriptions found in the course catalog prior to registering for classes.

Core Curriculum

A variety of courses undergraduate students complete to satisfy university requirements.
The categories include English, Math, Natural Science, Social Science, Fine Arts, Western Traditions, Diversity and Capstone.
The specific courses you take to complete the core curriculum can vary from one major to another.

Credit

The number value assigned to different courses. You receive credit, upon satisfactory completion of the course, at the end of the semester.
The average number of credits needed to graduate for most degrees is around 128 credits at UNR.
See your college catalog for complete details. For your first semester in college it is typically recommended that a student take no more than 12-15 credits, as you will generally find yourself going through a lot of adjustment and transition.

Degree

Awarded to the student upon completion of all required courses and credits within a particular major.

These requirements are in general all listed out in the course catalog.

Departments

The academic areas within the colleges and school. Departments offer majors and minors.

Doctorate

A degree earned after a number of years of course work in a specific area.
Often includes the preparation of a dissertation and is called a PhD.
It usually follows a masters degree.

E-Paws

The online program used at UNR for students use to register for classes.
Check out your college website to see how you go about registering and talk with your academic advisor.

Freshmen Level Courses

In general all 100 level classes are freshmen level courses.
Talk with your advisor if considering taking classes above 100 level classes as a freshman.

GPA

Grade Point Average.

Student Identification Card

This card usually allows students to check out library books and receive discounts at events.
At UNR students can pick this card up at the Information Desk in the Jot Travis Student Union.
Once your tuition fees are paid you will be able to receive a validation sticker for each semester you are attending.
Check with your individual college to see the process at that school.

Major

Primary subject you will study to earn a bachelor's degree. Use the course catalog to view major requirements.

Masters Degree

A graduate degree after the bachelor degree has been earned.
This degree is needed for advancement in many career areas.

Meta-Cognition

Learning to learn is learnable. The concept emphasizes that it is the primary responsibility of the student to see to it that learning occurs in each of his/her college courses.
If students are interested in learning study skills, about campus resources, and about self, career and major exploration, it is highly advised they take a first year experience class (FYE).
See First Year Experience Classes in most college course schedules to find these classes.

Minor

A secondary subject you study; it does not require as many credits as a major.
Some majors require you to have a minor; some do not.
Use the course catalog to view minor requirements.

Pre-requisite

The preliminary requirement that must be met before a certain course may be taken.
The courses that hold pre-requisites can be found at the end of the course definition listed in the catalog.

Semester

A fifteen-week period of instruction. There are two semesters in each academic year.
This is not including summer school in which semesters are condensed down to a shorter time period.
In general the same amount of material is covered but in less time during the summer.
Some colleges may be on a quarter system consisting of three quarters per year.
Typical classes hold mid-term and final exams.

Semester Schedule

A booklet listing the classes offered with days of the week and times for fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Registration and general information, policies, semester calendars, and descriptions of the services and programs available at the college are included.

Syllabus

An outline of a course listing a course description, goals, objectives and attendance and grading policies usually handed out the first day of class.
Topics and homework are generally listed out for the entire semester.
It is your responsibility to keep up with the assignments. Your instructor may not remind you of what is due.
Do not lose your syllabus, get organized, and use a day planner!