Associate degree – The credential you earn after completing 60 credits of classes within your program of study. The classes that count toward your degree may include “general education” classes as well as classes specifically for your major. An associate degree prepares you either to work or to transfer to a school that awards bachelor’s degrees.

Bachelor’s degree – The credential you earn after completing approximately 120 credits of specific classes within a major or program. These are also called “four-year degrees” because they take four years of full-time enrollment to complete, but the number and type of classes you take is what matters, not how many semesters it takes you.

Bursar – Person that handles billing and tuition at a college. The Bursar’s Office is a department where you can ask questions about paying your bill, tuition and other college costs. GCC’s Bursar’s office is part of Student Financial Services.

Certificate – The credential you earn after completing about 30 credits of specialized classes. Certificates are focused on specific subjects and prepare you for working in a particular field. They often “stack” into more advanced degrees if you want to continue your education later (i.e. the classes you take for the certificate also count toward the degree).

Credits – Classes are measured in credits, where one (1) credit equals one (1) hour of class time per week. A lot of required classes are three (3) credits, but some are four (like science classes with labs) and some are one or two. Each hour spent in class typically requires around two hours of preparation or homework.

Dean – A dean is the leader of a particular group of faculty, set of departments or college services. The Dean of Students oversees student life on campus and advocates for the student body and for individual students.

Dean’s List – Each semester GCC recognizes excellent academic performance via the Dean’s List. Requirements include achieving a GPA of at least 3.50, earning at least six (6) credits during the semester and earning no grade less than a C.

Dropping a class – If you have a conflict or would like to change your schedule, you can drop one or more classes. Before doing so, check deadlines for refunds and impact on grades or financial aid; it is best to talk to an advisor first.

EPR – An Early Progress Report is a notice sent halfway through the semester if you are not on track to passing a class. You can still turn things around by talking to your professor or using college resources.

FAFSA – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a government form used to determine eligibility for financial aid. Students should fill this out every year.

FERPA – The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a federal law that regulates access to education records. It ensures records are kept private unless the student grants access through a written waiver.

Full-time – Taking 12 or more credits in a semester constitutes full-time status. Those taking fewer than 12 credits are considered part-time students.

Incomplete – An incomplete grade may be granted if you cannot finish a class by the end date. It allows you to continue work and receive a final grade later, though it depends on circumstances, the instructor, and college deadlines.

Major – The subject or professional program in which you are pursuing a degree or certificate.

Pre-requisite – A course you must take before you can take another course. You should never assume pre-reqs and always ask for clarification.

President’s List – This is more prestigious than the Dean’s List, requiring a 4.0 GPA by the end of the term. All other requirements are the same as the Dean’s List.

Registrar – A department that manages academics, including graduation certification, transcripts, changing majors and diploma replacement.

Semester – The way colleges divide time; at GCC, the regular year has fall (Sept-Dec) and spring (Jan-May) semesters. There are also optional summer and January sessions. Classes typically last one semester.

Syllabus – Your guide to a class and what is expected of you, generally including policies, rules, required texts and assignment schedules.

Waitlists – You may be put on a waitlist if a class is full. You may be granted entry if another student drops out.

Withdrawal – This option is used to drop all classes in a semester. Because the reason and date can impact grades and tuition, you should talk to your advisor or a Success Coach before deciding.