Accredited or Recognized Institution
A university or college from which Columbia College normally accepts transfer credit.
Class
A “class” is defined as a specific time(s) of the day when students meet with facilitator(s). For example, a group of students attend classes every Monday starting at 6:00 p.m.
Contact Hours
The number of hours of instruction to which a student is obligated for a specific course.
Course
A “course” is defined as a subject or study that students are enrolled in. For example, Bill is enrolled in Psychology 100.
Session
A session refers to a complete period of study often referred to as an academic year. Students should consult the specific educational programs section of this calendar to learn the specific start and end dates of each program session.
Prerequisites, Corequisites and Recommended Backgrounds
Although most first year courses have no prerequisites, corequisites or recommended background, it is not unusual for second year and third year courses to require that students complete a preceding course(s) before they can enroll. If a student does not have the required background for a specific course he/she may ask for special permission to take it.
Prerequisite Waiver
Written permission from the Department Chair is required for a student to register in a course without the proper prerequisite.
Program
The course requirements and other requirements which must be met in order to receive a Certificate or Diploma from the College.
Semester
The term “semester” is normally referred to as the period of time during which a set number of courses is offered as students move toward completing an entire program. It is designed to allow students to concentrate on a few courses in a set period of time. For example, depending on the program, a semester may be a four week, five week, six week or thirteen week period.
Statement of Grades
A statement that the Registrar’s Office sends to each student at the end of each semester or program. Only those grades for that semester or program will normally appear on the statement.
Transcript
A record of a student’s academic work, including a list of courses taken, grades received and credits awarded. An official transcript is normally issued and mailed directly from one institution to another. An unofficial transcript is normally issued directly to the student for his/her own records.
Transfer Credit
Credit granted by a Department Chair for courses taken at another recognized university or college. Specified transfer credit satisfies specific program requirements. Unspecified transfer credit is granted in terms of approximating subject and course levels and does not satisfy specific program requirements.
Tutorial
A tutorial is defined as a special time that has been set aside for course students to meet with program personnel to discuss and review challenges the students may be experiencing with that course.