Academic Advisor
UMA faculty or staff member assigned to assist degree candidates with course scheduling and other academic decisions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means that a student's work is the product of her/his own effort and s/he does not receive nor give unauthorized assistance in any assignment. All students are responsible for learning the standards of the Academic Integrity Code.
Advisor
UMA faculty or staff member assigned to assist degree candidates with course scheduling and other academic decisions.
Add/Drop
1. The process of adding and/or dropping a course from one's schedule.
2. The period of time allowable to add and/or drop (see deadlines section for specific information).
Academic and Career Advising Centers
The Academic and Career Advising Centers at the Augusta and Bangor campuses provide support and information services to UMA students.
Associate Degree
Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.A.), or Associate of Science (A.S.); also known as a "two-year" degree; however, actually means a program that requires approximately 60-73 credits for completion, regardless of the timeframe.
Audit
Attending a course for no credit and no grade. Tuition is the same as for a credit course.
Baccalaureate Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.); also known as a "four-year" degree; however, actually means a program that requires approximately 120-126 credits for completion, regardless of the timeframe.
Blackboard
An on-line software tool used in many UMA classes (on-line, ITV, and face-to-face) to post course information and syllabi, host on-line class discussions and collect electronic copies of assignments.
Blended Courses
Classes which require both class attendance (via ITV, Video Conferencing, or on-campus) and use of the Web.
Catalog
A publication containing information on programs, policies, and personnel. Typically referred to as a "bulletin," it serves as a student's contract with the University.
Challenge Exams
Locally produced tests and procedures that allow students to earn credits for specific UMA courses.
Class Number
Unique numeric course designation indicating location you plan to attend. Ex: PSY 100, 15328 Bangor.
CLEP
College Level Examination Program. National testing that provides opportunity to earn college credit.
Core Curriculum
A required group of courses common to all UMA degree programs including course work in English, communications, mathematics, science, computer science, social science, and arts and humanities. Core courses ensure breadth of study for all students and help to build critical thinking, decision making, communication, and learning skills.
Counselor or Coordinator of Student Support Services
Titles applied to staff professionally trained to assist students with personal and career counseling, educational planning, personal skills development, job search skills, and coping with crisis.
Course Designation/Number
The number following the subject-matter designation in the course listings. Ex: CRJ 231.
Credit Hour
The amount of credit assigned to each course. Does not necessarily correspond with the amount of time spent in class. An "academic hour" is usually 50 minutes. One "academic hour" of lecture = 1 credit hour; normally, 2 hours of lab/studio = 1 credit hour.
Early Registration
This is a period during which students may register for courses without payment. Check the current course guide for payment deadlines.
Enrollment PIN
Students majoring in architecture, art, biology, dental hygiene, graphic arts, interdisciplinary studies, liberal arts, medical laboratory technology, music, nursing, photography, or veterinary technology, must obtain an Enrollment PIN from their academic advisor in order to register for classes.
Equal Opportunity
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veterans status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University System. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Questions and complaints about discrimination in any area of the University should be directed to Sheri R. Stevens, Equal Opportunity Director, UMA Farmhouse, 207-621-3110 (TDD-207-621-3107).
(See Non-Discrimination Notice and Equal Opportunity Complaint Procedure.)
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.
Full-Time
In study-terms, generally at least 12 credit hours per semester. In financial aid terms, 12 credit hours.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Average grade of courses taken in any semester. Formula: Grade point multiplied by credit hour = quality points. Quality points divided by number of credits carried = GPA. See catalog for grade representation and to figure cumulative GPA or the "How to Compute Your GPA" section.
Honors Course
One of the courses currently offered in the Honors Program designed for the highly motivated student. (See current course guide.)
Incomplete
Grade designation "I" indicating that a course has not been completed.
ITV (Interactive Television)
Interactive television courses meet at scheduled times in an interactive television classroom. With the instructor at one location, students at a different location can participate via one-way video and two-way audio.
MaineStreet
The University of Maine System’s student information system where students can update addresses, phone numbers, and email and emergency contacts. Also provides access to student’s admission status, and academic and financial information. A user guide and demonstration for MaineStreet (iDemo) is available on-line: http://www.maine.edu/system/mainestreet/infoforcurrentstudents.php.
Matriculate
To be admitted into a college as a degree student.
Moosebytes
A weekly E-publication that features important and timely information about UMA's upcoming events, critical deadlines, and helpful resources. To receive, students should activate their free university e-mail account.
Office Hours (Faculty)
Designated time that the faculty have committed to being available in their offices to meet with students either by appointment or on a drop-in basis. Typically, faculty have a minimum of six office hours per week.
Part-Time
Credit hour load of less than 12 credits.
Peer Advisor
A student specially trained to provide basic academic and career information and referral services through the Academic and Career Advising Centers.
Peer Mentor
A trained undergraduate who is available to help entering students succeed at UMA through student to student guidance activities.
Peer Tutor
An individual with expertise in a given academic area who assists students with their studies.
Portfolio (Assessment of Prior Learning)
A comprehensive documentation of knowledge or skills acquired through prior work or volunteer experience that, under specific circumstances, may qualify a student for advanced standing credit.
Prerequisite
A course requirement or a condition to be fulfilled prior to registration for certain classes.
Probation
1. Academic: Official warning that student is not making satisfactory progress toward a degree and that continued probation and/or suspension will result if improvements are not made.
2. Disciplinary: Sanction imposed for violation(s) of the Student Conduct Code.
Sexual Harassment or Discrimination Issues
Site
A facility designated to receive courses and other educational offerings broadcast by interactive television system. A site is usually in a high school but also may be in a place of employment.
Site Coordinator
Person who is responsible for managing and overseeing the operation of a site.
Student Activity Fee
Compulsory fee paid by all students that serves as revenue to support educational, athletic, cultural, and social activities for students. Decisions regarding use of the funds are made by the local Student Government Association.
Student Appeals
The process students should follow when there is a deviation from the standard drop/withdrawal procedures, i.e., illness, involuntary transfer by employers, etc. See Student Appeals description.
Suspension
Separation from the University due to academic or disciplinary problems. A sanction imposed for violation(s) of the Student Conduct Code. Separation from the University for a stated period of time or until stated conditions are met.
Syllabus
Developed by your instructor, the syllabus acts as your contract for a course. This written document will typically include faculty contact information and hours, assignment information, attendance requirements, and grading policy. Some faculty may use an extended syllabus which includes course materials and handouts. When ordering books, be sure to ask if a syllabus is available. Faculty may choose to distribute the syllabus at the first class meeting.
Transcript
The official academic record of a student prepared by the Registrar's Office which shows courses taken, grades, and degrees awarded, etc.
Transfer
Movement from one academic program to another within UMA (change of program) or, more commonly, change to another educational institution.
UMA Portal
Allows access to Gmail, MaineStreet, Blackboard, and more, through a single login.
Wish List
A scheduling tool through MaineStreet Student Self Service to assist in creating a student's ideal class schedule.
Withdrawal
Officially dropping all courses for any reason.
