Academic 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).

Advising Centers

The 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.

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 five digit 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 the applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of diversity, The University of Maine at Augusta shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status or gender expression, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability or veterans status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The University will regard freedom from discrimination and discriminatory harassment as an individual employee and student right which will be safeguarded as a matter of policy. Retaliation against anyone who makes a complaint of discrimination or harassment or who is involved in a complaint process will not be tolerated. (See Non-Discrimination Notice and Equal Opportunity Complaint Procedure.)

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.

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.

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 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

See Equal Opportunity

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 (Involuntary Withdrawal)

Previously called “Involuntary Withdrawal.” 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, degrees awarded, etc.

Transfer

Movement from one academic program to another within UMA (change of program) or, more commonly, change to another educational institution.

Withdrawal

Officially dropping all courses for any reason.