NC Advising Glossary of Terms
Chapters:
- Introduction
- Get Started
(Prior to the First Day of Class) - Get Familiar with NC
(Weeks 1–3) - Check-In With Your Academic Advisor (Weeks 4–5)
- Mid-Term Exams Prep
(Weeks 6–7) - Break Week (Week 8)
- Mid-Term Check-In (Week 9–10)
- Final Stretch (Weeks 11–14)
- You Made It! (Week 15)
- What’s Next (After the Term is Over)?
- Further Support and Resources
- NC Advising Glossary of Terms
Individualized plan of study based on the student’s program of instruction that shows courses that have yet to be completed and courses that have been completed.
An Academic Advisor assists students in planning their academic path and ensures that they meet all the requirements needed to receive their credential. They also connect students to the many resources that will enhance their college experience and support their success at NC.
An individualized academic plan that is created with an Academic Advisor based on the student’s needs. It takes into consideration course availability, course pre-requisites and minimum requirements to meet OSAP eligibility.
A serious offence that takes many forms including plagiarism, the use of unauthorized aids in assignments or examinations and the intentional distortion or fabrication of experimental results or data.
A student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) to meet standards of satisfactory academic progress to remain in school. Any student not maintaining satisfactory progress toward their program of study can be at risk of being placed on academic alert, academic probation, or being dismissed from the program.
Extra charges not included in the tuition and may be charged to cover the cost of materials and equipment needed for the program. These costs may be incurred for field trips, learning materials, equipment or clothing retained by the student.
Formal pathway established between two or more Colleges and Universities documenting the transfer policies for a specific academic program or degree in general.
Online learning that is accessible at any time, allowing students to engage with materials at their own pace. This type of learning is often supported by on-line readings, videos, podcasts, quizzes, and other media.
Learning management system used at NC as part of the virtual learning environment. Information on each course is found here, including the syllabus, class assignments, and lectures. Instructors may post class announcements and resources as well.
Grant that is distributed through the financial aid office, based on financial need to help students pay for their tuition.
A course that must be taken together in the same semester as another one.
An eight-digit code (4 letters and 4 numbers; i.e COMM1133) attached to every course name. Course codes are found on the student’s timetable, Academic Advisement Report and in the Program of Instruction.
The CCR allows students to officially record their participation in approved co-curricular activities to enhance their resume and their academic portfolio. Students can use the CCR to showcase their co-curricular involvement to future employers, graduate schools, and when applying for grants and bursaries.
The number of courses in which a student is registered in each term. For example, 60% load is required for FT OSAP.
A document that describes course content, learning activities and explains what topics will be taught in that course. It will also include the credit hour value, equivalencies, and any prerequisite or co-requisites that the course may have.
The number of hours that a course is taught per week. Each course has a specific number of required hours assigned. Courses are offered in 1 – 5 credit hour increments and could sometimes include larger amounts. If your program has a placement, this number may be greater than 5 credit hours, please connect with your placement officer.
Aid in the form of grants, bursaries, scholarships, and loans that the student applies for.
A student is considered full-time when they are enrolled in at least 70% of the courses for their program and level in a term. A student is considered part-time when they are enrolled in less than 70% of the courses for their program and level in a term.
Mandatory courses in some programs of instruction that are designed to strengthen the student’s essential employability skills, such as critical analysis, problem solving and communication.
A single cumulative number that represents the student’s academic performance. The GPA is the sum of all the course grades multiplied by their respective credit value, divided by the total number of credits.
An instructional format offered with an on-line component, but also includes required in-person classes.
Courses that are delivered in a synchronous, face-to-face format, at either campus.
In lecture classes, the instructor presents the material to the class. Laboratory classes require students to perform certain tasks in controlled situations that help them test and understand the information and material being taught in the lecture.
A document that confirms that a student is receiving assistance from the Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services office. This document describes the types of accommodations that a student has based on their individual needs. An LOA can be issued to students with disabilities, either temporary or permanent, for each term that they are attending classes.
Tool that supports the teaching and learning process. The current LMS used at NC is Brightspace.
Portal used by applicants, current students, staff, and faculty to access important academic information such as application, timetables, grades, and financials.
Online course registration system where students register or withdraw from courses.
Instructional format offered completely web based, with no in-person classes.
Financial Aid program that can help students pay for tuition. OSAP offers a mix of grants and student loans. Students must fill out an OSAP application every year that they plan to attend college.
Acquirement of credits based on an assessment of prior learning gained through work experience, community work, self-directed study, travel, or military services.
Incorrectly presented information in the student’s research as their own original idea. Using the ideas or words of another as one’s own or without crediting the source.
A course needed to be taken in preparation for another course in a further level. For instance, COMM1510 is a pre-requisite for COMM1520.
Set of courses representing a specific certificate, diploma, or degree curriculum.
The postsecondary credential in which a student is enrolled.
Dedicated to improving the student life experience at NC. Some of the services offered through SAC are transit, health plan, food, legal aid, clubs, grad photos, etc.
A two-digit (2) number needed for course registration; it identifies the section of a course.
Online learning that occurs in real-time, during a specific and scheduled frame. Synchronous on-line learning is often delivered using a web conferencing system like Microsoft Teams.
An outline of the schedule of a course that includes important dates, assignments, expectations, evaluation methods and policies specific to a given course.
Applies to the GPA received in all credit courses taken in an academic term.
A permanent academic record of a student that shows courses taken, grades received, academic status and honors received.
Assessment of course credits earned at another institution being used to earn Niagara College credits.
Financial amount designated for each credit of a student’s enrollment. Tuition includes ancillary fees such as: athletics and recreation fee, alumni fee, campus safety, and program fees such as: art supplies, uniforms, or scrubs. Tuition does not include textbooks. Withdrawal – Dropping a course or a program before the semester is finished, resulting in a “w” in the student’s transcript, if withdrawing within the first ⅔ of an academic term.