Definition: Traditional students usually enroll right after high school and attend full‑time. Nontraditional students may be older, work full‑time, attend part‑time, or have family responsibilities.
NC Wesleyan context: Both paths are common—and supported—at NC Wesleyan.
In short: There’s no “one right way” to college.

Definition: An adult learner is a student who returns to college later in life, often after time in the workforce, military service, or caring for family.
NC Wesleyan context: Adult learners at NC Wesleyan often balance classes with jobs and personal responsibilities and may take hybrid or online courses.
In short: Life experience counts here.

Definition: Colleges often focus on undergraduate education, while universities typically offer undergraduate degrees, certificates and graduate degrees.
NC Wesleyan context: NC Wesleyan is a university that combines small‑college attention with expanded academic opportunities like grad degrees.
In short: Personal feel, big possibilities.

Definition: Any education pursued after high school, including college degrees, certificates, college level/AP courses and professional programs.
NC Wesleyan context: Undergraduate and graduate programs at North Carolina Wesleyan University are considered post‑secondary education.
In short: Everything after high school counts.

Definition: Colleges divide the academic year into set periods called terms. The most common structures are semesters, terms or quarters.

Definition: Campus refers to all the physical and digital spaces where learning happens.
NC Wesleyan context: This includes classrooms and student spaces in Rocky Mount, as well as online tools like my.ncwu.edu and email.
In short: Where college happens—on screen or in person.

Definition: The formal ceremony that celebrates students who have completed their degree requirements.
NC Wesleyan context: Commencement brings together graduates, families, faculty, and staff to celebrate this milestone.
In short: The big moment.

Definition: A student who is the first in their immediate family to attend college or earn a four‑year degree.
NC Wesleyan context: NC Wesleyan offers advising, academic support, and mentoring to help first‑gen students navigate college with confidence.
In short: You’re doing something big—and you’re not doing it alone.

Definition: A resource outlining academic policies, student expectations, and campus support services.
NC Wesleyan context: The handbook helps students understand rights, responsibilities, and available resources.
In short: When in doubt—check here.

Definition: A major is your primary field of study; a minor is a secondary focus.
NC Wesleyan context: Students choose majors aligned with career goals and minors that add versatility.
In short: Main focus + bonus skills.

Definition: A faculty or staff member who helps students plan coursework and stay on track.
NC Wesleyan context: Advisors support academic and career goals.
In short: Your academic GPS.

Definition: A status indicating a student is not meeting academic requirements.
NC Wesleyan context: Support and advising are provided to help students improve.
In short: A warning—not the end.

Definition: Professors and instructors who teach courses and support student learning.
NC Wesleyan context: Faculty are known for small‑class teaching and mentorship.
In short: Your instructors.

Definition: Instructors who teach part‑time and often bring industry experience.
NC Wesleyan context: Adjuncts add real‑world perspective to the classroom.
In short: Industry pros in the room.

Definition: A status that provides long‑term academic appointment to faculty.
NC Wesleyan context: Tenure supports academic freedom and program stability.
In short: Long‑term faculty commitment.

Definition: A credential awarded after completing an academic program. Examples include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
NC Wesleyan context: We offer degrees in bachelor’s and master’s programs.
In short: The goal.

Definition: An undergraduate degree that typically takes about two years of full‑time study.
NC Wesleyan context: Students may transfer associate‑level credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
In short: A solid starting point.

Definition: An undergraduate degree that typically takes four years to complete.
NC Wesleyan context: NC Wesleyan offers a wide range of bachelor’s programs plus 3 year pathways designed for career readiness.
In short: The foundation.

Definition: A graduate‑level degree completed after a bachelor’s degree, usually requiring advanced study in one field.
NC Wesleyan context: Some programs allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree on an accelerated timeline.
In short: Next‑level expertise.

Definition: The highest academic degree, focused on advanced research or professional practice.
NC Wesleyan context: Doctoral‑level leadership helps shape academic quality and innovation.
In short: Top‑tier academic achievement.

Definition: A program structured to help students complete a degree in less time with shorter terms.
NC Wesleyan context: Accelerated options may involve shorter terms that could combine undergraduate and graduate coursework.
In short: Fast‑track mode.

Definition: Certificate programs are short, focused programs designed to help students build specific skills or knowledge without committing to a full degree. They concentrate on practical learning that can be applied right away.

Definition: A group of students who progress through a program together.
NC Wesleyan context: Cohorts help build community and accountability.
In short: Built‑in support system.

Definition: Foundational courses in areas like English, math, science, and social sciences.
NC Wesleyan context: These courses build skills that support every major.
In short: The foundation.

Definition: The number of credits a student takes in a semester.
NC Wesleyan context: Full‑time undergraduate status usually begins at 12 credits while graduate full-time status is normally 6 credits.
In short: How full your plate is.

Definition: Units used to measure how much a course counts toward a degree.
NC Wesleyan context: Most courses are worth three credit hours.
In short: Progress markers.

Definition: Credit awarded for knowledge gained through work, military service, or certifications.
NC Wesleyan context: This option can help students save time and money.
In short: Experience counts.

Definition: The full set of courses, lessons, assignments, and learning outcomes in a program.
NC Wesleyan context: NC Wesleyan curricula emphasize personal attention, practical learning, and purpose‑driven outcomes.
In short: What you’ll actually learn.

Definition: A faculty leader who oversees an academic department.
NC Wesleyan context: Chairs coordinate curriculum and support faculty and students.
In short: Department leadership.

Definition: A numerical average representing academic performance.
NC Wesleyan context: GPA impacts academic standing, honors, and eligibility for some opportunities.
In short: The number that matters.

Definition: A short window at the beginning of a term to adjust your schedule.
NC Wesleyan context: Changes during this period do not affect your transcript.
In short: Safe adjustment zone.

Definition: Dropping a course after the add/drop period.
NC Wesleyan context: Withdrawals may appear on your transcript as a “W.”
In short: Strategic exit.

Definition: Exams given midway through and at the end of a course to assess learning.
NC Wesleyan context: Exams vary by course and may include projects or presentations.
In short: Check‑ins and wrap‑ups.

Definition: A course graded as pass or fail instead of a letter grade.
NC Wesleyan context: Some courses use this format to emphasize learning over grades.
In short: You either did it—or didn’t.

Definition: Using someone else’s work or ideas without giving credit.
NC Wesleyan context: Academic integrity is taken seriously, and violations can have serious consequences.
In short: Cite your sources. Always.

Definition: The chief academic officer of the university.
NC Wesleyan context: The Provost oversees academic programs and faculty excellence.
In short: Academic big picture.

Definition: The office responsible for registration, transcripts, and academic records.
NC Wesleyan context: Students work with the Registrar for official academic documentation.
In short: The records experts.

Definition: A class format where an instructor presents course material.
NC Wesleyan context: Lectures may be in person, online, or recorded for flexible learning.
In short: Learning straight from the source.

Definition: Courses students choose based on interest or to support their major or minor.
NC Wesleyan context: Electives let students explore new subjects or deepen existing interests.
In short: Choose‑your‑own‑adventure classes.

Definition: A smaller class focused on discussion, research, and deeper exploration of a topic.
NC Wesleyan context: Seminars encourage participation and close interaction with faculty.
In short: Big ideas, small group.

Definition: A document outlining course expectations, assignments, grading, and deadlines.
NC Wesleyan context: Instructors provide a syllabus at the start of each course.
In short: Read this first.

Definition: An official record of courses taken and grades earned.
NC Wesleyan context: Transcripts are used for transfers, jobs, and graduate school applications.
In short: Your academic history.

Definition: College credits earned elsewhere that may count toward your NC Wesleyan degree.
NC Wesleyan context: Credits are evaluated individually during the admissions process.
In short: Your past work still matters.

Definition: A notification confirming that you’ve been admitted.
NC Wesleyan context: Acceptance letters often include next steps for enrollment and financial aid.
In short: You’re in.

Definition: A staff member who helps prospective students explore programs, apply, and plan next steps.
NC Wesleyan context: Admissions counselors at NC Wesleyan provide one‑on‑one guidance throughout the process.
In short: Your go‑to person.

Definition: The official form used to apply to the university.
NC Wesleyan context: NC Wesleyan’s application is free and completed online.
In short: This makes it real.

Definition: Enrollment steps confirm your intent to attend, often including a deposit to hold your spot.
NC Wesleyan context: These steps allow you to register for classes and attend orientation.
In short: Locked in.

Definition: A short form that lets the university know you’re interested in learning more.
NC Wesleyan context: Submitting an inquiry helps you receive information about majors, visits, and scholarships.
In short: Low pressure, high value.

Definition: A program that introduces new students to academics, campus tools, and support services.
NC Wesleyan context: Our Orientation called WesWay and is available for both on‑campus and online students during the summer.
In short: College starter pack.

Definition: A campus resource supporting career planning and job readiness.
NC Wesleyan context: Services include resume help, interview prep, and job search support.
In short: Career cheat code.

Definition: Hands‑on learning experiences connected to a student’s field of study.
NC Wesleyan context: Many programs encourage or require experiential learning.
In short: Resume glow‑up.

Definition: Academic programs that allow students to study in another country.
NC Wesleyan context: Students earn credit while gaining global experience.
In short: Learning goes global.

Definition: A free form used to determine eligibility for financial aid.
NC Wesleyan context: Completing the FAFSA is strongly encouraged.
In short: Don’t skip this.

Definition: Grants funded by the federal government or the state that do not require repayment.
NC Wesleyan context: Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA.
In short: Free help.

Definition: Borrowed funds that help cover college costs and must be repaid.
NC Wesleyan context: Federal loan options are available to eligible students.
In short: Use wisely.

Definition: Tools to help families understand and manage college costs over time.
NC Wesleyan context: Net price reflects actual cost after aid. Find out what our net costs are… you might be surprised!
In short: Budget clarity.

Definition: Financial aid that does not need to be repaid.
NC Wesleyan context: Awards are available through the university and outside sources.
In short: Free money.

Definition: Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while enrolled; unsubsidized loans do.
NC Wesleyan context: Loan options vary by eligibility.
In short: Know the difference.

Definition: A federal student loan with fixed interest rates.
NC Wesleyan context: Available to eligible students through financial aid.
In short: Common loan option.

Definition: The cost of enrolling in college courses and accessing services.
NC Wesleyan context: Costs vary by program and enrollment status.
In short: The sticker price.

Definition: A program that allows students to earn money through part‑time work.
NC Wesleyan context: Positions are often on campus or community‑based.
In short: Earn while you learn.

Definition: A learning model focused on mastering skills rather than time spent in class.
NC Wesleyan context: Demonstrates what students know and can do.
In short: Skills > seat time.

Definition: A course that combines on‑campus and online learning.
NC Wesleyan context: Hybrid options offer flexibility while keeping personal connection.
In short: Best of both worlds.

Definition: Online learning that happens live at a scheduled time.
NC Wesleyan context: Students meet together via video or virtual classrooms.
In short: Log in and show up.

Definition: Standardized tests sometimes used in admissions decisions.
NC Wesleyan context: Test requirements vary by program and applicant.
In short: Not always required.

Definition: College‑level courses taken in high school that may earn credit.
NC Wesleyan context: Scores are evaluated for possible credit.
In short: Head start.

Definition: A standardized test used for some graduate programs.
NC Wesleyan context: Requirements vary by program.
In short: Grad‑school gatekeeper.

Definition: An assessment used to place students in appropriate courses.
NC Wesleyan context: Helps ensure students start where they’ll succeed.
In short: Right level, right start.

Definition: A test measuring English proficiency for non‑native speakers.
NC Wesleyan context: Required for some international applicants.
In short: Language readiness check.