Key College Terms & Definitions
Understanding these essential college terms will help you navigate your Dual Credit journey with confidence!
Academic & Enrollment Terms
Student Accounts Office (sometimes called the Bursar’s Office) – Handles all financial transactions, including tuition payments and financial aid processing.
Course Code – Courses are identified by a set of letters and a three-digit number (e.g., ENG 101 for First-Year English). The letters refer to the academic department. The first digit indicates the typical year the course is taken. Courses beginning with “0” do not count toward a degree.
Credit Hour – A unit measuring course completion. Typically, one credit hour = one class hour per week for a 16-week semester. Most courses are 3 or 4 credit hours.
Degree Requirements – The specific courses, GPA, and credit hours required to complete a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Electives – Courses that aren’t required for your degree but count toward credit hour requirements. Many programs offer a selection of electives to customize your education.
Enroll/Register – The process of signing up for classes each semester.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment –
- Full-time = 12 or more credit hours per semester
- Part-time = Fewer than 12 credit hours per semester
Hold – A restriction placed on your account for unresolved issues (e.g., unpaid bills, missing documents). A hold prevents you from registering for classes, ordering transcripts, or receiving college services until resolved.
Syllabus – Your course roadmap, outlining expectations, policies, deadlines, required materials, and grading criteria. Provided on Day 1 of class—read it carefully!
Transcript – Your official academic record, listing courses taken, grades earned, and honors received. Official transcripts are needed for college applications, job opportunities, and financial aid eligibility.
Withdrawal (W) – Dropping a course after the add/drop period. A "W" appears on your transcript but does not affect your GPA.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the recognized institutional accrediting body for colleges and universities in the Southern U.S. region. SACSCOC ensures that institutions like Bellarmine University meet rigorous standards for academic quality, integrity, and continuous improvement—helping to guarantee that the education you receive is both credible and transferable.
Testing & Exams
Final Exams (Finals) – Final exams are comprehensive assessments that allow you to demonstrate what you’ve learned throughout the semester. They take place the week after the last day of class and may be scheduled on a different day and time than your regular class.
Where to Find Your Final Exam Schedule:
- Check your syllabus for your course’s specific final exam details.
- Visit the Registrar’s website (bellarmine.edu/registrar) for the official final exam schedule.
Tip: Plan ahead—finals may not follow your regular class schedule!
Midterm Exams (Midterms) – Exams given midway through the semester to assess your progress. Some courses have only two major exams: a midterm and a final.
Prerequisite – A required course or skill level needed before enrolling in another course (e.g., MATH 117 Calculus I - must be completed before - MATH 118 Calculus II).
Dual Credit vs. Dual Enrollment
- Dual Credit – A college course that also counts for high school credit, allowing students to earn both simultaneously.
- Dual Enrollment – A college course taken by a high school student that earns college credit only (not high school credit).
Career & Education Pathways
Career Pathways – Programs and services designed to prepare high school students and adults for employment and career advancement in targeted job fields.
Understanding these terms will help you navigate college life more smoothly! If you have any questions, reach out to the Bellarmine Dual Credit Office.