Your "college tax form." It provides the total dollar amount paid by the student for what is referred to as qualified tuition and related expenses during the tax year. A link to download the form can be found on the Business Services page of the MSC website.

The first 8-weeks of a 16-week semester. Block courses are half as long as full-semester classes but, they still require the same amount of work and are worth the same number of credit hours. A-Block, or first 8-week, courses have section numbers ending with an A.

Students with disabilities may request support services or academic accommodations in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students must self-identify by providing notice of their disability and the required documentation to the ADA Intake Specialist on either campus. More info

A professional advisor committed to helping students meet their educational goals and make informed and responsible decisions. Academic advisors provide academic advice and general guidance on learning-oriented issues related to academic planning and student success. Students must meet with their advisor every semester to be cleared to register for classes. Academic Advisors can advise for most academic programs/majors and students are encouraged but not required to meet with the same advisor each semester. More info

A calendar of important dates associated with the college, such as semester start and end, holidays, and registration action deadlines. More info

Certification by an independent educational board that confirms that the college or university meets or exceeds a set of official standards. More info

The period at the beginning of each semester during which a student may change a registered section, course, or register for an additional course. The add period is different for 8-week, 16-week, and intersession courses and can be found on the Academic Calendar.

A part-time, contract-based instructor. Adjunct instructors must meet the same qualification criteria as full-time instructors. Adjuncts do not have a designated campus office and may be located outside of the college service area or have full-time careers outside of the college.

The withdrawal of a student from a course by faculty or administration that does not require student request or consent. This is typically used as a courtesy measure for students who have stopped attending or completing work and did not request a withdrawal from the course. It prevents a failing grade from appearing on the student's transcript, but the student is still responsible for the course charges. This may also be used in the event of the violation of course policy as outlined in the syllabus, such as attendance or academic misconduct.

The self-service interface for the Colleague System available to MSC students, faculty, and staff. Use Aggies Online to plan and register for classes, check grades, verify your personal records and financial information, and more. More info

A formal agreement between Murray State College and a four-year college or university that eases students’ transfer to that institution. These agreements guarantee that an associate in arts or sciences degree graduate may transfer with junior status and without loss of credit. Students must meet the criteria set by the four-year institution.

Part of the General Education Core. Courses in the Arts & Sciences include humanities, social and behavioral sciences, communication, natural and life sciences, mathematics, history, literature, and the fine arts. Courses whose primary purpose is directed toward specific occupational or professional objectives or courses that primarily rely on studio or performance work do not fall into this category.

An undergraduate degree of at least 60 credits awarded upon successful completion of a program of study in an applied subject area, such as computers, business management, or health care that prepares students to enter the workforce. A.A.S. degrees do not include all of the general education courses required for a bachelor's degree. Instead, the degree plan focuses on courses for practical application in a specific career field. Most A.A.S. programs have a separate application process with additional admission criteria that is required after students complete the general education portion of their degree.

An Associate of Arts degree consists of at least 60 credits with a concentration of courses in the social sciences and humanities. The degree provides a general education in the liberal arts, with students gaining knowledge in a variety of fields such as literature, history, and performing arts. A.A. degrees are designed to transfer to a baccalaureate institution as the first half of a bachelor's degree.

An Associate of Science degree consists of at least 60 credits and is geared toward students interested in STEM or professional programs. The required general education courses will still provide students with some background in the liberal arts, the rest of the credits are focused in a specific area of study. A.S. degrees are designed to transfer to a baccalaureate institution as the first half of a bachelor's degree.

Indicates the types and amounts of eligible financial aid. Students can view and accept their Award Offers in Aggies Online under the Financial Aid tab once the Financial Aid Office receives all application forms and necessary documents. The initial Award Offer is made with the assumption that the student will enroll full-time and applies to the entire academic year. Award Offers may be adjusted based on the student's actual enrollment.

The second 8-weeks of a 16-week semester. Block courses are half as long as full-semester classes but, they still require the same amount of work and are worth the same number of credit hours. B-Block, or second 8-week, courses have section numbers ending with a B.

A web-based course-management system designed to allow students and faculty to participate in classes delivered online or use online materials and activities to complement face-to-face teaching. Blackboard enables instructors to provide students with course materials, discussion boards, online quizzes, an academic resource center, and more. The degree to which Blackboard is used in a course varies. For example, instructors may supplement an on-campus class by putting their syllabus and handouts on their course sites. In contrast, other courses may be conducted entirely through Blackboard, without any on-campus sessions. If you’re enrolled in a course that uses Blackboard, be sure to find out how Blackboard will be used in that course. More info

The point at which a student's enrollment status is calculated for financial aid awarding purposes. This date occurs after the last day to drop a 16-week course with a full refund. Credits added after the Financial Aid Census Date can be used to increase financial aid eligibility by notifying your financial aid advisor of the change in registration. This includes any B-block courses.

An academic program generally of around 18 credit hours. Some certificate programs are designed to provide specialized programs for people who already have diplomas or degrees; others are for people who want to complete a program that leads directly to a specific job quickly.

The software system that manages all student-related information at the college. Students access the Colleague system through Aggies Online. Automated emails that are generated from the system, such as course cancellation notifications, will show the sender name Colleague.

A high school student that is taking classes through MSC and their high school at the same time. More info

A formal agreement between Murray State College and a four-year college or university that allows students to take courses at both institutions in the same semester and receive financial aid for the combined enrollment. Consortium agreements are often used when MSC is not offering a course needed to complete an associate's degree in the current semester or when a student still needs freshman or sophomore level courses during their junior or senior year at a four-year school.

Required with. A course or courses that a student is required to take along with another course in which the student is enrolled. Most corequisite sections end with a C. Corequisite requirements are indicated in the course description of the course catalog and as a yellow notification for planned sections.

A unique designation for each course that is offered at MSC. Course IDs vary by institution, but a common numbering system/equivalency database can be found on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education website. The course ID consists of a department code, a course number, and a section number separated by hyphens. For example: HST-1493-41B. The first digit of the course number indicates the level (i.e. 1=freshman, 2=sophomore) and the last digit of the course number indicates the number of credit hours (i.e. 1493=3 credit hours). Always include the applicable course ID in correspondence with faculty and college offices.

A student’s map or guide to courses they need to take to earn their degree or certificate. Aggies Online Student Planning tools allow students and their advisors to create a detailed timeline for degree completion to make sure students are on-track and courses are taken in the correct sequence and rotation.

A course may be offered on different days, times, methods, or locations or with different instructors. Each distinct offering is a course section or "class". The section ID can also be a quick way to identify block, corequisite, or intersession courses when browsing the class schedule.

The value assigned to a course, usually, based on the number of hours spent in the class. For a three-credit hour course, students spend approximately three hours in the classroom each week. Also commonly referred to as “hours” or “credits.” Using the credit hours of a class, a student can estimate the amount of time spent outside class for studying. For each credit hour spent in class, a student should spend 2-3 hours outside of class studying or completing assignments.

A member of the administrative staff responsible for supervision and management of a division of the college.

A faculty member in a given academic department, assigned by the dean to manage that department. They perform administrative duties, set the faculty schedules, settle faculty and student disputes, make curriculum decisions and act as a liaison between a department and the administration. The Department Chair reports to the Division Dean.

An advisor that is not a faculty member and advises for specific applied science programs. They often perform other administrative duties related to the program. Students must meet with their advisor every semester to be cleared to register for classes. Students are encouraged but not required to meet with the same advisor each semester and may be referred to a department advisor after completing general education coursework.

Students designate a specific account in Aggies Online to receive excess financial aid funds. Direct Deposit is the fastest and most reliable way to receive a refund. Students who do not designate a direct deposit will have a check mailed. Students may also opt to have funds deposited to their Aggie One Card.

The release of financial aid funds to Murray State College. There are several scheduled disbursements during the semester. The funds are first applied to the student's account. If the amount of aid received is larger than the student's tuition, fees, and other costs, the campus will disburse the remainder to the student through a check or direct deposit.

To cancel registration in a course. Dropping a course must happen during the schedule adjustment period specified on the academic calendar and can be completed by the student in Aggies Online. Dropping after the full-refund "drop period" is considered a withdrawal.

An advisor that also serves as a faculty member. Faculty advisors only advise students in their program. Students must meet with their advisor every semester to be cleared to register for classes. Students are encouraged but not required to meet with the same advisor each semester.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid. A required standardized application that includes detailed financial data and is used to determine eligibility for all financial aid programs. Students that submit a FAFSA will receive a preliminary student aid report (SAR) from the federal processing office, but actual eligibility is determined by MSC after consideration of all required factors. More info

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. A federal law that protects the privacy of student records. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of educational records. It also provides guidelines for the use and release of student educational records. The student is considered the “owner” of his or her academic record and may grant consent to the release of the academic record to specified third parties as a proxy. Proxy Access can be requested through Aggies Online and is required for concurrent high school students. More info

Non-credit courses designed to remove curricular deficiencies and prepare students to successfully complete college-level coursework. Foundational courses must begin during the first semester of enrollment and completed within the 24 credit hours. The need for foundational coursework is assessed by an advisor and is based on factors such as placement test scores, ACT/SAT scores, and high school coursework. Foundational courses do not count toward degree requirements but are used to calculate courseload for financial aid.

An undergraduate student who has earned fewer than 30 credit hours.

Registration in 12 or more credits in the fall or spring semester or six credits in the summer. Students registered for 12 credit hours each regular semester can expect to complete an associate's degree in five semesters.

The average value of your final course grades over a period of time (e.g., semester GPA, cumulative GPA). GPA is calculated by translating letter grades onto a numerical scale that ranges from 0.0-4.0. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain in good academic and financial aid standing and be eligible for graduation. There are three types of GPA shown on your transcript:

Semester GPA is the average of the final course grades for a single semester of enrollment

Retention/Graduation GPA is used for financial aid and graduation eligibility calculations and includes course retakes and academic forgiveness. This GPA is used for special program admissions at MSC.

Cumulative GPA is the average for every credited course taken.

A common core of courses required for all students to build core skills and knowledge necessary to produce literate, informed, and involved citizens. It provides training in written and oral communication skills and critical thinking. It grounds students in the basic mathematical, scientific, and computer skills necessary to function in current society while exposing students to literature, arts, and culture.

Murray State College contracts with Herring Bank to provide direct deposit accounts with a debit card to students who do not wish to enter existing bank account information.

An administrative block that prohibits students from registering, adding, dropping, or withdrawing from classes. Holds also prevent students from receiving a transcript or diploma. Most holds are due to not completing required processes, submitting required documents, or paying financial obligations. A hold may be removed only by the office which placed it, and students with a registration hold should contact the appropriate office for information regarding the nature of the hold and the steps necessary for its removal. Holds and the appropriate contact office can be found in Aggies Online and are displayed in the Notifications box or as a pop-up indication in the top, right corner.

Courses that employ critical and interpretive approaches to examine human expression through past and present cultural achievements.

The method of delivery for a particular course section that includes online and in-class participation.

The method of delivery for a particular course section that includes the flexibility to attend on campus or via Zoom at the scheduled class time.

Intersession courses are 10-day sessions that are scheduled in between the regular semesters. Intersession semesters are considered a part of the regular semester following it. Intersession course sections end with an I.

Interactive Television. This method of course delivery means that the instructor is in one location and broadcasts to another. The instructor and students can interact via live camera feed on monitors or a projection screen and microphone.

There are different kinds of “labs” on campus:

● A laboratory, such as where a chemist works.

● Open computer labs around campus where students can walk in, without an appointment, and use a computer.

● Academic Labs are areas to study and get help with specific subjects, such as math.

● A lab can also be a smaller, interactive class required as part of a larger lecture-style or online class.

Labs that accompany a lecture course, such as biology, are not a separate credit and not interchangeable unless specified in the class schedule. Some labs may consist of independent activities done outside of class or coordinated with the instructor or department.

A category of courses that is part of the General Education Core. It includes academic subjects such as literature, philosophy, mathematics, behavioral and social sciences, and natural or physical sciences as distinct from professional and technical subjects. Liberal arts courses are designed to help you formulate compelling arguments, communicate well, and think critically.

Also called an academic program or program of study. The degree or certificate program a student is officially enrolled in. Also called program of study. The academic major represents a cohesive and extensive program of study in a designated subject area in which a student commits to gaining in-depth knowledge, competence, and understanding. Students may pursue more than one major while pursuing a degree, but the completion of at least one major is required in order to award a degree.

A courtesy measure for students who are not attending. Students who do not complete at least one assignment by the end of the full-refund drop period are reported to the Registrar's Office by the course instructor as a no-show and subsequently dropped from the course before they are charged.

Required before. Sometimes used interchangeably with requisite. A course or courses a student must complete before being allowed to register for a more advanced course in the same or related area. Prerequisite can also refer to knowledge or skills that are required to understand and progress in a particular course. Prerequisite knowledge is not always listed as a required course in the catalog. For example, Fundamentals of Financial Accounting does not have a listed prerequisite, but the course begins with the assumption that students are proficient in arithmetic and basic computer skills. It is the instructors responsibility to teach the concepts outlined in the syllabus and the student's responsibility to make sure they have the prerequisite skills and knowledge to build their understanding of the subject.

Supervised. Each MSC course requires at least one proctored exam per semester. The proctor ensures that the rules and requirements of the exam are followed. Proctoring is available in person on either campus or virtually.

A faculty member who has achieved a particular rank of distinction through continuing education. Faculty members who have not been awarded the rank of associate professor or professor are considered instructors.

A set of specific courses that totals approximately 12 credit hours that is a required part of a student's degree plan. The program core varies for each program and includes courses that are considered essential foundational knowledge for that area of study.

A course in a program of study that may be selected from a variety of courses in the designated discipline.

Also known as an Academic Program or Major. A course of study that is designed to lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate in a field of study or occupation.

The Office of the Registrar is the custodian of student records. They register students, record grades, prepare student transcripts, evaluate academic records, and schedule classes, among other responsibilities.

The process of signing up for a class. A student is enrolled at MSC when they are registered for one or more classes. Planned courses are NOT registered. Students may be ineligible for registration until all holds are lifted from their account.

Required. Sometimes called prerequisite when used to describe a course that must be completed before being allowed to register for a more advanced course in the same or related area. See Prerequisite.

A document or guide that lists the specific criteria for grading or scoring academic papers, projects, or tests.

Satisfactory Academic Progress. A federal guideline for financial aid eligibility. SAP consists of a 2.0 GPA, 67% successful course completion rate, and degree completion within a maximum credit hour limit. More info

An undergraduate student who has completed and earned a total of 30 to 59 semester credit hours.

The official notification of MSC policies, rules, regulations, and standards of conduct and applies to all students including those visiting or auditing courses. The Student Handbook also contains student rights and responsibilities along with campus services and resources. Students are responsible for knowing and understanding the contents of this handbook. Enrollment is considered as acceptance of all conditions specified in this handbook.

A document provided by an instructor that describes the content, learning objectives, and expectations of a course, the grading policy, a list of assignments and due dates, and related information such as the required textbooks and other course materials, the instructor's office hours, contact information, etc. More info

A virtual course delivery method where all students join a live class remotely. There is no designated location.

Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972:

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

While Title IX is a very short statute, Supreme Court decisions and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education have given it a broad scope covering sexual harassment and sexual violence. Under Title IX, schools are legally required to respond and remedy hostile educational environments and failure to do so is a violation that means a school could risk losing its federal funding. All fully-admitted (non-concurrent) students are required to complete the Safe Colleges Title IX training course during their first semester of enrollment.

A permanent record of all courses taken and all grades earned. It also includes GPA, honors received, and degrees conferred. An official transcript is prepared and sent by the Registrar's Office at the student's request and is printed on tamper-proof paper or sent through a secure electronic service to ensure authenticity. A transcript is not considered official if the seal is broken or if it is forwarded electronically. Unofficial transcripts are available through Aggies Online.

The process through which students can move from one higher education institution to another. Students who transfer to MSC must complete at least 15 credit hours to be awarded a degree through MSC. Students transferring from MSC must complete at least 24 credit hours before they are eligible for transfer admission criteria. To receive transfer credit, an official transcript must be provided to the Registrar's Office.

The base cost of instruction. Tuition is charged per credit hour and may vary based on course location, but not from subject to subject. Some scholarships or waivers apply only to tuition costs. Variable fees, housing, and dining costs are assessed in addition to tuition. More info

The process requiring the student to submit individual and/or parents’ financial documents to be used to compare to the information filed on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Approximately one third of FAFSA submissions are selected for verification.

Waitlisting is a process where a student can “wait in line” electronically through Student Planning for classes that have met their set maximum enrollment (closed). Being on a waitlist does not guarantee enrollment in the class. The student’s position on a waitlist is on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Registration from a waitlist is not automatic. Students should check their email daily for notification of availability. Once received, the student must register within 24 hours or lose their position on the waitlist.

A withdrawal is dropping a class after the full-refund deadline. When a student withdraws from a course, a grade of "W" is assigned. The "W" has no impact on the GPA, but may affect financial aid eligibility. Students are still responsible for the charges of a withdrawn course. Withdrawals must occur by the posted deadline each term.

Withdrawing from ALL courses is referred to as a complete withdrawal. Students must request a complete withdrawal through the Registrar's Office.

A federal financial aid program that allows students to work college-sponsored jobs on campus and get paid for that work. The money for these programs comes from the federal government and is distributed in the form of the student’s paycheck. Work-study positions are based on availability and students must complete an application through the Financial Aid Office.