5.3. Extra focus on language

Useful vocabulary*

approval — getting your instructor's approval means they give / grant you permission to do something. 

admission — Before you can register for modules you must be admitted to a program. This is done through your application to the university.

add/drop period — It is a set timeframe at the start of the academic term where students can add new modules, drop from existing modules, or change module sessions without any repercussions. Students receive full refunds for dropped courses. Furthermore, class drops do not appear on grade transcripts. 

(to) change (modules or sessions) - during the add/drop period you can request / apply for a module change.

(to) drop (a module) — To cancel registration in a module after enrolling in it. See withdrawal.

elective — A module that is not required for a particular instructional program. Many programs require a certain number of elective credits, and many recommend certain electives for students to choose from.

(to) enroll / enrollment — The process of signing up and paying for specific modules.

faculty — The teachers at a college or university.

matriculation – Matriculation refers to a student’s formal process of applying and entering a university or college. [*not used for specific modules]

module versus subject - In higher education, 'module' refers to 'a set of classes or a plan of study on a specific topic, usually leading to an exam or qualification'. A module usually lasts a semester. In turn, 'subject' is a general area of study, such as English, History or Art. 

office hours  – Time that professors set aside to meet with students one-on-one outside of class. Office hours are regularly scheduled, and students can walk in or set up / arrange / an appointment.

(to) pass — Opposite of fail. At most schools, a student will pass and earn credit for a class with a grade of “A” through “D.” A student who earns an “F” fails the class and earns no credit.

placement — The appropriate level to enter a series of modules, based on the student’s skills (Example: Since she learned so much Spanish in high school, she placed into Spanish 201 as a freshman).

(to) register / registration — To sign up or enroll in a module or modules. 'Registration activity' includes enrolling, dropping / withdrawing, making payments, etc.

requirements — Minimum standards defined by the school, for example for admission or graduation.

section — A specific class with its own days, hours, location, and instructor. A number of sections of a course may be offered during a term, each with different days, times, locations, and instructors but presenting the same curriculum.

semester – A semester is usually half of an academic year. Most often, a school year is divided into the fall semester and the spring semester.

syllabus (plural: syllabi) — An outline plan for a particular class, including textbook requirements, class meeting dates, reading assignments, examination dates, the instructor’s grading standards, etc.

term — A unit within the academic year, either a quarter or a semester depending on the school.

tuition and fees — Tuition is a student’s basic payment towards the cost of instruction at a school. Most schools also charge fees for laboratory equipment and materials, computer use, parking, and other costs.

(to) waive / a waiver — To waive a right or a claim means to overlook it or give it up. (1) If a student meets specific criteria, the college may waive some of his or her tuition & fees (that is, some of the money owed to the college will be forgiven). (2) If a student demonstrates certain knowledge and abilities, an instructor may waive a course prerequisite (that is, allow the student to take the class even though he or she hasn’t completed the requirements for it).

(to) withdraw / withdrawal — The process of formally dropping a class or classes after the quarter or semester has started. A student might withdraw from one class, or from the college as a whole.

*Note that some words and expressions may differ from country to country.