Glossary of Terms

Academic probation

Occurs when a student’s accumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below a 2.0.

Bursar

The term ‘Bursar’ is a Latin term meaning the ‘official in charge of funds’ or the ‘keeper of the purse’. At Ohio University, the Bursar is responsible for the billing, collecting, depositing, and/or refunding of all money owed to and/or collected by Ohio University.

Course or credit hour load (Undergraduate)

The number of credit hours carried by a student each quarter. Typically, undergraduates carry a course load of 16-20 quarter hours.

For tuition purposes, a course load of 11–20 quarter hours is assessed full–time fees by the University. If a student schedules fewer than 11 credit hours, they will be assessed part–time fees for the quarter. If a student registers for more than 20 hours, they will be charged an additional fee for each hour over 20.

Web Registration will not allow students to register for a course that causes the total hours to exceed the maximum. Students must receive permission from their college to register for more than 20 hours in a quarter.

DARS

DARS is an acronym for the Degree Audit Reporting System. DARS analyzes degree requirements for a major according to the catalog year in which the student entered the program.

Dean’s list

A public announcement listing students who have achieved grade point average of 3.50 while carrying a minimum of 16 credit hours..

Dependent

For your child to be considered your dependent, you must provide more than half of their support. If your child does not live with you, the other parent and you may not both claim the child as a dependent.

For other persons to be considered your dependent, they must live with you and you must provide more than half of their support.

Disbursement

Disbursement is the release of financial aid towards your school account for payment of tuition, fees, room and board, and other school charges.

Drop

An official procedure for withdrawing from individual courses without removing registration from all courses. The deadline for the last day to drop a course without academic penalty (grade of “W” is on the transcript) is noted each quarter on the Academic Calendar.

Students who do not follow the official procedure when dropping a class will receive a failing grade for the course.

Financial Aid Package

The financial aid package is the complete collection of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study employment from all sources (federal, state, institutional, and private) offered to a student to enable them to attend the college or university.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to apply for all federal aid including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal College Work Study (FCWS), Federal Direct Student Loans (FDS/FDU), Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS) and all other need-based aid.

Grade point average (GPA)

A student’s grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of quarter hours of credit attempted. A student’s GPA is figured only on credit hours attempted-courses for which the student receives letter grades (A-F). Grades of P (pass) and CR (credit) represent hours earned but are not used to calculate the GPA.

Hold

A restraint placed on a student’s ability to register for courses and receive their degree and transcripts as a result of an unfulfilled monetary obligation or other action by the University. To have a hold released the student must contact the office which placed the hold and fulfill their obligation.

Honors

Designation indicated on the college degree and transcript to reflect outstanding scholarship. Honors are conferred upon graduating students who have displayed a high level of performance during their University career.

If a student receives a bachelor’s degree and they graduate with an accumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.500 to 3.749, their accomplishment will be recognized by the notation “Cum Laude” on their diploma and transcript; if their GPA is 3.750 to 3.899, the honor is “Magna Cum Laude” and if their GPA is 3.900 to 4.000, the honor is “Summa Cum Laude.”

To be eligible for honors, a student must complete a minimum of 48 hours of letter grades in residence at Ohio University.

Incomplete

A temporary course grade (“I”) granted by an instructor when illness, necessary absence, or other reasons beyond the control of the student prevent completion of course requirements by the end of the semester or session. A student must be passing the course to be eligible for an “I”. An “I” is not given as a substitute for a failing or low grade.

Office of the Ombudsman

An office on campus whose sole purpose is to ensure that every member of the university community receives equitable and fair treatment and due process; and to support and facilitate a positive working and learning environment.

Prerequisite

A requirement, usually the completion of another course, which must be met before a student may register for a course.

Student standing

Student standing—or year in college—is determined by the total number of quarter hours earned. Freshmen have completed 0 to 44.9 hours; sophomores, 45 to 89.9; juniors, 90 to 134.9; and seniors, 135 and over.

Transfer credit

Credit earned at another accredited institution and accepted toward an Ohio degree. Ohio University recognizes several kinds of transferable credits, including many college courses taken at other universities and certain credits by examination (AP, IB, etc.).

Withdrawal

Withdrawing from the University is defined as dropping all classes on or after the first day of classes and no later than the day before the last day of classes for the quarter. This does not prevent a student from registering for a future term.

Withdrawal is not permitted on or after the last day of classes. This cannot be done using Web Registration. Students can apply for withdrawal by completing a withdrawal request form obtained from the student services office of their college.

–Adapted from Western Michigan University