College Terminology 101: The Ultimate Campus Lingo Guide for Freshmen

Asa man jud nang TBA ba?

As a new school year opens, tons of freshies and new students are yet again going to be subjected to terminologies that’ll possibly cause confusions.

So, here’s your guide as you enter a new campus in your college or university:

COC (Certificate of Completion)  

This is an official document you receive upon completing a course or program. It certifies that you’ve completed all the required work and met the criteria set by the school; so, think of it as a VIP pass to graduate.  

CURRICULUM  

It is the educational roadmap showing the courses and programs offered by your college or university that indicates what you need to learn to earn your degree. It includes major subjects, electives, and required classes.

ELECTIVES  

Electives allow you to explore subjects outside your major or enhance your skills in a particular area. Think of them as the extra toppings on your educational pizza—for instance, you are allowed to take Arnis classes as you also take your Bachelor of Science in a totally unrelated subject or course.

INC (Incomplete)  

You don’t want to have this; but, when all else fails, be assured that INC simply means “Incomplete,” and that it’s a temporary grade. To avoid the INC grade, complete all the course requirements by the end of the semester to receive a final grade.

LAB  

Short for “laboratory,” these are your hands-on classes, often with science and technology courses. The LAB is where you perform experiments and practical exercises.

MIDTERMS

In elementary and highschool, there are “Summative Tests” which are usually held on a monthly and quarterly basis. However, in college, you’ll have MIDTERM exams which indicates that you are already halfway through a semester or an academic year, depending on the school.

OJT / PRACTICUM

Abbreviation for “On-the-Job Training.” This is a practical training that takes place in a real work environment or with a company, allowing you to gain hands-on experience relevant to your field of study. Take it as a sneak peek of your future or once you graduate.

PREREQUISITE / 101

Notice that the title of this article is “College Terminologies 101?” Well, keep the 101 number in mind as you’ll be seeing tons of it in your college or university life. The number is an indication that it is the very first subject to take and you won’t be able to hop on for the 102 version of the subject if you haven’t completed the 101! So, a PREREQUISITE is a required course or subject to complete before you can proceed and enroll to its more advanced and next level program.

PROSPECTUS  

A document that outlines every single detail of a course or program, including its objectives, content, and requirements. It shows the overview or snapshot of the program that you’re taking so you’ll know what to expect and what to prepare for.

STUDY LOAD  

The total amount of coursework, assignments, and exams you are responsible for in a term or semester.

SYLLABUS  

A detailed outline provided at the beginning of a course that includes information on topics covered, assignment deadlines, grading criteria, and class policies. It serves as a guide for what to expect throughout the term. It can serve as your course’s playbook that’ll help you stay on track and know what’s coming up.

TBA

Abbreviation for the term “To Be Arranged / Announced” This means that you’ll have to wait for the confirmation of either where you’ll be having your classes, who your professor will be, or even the class schedule. You can inquire directly at the Student’s Registrar on ask from the Faculty related to your course; for instance, if your TBA is for a Computer Class, then head over to the College of Technology’s Faculty to ask about it and not to the College of Arts & Sciences.

THESIS  

A research project that you’ll usually have to complete in your 4th year to earn your degree. It requires in-depth study, analysis, and even a day for you to defend the results of your research.

UNITS  

The measure of academic credit awarded for completing a course. Each course has a set number of units, which sums up to the total number of credits required for graduation.

With these definitions of terms and jargons above, for sure you’ll have an easier start in your college life. So, enjoy the next level of your education and congratulations, freshie!