College Lingo (Glossary)

Talk the talk!

Do you sometime feel as though colleges speak a different language? Well, we sort of do! Here are some common words and phrases that we sometimes use:

Academic Advisor: A member of the faculty is appointed as an Academic Advisor to every full-time student that studies in a college program. Normally, the Academic Advisor teaches in the program that the student is enrolled in. The Advisor provides guidance and support to the student to help them be successful in their program by making referrals to other support systems and by providing timely feedback to students.

Applied Research: College faculty and students are increasingly involved in applied research https://www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke/applied-research-pembroke/ as part of the learning experience. Applied research is focused on applying the latest knowledge and technologies in the creation of useful products, services and processes that helps businesses and organizations. It often involves prototype development, feasibility studies, clinical trials as well as technical consultations and market research for business, industry and community partners.

Articulation Agreements: Articulation agreements allow college graduates to use their college course credits towards earning a university degree. The College has many articulation agreements with various universities across Canada.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): BYOD (formerly known as Mobile Learning) is a method of program delivery at Algonquin College which requires students to have and use a mobile device throughout their program of study. This could be a laptop, tablet or iPad. Please consult your program page to determine what device is appropriate for enhancing the learning environment.

Bursaries: Grants and bursaries are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. Other factors such as academic achievement, athletic skill or special ability may also be considered.

Co-Curricular Record: A co-curricular record chronicles the activities that students engage in throughout the academic year that are not part of their program of study. This could include volunteerism, participating in campus athletics or student government, or collaborating with college employees on special projects. Students receive a copy of their co-curricular record and can use it to enhance their resume when seeking employment or other volunteer positions.

Dual Credits: Allow high school students to attend a college course where they can earn a college credit, while also receiving a high school credit. This is advantageous for high school seniors because it exposes them to a post-secondary environment and allows them to earn a credit in advance of full registration in a college program.

eText Books: E-text books are commonly used at Algonquin College. They have gradually replaced hard copy textbooks and are made available on-line to students as part of their tuition payment to the college. Not all programs have eTexts, so please consult program pages for these details.

Exemptions: Students can be excused from courses if they have successfully taken the same or similar courses at another post-secondary institute. Normally, these courses must have been completed within the last five years. The student must provide an official transcript and course outline to the college to be considered for an exemption.

First Generation Students: First Generation students is a term that describes a student that is the first member of their immediate family to attend a post-secondary institute. Algonquin College has developed a helpful 1st To Attend App for first generation students that can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices.

Loans: Ontario Student Assistance Plan (OSAP) offers loans backed by the provincial and federal government for those who qualify. A loan must be paid back, usually over a period of time. If you reside in a province other than Ontario, consult your provincial government for loan information.

OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Plan): offers two kinds of money:

  • grants: money you don’t have to pay back
  • a student loan you need to repay

Both the Ontario government and federal government provide this money. Through one OSAP application, you have access to a mix of different financial aid programs, depending on your circumstances.

Non-Academic Admission Requirements: admission requirements that fall outside of the academic realm. These requirements are program specific and may include:

  • Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS)
  • Health Assessment
  • Standard First Aid and CPR
  • Up-to-date immunizations
  • Reference letter
  • Volunteer hours

Program Coordinator: All full-time programs have a Coordinator. The Coordinator is a member of the faculty who provides support to both students and faculty within the program. The Coordinator is the lead faculty member within a program.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR): is a process that helps adult learners to identify, articulate and demonstrate relevant learning acquired through work experience and previous post-secondary education. Students can be granted credits through PLAR.

Retention: The college makes a concerted effort to support students to be successful. Retention is a common term used by college employees to describe a student’s progression within their program from one term to the next term

Scholarships & Awards: Scholarships and awards are generally based on merit and do not have to be paid back.