Skip to main content
Day of Service is Tuesday, Oct. 6: Offices will be closed, and daytime classes will not be held. Classes that begin at 5 p.m. or later will meet on schedule.

Glossary

Understanding “college lingo”

Like any industry, higher education has its own words and phrases that aren’t often heard elsewhere. Here’s a glossary of commonly used words – if you hear something that’s not listed here and aren’t sure what it means, please ask!

Academic Overview – A document providing information on a single major, including course requirements and a sample plan of study. These documents are for general program information and do not provide individual student information. 

Academic Standing (Good/Warning/Probation/Dismissal) – A student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) to meet standards of satisfactory academic progress to remain in school. Any student not maintaining satisfactory progress toward their program of study can be at risk for being placed on warning, probation, or dismissal.

Admissions Rep – Your Admissions Representative will help guide you determine if Columbus State is the smart choice for you (spoiler, we think it is!). They are experts in all things CState, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions. 

Associate of Arts (AA) Degree or Associate of Science (AS) Degree – Degree which requires a minimum of 61 credit hours and a 2.0 GPA (“C” average), that is designed for transfer to a four year college/university. Earning one of these degrees (AA/AS) will guarantee you admissions into any public college/university in the state of Ohio.

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) – Degree requiring a minimum of 61 credit hours and a 2.0 GPA (“C” average), that is designed to lead directly into employment in a specific career. AAS degrees can lead into select bachelor’s degree options through transfer agreements.

Associate of Technical Studies (ATS) – Combines two or more programs into one two-year degree usually requiring a minimum of 61 credit hours and a 2.0 GPA (“C” average). Some departments offer predesigned ATS degrees, or you can work with your advisor and program chair(s) to design a custom major. Bachelor’s degree pathways for ATS degrees should be discussed with an Academic Advisor.

Blackboard (Bb) also known as Blackboard Ultra – Online platform where you can find information about what’s happening in your course—from the syllabus to your assignments and lectures

Blended course – A combination of in-person, on-campus, and online learning with scheduled meetings; also includes online only class with in-person campus testing

Career and Academic Pathway – A guided pathway providing a clear roadmap that integrates academic and career planning with student support services across the student experience. Academic majors at Columbus State are organized under eight Pathways:

  • Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Biological
  • Physical, and Mathematical Sciences
  • Business and Hospitality Services
  • Computer Science, Information Technology, and Design
  • Construction and Skilled Trades
  • Education, Human Services, and Public Safety
  • Engineering, Manufacturing, and Engineering Technology
  • Health Sciences

Co-requisite – A set of courses that must be taken together in the same semester as one another.

Competitive Based Program (Competitive Admissions) – A program under the AAS Degree that requires completion of program pre-requisites, a separate application, and competitive acceptance (you are competing for a spot) into the program before starting technical education courses. The College currently has six Competitive Based Programs.

Course Description – A written statement that explains what topics will be taught in that course. It will also include the credit hour value, lab fees, semester offered, and any prerequisite or co-requisites that the course may have. Credit Hours – How many hours a week you are in the classroom. Each course has a specific amount of required hours assigned. Courses are typically offered in 1 - 5 credit hour increments.

Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) – Individualized plan of study based on your major that shows red X’s for degree requirements that have yet to be completed and green check marks for degree requirements that have been completed.

Direct Admission Programs – A program under the AAS Degree in which you can start your technical education courses the first semester. No separate application is needed.

FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The application for financial aid includes the application for loans, grants, college work-study, other federal/state programs, and often scholarships. You must fill out a FAFSA every year that you plan to attend college. The FAFSA applications open October 1 for the following academic year.

Financial Aid – Your combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and some part-time employment that help you meet the cost of education.

Full-Time Enrollment/Part-Time Enrollment – A full-time student is enrolled in 12 or more credit hours in a semester. A part-time student is enrolled in less than 12 credit hours in a semester.

Grade Point Averages (GPA) – Calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted. Grade points are figured using: A=4 points, B=3 points, C=2 points, D=1 point, E=0 points.

In Person – Courses are held in person, on campus

Live Lecture Online Meetings – Courses are all online with some scheduled online meetings together, and there are no on-campus requirements 

Major – Your chosen field or plan of study

New Student Coach – Here to help you move from applying to the college through orientation and registering for your first classes. 

Online Only – Courses and tests are online, and there are no on-campus requirements  

Placement – Free, ungraded testing that is required if you don’t have transcripits, if they’ve expired, or if you don’t think your transcripts reflect your true academic ability. You can sign up for a placement test so we can determine the right classes to fit your skills. See "transcript."

Plan of Study – Courses you must take for your major, shown in a semester-by semester sequence

Pre-requisite – A course taken in preparation for another course. You will not be able to register for a class if it requires a pre-requite that you have not taken. 

Plan of Study – A “guide” of courses for a specifics major shown in a semester-by-semester sequence.

Selective Based Programs (Selective Admissions) – A program under the AAS Degree that requires completion of program pre-requisites, a separate application, and acceptance into the program before most of the technical education courses. You are automatically accepted once you submit the application. The College currently has 10 Selective Based programs such as Early Childhood Education, Massage Therapy, Nursing, and Surgical Technology.

Semester-by-Semester Plan - An individualized academic plan that is created with an Advisor to outline the order in which a student will take courses. Plans of Study are used as a guide with input from the student on full time vs. part time status. Pre-requisites can also affect a semester-by-semester plan.

Service-Learning – Service-learning classes (S) include traditional in-class instruction and activities, as well as meaningful community service projects. Visit cscc.edu for more information. 

Syllabus - An outline for a course including important dates, assignments, expectations, and policies specific to that course

Synonym number – A 5-digit number needed for registration which identifies the course day/time/location. It is found on the semester schedule.

Transcript – An academic record of your enrollment at an academic institution (high school or college). You’ll submit these to the college at your application stage so we can make sure you’re in the right classes. See "placement."

Transient Student – You’re considered a transient student if you’re currently enrolled at another college and want to take one or more courses at Columbus State to transfer to their home institution. This is common in summer, but can happen during any semester. 

Transfer – If you plan to attend a four-year institution to complete your bachelor’s degree after getting your associate degree at Columbus State

Tuition - Amount paid for each credit hour of enrollment. This does not include books or fees (additional charges for materials and equipment needed for the course).

Withdrawal – Dropping a course before the semester is complete. This can impact your financial aid, your graduation timeline, and more. Speak your academic advisor and your instructor to understand how it will impact your plans.

Workday – Our new student record system where you can register for courses, manage financial aid, update contact information, and more. Login and complete your tasks as soon as possible.