Part of becoming a successful university student is learning the institution's language, rules and culture, which can initially be confusing.
Below are terms that new students often misuse:
Apply vs. Enrol/Register
Apply: fill out an application and pay an application fee.
Enrol/Register: after you are accepted to your program, you will enrol/register in your classes.
Course vs. Program
A course is an individual class.
A program is made up of many classes, which you need to successfully complete in order to graduate.
Certificate: a one-year program
Diploma: a two-year program
Applied Degree: a four-year program, three years of theory and one year of workplace learning
Bachelor’s/Baccalaureate Degree: a four-year program
Advisor vs. Counsellor
Advisor: an individual who helps support your success as a student and provides information to help clarify admission, registration, graduation, financial, university policy and career questions. Most advisors see both prospective and current students.
Counsellor: an individual trained to provide personal/educational/career counselling. Counsellors have, minimally, a Masters Degree in Psychology/Social Work/Educational Psychology. At MacEwan University, counsellors work in the Student Life Office and are available by appointment for current students only.
Pre-requisite
A course/subject you need to complete before taking a subsequent course. E.g., Biology 30 is a pre-requisite for Biology 107. Course pre-requisites are listed in Grant MacEwan University's Calendar.
Prospective Student
Someone who shows interest in becoming a MacEwan University student.
Applicant
A person who has applied to a MacEwan University program.
Matriculated Student
A student who has met program admission requirements and who has accepted MacEwan University’s offer of admission.
Current Student
A student who has been accepted to a MacEwan University program and is registered in classes.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
When you finish a class, you receive a letter grade on your transcript that is converted to a point value on the 4.0 grading system. Your GPA is a permanent record.Your GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points achieved by the total number of attempted credits.
Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA)
Your AGPA is normally calculated on your most recent 24 post-secondary credits. This applies to the previous post-secondary admissions category.
Academic Standing
You must maintain a 2.0/4.0 in order to remain a student in good standing.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
As a MacEwan University student, you have the right to be treated fairly and to access a safe learning environment. You also have responsibilities to support this learning for yourself and others.
