Glossary

A period of time in which a student would normally be expected to complete the equivalent of two terms. The academic year at Towson University usually begins with the fall term (late August or
early September through mid-December) and ends with the spring term (late January through mid-May). Other terms at Towson include summer trimester and Minimester (during January).

The days following the start of the term when students may add, drop or swap classes from their original schedule. Dates are determined by the Registrar's Office each term.

College credits earned while in high school through advanced placement testing offered through the College Entrance Examination Board in Princeton, New Jersey.

All students who are not in the First-Year Experience (FYE) advising program and who are not within their last term before graduation are required to meet with the adviser assigned to them by their major department prior to registration for the next fall or spring term. This requirement is enforced with the advising hold, which is indicated by ADV and prevents students from registering. Once the student has completed the advising requirement, their adviser will remove this hold.

Attempted units are the number of units a student enrolls in for credit. Earned units are the number of units for which a student receives a passing grade. For example: If a student starts the term with 15 attempted units and fails one three-unit course, the student will have attempted 15 units but earned 12 units.

A grading option that allows a student (with written permission from the instructor) to attend and participate in a class without earning a calculated grade or credit toward graduation. See the undergraduate catalog for detailed information.

Completion of all requirements listed in the designated catalog for the Bachelor of Science degree in addition to completing two language courses at the intermediate level in college or completing at least one course beyond the intermediate level in college.

Completion of all requirements listed for the Bachelor of Science degree in addition to the performance and studio requirements specified by the Department of Dance and the Department
of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education.

Completion of all requirements listed for the Bachelor of Science degree in addition to the performance and studio requirements specified by the Department of Music.

Completion of all requirements listed in the designated catalog including: completion of the online application for graduation, 120 earned units that include course work to satisfy all Core Curriculum requirements, 32 upper-level units (courses numbered 300 and 400), completion of a major with a minimum of 2.0 grade equivalent for all courses applied toward the major, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and completion of at least 30 units
in residence at Towson University.

College catalogs provide all types of information that parents and students need to know about a school, including the institution’s history and philosophy, policies and procedures, accreditation status, courses of study, degrees and certificates offered, graduation requirements, campus map, admission and enrollment procedures, financial aid, and student life activities. Each student is assigned a catalog year based on when they enter Towson University. Towson University uses an electronic undergraduate catalog that can be found online.

The number assigned to each individual class section for the purpose of registering for that particular class and section during registration. A four- or five-digit number in parentheses located to the right of the class name and section number as listed in the online services schedule of classes. The class number links a time, location and instructor to each course.

The word class is used to identify the days/times that a specific course meets (e.g,. BIOL 201.001). These specific class meetings are called class sections. The word course is used to identify a common topic or subject area. These courses will share a common course number (e.g., ENGL 102). Each course may have multiple class sections.

The university Core Curriculum is arranged to give students an opportunity to take courses in all the critical areas that make up a liberal education. University Core Curriculum requirements include 14 courses in 4 categories: fundamentals, ways of knowing, writing in a chosen field and perspectives.

Description of the content of the course and any prerequisites needed to enroll in the course. Course descriptions can be found at the end of the online catalog and also by clicking on the course name and number during the online registration process.

See units/credits.

Cumulative grade point average (GPA) refers to the overall grade point average, which includes dividing the number of quality points earned in all courses attempted by the total unit hours in all courses attempted in which a grade has been received.

Awarded to students for the successful completion of a program of study. Baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree is the undergraduate degree offered by four-year colleges and universities. The minimum number of earned units required for a bachelor’s degree is 120.

An individualized degree completion plan (IDCP) takes the suggested plan of study for your major/concentration/track and personalizes it for your academic career given your unique needs, goals and aspirations. This plan could help save you time and money by highlighting a more direct route toward degree completion and graduation. All TU students are required to complete an IDCP when they have 45 or more earned credits.

A class that is not specifically required by the major or minor and is not included in the university Core Curriculum.

Also known as registration. This is the procedure by which students choose classes each term. A student enrolls in courses by logging onto Towson Online Services and adding courses to their schedule.

The day and time a student is eligible to begin course registration. Your opportunity to register or change your schedule starts with your enrollment appointment and ends the night before classes begin for the term. Appointments are determined by the number of units a student has earned—the more units earned, the earlier a student can register. The enrollment appointment can be found online on the student dashboard page.

People who teach classes at a college. Some colleges differentiate faculty and instructors. Instructors are hired to teach a specific class or classes, while faculty members have contracts with the college that require additional duties beyond teaching (such as research or advising). Faculty members are also referred to as professors.

A class for first-year students, the seminar focuses on exploration and discovery, introducing students to the academic expectations for college-level work and the intellectual, communication and collaborative skills needed for academic success. The seminar (TSEM 102) is taught by faculty across all disciplines on a variety of topics. Any TSEM 102 course will fulfill the Core Curriculum requirement and must be completed with a grade of C or higher. The freshman seminar cannot be used for major credit. Students can choose which seminar topic to take and should complete this requirement in the first year at TU.

A first-year experience (FYE) adviser is a faculty or staff member or a professional academic adviser who works specifically with first-year students to help them transition to college and make decisions about their education. Advisers are assigned prior to the first term in college and are selected, when possible, by areas of academic interest. An FYE adviser works with students for their entire first year. The FYE adviser’s name and contact information is posted to the online student dashboard page.

A negative service indicator (X) found on a student’s Towson Online Services account. A negative service indicator can prevent students from registering for classes, changing classes, getting an official transcript or other official university business. The FYE hold will be removed and access to registration restored only after students meet with their academic adviser. Other negative service indicators can be placed by the Health Center, Student and University Billing Office or Admissions Office.

The grade point average (GPA) is a common method used to measure academic performance. The GPA is calculated by dividing the total amount of grade points earned by the total amount of unit hours attempted. A grade point average may range from 0.0 to a 4.0. A student has a grade point average calculated for each college term as well as a cumulative grade point average.

A hold is a negative service indicator placed on a student’s account when there is an outstanding student obligation, such as unpaid tuition, immunization records needed, academic advising, unresolved student conduct issues, etc. Failure to satisfy outstanding obligations may result in the holding of transcripts and may prevent registration for classes for the next term.

An enhanced college experience for the most highly qualified and motivated students (as determined by test scores and grades). Entering freshmen are invited to apply for admission to the Honors College. Rising sophomores also may apply. All applicants must meet the Honors College’s stringent admission standards. Students must complete 24 units of specific coursework and maintain at least a 3.30 grade point average to remain in good standing in the Honors College. Students in the Honors College enjoy smaller class sizes, priority registration, access to special campus facilities (including honors housing) and merit scholarships. Most students are admitted to the Honors College for their freshman year but continuing and transfer students on the main campus may also apply.

Many honors courses are enhanced versions of Core Curriculum requirements but can also be specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Honors College. Honors courses use different course numbers and enrollment can only be accessed by those accepted into the Honors College.

Sometimes a student is interested in a major that TU does not offer. The individually designed major (thematic option) gives students an opportunity to put together a program of study based on a major offered at another college or university. It requires a lot of thought and planning but can be a rewarding experience for a student.

Majors and minors in this area bring together courses from different academic departments into unique programs. There are four majors and nine minors in this program. These majors are great
for students with a broad range of interests. For example, the interdisciplinary studies major in American studies includes courses in history, anthropology, English, art history, geography, music, philosophy, political science and sociology as well as American studies.

Some high schools participate in a rigorous program of academic study called the International Baccalaureate. If a student scores high enough in IB courses, TU will award the student college-level credits.

Internships provide students with opportunities to gain real-world experience and build their skills and network of contacts while earning academic credit. Some majors at TU require one or more internships while others encourage their students to do an internship. While most students in internship programs at TU are juniors or seniors, a growing number of freshman and sophomore students are entering internships to explore careers of interest to them.

Students with strong skills in a language other than English may apply to the department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures to take a challenge exam usually offered in November. Contact the department for a list of language exams, application information and test dates.

A concentration is a sequential arrangement of courses representing a specialized area of study within a program. A concentration requires a minimum of 25 units and should have enough unique units to distinguish it from the major, track or another concentration. A concentration will appear on the student’s transcript as a sub-plan upon graduation.

A track is a sequential arrangement of courses representing a specialized area of study within a major program.

A major, also known as the academic plan in the Towson Online Services system, is an approved set of courses within an academic discipline (e.g., psychology, elementary education or nursing). A student must declare and meet the requirements for the major as stated in their assigned undergraduate catalog. A student must officially declare a major by the time they reach 60 earned units
(junior standing).

An approved set of courses within a major area of study or a separate, distinct thematic area of study consisting of at least 18 and no more than 30 units. A minimum of 12 units must be upper-level courses (300–400 numbered courses) and no more than 12 units can be taken outside of the minor or thematic discipline. A grade equivalent of 2.0 or higher is required in all courses completed toward the minor.

This program allows full-time degree candidates an oppor- tunity to become acquainted with social and educational patterns in other areas of the United States. Through TU’s membership in the NSE, students may attend one of the 190 participating schools for a term or a full year. Schools participating in the program include those in 47 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

A student who has not officially declared a major or who has decided to change from a declared major but does not have a specific replacement.

The grade of PS (pass) is assigned to a course selected on the pass grading option when students earn a C grade or higher. Students who elect the pass grading option and earn a grade of D+ or lower will have the actual earned grade recorded on the permanent record and used in calculation of the grade point average.

Test to determine correct level for courses in math, reading, writing and foreign languages.

A course taken in preparation for another course. For example, ACCT 201 is a prerequisite for ACCT 202. Prerequisite requirements for courses are listed in the undergraduate catalog as well as the class search function in Towson Online Services.

The registrar is responsible for maintaining all academic records, including updating records and grades, handling transcripts and assigning enrollment appointment dates.

A list of courses being taught each term that includes days, times, faculty member names, prerequisites, restrictions, seat limits and seat availability and descriptions. It is either real-time (online) or PDF (updated once a day).

A major that lists conditions under which students are admitted to that major. Not all majors are screened at Towson University. These conditions can include completion of specific courses, attaining a predetermined GPA and completing application materials submitted by published deadlines. Application conditions and procedures for screened majors are listed within the major department information in the online catalog. Be sure to access the catalog of the year you began to see the requirements you need to complete.

Permission from the department offering the course for a student to enroll. The seat permit applies if the course is restricted in some way.

Each class offered during the term is assigned a section number that determines the days and times the class meets and indicates who the instructor is. A course can have many sections or only one.

See term.

The student dashboard is accessed through the MyTU Student Portal and allows students to search for classes, check grades, pay bills, view financial aid, review transfer credit report, view their unofficial transcript, access Blackboard and more.

An outline or overview of the important information about a course. It usually includes the instructor’s contact information and office hours, grading policy, recommended or required textbooks for the course, important dates and deadlines, assignments and other course expectations.

The time period for which college classes are in session. Towson University’s primary terms are the fall and spring terms, which are approximately 16 weeks in length. Other terms include summer trimester, which ranges from five to eight weeks, and Minimester (winter term), which lasts approximately three weeks.

TU is organized into six undergraduate colleges (College of Business & Economics, College of Education, College of Fine Arts & Communication, College of Health Professions, College of Liberal Arts, Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science & Mathematics) as well as the Honors College. Each college is organized into departments. Each department determines requirements for each major and minor offered by the department.

Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a TU facility located in Harford County for students who have completed 60 credits or an associate degree. TUNE offers 10 undergraduate programs of study and is located at 510 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015.

The official permanent academic record of the student. It shows courses attempted and completed, units and grades earned and academic status, including academic honors and suspensions. Unofficial transcripts are also available that include all the above and any terms of warning.

Credit received at another college/university that is then accepted when the student enrolls at Towson University. Most non-developmental courses in which a student receives a D (1.0) or higher are accepted. Courses accepted in a major require a grade of C (2.0) or higher.

A term used to describe college freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who are pursuing baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs.

Courses taken in college are measured in units, also known as credit hours or credits. To earn one unit, a student must attend a class for one classroom hour each week of the term. Classes are offered in one-to-six unit increments, with most classes being three units.

A service indicator placed on a student’s record when the cumulative GPA falls below the standard for a student’s classification. This hold requires the student to participate in intervention activities. The warning hold does not appear as a permanent part of the official transcript.

Voluntary disenrollment in a course by the student after the add/drop period has ended. A grade of W is recorded on the official transcript; the W grade is not calculated in either the term or the cumulative GPA.

Voluntary disenrollment from the university by the student. Grades of W are recorded on the official transcript from all enrolled courses for the specific term. The W grades are not calculated in either the term or the cumulative GPA.