Glossary

Not all the words in the following
glossary are found in the Calendar.
They are, however, used commonly
throughout Athabasca University.

A   B   C    D   E    F    G    H
I    J    K L    M N    O    P
R    S    T   U V W



A


Academic misconduct. Intellectual dishonesty, including such offences as plagiarism, cheating, and falsification of records.

Academic Probation. The imposition of specific requirements, tasks, or conditions that an individual student must meet or fulfill within a stipulated time to avoid being suspended from further study at AU.

Academic year. The academic year
at Athabasca University runs from September 1 until August 31 the
following year.

Active students are currently registered in an Athabasca University course or have completed an AU course within the last 12 months. The 12-month period is based on the most recent course contract date, course completion date, or the date of withdrawal from an Athabasca University course. Students who complete courses on a Letter of Permission from Athabasca University also retain their active status.

Administrative Studies (Business and) . Administrative Studies comprise courses in Accounting, Administration, Communications, Finance, Industrial Relations, Legal Studies, Management Science, Organizational Behaviour, Public Administration, and Taxation.

Admission Policy. Anyone 16 years of age or older is eligible for admission to Athabasca University, regardless of previous educational experience, with or without a high school diploma. Past academic performance may, however, restrict you from enrolling in specific undergraduate programs such as the Bachelor of Professional Arts, Bachelor of Nursing, or Bachelor of Commerce degree programs. Specific enrolment requirements are indicated on the program.

When you are admitted to Athabasca University, you are assigned a permanent student number. See "Enrol" and "Registration."

Advisors. Individuals who will help you clarify your educational objectives, help you with financial aid applications, clarify Athabasca University's requirements and procedures, or help you select courses appropriate to your program of study. Web site.

Appeal. The act of requesting a review of a decision made by an official of Athabasca University. Students may appeal decisions on transfer credits, grades, tests, assignments, final grades, questions of process, disciplinary action, etc. All appeals must be made to the person responsible for overseeing the initial decision. See Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal Regulations.

Applied Studies. There are two groups in the Applied Studies area of study: Business and Administrative Studies and Applied Studies.

The Business and Administrative Studies group includes courses in Accounting, Administration, Applied Studies, Communications, Computers and Management Information Systems, e-Commerce, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Governance, Health Administration, Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Legal Studies, Management Science, Marketing, Organizational Behaviour, and Taxation.

The Applied Studies group includes courses in Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Educational Psychology, Health Studies, Indigenous Studies, Nursing, and Women's Studies.

Area of study refers to the University's division of its courses into groups of related subjects. Arts is divided into Humanities and Social Sciences. Science includes all science courses. Applied Studies includes the area of administrative studies, nursing, and a wide range of professionally oriented courses. The area designation for each course is shown in each course description. Search for a course by its area of study.

Arts. Courses in the Arts can be found in the Humanities and Social Science areas of study.

Assessment. Assessment of previous post-secondary education for possible transfer credit toward an Athabasca University program.

Asynchronous communication: see Communication.

Audio component: Some of our courses are supplemented by audio components (CDs and/or audiocassettes), some of which are required listening to complete the course (and are included in the course package) while others are not required to complete the course but enrich the course content. Overseas students, please contact AU Library before registering in a course that has an audiocassette component.

Audit refers to registration in a credit course without the intention of obtaining credit. Audit students receive the same tutorial support as credit students.

Awards/scholarships. Refer to Web site .

B

Bachelor degree is a first university degree in a field, for example, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce. Also called an undergraduate degree.

Block transfer credit. Students who are granted admission to a post-diploma program, for example, may be granted a "block of credit" based on their previous learning in a completed credential. In these cases, the student's transcript is reviewed and transfer credit is awarded as a "block of credit" rather than on a course-by-course basis. See Transfer Procedure to Athabasca University.

Business and Administrative Studies include courses in Accounting, Administration, Communication, Finance, Industrial Relations, Legal Studies, Management Science, Organizational Behaviour, Public Administration, and Taxation.

C

Calendar:
US = catalogue;
UK = prospectus

Call Centre. Most Athabasca University's School of Business courses provide access to academic experts rather than individual tutors, who are available through a Call Centre. When you register in an individualized study School of Business course that uses the Call Centre model, you will receive a letter with the Call Centre's toll-free telephone number before your start date.

Challenge for credit. This option allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, and intellectual and other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course. Refer to the Challenge for Credit section in the online Calendar.

Classroom setting. Courses offered in a classroom setting are delivered simultaneously to a group of students (with or without the aid of video- or audio-conferencing) who may react with the instructor. The courses may take place in an actual classroom at an Athabasca University Learning Centre or at a collaborating institution.

Communication:
Asynchronous communication describes communication that does not occur simultaneously, for example, computer conferences and e-mail.
Synchronous communication is "live." It describes communication that occurs simultaneously, for example, in chatrooms, by teleconference,
and videoconference.

Complaint. A written and signed statement as a result of which proceedings may be initiated.

Computer requirements.

JUMP TO: Computer Specs

Athabasca University has developed standard computer requirements for students. It is assumed that the student has access to a computer, printer and the Internet. Upon graduation, a student should have a specific level of computer skills, many of which can be acquired while completing distance learning courses.

Some undergraduate programs and courses (e.g., COMP, CMIS and PSYC courses) require that you have access to a computer with specific configurations. Check the online syllabus or contact the course coordinator to confirm the hardware or software requirements.

Computer Specs

  1. Athabasca University's standard computing platform is a computer running MS Windows. Some courses support other hardware and software platforms and / or have more specific requirements and these are noted in the Web syllabus. Students are advised that only limited assistance for other hardware and software platforms is offered from AU's Help Desk.

  2. an Internet connection

  3. and, in some courses, an Internet service provider (ISP connection).

Minimum
(check
course syllabus
)
Optimum
(check
course syllabus
)
Pentium III or higher Pentium IV or higher
256 MB RAM 1 GB RAM
300 MB free disk space 1 GB free disk space
CD-ROM CD-ROM
Mouse Mouse
Internet connection Internet
connection
Anti-virus software (current) Laser or inkjet printer
Most current version of a Web browser Backup device
  Access to fax
  Windows XP (or higher)
  Most current version of a Web browser
  Current anti-virus software

Concentration. A designated program of study within a three-year program discipline, such as the Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology concentration.

Contract end date is the last day that you have to complete your individualized study course. Course contract end dates are always the last day of the month (or the date you finish the course, if earlier). All of your course work, including assignments, quizzes and examinations, must be completed before the contract end date. Extensions to your course contract end date are available.

Contract period is the time a student is actively registered in a course. It begins on the start date (usually the first day of a month) and runs until the contract end date.

When you register in a three-credit course, you are given six months (approximately 26 weeks) in which to complete the course. When you register in a six-credit course, you are given 12 months (52 weeks) in which to complete the course. Time extensions are available in individualized study courses only.

If you are a Canadian student receiving student loans (either federal or provincial), you must complete your three-credit courses in four months and your six-credit courses in eight months.

Convocation. Convocation refers to the formal ceremony held yearly at Athabasca University, usually on the second Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of June.

Corequisite is a course that is required to be taken concurrently with another course.

Counsellors. Individuals who will help you clarify your educational objectives, help you with financial aid applications, clarify Athabasca University's requirements and procedures, or help you select courses appropriate to your program of study. Web site.

Course completion date is the contract end date or the date that you complete the course if earlier than the contract end date. If you withdraw from the course, the course completion date is the date of withdrawal.

Course composite grade is the final grade for the course expressed as a percentage. The course composite grade reflects your understanding of the course materials. The course composite grade is often a weighted average of the marks assigned to quizzes, assignments, tests, examinations, etc.

Course delivery methods include
audio component
Digital Reading Room
grouped study
home lab
independent lab
individualized study
individualized study   online
lab component only
online-enhanced
supervised lab
video component

Course load. You may be actively registered in one to six courses at a time. To ensure that you don't overburden yourself, Athabasca University will limit your course load to a maximum of six. Students with full-time jobs or those new to distance learning may find it advisable to start with one course.

Course start date is normally the first day of a month, the date students officially start a course.

Course materials. Refer to Learning Resource Fee.

Credentials are degrees, diplomas or
certificates awarded on successful
completion of a program. Not all
admission categories lead to credentials.

Credential regulations specify the requirements students must meet in
order to be awarded degrees or university certificates, such as the total credits required, the minimum credits that must be completed at the senior level, and the minimum credits that must be completed at Athabasca University.

Credit (one) is defined as the equivalent of one hour of instruction per week for a 15-week semester. It is assumed that for every credit hour, the student will spend at least an additional hour per week in homework/preparation. Athabasca University credits reflect an amount of study time equal to that spent at a conventional university in formal classroom sessions.

Normally, Athabasca University courses are either three-credit (one semester) or six-credit (two semesters) which corresponds to three- and six-semester hours of credit at conventional universities. Some courses in the Bachelor of Nursing degree carry a practicum component with a credit weight of four.

Cross-listed course: A current Athabasca University course that is listed under two or more disciplines is referred to a cross-listed. The Calendar course description and the online syllabus will indicate whether a course is cross-listed. You cannot receive credit in one cross-listed course if the other course has been completed.

D

Digital Reading Room (Digital Reference Centre or DRR) is the gateway to Athabasca University's Library resources and services. DRR was developed with the distance learner in mind. It brings a variety of resources relevant to the research and study needs of Athabasca University students, faculty and staff together in one place. It can be used for a quick scan of specific information as well as for extensive research. See the library's Digital Reference Centre.

Directed study usually describes a 400-level course that does not have a
prescribed curriculum. In consultation with the course professor, students choose a specific topic and then undertake an in-depth study of this topic. The course professor must approve all directed-study courses before registration can occur.

Discipline refers to courses in a specific subject area, for example, English in Humanities, biology in the Sciences, or accounting in Administrative Studies.

Distance learning refers to university level education offered by a broad spectrum of delivery methods to students unable to attend a traditional university campus. Students receive a learning package of course materials, developed by a team of subject matter experts, at their home or workplace. Many Athabasca University courses are augmented by online enhancements. Learn more about distance education at Athabasca University.

E

We're sorry. e-Class courses are no longer offered.

Electives. Courses from a specified list from which you must select in order to fulfill the program requirements.

Enrol. Students enrol in a degree, diploma, or university certificate program. The regulations that are in effect at the time of your initial enrolment are the regulations that govern your program.

Evaluation. Assessment of previous post-secondary education for possible transfer credit toward an Athabasca University program.

Examinations and grades. Assignments and examinations are the basic means of evaluating students. Evaluation of assignments and exams is based upon the degree of achievement of pre-defined learning objectives. The final grade for a course is normally determined by a weighted average of the marks for all assignments and exams unless indicated otherwise in your learning resources package.

To learn more about exams, how they are taken and where, please refer to Section 7.

Exemption. Holders of an approved diploma or degree may be awarded a block amount of credit. Within the previous diploma or degree, you may have equivalent courses that are required within your current program. These courses will be awarded an “exemption.” In order to fulfill the program requirements, you will be required to replace exemptions with courses of the same (or higher) level, in the same area of study or discipline.

Expulsion. Required withdrawal of a student from Athabasca University for an indefinite period of time. The student shall not be permitted to return without the written approval of the Vice-President, Academic. Refer to the Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal regulations for details.


Extension. The process of lengthening the time allowed for the completion of an individualized study credit course by two months is called an extension. A fee is charged for this service.


F

Final grade. Refers to the overall average grade that is achieved in your completed course. "Marks" are applied to your assignments, essays, and exams.

Financial aid agencies. Financial assistance is available to part-time and full-time students from the students' local agencies. Full-time students may be eligible for loans, grants, bursaries, or scholarships. Part-time students may be eligible for bursaries, loans, or grants. The amount of loan or bursary varies according to need.

Full-time student. Full-time students are registered in a minimum of 60 percent of a full course load (a full course load is defined as two credits per month at Athabasca University) with Athabasca University. For taxation or Alberta Student Finance purposes, for example, students who register in a minimum of three, three-credit courses over a four-month period or four, three-credit courses over a six-month period are considered full-time. Course extensions will not extend a student's full-time status.

G

Grade. "Grade" refers to the final average grade that is achieved in your completed course. "Marks" are applied to your assignments, essays, and exams.

Grouped labs are supervised science labs taken at specific locations and times. Supervised labs involve a substantial amount of work. Exercises may include techniques and equipment and sample-handling relevant to the course discipline. Science lab information.

Grouped study. Learners who enjoy the discipline of a schedule and the support of others may prefer the grouped study method. Athabasca University's grouped study courses are delivered within a designated time period in a classroom situation at a collaborating institution.

Grouped study courses usually begin in September and January (although at some sites there may be spring and summer sessions) and generally last four months (three-credit course) or six months (six-credit course).

Delivery of each grouped study course is dependent upon the registrations at your community's collaborating institution. For more information on collaborating institutions, or to view a list of courses currently available by grouped study, please select from the following:

Note: You must register for AU's grouped study courses at the collaborating institution that offers the course.

H

Home labs: Home labs are compulsory components of some of our science courses. Home labs are learning activities, such as demonstrations, observations, simulations, and experiments that students do in or near their own homes rather than in university laboratories.

These labs usually require a lab kit that students obtain in their course materials package or borrow from Athabasca University Library. Many home lab activities require some materials that most students have in their homes or materials can be purchased locally without great cost. The kits may contain materials that are hazardous in some way (especially for young children and pets) and as such, they must be handled and stored appropriately.

Students who are in correctional institutions may have some difficulty taking certain courses with home labs (e.g., some kits contain sharp objects that may not be allowed). Also, be aware that certain home lab kits cannot cross international borders (e.g., some contain seeds that may not be allowed in, others contain electronic equipment that required duty payments). Therefore, before registering, it is recommended that you contact the lab coordinator regarding the availability of home lab kits in your particular situation.

Please check the specific course syllabus for details.

Home study: Refer to Individualized study.

Humanities: An area of university studies that normally includes English, French, history, and philosophy.

 

I

Inactive students. You are considered "inactive" if you have not registered in a course:

1. within 12 months of the last course contract end date or date of withdrawal; or

2. within 12 months of the most recent admissions entry term; or

3. on a Letter of Permission within 12 months of either of the above dates.

To reactivate your student account, please enter "myAU" and follow the reactivation procedure.


Independent labs. Athabasca University has developed a framework that allows you to access the laboratory component of certain science courses without taking the remaining instructional component, provided you meet strict prerequisite requirements and have professor approval before registering in the course. Each lab is worth one credit. Should you decide to take the remaining instructional portion of the course, the additional credit earned for laboratory modules is recognized.

Independent labs are supervised by our lab instructors and professors and are only offered at specific locations at specific times. Most labs run between two to eight days in length, for example. You will have up to two months to complete these courses from the date you register.  No extensions are allowed in independent labs, unless specifically authorized by the course professor. Independent labs are not available for challenge.

If you are enrolled at another institution, you should receive approval in writing by your home institution to ensure that it will grant credit for the lab. If you are using this course to update laboratory skills (e.g., you are a teacher or instructor), you must provide evidence of having previously taken an equivalent science course or have the equivalent theoretical requirements.

When you attend the lab, you are responsible for making your own arrangements and payments for transportation, accommodation, and food.

Science lab information.

Individualized study describes a method of course instruction centered around a learning system package that may include textbooks, workbooks, audio and videotapes, computing resources, project kits, study guides, online resources, and manuals. You will set your own schedule within the time allowed to complete your course. Many courses and programs at Athabasca University are offered by a combination of print-based and online material (see below).

Individualized study online. Many AU courses are offered by a combination of print-based and online material. Other courses are offered almost entirely online. The amount of online activity varies among courses from participating in computer conferencing to the setting up of student Web site projects and downloading much of the learning materials in electronic format. The term "online-enhanced" means you have the option of using the Internet to augment the course material.

As a student in an online or online-enhanced course, you are responsible for your Internet connections and costs.

Some undergraduate programs and courses (e.g., COMP, CMIS and PSYC courses) require you to have a computer with specific configurations. Check the course syllabus for requirements, and review Computer requirements within this Glossary.

Intellectual honesty. The acknowledgement of the scholarly contributions of others. Failure to do so is academic misconduct.

Invigilator. An individual authorized by Athabasca University to oversee the writing of an exam by an Athabasca University student.

ISP: Internet service provider. A provider of Internet service other than a public institution.

J

Junior courses (designated by a course number in the 200s) are usually introductory or survey courses and are equivalent to first-year courses at most universities.

K L

Lab-component only courses (also referred to as "independent labs). Students may take the laboratory component of certain science courses without taking the remaining instructional component. There are, however, strict prerequisite requirements and professor approval is required before registration can occur. Each lab-component-only course is worth one credit. For current lab information, contact the Centre for Science.

Laboratory science courses are courses that contain a substantial amount of work including exercises, techniques, and equipment and sample handling relevant to the course discipline. The lab portion of these courses is usually site-specific and supervised. For current lab information, contact the Centre for Science.

Learning Resource Fee. As a component of the course fee, payment entitles you to receive most learning resources required to complete the course for the period of active registration.

Learning resources include, but are not limited to, texts, student manuals, study guides, reading files and/or other instructional materials such as software and access to online resources. This fee contributes to the development and procurement for any online resources which may be part of the course (some courses may be entirely online). This fee also covers packaging, shipping, and handling of learning resource materials.

You may require additional items to complement the course such as binders, calculators, home lab materials, etc., and these are your responsibility.

Letter of Certification is an official
confirmation of information extracted from a student's record that is not available on a transcript.

Letter of Permission (LOP) is a document that gives you permission to take one or more courses at an institution other than the university in which you are admitted. Web site.

Levels. In addition to having a credit weight of three, four, or six credits, each course is assigned a particular level: preparatory (100), junior (200), or senior (300 or 400).

M N

Major. A designated program of study within a four-year program discipline such as the Bachelor of Arts, Anthrop logy major or the Bachelor of Science, Human Science major.

Marks. "Marks" are applied to your assignments, essays, and exams. "Grade" refers to the overall average grade that you will receive on your course.

Member of the University community. Any student admitted to Athabasca University, an academic or nonacademic staff member, or a member of Athabasca University's Governing Council.

myAU is your personalized portal to Athabasca University through which you can quickly access information that is relevant to you. Through myAU, you can view personal information, such as your library accounts, assignment marks, and course grades, or take care of administrative matters, such as registering for courses, booking examinations, submitting assignments, applying for extensions, and so on. Athabasca University will also use myAU to communicate directly with you.

No area of study indicates the designated course cannot be used to fulfill an area of study requirement in a program. The course can, however, fulfill part of the overall degree requirements if it is appropriate to the program.

Non-Academic Misconduct Policy. Non-academic offences attempted or committed by students on University premises or during University-sponsored activities shall be grounds for disciplinary action by the University under the Non-Academic Misconduct Policy.

Non-credit courses do not fulfill any requirement toward a credential.

Not-to-take will be awarded when
equivalent knowledge of a particular course has been identified within your assessment. Athabasca University awards the credit and uses the course, if it is required, to fulfill the requirement.

Nursing transfer. This is a special program developed in cooperation with another university whereby students may complete courses through Athabasca University and use these courses to fulfill the requirements of a post-degree program.

O

One month. Deemed to be equal to 31 days.

Online courses are delivered using the Internet and are designed for students who have access to specific computer requirements.

Online-enhanced is an optional component meaning the course uses the Internet to augment course material.

Open admission means admission to the University and registration in courses (except where a prerequisite is needed) is not based on prior academic achievement. A student must be 16 years of age, unless specifically exempt from the age requirement.

Options. One or more courses chosen from any discipline to complete degree requirements. You should be aware of the level and area of study requirements, if either have not already been met.

P

Paced study courses: Refer to Grouped study courses.

Paced lab students are required to attend an on-site lab component with a group of students at set times.

Parchment. Document issued by Athabasca University that communicates the nature of the degree and date of conferral. This document is signed and sealed by University officials.

Part-time students are registered in less than 60 percent of a full course load (a full course load is defined as two credits per month at Athabasca University) with Athabasca University. For taxation or Alberta Student Finance purposes, for example, students who register in less than four, three-credit courses over six months are considered part-time.

Plagiarism is the wilful act of presenting another person's work as one's own without the proper academic acknowledgement and recognition.

PLAR. Refer to Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition.

Post diploma. If you have received a diploma from a recognized college, you may be able to transfer credit to the post diploma program at AU to help satisfy degree requirements. Recognized diplomas may also be considered for some programs on a course-by-course basis. For a list of already approved diplomas, please review the Transfer Credit Database.

Practicum courses (usually in the Applied Studies area) require a substantial amount of supervised, discipline-related time in actual work settings.

Precluded courses are courses in which the curriculum overlaps the course being described to the extent that you would be duplicating course work if you completed both courses. You cannot receive credit for both the course being described and the course listed. Precluded courses are usually the result of a course revision, course renumbering or cross-listing.

Preparatory courses are designated by a number in the 100s. These courses prepare students for university-level study in disciplines that require a high-school background. A maximum of 6 credits at the preparatory level may be applied to the completion of the BA or BGS degree at Athabasca University. The Challenge for Credit Policy does not apply to preparatory, 100-level courses.

Preparatory/alternative courses are courses a professor may suggest a student register in if the student is experiencing difficulties in a more senior-level course. Preparatory/alternative courses are not necessarily prerequisite courses but rather provide the student with a more solid subject-matter foundation before he or she advances to the more senior-level course.

Preregistration is the act of registering for a course with a start date up to six months in the future. Preregistration is considered a registration and guarantees a particular start date.

Prerequisites. Many senior-level courses require a knowledge of the material covered in junior or other senior courses. Prerequisites ensure that a student has the required background to successfully complete the course. Students who have fulfilled the prerequisite by completing an equivalent course at another post-secondary institution should complete the Prerequisite Waiver Declaration Form so their course registration can proceed without delay.

Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR). Refer to Web site.

Professor approval. The term "Professor approval required" is usually associated with prerequisites. It applies when students do not have credit in one or more of the prerequisites for a given course. In such cases, the professor has the discretion to waive the prerequisite requirement, after a discussion with the student.

Program. A program is any combination of courses with a set of coherent organizing principles and goals; for example, the Bachelor of Arts degree, or a concentration or major in a degree or a university certificate.

Programs, Time to complete. Most of Athabasca University programs are open-ended, meaning there is no time limit to complete the undergraduate degree. Some programs allow a maximum term to complete the degree requirements and this is indicated in the specific degree regulations.

You should remain active in your program, or you will be required to re-enrol and charged a reactivation fee. Students who re-enrol in their program are required to follow the program requirements in effect at the time of their re-enrolment. To be considered active in your program, you must currently be registered in an Athabasca University course or have completed an AU course within the last 12 months. The 12-month period is based on the most recent course contract end date, course completion date, or the date of withdrawal from an AU course.

Students who complete courses on a Letter of Permission from Athabasca University also retain their active status.

Some external courses transferred to some AU credentials can become
stale-dated  after five or ten years. Should you become inactive during your AU program enrolment, you risk a course becoming stale-dated during your inactivity.

 

R

Reading courses are offered at the senior (usually 400) level and involve a specialized field of study.

Registration. The process of selecting and undertaking specific courses at Athabasca University.

Rejection of submitted work. Refusal of academic work that has been submitted to fulfill all or part of the course or program requirements; or an assignment grade of zero (0) to any academic work that has been submitted to fulfill all or part of the course or program requirements; or a grade of zero (0) as a course composite grade on a particular course.

Reprimand. Written notification to a student outlining the nature of his or her misconduct and the implications of further misconduct. A student who has received a reprimand is permitted to continue at Athabasca University.

Residency. Residency is defined as the minimum number of Athabasca University credits that must be completed to fulfill a program's requirements. Residency requirements are part of some AU program regulations.

S

Science. This area of study normally comprises courses based on a knowledge of facts, phenomena, laws, and proximate cause (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Nutrition, and Physics).

Science labs. Some science labs can be conducted from your own home. Others are supervised and taken in a group at a specific time and location. Science lab information.

Semesters are time periods during which many grouped-study courses are offered. Fall semester courses typically run from September through December while winter courses are usually offered from January through April. Some grouped-study courses are offered during spring/summer semester.

Senior courses (designated by a course number in the 300s or 400s) assume a background of university learning and usually specify a junior course as a prerequisite.

Social Science. An area of university study that normally comprises anthropology, economics, geography, labour studies, political science, psychology, sociology, and women's studies courses.

Stale-dated Courses: Some external courses transferred to some AU credentials can become
stale-dated  after five or ten years. Should you become inactive during your AU program enrolment, you run the risk of a course that was originally transferable,  becoming stale-dated during your inactivity.

Streaming Video. Another new technology used to enhance the delivery of Athabasca University courses is streaming videos. When a video or movie is "streamed," it is sent over the Internet to be viewed in real time by QuickTime, a free,
multi-media software.

Student Assessment Letter (SAL) is a specialized document issued by the Office of the Registrar that indicates the courses approved towards a student's degree or university certificate program and all remaining requirements. The SAL includes transfer credits, completed courses, courses in progress, courses being completed on letters of permission, and preregistered courses. The SAL is normally sent to students when the evaluation of their previous education is completed, when a student is notified of a final grade, or at the student's request. The SAL may also be obtained from the Learning Centres but not without a request.

Student awards/scholarships. Refer to Web site.

Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal Regulations. Academic offences are identified within the Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal Regulations online.

Students Finance Board is the official agency in each province that is responsible for supplying loans and bursaries to students. Loans and bursaries are dependent upon need and require the student to maintain full-time status.

Student, full-time. Full-time students are registered in a minimum of 60 percent of a full course load (a full course load is defined as two credits per month at Athabasca University) with Athabasca University. For taxation or Alberta Student Finance purposes, for example, students who register in a minimum of three, three-credit courses over a four-month period or four, three-credit courses over a six-month period are considered full-time. Course extensions will not extend a student's full-time status.

Student ID number. A seven-digit number assigned to each student. Students should have their student ID numbers available whenever they contact Athabasca University.

Student, part-time. Part-time students are registered in less than 60 percent of a full course load (a full course load is defined as two credits per month at Athabasca University) with Athabasca University. For taxation or Alberta Student Finance purposes, for example, students who register in less than four, three-credit courses over six months are considered part-time.

Supervised labs describe compulsory course learning activities in some of our science courses that take place in person at specified times and locations.

These lab sessions concentrate a great deal of work in a short period of time, from two days to more than a week. The sessions are conducted in teaching laboratories in buildings owned or leased by Athabasca University.

Supervised labs usually involve field as well as lab work. Some supervised lab activities are held at various times throughout the year in Calgary, Edmonton, and, occasionally, in other localities within Alberta. Certain supervised labs are held only once per year in one location in Alberta.

You are required to book in advance in order to attend these sessions. Athabasca University retains the right to postpone or cancel scheduled lab sessions due to insufficient registrations. Costs for travel, accommodation, and food are the responsibility of the student.

Please check the specific course syllabus for details.

Supervisor. In an academic context, a supervisor coaches and assists a student with senior, project-based courses or with a graduate thesis/project.

Supplemental exam. An additional exam written by a student to improve the grade received on the original exam.

Synchronous communication
See Communication.

T

Télé-université du Québec. Equivalent courses in French are offered by Télé-université through Athabasca University. Joint bilingual programs of study at the undergraduate and graduate level are also available. For more information about these equivalency courses, please contact Athabasca University.

Transcript. An official document prepared by the Office of the Registrar recording a student's academic performance and bearing Athabasca University's seal. Transcripts must be requested in writing. Transcripts are not released to anyone without the student's permission. A fee is charged for each transcript.

Transfer credit is credit granted for the successful completion of course work at another accredited institution.

Tutor. In most individualized study courses, you will be assigned a tutor to help you throughout the course.

U V W

Unclassified students. Students who are not enrolled in an AU degree, diploma, or certificate program.

Video component. Some Athabasca University courses include DVDs and/or videotapes that are required viewing to complete the course. Other courses use videotapes to enrich the course content. Some courses have required viewing that is broadcast throughout Alberta on ACCESS, The Education Station. Students who are unable to view the television broadcasts in their area may borrow videotapes from Athabasca University Library. Overseas students, please contact AU Library before registering in a course that has a videotape component.

Visiting students. A person taking courses for transfer of credit to another post-secondary institution is a "visiting student." Visiting students are also described as "unclassified students" at Athabasca University. More than 6,000 visiting students a year take one or more courses at Athabasca University to complement their studies at their home institution.

Withdrawal. The voluntary exit from an Athabasca University course by a student. Students can withdraw from a course any time during the period of active study provided the final exam has not been deemed written. Withdrawal time frames are important!


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 • Information effective Sept. 1, 2005 to Aug. 31, 2006.
 • Links: Web Unit, Privacy & Conditions. © Athabasca University.


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