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Undergraduate Calendar 2010|11

Glossary

11. Glossary

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

Academic misconduct: Intellectual dishonesty includes such offences as plagiarism, cheating, and falsification of records. Refer to Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeals Regulations.

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 Athabasca University.

Academic year: The academic year at Athabasca University runs from September 1 to August 31.

Active students:Students who 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 end date, course completion date, or the date of withdrawal from an Athabasca University course. Students who complete courses with a Letter of Permission from Athabasca University also retain their active status.

Admission policy: As an open university, Athabasca University’s general admission policy has one formal undergraduate student entrance requirement: students must be 16 years of age or older. Students under 16 years of age may be admitted with special consideration by petitioning Coordinator, Enrolment Services. See Admissions Policy/Course Registration.

Advisors: Academic advisors can assist you in areas ranging from clarifying your undergraduate program requirements to helping choose the next course for your program of studies. We also provide information about university regulations and procedures, and assist with the interpretation of your transfer credit evaluation. Contact an advisor.

Appeal: Requesting a review of a decision made by an official of Athabasca University. Students may appeal decisions on transfer credit, marks, tests, assignments, final grades, questions of process, disciplinary action, etc. All appeals must be made to the person responsible for overseeing the initial decision. Review the 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.

Applied Studies include courses in Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Educational Psychology, Health Studies, Indigenous Studies, Nursing, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

Business and Administrative Studies include courses in the disciplines of Accounting, Administration, Applied Studies, Communications, Computers and Management Information Systems, e-Commerce, Economics, Finance, Governance, Health Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Legal Studies, Management Science, Marketing,
Organizational Behaviour, and Taxation.

Approved invigilation centre. An establishment—authorized by an AU representative in Examination Services Unit—which supervises an undergraduate course examination for an AU student.

Approved invigilator. An individual—authorized by an AU representative in Examination Services Unit—who supervises an undergraduate course examination for an AU student.

Area of study: Athabasca University divides 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 Business and Administrative Studies and Applied Studies. 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/Evaluation: The assessment and evaluation of previous post-secondary education for possible transfer credit toward an Athabasca University program.

Asynchronous Communication. See Communication.

Audio component: Some courses are supplemented by audio components (CDs and/or audiocassettes), some of which are required listening, others are optional. Overseas students are asked to contact the AU Library before registering in a course that has an audiocassette component.

Audit: Students may register in a course without intending to obtain credit. Audit students receive the same tutorial support as credit students.

Awards/scholarships: Refer to website.

B

Bachelor degree: An undergraduate academic degree awarded to someone who successfully completed a undergraduate program of study that generally lasted three or four years. Also called baccalaureate.

Block transfer: Students who are granted admission to a post-diploma program, for example, may be granted a block of transfer credit based on 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 Block Transfer Credit.

Business and Administrative Studies courses: A group of courses within the Applied Studies area: Accounting, Administration, Applied Studies, Communications, Computers and Management Information Systems, e-Commerce, Economics, Finance, Governance, Health Administration, Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, Legal Studies, Management Science, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, and Taxation.

C

Calendar:
US = catalogue
UK = prospectus

Call Centre: Call Centre advisors provide administrative and technical support to School of Business students.

Challenge for credit: This option allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the subject matter, knowledge, and intellectual and other skills in an Athabasca University course. Refer to Challenge for Credit.

Changing programs: You may change from one undergraduate program to another by logging in to myAU.

Classroom setting: Courses offered in a classroom setting are taught simultaneously to a group of students. The courses take place in an actual classroom at a collaborating institution. See also Grouped Study Courses.

Communication: Asynchronous communication describes communication that does not occur simultaneously. Email, for example, is asynchronous. Synchronous communication is live. It describes communication that occurs simultaneously; for example, chatrooms, teleconference, and videoconference.

Computer requirements:

Computer specs: Upon graduating, students should have a specific level of computer skills, many of which are acquired while completing distance learning courses at Athabasca University.

Computer specs:

Many Athabasca University courses require students to have access to certain computer hardware and software. Athabasca University’s standard computing platform is a computer running Microsoft Windows with MS Office. The minimum requirements for students using a Mac or PC are access to a web browser, email, and the software capability to submit assignments as Word documents. Some courses support other hardware and software platforms and may have more specific requirements noted in the online syllabus. PCs are the primary equipment supported by AU’s Help Desk. Only limited assistance for other hardware and software platforms is offered.

The minimum hardware requirements below are subject to change without notice based on rapidly changing industry standards and continuous development of state-of-the-art learning tools. Students may be required to upgrade their systems in order to maintain access to some course material. This is especially true if they elect to defer studies at any point in their program.

Students are responsible for all computer communication charges in the form of long distance telephone charges, subscription to an Internet node, or any other communications service requirement.

Minimum: (check course syllabus), Pentium III or higher, 256 MB RAM, 300 MB free disk space, CD-ROM, mouse, Internet connection, anti-virus software (current), most current version of a Web browser.

Optimum: (check course syllabus), Pentium IV or higher, 1 GB RAM, 1 GB free disk space, CD-ROM, Mouse, 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)

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

Convocation: The annual graduation ceremony held at Athabasca University, usually on the second Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of June.

Corequisite: A course that must be taken concurrently with another course.

Counsellors: Counsellors can help you clarify your educational and career goals, decide on a program of study, develop sound study and personal management skills, identify and overcome barriers to learning. Website.

Courier Services. Because postal and courier times vary, please request your examinations well in advance of your requested write date. Athabasca University cannot guarantee that your examination will arrive before your requested write date if you don’t allow enough time.

     Students within North America
     Students outside North America

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

Course composite grade: The final grade for a 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 your marks for quizzes, assignments, tests, and examinations.

Course contract end date. The last day that you have to complete your individualized study 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 your course contract end date. Extensions to the original course contract end date are available.

Course contract period. The time that you are actively registered in an individualized study course. The course begins on the course contract start date (usually the first day of a month) and runs until the contract end date. The contract period can be lengthened by applying for course extensions in an individualized study course only.

Course contract start date. Normally the first day of a month, the date you officially start your individualized study course. Tutor contact is not available until your official course start date. Some online courses may not allow access to the learning resources until the official course start date.

Course delivery methods: Audio component; Digital Reading Room; grouped study; home lab; independent lab; individualized study; individualized study online (course list); 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 courses. Students with full-time jobs or those new to distance learning should start by taking one course.

Course syllabus: A description of a course, which may include learning outcomes, evaluation breakdowns, and learning resources. Check the online course syllabi.

Credentials: Degrees, diplomas, or certificates awarded on successful completion of a program. Credential regulations specify the requirements that you must meet in order to be awarded a credential, 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 (residency requirements).

Credit: The value assigned to a course. Normally, Athabasca University courses are either three-credit (one semester) or six-credit (two semesters) which corresponds to conventional universities. Some courses in the Bachelor of Nursing degree carry a practicum component with a weight of four and nine credits.

Cross-listed course: An Athabasca University course that is listed under two or more disciplines. The Calendar course description and the online syllabus will indicate whether a course is cross-listed. You cannot receive credit for both courses.

D

Digital Reading Room: The Digital Reading Room (DRR) is an electronic version of a library reserve system, or a virtual reading room. The material accessed is either required course readings or it supplements the course, and is of use for further study and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Refer to the library’s Digital Reference Centre. Tips on searching the journal databases and help with researching, writing, and citing (referencing) can be found in the Library Help Centre.

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

Discipline: Courses in a specific subject area, for example, English is a discipline in the Humanities, Biology in the Sciences, and Accounting in Business and Administrative studies.

E

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

e-letters: Athabasca University offers students the option to obtain certain correspondence online.

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

Evaluation: A review of a student’s non-Athabasca University post-secondary studies to determine if any credit can be transferred towards the Athabasca University program.

Examination rebooking fee: A fee is levied when you rebook a scheduled examination at AU Edmonton, AU Calgary, or AU Athabasca.

Examinations. Digital devices are not allowed in an examination room. Exceptions are made only for courses where the use of a calculator, for example, is pre-approved and is required by the student to complete the examination. See also Invigilator. Review Section 7.

Exemption: AU may award a block transfer of credit to holders of an approved diploma or degree. Within the previous diploma or degree, you may have course equivalents to AU courses required within your current program. These courses would be awarded an exemption. In order to fulfill the program requirements, you will be required to replace these courses 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. Review the Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal regulations.

Extension: Lengthening the time allowed to complete an individualized study course by two months is called an extension. Three extensions are allowed and a fee is charged for each extension.

Extra to degree: Successfully completed courses that do not fit within a student’s AU program.

F

Final grade: See Grade.

Financial aid agencies: Financial assistance is available to students from the students’ local agencies. Students may be eligible for loans, grants, bursaries, or scholarships. See also Students Finance Board.

Full-time student: Full-time students are enrolled in a minimum of 60 per cent of a full course load. At the undergraduate level a full course load is defined as 3.75 credits per month at Athabasca University. The minimum requirement for full-time status is 2 credits per month.

At the graduate level, a full course load is defined as 1 credit per month at Athabasca University. The minimum requirement for full-time status is .75 credits per month. To maintain full-time status at the undergraduate and graduate levels, students must complete the minimum 60 per cent course load requirements. At the doctoral level, students must maintain an active status in their program to qualify for full-time status.

For more detailed information on funded and non-funded students, visit the Athabasca University Student Financial Aid Information page.

G

Grade: The final grade that is achieved in your completed course. Marks are applied to your assignments, essays, and examinations. Undergraduate Grading Policy.

Graduate studies: Advanced studies beyond the undergraduate level leading to an award of post-baccalaureate certificate, diploma, master’s, or doctoral degree. Generally requires an undergraduate degree for admission. Athabasca University provides innovative, Internet-based graduate programs that reach students around the world. View the Graduate Program Calendar.

Grouped lab: Supervised science labs that are taken at specific locations and times. Supervised labs involve a substantial amount of work. Science lab information.

Grouped study courses: "Grouped study" is Athabasca University’s term for courses that are offered in a classroom setting at a collaborating institution. For more information on how the various methods of delivery, please review

Grouped study online courses: Students study with a group in a web-based, online environment. Depending on your program of study, you will work with fellow students and instructors on a 13-week timetable for a three-credit course, with courses beginning in May, September, and January. Printed course materials are generally augmented by online group discussions and learning activities.

H

Helpdesk: Athabasca University’s Helpdesk attendants will help you solve most problems relating to your computing resources. You may contact AU’s Helpdesk by submitting the online form, or by phone: 1.800.788.9041, extension 6405 (toll free from anywhere in Canada or the United States) or direct at 1.780.675.6405.

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, which students do in or near their own homes rather than in a university laboratory.

These labs usually require a lab kit that students order online from the relevant course syllabus. Some 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. Check the course syllabus for details.

Humanities Studies: An area of university studies that includes Art History, Communication Studies, English, French, German, Heritage Resources Management, History, Humanities, Indigenous Studies, Information Systems, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Spanish, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

I

ID Number: A seven-digit identification number is assigned to each student. Refer to your student ID number whenever you contact Athabasca University.

Inactive students: Students who have not registered in an Athabasca University course within 12 months of the last course contract end date or date of withdrawal, or within 12 months of the most recent admissions entry term, or on a Letter of Permission within 12 months of either of the above dates. To reactivate your student account, 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. You will have up to two months to complete a lab 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: Athabasca University’s main method of course instruction. Individualized study is centered around a learning resources package that may include textbooks, workbooks, audio and videotapes, lab kits, study guides, online resources, and manuals. You will set your own schedule within the time allowed to complete your course. For information on course start dates and registration deadlines, refer to the online calendar.

Individualized study online. Many Athabasca University courses are offered almost entirely online using an intuitive learning management software (Moodle) designed to enhance the student’s learning experience. You will interact with your tutor or learning facilitator and other students, participate in forums for online discussions between instructors and other students, and access the library, digital reading rooms, and other research resources. You must have access to specific computer hardware and software components. For information on course start dates and registration deadlines, refer to the online calendar.

Intellectual honesty. The acknowledgement of scholarly contributions of others by citing references, attributing quotations, etc. Failure to do so is academic misconduct.

Invigilation Centre. An establishment—authorized by Examination Services Unit—which supervises an undergraduate course examination for an AU student.

Invigilator. An individual—authorized by an AU representative in Examination Services Unit—who supervises an undergraduate course examination for an AU student.

J

Junior courses are usually introductory (200 level) and are equivalent to first-year courses at most universities.

KL

Lab component only. See independent labs.

Laboratory science courses. Courses that contain a substantial amount of work including exercises, techniques, 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.

Late Examination Request. A request for an exam that has been received after the exam request deadline but before the student’s contract end date. In such cases the late examination request fee is applied. Undergraduate Exam Request and Completion Policy.

Learning Resources Fee. A component of the course fee. You are entitled 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 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. Learning resources fee.

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

Letter of Permission. A document permitting an Athabasca University credential student to take one or more courses at another post-secondary institution for credit toward the student’s Athabasca University program. More information.

Levels. Describe preparatory (100), junior (200), or senior (300 or 400) level courses.

Lost Examination Refund. When a written examination is deemed lost by the University, the student will be issued a refund to compensate for the inconvenience incurred. The amount of the refund shall not exceed the Lost Exam Refund.

MN

Major. A designated focus of study within a four-year program discipline such as the Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology Major; or the Bachelor of Science, Human Science Major.

Marks. Marks are applied to your assignments, essays, and examinations. See also Grade.

Masters degree. Athabasca University provides innovative, flexible, and accessible Internet-based masters degrees.

Moodle. An acronym for Athabasca University’s learning management software; a tool for learning online. Moodle allows you to interact with your tutor and other students, participate in forums for online discussions between instructors and students, and access the library, digital reading rooms, and other research resources. Many AU courses are available in Moodle.

Multiple Examination Request. Occasionally, students are unable to write their examination on the date indicated on the Examination Request Form. They must make a second request for the previously unwritten examination, which was returned to the University by the approved invigilator or approved invigilation centre. The second request will result in the exam to be resent to the same or an alternative approved invigilator or approved invigilation Centre. Students are assessed a multiple examination fee each time an exam is returned unwritten and is requested again. Refer also to Section 7.5.

myAU. Once you have logged in to myAU, you can register in courses and view personal information such as your AU Library account, your assignment marks, and your course grades. You may also take care of administrative matters, such as booking examinations, submitting assignments, and applying for extensions. Athabasca University will also communicate directly with you through myAU. Check the Message Centre on your myAU home page for general information and for mail (e-letters) addressed to you.

No area of study indicates that a course cannot be used to fulfill an area of study requirement in a program. The course may, 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-Business and Administrative Studies. These courses are any courses outside of the Business and Administrative Studies listing.

Non-credit course. See Zero-credit course.

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 elsewhere.

O

Online courses. See Individualized study online.

Online-enhanced. An optional component meaning that a course uses the Internet to augment learning resources.

Open admission: Admission to the University and registration in courses (except where a prerequisite is needed) is not based on prior academic achievement. The only admission requirement is that a student must be 16 years of age or older unless specifically exempt from the age requirement. See Admissions Policy/Course Registration for more information.

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

P

Paced study online. Athabasca University’s paced study online courses are courses delivered primarily using the Internet, and within a specific four-month time frame.

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

Part-time student. Those who are registered in less than 60 per cent of a full course load with Athabasca University. For taxation or Alberta Student Finance purposes, students who register in less than four, three-credit courses over six months are considered part-time. See also Full-time student.

Plagiarism. 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 a post-diploma program at AU. Recognized diplomas may also be considered for some programs on a course-by-course basis. For a list of approved diplomas, review the Transfer Credit Database.

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

Precluded course. One course’s curriculum overlaps another to the extent that you would be duplicating learning if you completed both courses. You cannot receive credit for both courses.

Preparatory courses. Designated by a number in the 100s. These courses prepare you for university-level study in disciplines that require a high-school background. A maximum of six credits at the preparatory level may be applied to the completion of the BA or BGS degree at Athabasca University. You may not challenge a preparatory 100-level course.

If you are experiencing difficulty in a course, your professor may suggest that you register in a preparatory course instead. Preparatory courses will provide you with a more solid subject-matter foundation before you advance to the more senior-level course.

Preregistration. Registering in a course up to six months in advance. Preregistration is considered a registration and guarantees a particular start date.

Prerequisites. Prerequisites ensure that you have the required background to complete a course successfully. Students who have fulfilled a prerequisite by completing an equivalent course at another post-secondary institution should complete the Prerequisite Waiver Declaration.

Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR). PLAR provides opportunities for students to gain credit for non-formal learning and workplace and labour training programs. PLAR refers to several methods of evaluating non-formal learning for application to Athabasca University program. Refer to website.

Professor approval. Usually associated with prerequisites. It applies when students do not have credit in the prerequisite for a course. In such cases, the professor has the discretion to waive the prerequisite requirement after 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, a concentration or major, or a university diploma or certificate.

Programs, time to complete. Most of Athabasca University undergraduate programs are open-ended, meaning there is no time limit for completing a program. Some programs allow a maximum term to complete the degree requirements, and this is indicated in the degree regulations. You should remain active in your program, or you will be required to re-enrol and pay 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. See also Active students, Inactive students, and Stale-dated courses.

Q, R

Reading courses. Offered at the senior (usually 400) level. Usually involve a specialized field of study and professor approval.

Real time. Real time communication is synchronous. Discussion occurs online simultaneously by way of chatrooms, teleconference, and videoconference. See Communication.

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.

Re-registration. If you fail, or fail to complete a course, Athabasca University permits you to re-register. You are permitted one registration and one re-registration in each individualized study course.

Residency. The minimum number of Athabasca University credits that must be completed to fulfill a program’s requirements.

S

Science studies. This area of study normally comprises courses based on a knowledge of facts, phenomena, laws, and proximate cause. It includes courses in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Health Studies, Mathematics, Nutrition, Physics, Science, and Women’s and Gender Studies courses.

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.

Second undergraduate degree. Students who hold a recognized undergraduate degree and who wish to obtain an AU undergraduate degree in a different subject area, must apply under the second undergraduate degree regulations. See Second Undergraduate Degree Policy for more information.

Semesters. Time periods during which many grouped study courses are offered at other institutions. Fall semester courses typically run from September through December while winter courses run from January through April.

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

Social Science studies. An area of university study that includes Anthropology, Communication Studies, Economics, Education, Environmental Studies, Geography, Global Studies, Governance, Health Administration, Indigenous Studies, Labour Studies, Political Economy, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science, Sociology, Sociology/Anthropology, and Women’s and Gender Studies courses.

Stale dated courses: Some AU programs have a stale dating policy whereby a course or program will not be accepted for credit if older than the stale date noted for the program (regardless of the precedent setting articulation). For example, if an articulation for a program completed in 1999 is established, a student could not use that credential to an AU program in 2006 that had a five-year stale date rule.

Streaming video. Technology used to enhance the delivery of some 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). A document issued by the Office of the Registrar. It indicates the courses that have been approved towards your program and all remaining requirements you must complete. 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 you when the evaluation of your previous education from other institutions is complete; when you are notified of a final grade; or at your request.

Student awards/scholarships. Refer to website.

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. The official agency in each province that is responsible for supplying government loans and bursaries to students. Loans and bursaries depend on need. Students are required to maintain full-time status.

Student, full-time. See Full-time student.

Student ID number. A seven-digit number assigned to each student. Always use your student ID number when you contact Athabasca University.

Student, part-time. See Part-time student.

Supervised labs. Compulsory 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—usually from two to eight days. The sessions are conducted in teaching laboratories in buildings owned or leased by Athabasca University. Science lab information.

Supplemental examination. An additional examination written by a student to improve the mark received on the original examination. The higher of the two marks is accepted.

Syllabus. A short course overview that provides students and learning institutions of the course’s learning outcomes.

Synchronous communication. See Communication.

T

Télé-université du Québec (TELUQ). Some equivalent Athabasca University courses are offered in French by Télé-université. Joint bilingual programs of study at the undergraduate and graduate level are also available. For more information, refer to AU’s Collaborations website or Teluq.

Transcript. Transcripts are prepared by the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts are a recording of your academic performance and bear the University seal.

Transfer credit. Credit granted for the successful completion of post-secondary courses or programs completed at another recognized organization or institution.

Tutor. In most individualized study and online courses, you will be assigned a tutor or call centre advisor to help you throughout your course.

U,V,W,X,Y,Z

Unclassified/visiting students. Students who are not enrolled in an AU degree, diploma, or certificate program. See Section 6.5.1.

Undergraduate studies. Post-secondary studies leading to an award of a bachelor degree, diploma, or certificate.

Unwritten Examination. Occasionally, students are unable to write their examination on the date indicated on the Examination Request Form. If this happens, the student can reschedule the examination write date. Refer to Section 7.5.

Video/DVD component. In many Athabasca University courses students have the option of viewing videos online, or on DVD and/or videotapes provided in the course package. To ensure viewing components are compatible, overseas students are asked to contact AU Library before registering in a course that has a videotape/DVD component.

Virtual Helpdesk. The Virtual Helpdesk (VHD) provides computer science students technical assistance with their courses. The VHD is staffed by senior students and should not be confused with Athabasca University’s Computing Services Helpdesk.

Visiting students. Students taking courses at Athabasca University for transfer credit to other post-secondary institutions. Section 6.5.1.

Withdrawal. The exit from an Athabasca University course. Withdrawal time frames are important to monitor since the timing of a withdrawal may have bearing on what is recorded on the academic transcript.

Zero-credit course. Zero or non-credit course students receive the same tutorial support, have access to all services provided to Athabasca University students, but the courses won’t fulfill any requirement towards a credential. ENGL 143 and ENGL 149, are two examples of zero-credit courses. Zero-credit courses are assessed the same fee structure as three-credit courses minus the Students’ Union Fees and Alumni Fees. Other academic-related fees and regulations also apply to zero-credit courses.

 

Information effective Sept. 1, 2010 to Aug. 31, 2011.

Updated December 09, 2011