Resources
A faculty member who helps students create an academic plan of study, ensures progress towards graduation, and approves students for registration. They are also the individuals who sign-off on adding, dropping, and/or withdrawing from a class. Academic advisors are also available to help students explore majors, minors, withdrawing from courses, taking a leave of absence from the college, etc.
Students who have poor academic achievement (i.e., GPA below a 2.0) are dismissed from attending SMC. Students are able to return to SMC if they are able to show academic progress (i.e., increased GPA) at a community college. See "reinstatement" for more information on this process.
This is the policy that requires all SMC students to practice academic integrity (i.e., only turning in work that is your own; fostering a learning environment for peers; appropriately holding peers accountable for following academic honor code). It was created with the purpose of establishing trust and honesty between members of the SMC community. See the Honor Code page for more information.
The academic honor council is responsible for maintaining and upholding the academic honor code. It is made up of 16 student members and six faculty members. Should a student find themselves at odds with the academic honor code, the student will meet with a review board assigned by the academic honor council.
Students are considered on academic probation when their GPA is below a 2.0 at the end of the semester (fall or spring only). Students have until the end of the following semester to show satisfactory academic progress. Students who fail to do this are subject to academic disqualification. If you are on academic probabtion, please work with your academic advisor and coach to figure out ways to improve grades.
This board is responsible for reviewing all cases of suspected violations of the academic honor code and deciding what sanctions, if any, will be administered. It is made up of members from the Office of Academic Affairs, the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success, the Registrar, the Dean of Students, and faculty.
The process determines what courses and credits SMC will accept from outside colleges. Articulation applies when a student is either transferring into or out of SMC or when a student has taken core courses at another institution (usually a community college). See the SMC Articulation Agreements page for more information.
This refers to taking a course without being graded or earning credit; students may choose to audit courses they are interested in knowing more about and at the same time may not have the capacity to fully participate in the course (i.e., commit to the assignments, exams, etc.). They may also audit courses as a way to explore a major/minor.
A bachelor of arts degree is (typically) a four-year degree awarded by four-year colleges and universities; they can be the first post-secondary degree that a student earns; they can be awarded for any field of study. This degree usually requires more courses outside of a student's specific major(s) to give the student a breadth of knowledge. This also allows students to explore a variety of different subjects and create a plan of study that reflects their own interests and goals.
A bachelor of science degree is similar to a BA––however this degree usually requires more courses that pertain specifically to a major. Students are expected to have mastery over all major aspects of their chosen field of study; BS programs may also prepare students for professional or graduate work in the future. A bachelor of science degree does not necessarily have to be in the sciences.
The degree awarded to undergraduate students who have completed the necessary academic requirements of their college or university.
This is a serious status that is given when any member of the SMC community has committed an offense (e.g., criminal misconduct, repeated violations of university policy) that is considered harmful to the community. This prevents the individual from being affiliated with the university.
This team is responsible for reviewing all reported cases of bias and determining the course of action necessary to ameliorate the situation for all parties involved. See the BIRT page for more information.
All questions regarding payment and tuition can be directed to this office. Their office is located in the Filippi Administrative building.
This resource is available for students who would like support around planning a career, finding internships, applying for jobs/internships (i.e., help with resumes/coverletters), exploring graduate school, etc. See the CPDS page for more information.
This center is available to students who are interested in service learning and are committed to social justice principles and values. See the CILSA page for more information.
A resource center for women and individuals across the gender spectrum. See the Center for Women and Gender Equity's page for more information.
This center is a resource for students to seek out writing support. They are located in De La Salle Hall. See the CWAC page for more information.
Coaches at SMC support students using a strengths-based approach to further personal and professional development, promote stress management, assist with transition to college, etc.
This is a requirement of the college to ensure students are engaging in materials from multiple discplines outside of their major. At SMC there are three broad subject areas within the core curriculm (habits of mind; pathways to knowledge; engaging the world). Students are expected to take courses in all three subject areas.
A service for students to seek mental health support from licensed psychologists. CAPS operates on a brief therapy model meaning students can expect to see a counselor an average of 4-6 sessions. CAPS also offers group therapy, support groups, and workshops for students. See the CAPS page for more information.
The informal phrase used to describe the process of enrolling in a course that is full and has a waitlist. Waitlisted/interested students "crash" a course by attending the first week of classes and talking with the professor about their interest in taking the course. Successfully crashing a course is dependent on seat availability and the professor.
A credit measures the amount of time (hours) a student can expect to complete from the course's start date to its end date; this also factors in time spent outside of the classroom. For example, a student taking a 1 credit course can expect to have roughly 12.5 hours of lecture time complimented by 25 hours of time spent outside of the classroom preparing for the course.
The GPA that reflects a student's entire academic performance at SMC. Transfer courses do not affect a student's GPA and only count for credit.
Students are declared in a major once they have completed the major's pre-requisite courses with satisfactory grades and submitted a major declaration form through the registrar's website.
The degree awarded to students who have completed a PhD or professional doctoral program (e.g., M.D., D.B.A., J.D., etc.).
Refers to students who have chosen to complete the requirements for two academic disciplines at the same time. Students can choose to double major in subjects that are similar (sociology and WAGS double majors) or different (biology and art majors). Double majoring has a plethora of pros/cons; if you are considering a second major, talk to your academic advisor or coach.
Generally refers to a specific number of courses that a student is required to complete for their major. Elective courses are flexible and can be chosen freely by the student. These are the courses that allow a student to tailor their major to fit their interests.
An educator (i.e., professor) at a college campus.
Stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students complete this application to see if they qualify for federal financial aid. This is also the application required for work study. Applications open on October 1st of each year.
Stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. This law regulates what information institutions can give away to the public about their students. Under these guidelines, parents/guardians are not able to access their students' educational records without the student's written permission.
An exam period at the end of the semester to measure a student's learning over the course of a semester.
This office can help students with any of their financial concerns. They can assist with FAFSA applications, payment plans, etc. See the Financial Aid Office's page for more information.
A year-long academic support course meant to assist first year students' transition into college. First year advising cohort sections are lead by faculty and students are placed into them based on their intended majors or academic interests if undeclared. Students are not allowed to switch FYAC sections once the semester starts. FYAC faculty are the first academic advisors that a student will have at SMC. First year students are not reassigned an academic advisor until after they declare their major.
A credit system that allows students to purchase food at on-campus Sodexo vendors (e.g., Oliver hall, Cafe Louis) and select off-campus locations.
Students are considered full-time if they are enrolled in four or more courses per semester and enroll in at least eight courses per academic year.
A descedant of the Celtic ethnolinguistic group that spoke Gaelic.
The online portal where students go to search and register for classes, view grades, look at academic evaluations, etc.
Students are considered in good academic standing if they are able to maintain a cumulative GPA of a 2.0
A student's GPA is calculated by totalling their earned grade points and dividing by the number of credits taken.
Education beyond a bachelor's degree (i.e., a master's or doctoral degree).
A student who is enrolled in either a master's or doctoral degree program.
A grant is a form of financial aid that students do not have to pay back. Grants may be awarded by merit, by need, by purpose (i.e., research grant), etc.
A webplatform for students to use to find employment while they are students.
An on-campus urgent care facility for undergraduate students only. There is a $10 co-pay for each visit; students will not be turned away due to lack of funds. See the Health & Wellness Center's page for more information.
A program that serves first generation, low-income, and/or students with disabilities. Students who are affiliated with this program are awarded a small scholarship and partake in a number of services that are provided to establish and cultivate the student's personal and professional development. See the High Potential Program's page for more information.
These are placed on a student's account when appropriate follow-through with certain offices/departments has been missed by the student. Holds typically will prevent students from registering for courses in the following term. Holds can only be lifted by the department/office that placed them (i.e., if a student has a hold from the financial aid office then they must contact financial aid to have the hold lifted).
An umbrella term for academic disciplines that include English, history, art, music, philosophy, theology, etc.
Incomplete grades may be requested by a student if a student is facing extenuating circumstances that will prevent them from completing a course; incomplete grades are granted at the professor's discresion and are generally given to students who have already demonstrated satisfactory work. Incomplete grades allow students more time to complete a course and help ensure their grade reflects their best efforts. However, coursework must be completed before the end of the next term otherwise the incomplete grade will be permanently changed to an F.
This is the major that students are initially interested in pursuing when they arrive at SMC. Since it is not uncommon for students to change their academic interests during their college career, the intended major allows students more flexibility in exploring than the declared major.
A campus resource center that provides programming and development for students who belong to historically marginalized populations. See the IC's page for more information.
A short and accelarated academic term (during January) that allow students to explore courses outside of their regular plan of study.
A resource with a large collection of seminar textbooks for students to borrow if they are unable to purchase textbooks for themselves. To access this resource students must submit an application and complete one community service project during the semester, and return the borrowed books by the end of the semester.
Different from withdrawing from the insitutition, a leave of absence allows a student to take a break from their studies with the intention that they will return to their university after a maximum of two full terms. This also garautees the student their spot back in the institution so long as they return within the alotted time frame. If you are considering taking a leave of absence please reach out to your academic advisor or coach.
The liberal arts consist of social science, mathematics, arts, and the natural sciences. Saint Mary's College is considered a liberal arts college.
Borrowed money that students are expected to payback with interests.
These courses are considered introductory and are primarily geared towards first and second year students. They provide a foundation for collegiate academics and major courses.
This is what a student chooses to specialize their studies in during their undergraduate career.
A GPA that is calculated using only the courses that are counted towards the declared major.
A graduate level degree that demonstrates mastery in a particular area of study. A master's degree typically takes 2-3 years to complete.
Refers to enrollment into the college/university after being offered admission.
A students who has a mentor.
Exams that are taken during the middle of the term to assess a student's progress and understanding of a course.
Similar to a major, this is another way a student can deepen their understading of a subject––however minors have less course requirements.
This website is used by instructors to post course resources, assignments, the syllabus, and may also be used to turn in assignments.
An extra resource for students to seek out help, guidance, and clarification from their professors in a one on one setting. Office hours can be used to ask questions about readings, assignments, upcoming exams; they can also be used to gain mentorship and professional development.
Classes that are intstructed online. May come with pre-recorded lectures or powerpoint slides for students to follow at their own pace.
When students take more than 4.75 credits per semester. Must have the approval of their academic advisor.
A type of student loan that is taken out by a parent or gaurdian on their students behalf.
Students are considered part-time if they take less than 3 courses per semester or less than 7 courses per academic year. Students who are interested in going part time must talk to their academic advisor.
Students can take courses Pass/Fail for courses that are not going to be counted towards the college or major requirements. These grades will not affect a student's GPA. The student will still earn credits.
Older students who advise, guide, and support students who are at the beginning of their collegiate journey.
A federal grant based on student financial need.
A prestigious and nationally recognized honor society that invites students to its membership based on academic achievement. Their motto is, "Let the love of learning rule humanity."
These are programs that prepare students for a graduate or doctoral program. Such programs include, pre-law majors, pre-med majors, pre-dentistry etcs. For example, at SMC the allied health science major is considered a pre-professional program for students interested in pursuing medicine.
Private universities are universtities that use private funds (as opposed to federal support) to support their operations. They also tend to be smaller/enroll less students than public university. Some private colleges are for-profit and some are non-profit; SMC is a non-profit private college.
Public universities are universities that use federal funds to support their operations. These universities tend to be larger. All public universities are non-profit.
Refers to when a student has been readmitted to the university after withdrawing or being dismissed.
The office on campus that is responsible for managing student records. The registrar's office is located in the Filippi Administrative building.
Refers to changing a student's status from inactive to active. A student may have been inactive for several reasons; for example, they have withdrawn, failed to enroll in courses, may not have graduated, etc. Students who want to be reinstated must go through the readmission process.
A research university is a university that is primarily focused on producing and publishing research. UC Berkeley and Stanford are both examples of research universities.
Another phrase for "dorms."
The individual or individuals who are responsible for watching over any on-campus living space. Resident advisors make sure that residents are following campus housing policy, (may) support their residents through crises, offer resources, host events, and altogether care for the well-being of their residents.
The resident director is a staff or faculty member who lives in the resident halls or on-campus apartments with students. Their role is to support the resident advisors and residents as needed.
Money that is awarded to a student based on merit and/or need. This money does not have to paid back.
The catch-all term that encompasses upkeeping daily hygeine (including sleep), taking breaks, engaging in self-soothing activities, etc.
Refers to half of the academic year; at SMC the semester is 14 weeks long.
A student's semester GPA is calculated using only the classes they took during the semester
A required course at Saint Mary's that is based in liberal arts values; seminar courses are heavily discussion based and require students to critically engage with the texts that are assigned. Students are required to take one seminar class per academic year.
A broad category of academic disciplines that includes psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc. These discplines may also be referred to as "soft" sciences.
Special academic probabtion is granted to students who were previously on academic probation, did not make satisfactory academic progress the following semester, and have filed a petition against disqualification to the Academic Probation Review Board. If granted, this gives the student one more semester to show satisfactory academic progress. Special academic probabtion is granted at the discretion of the academic probation review board.
Majors and courses that are related to STEM include, but are not limited to: biology, chemistry, computer science, computer engineering, engineering, statistics, calculus, etc.
A tutoring center located inside of Assumption Hall that is dedicated to helping students with their STEM related courses. See the STEM Center's page for more information.
This resource is available for students who have disabilities and need course modifications. See the SDS page for more information.
The office that supports student academic success through programming and coaching. See the SEAS page for more information.
A unique 9-10 digit number that identifies students.
A broad department on campus that is responsible for creating programming and activities for students that are both based on need or may support students' personal/professional development.
A student who was previously on academic probation and failed to meet the 2.0 GPA requirement after one semester. If a student finds themselves in this position they should reach out to their coach and academic advisor for support and guidance.
A federal loan that does not accrue interest while a student is in school.
A short academic term that takes place during summer. Financial aid may or may not be offered.
An outline of a course that usually contains professor contact information, university and professor policy for the classroom, guides for assignments, and a schedule of what is to be covered each week.
Transcripts are a student's entire academic evaluation. Official transcripts are usually on official letterhead and signed by the registrar. These may be required when applying to graduate school or jobs. It is a good idea to have several (3-5) copies on hand once you have graduated.
These transcripts can be obtained immediately and are not on official letterhead or signed by the registrar. They are generally accepted by graduate programs or potential employers if the student has not yet completed their degree.
A student who started their college journey at a community college and has decided to continue their education at a 4-year college or university.
A student resource through SEAS that offers individual and group tutoring for students in a variety of different subjects. See the TASC page for more information.
Any student working towards a bachelor's degree.
A type of federal loan that accrues interest while a student is in school.
These are courses that are designed for upper-level students (i.e., third, fourth, and fifth+ year students). These courses are only offered at 4-year colleges and universities.
A process that some students are required to go through to verify that all of the financial information they provided on their FAFSA is correct.
This refers to a list of students who are interested in a course and where unable to enroll due to the course reaching max enrollment capacity. Should a student find themselves on the waitlist it never hurts to reach out the professor to let them know their serious intent in enrolling in the course.
A week prior to the start of school that is geared toward first year and transfer students; it is designed to help students meet new people, get familiar with the campus, and get connected to different resources/student organizations.
A 'W' grade can be taken if a student does not feel they will be able to pass a course. 'W' grades do not affect a student's GPA; they are listed on a student's transcript unless the student retakes the course for a letter grade.
Withdrawing from the university means that a student has left the university with no intention of returning within two semesters. Students who withdraw can come back to Saint Mary's after going through the readmission process.
A federal program that allows students to work part-time while attending school; students who are on work-study have part of their paychecks subsidized by the government. Work study is based on financial need.