University-Speak - Glossary of Terms
| 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 |
Please note: Terms marked with an asterick (*) are specific U of T Mississauga terms
| A |
academic calendar: Annual university publication listing key dates in the academic year, admission requirements, program requirements, rules and regulations, and course descriptions. The calendar can be obtained from the university registrar. More information
academic deadline: the last date to drop a course from your academic record and grade point average (GPA).
academic year: The time during which classes are taught. In most Canadian universities, the university year usually starts in September and ends in May. It is normally divided into three terms or two semesters and concludes with a long vacation. Some universities operate on the semester or trimester system and admit students in January and/or May as well as September. Many institutions also offer a limited number of courses and special programs during the summer session.
*AccessAbility: Refers to the AccessAbility Resource Centre, a centre that assists and supports individuals with physical, mental health, sensory and learning disabilities. More information
| B |
bachelor’s degree: First degree awarded by a university after three or four years of full-time study. Bachelor's degree are identified as BA (bachelor of arts), BSc (bachelor of science) and BCom (bachelor of commerce). See also general, honours, major, minor, specialist.
*Bike Share: A program offered by U of T Mississauga's Green Team. With their TCard, students can sign out a bicycle to use on or off campus for 24 hours, free of charge. More information
*Blind Duck: The popular on-campus pub. More information
bursary: A non-repayable cash award to help students pay for their university education. Bursaries are awarded on the basis of financial need and academic achievement. More information
| C |
*Career Centre: This on-campus student resource centre, assists current students and recent graduates seeking employment opportunities on and off campus. The Centre offers services such as career counselling, a career resource library, employment services, resume and interview clinics, and career workshops and seminars. More information
certificate: A qualification awarded upon successful completion of a university program which is usually one year in duration.
*Convocation: Refers to the formal and official graduation ceremony for students who successfully complete their degree program. More information
corequisite: A requirement to be undertaken concurrently with another course.
course: All courses are considered to be for degree credit, unless designated as “extra” courses. (This does not apply to “non-degree” students.) The word “course” is used in two senses. In reference to a single course (such as “standing in a course,” etc.) “course” refers equally to a full course or a half course. In references to a given number of courses, “courses” refers to full courses, or the equivalent number in full and half courses. To “pass a course” or “obtain standing in a course,” normally means to obtain a mark of 50%, or more, in that course. More information on the course timetable
credit: The certification that a student has passed a particular course. Students can obtain a half or one credit for each course taken and have to obtain a given number and type of credits to qualify for the award of a degree.
- Y = Full credit course
- H = Half credit course
curriculum: Contents of a course or program.
| D |
dean: The head of a faculty, school, or administrative division in a university or college.
degree: A qualification awarded to a student by a university. A bachelor’s degree signifies the successful completion of three or four years of successful studies. A graduate (master’s or doctorate) degree is awarded after further years of study.
degree requirement: To qualify for a degree at U of T Mississauga, students must complete at least 1.0 credit from each of the following divisions: Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences. Note that not all courses offered fulfill distribution requirements. Courses used to fulfill program requirements may also be used to fulfill distribution requirements.
diploma: A qualification awarded on the basis of one or two years’ successful study. Usually it is at less than degree level, but some diplomas are at the graduate level.
doctorate: A degree ranking above the master’s degree and normally awarded after two or three years’ study, although most students need more time to finish; the average for many is four to five years. The most common doctorate is the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) which can be awarded for research in any subject (not just philosophy). Doctoral degrees usually involve researching, writing, presenting and defending a thesis, in addition to course work.
| E |
enrolled: Term used to show a course(s) have been added to a student’s timetable. Registration is not complete until fees have been paid. See also registered, ROSI (under "Terms heard on campus").
*Erindale: Term often used as "Erindale College" or "Erindale campus". Upon its official opening in 1965, U of T Mississauga was grouped as a campus under the U of T college system, and named Erindale College. In 1998, the campus became officially known as "University of Toronto Mississauga". More information
exclusion: Students may not enroll for degree credit in a course that is listed as an exclusion of a course that they are taking, or in which they have already obtained a pass standing or for which they have received transfer credit for a course taken at another university.
*Extern Program: A career learning program offered by U of T Mississauga's Career Centre. More information
| F |
faculty: This word is used to indicate the teaching staff of a university as well as an academic subdivision of a university which is normally a larger unit than a department. For example, a faculty of science might include the departments of physics, chemistry and biology.
fee deferral: An arrangment made between the student and the university to pay fees after normal deadlines.
fellowship: A non-repayable financial award to assist a graduate student with the costs of study.
financial deadline: The last date to cancel (all courses) or drop (one or more but not all courses) and get your money back.
*Frosh: Slang term referring to newly-admitted, first-year students. Often heard at student orientations. More information on student orientations
| G |
general, honours: These terms are used primarily with reference to bachelor’s degree programs in arts and science. The general degree is without a concentration in a particular field. The honours program is often a year longer, requires a higher standing for admission and for the maintenance of honours status and the student specializes in a particular field. See also bachelor’s degree.
graduate/postgraduate: Graduate, sometimes called postgraduate, programs lead to advanced degrees, diplomas and certificates for which a first degree is a prerequisite. Students in graduate programs are called graduate students.
| H |
half course: See course
*HALC: Acronym for the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre & Library. More information
*Hotlink: A monthly e-newsletter sent by the Office of the Registrar to all registered U of T Mississauga students, with important information such as registration deadlines, upcoming events, new course information. More information
Humanities: The study of literature, philosophy, art, etc., as distinguished from natural sciences.
| I |
internship: Supervised practical training period for a student or recent graduate.
| J |
*Jimmi: The Career Centre mascot. More Information
| K |
| L |
lecture: Teaching method in which the teacher or professor presents information orally to the students who take notes and ask questions.
| M |
major: Type of degree program; a major indicates specialization with a number of courses drawn from one particular subject area. At U of T Mississauga, a major program consists of 6 to 8.5 credits, inlcuding at least 2 300/400 level credits.
minor: Type of degree program; a minor indicates a lesser degree of specialization, with only a few courses drawn from one particular area. At U of T Mississauga, a minor program consists of 4 credits, including at least 1 300/400 level credit.
master’s degree: A degree sought after the student has received a bachelor’s degree which may be achieved by taking courses and examinations and in some cases by conducting research and presenting a thesis.
| N |
| O |
ombudsman/person: A university official empowered to investigate grievances. More information
orientation: A program offered at the beginning of the academic year to new students to familiarize them with the campus. See also Frosh | More information
OSAP: Acronym for Ontario Student Assistance Program, a financial aid program offered by the Government of Ontario. OSAP is available to Ontario residents who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons, to assist with educational and living expenses in the form of loans, grants and bursaries. More information
| P |
petition: At the university, a student who cannot write a final examination due to illness or other serious causes must file a petition with the Office of the Registrar.
*POST: Acronym for “Programs of Study. The programs of study that are indicated in an academic calendar lists and describes are available for the year(s) to which the calendar applies. The POSTs may not be available in later years. See also Subject POSt
practical: The labratory component for many science courses. For example, when a student registers for a chemical science class, they must select a lecture, practical and tutorial. See also lecture, tutorial.
prerequisites: Courses necessary to successfully complete before taking specific higher level courses.
Prof: Slang term for "professor".
program, course: A program of study, e.g. one leading to a bachelor’s degree in arts, is a patterned combination and sequence of courses in a variety of subjects. Some courses extend over one term or semester, some over two. A program covers a period of one or more, usually three or more years.
provost: An administrative officer in any of various colleges and universities who holds high rank and is concerned with the curriculum, faculty appointments, etc.
| Q |
| R |
*RAWC: Acronym for Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre. More information
registrar: A university official concerned with keeping academic records, approving course selections, and sometimes, counselling. The registrar’s office is responsible for student admissions, records and the university timetable.
*Reference Guide: Short-form referring to U of T Mississauga's Reference Guide to Academic Programs. This guide is comprised of "fact sheets" for each academic program offered at U of T Mississauga. More information
rez/res: Slang for "residence", referring to the residential communities on-campus.
*RideShare: A carpooling service offered by U of T Mississauga. More information
*ROP: Acronym for Research Opportunity Program, a hands-on learning program for students who can earn a credit towards their degree by assisting a professor on a research project. More information
*ROSI: Acronym for Repository of Student Information system, an online tool for students. Within established deadlines, students can use ROSI to add, cancel (drop) and waitlist courses, change sections, list current courses, obtain final grades, and confirm intention to graduate. Students using ROSI can view their entire academic record, request or declare programs (minors, majors, specialists), order transcripts, print tax forms, review progress toward graduation, and view their financial account balances and detailed charge and payment information. More information
| S |
scholarship: A non-repayable financial award to students to help finance their studies. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement.
semester: Half the academic year usually lasting between 15 and 18 weeks.
Sciences: The study of any of the branches of natural or physical science.
Social Sciences: A field of study, as history, economics, etc., dealing with an aspect of society or forms of social activity.
specialist: Type of degree program; a specialist is indicates a higher degree of specialization with a number of courses drawn from one particular subject area. A specialist program is allowed within any Honours (BA or BSc) degree or BCom degree. At U of T Mississauga, a specialist program consists of 9 to 16 credits (out of a total of 20 credits required for an Honours BA or an Honours BSc) including at least 4 300/400 level credits, 1 of which must be at the 400 level.
*stepONE: stepONE (student transition education program ONE), a unique transition program for first-year students is a program designed as a university life-skills program, the series of seminars is dedicated to helping you understand everything from financial planning and calculating your grade point average to essay writing and choosing a program. A certificate is given upon completion of the program. More information
student number: Also referred to as personal identification number, a student number is a set of uniquely-generated numbers assigned to every registered student at U of T for identification purposes. See also TCard, UTORid | More information about TCards
*Subject POSt: Refers to “Programs of Study. The programs of study that are indicated in an academic calendar lists and describes are available for the year(s) to which the calendar applies. The POSTs may not be available in later years. See also POSt
supplemental courses: Courses taken after the maximum number of courses are allowed (for degree credit) with the same three-letter designator have been passed. These “supplemental” courses will not count for degree credit but will count in the GPA, program and distribution requirements. See also course
| T |
TA: Acronym for "teaching assistant".
*TCard: The student TCard is a wallet-sized card bearing the student's photograph and a student number, used for identification purposes within the university, such as evidence of registration and as a library card, participation in student activities, athletic association privileges, and identification at examinations. The card must be surrendered if a student withdraws from the university. More information
timetable: A schedule, listing all courses, and applicable practicals, tutorials and labs, in which one is enrolled. See also course timetable
transfer student: A student who has completed some or all of his/her studies at another university or college and applies to study at another accredited university or college.
*The Medium: A student-run newspaper at U of T Mississauga. More information
tutorial: a class in which a teacher’s assistant gives intensive instruction in some subject to an individual student or a small group of students. Tutorials are supplements to regular course classes.
| U |
undergraduate: Undergraduate programs of study include those leading to a bachelor’s or first professional degree as well as to diplomas and certificates below degree level.
university: An educational institution attended after secondary school for studies leading to a degree (e.g. bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate).
*U-Pass: The U-Pass is a universal bus pass which registered U of T Mississauga students can use for unlimited use of Mississauga Transit for the 8-month academic term. More information
*UTM: Acronym formerly used to describe U of T Mississauga. This terms is often still used amongst students, faculty and staff to informally identify the University.
*UTMAC: Acronym for U of T Mississauga Athletic Council.
*UTMSU: Acronym for U of T Mississauga Student Union. More information
*UTORid: A username and password used to log in to various online academic support services and in computer labs.
*UTORmail: A student's individual U of T e-mail address and the primary manner by which the university will contact you.
| V |
viewbook: A booklet providing a brief overview of U of T Mississauga. More information
| W |
*Walksafer: A security escort service for the U of T Mississauga community members (including students, employees and visitors) who prefer not to walk alone on campus after dark. More information
*WDR: Abbreviation for late withdrawal, without academic penalty in an incomplete course after the relevant deadline, due to circumstances beyond the student's control. Authorized only by the Committee on Standing by petition. Student remains responsible for applicable tuition fees.
| X | | Y | | Z |
General academic terms
academic calendar: Annual university publication listing key dates in the academic year, admission requirements, program requirements, rules and regulations, and course descriptions. The calendar can be obtained from the university registrar.
academic year: The time during which classes are taught. In most Canadian universities, the university year usually starts in September and ends in May. It is normally divided into three terms or two semesters and concludes with a long vacation. Some universities operate on the semester or trimester system and admit students in January and/or May as well as September. Many institutions also offer a limited number of courses and special programs during the summer session.
bachelor’s degree: First degree awarded by a university after three or four years of full-time study. Bachelor's degree are identified as BA (bachelor of arts), BSc (bachelor of science) and BCom (bachelor of commerce). See also general, honours, major, minor, specialist.
bursary: A non-repayable cash award to help students pay for their university education. Bursaries are awarded on the basis of financial need and academic achievement.
certificate: A qualification awarded upon successful completion of a university program which is usually one year in duration.
corequisite: A requirement to be undertaken concurrently with another course.
course: All courses are considered to be for degree credit, unless designated as “extra” courses. (This does not apply to “non-degree” students.) The word “course” is used in two senses. In reference to a single course (such as “standing in a course,” etc.) “course” refers equally to a full course or a half course. In references to a given number of courses, “courses” refers to full courses, or the equivalent number in full and half courses. To “pass a course” or “obtain standing in a course,” normally means to obtain a mark of 50%, or more, in that course.
credit: The certification that a student has passed a particular course. Students can obtain a half or one credit for each course taken and have to obtain a given number and type of credits to qualify for the award of a degree.
- Y = Full credit course
- H = Half credit course
curriculum: Contents of a course or program.
dean: The head of a faculty, school, or administrative division in a university or college.
degree: A qualification awarded to a student by a university. A bachelor’s degree signifies the successful completion of three or four years of successful studies. A graduate (master’s or doctorate) degree is awarded after further years of study.
degree requirement: To qualify for a degree at U of T Mississauga, students must complete at least 1.0 credit from each of the following divisions: Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences. Note that not all courses offered fulfill distribution requirements. Courses used to fulfill program requirements may also be used to fulfill distribution requirements.
diploma: A qualification awarded on the basis of one or two years’ successful study. Usually it is at less than degree level, but some diplomas are at the graduate level.
doctorate: A degree ranking above the master’s degree and normally awarded after two or three years’ study, although most students need more time to finish; the average for many is four to five years. The most common doctorate is the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) which can be awarded for research in any subject (not just philosophy). Doctoral degrees usually involve researching, writing, presenting and defending a thesis, in addition to course work.
enrolled: Term used to show a course(s) have been added to a student’s timetable. Registration is not complete until fees have been paid. See also registered, ROSI (under "Terms heard on campus").
exclusion: Students may not enroll for degree credit in a course that is listed as an exclusion of a course that they are taking, or in which they have already obtained a pass standing or for which they have received transfer credit for a course taken at another university.
faculty: This word is used to indicate the teaching staff of a university as well as an academic subdivision of a university which is normally a larger unit than a department. For example, a faculty of science might include the departments of physics, chemistry and biology.
fellowship: A non-repayable financial award to assist a graduate student with the costs of study.
general, honours: These terms are used primarily with reference to bachelor’s degree programs in arts and science. The general degree is without a concentration in a particular field. The honours program is often a year longer, requires a higher standing for admission and for the maintenance of honours status and the student specializes in a particular field. See also bachelor’s degree.
graduate/postgraduate: Graduate, sometimes called postgraduate, programs lead to advanced degrees, diplomas and certificates for which a first degree is a prerequisite. Students in graduate programs are called graduate students.
half course: See course
Humanities: The study of literature, philosophy, art, etc., as distinguished from natural sciences.
internship: Supervised practical training period for a student or recent graduate.
lecture: Teaching method in which the teacher or professor presents information orally to the students who take notes and ask questions.
major: Type of degree program; a major indicates specialization with a number of courses drawn from one particular subject area. At U of T Mississauga, a major program consists of 6 to 8.5 credits, inlcuding at least 2 300/400 level credits.
minor: Type of degree program; a minor indicates a lesser degree of specialization, with only a few courses drawn from one particular area. At U of T Mississauga, a minor program consists of 4 credits, including at least 1 300/400 level credit.
master’s degree: A degree sought after the student has received a bachelor’s degree which may be achieved by taking courses and examinations and in some cases by conducting research and presenting a thesis.
ombudsman/person: A university official empowered to investigate grievances.
orientation: A program offered at the beginning of the academic year to new students to familiarize them with the campus.
POSTs: Acronym for “Programs of Study. The programs of study that are indicated in an academic calendar lists and describes are available for the year(s) to which the calendar applies. The POSTs may not be available in later years.
practical: The labratory component for many science courses. For example, when a student registers for a chemical science class, they must select a lecture, practical and tutorial. See also lecture, tutorial.
prerequisites: Courses necessary to successfully complete before taking specific higher level courses.
program, course: A program of study, e.g. one leading to a bachelor’s degree in arts, is a patterned combination and sequence of courses in a variety of subjects. Some courses extend over one term or semester, some over two. A program covers a period of one or more, usually three or more years.
provost: An administrative officer in any of various colleges and universities who holds high rank and is concerned with the curriculum, faculty appointments, etc.
registrar: A university official concerned with keeping academic records, approving course selections, and sometimes, counselling. The registrar’s office is responsible for student admissions, records and the university timetable.
scholarship: A non-repayable financial award to students to help finance their studies. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement.
semester: Half the academic year usually lasting between 15 and 18 weeks.
Sciences: The study of any of the branches of natural or physical science.
Social Sciences: A field of study, as history, economics, etc., dealing with an aspect of society or forms of social activity.
specialist: Type of degree program; a specialist is indicates a higher degree of specialization with a number of courses drawn from one particular subject area. A specialist program is allowed within any Honours (BA or BSc) degree or BCom degree. At U of T Mississauga, a specialist program consists of 9 to 16 credits (out of a total of 20 credits required for an Honours BA or an Honours BSc) including at least 4 300/400 level credits, 1 of which must be at the 400 level.
supplemental courses: Courses taken after the maximum number of courses are allowed (for degree credit) with the same three-letter designator have been passed. These “supplemental” courses will not count for degree credit but will count in the GPA, program and distribution requirements. See also course.
transfer student: A student who has completed some or all of his/her studies at another university or college and applies to study at another accredited university or college.
tutorial: a class in which a teacher’s assistant gives intensive instruction in some subject to an individual student or a small group of students. Tutorials are supplements to regular course classes.
undergraduate: Undergraduate programs of study include those leading to a bachelor’s or first professional degree as well as to diplomas and certificates below degree level.
university: An educational institution attended after secondary school for studies leading to a degree (e.g. bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate).
