Accuplacer – the college’s placement test used to determine initial course placement. Given in an untimed format on computer, it consists of questions in English, reading comprehension and mathematics.

Academic Restriction – an academic status (after Academic Warning) limiting a student to no more than seven credits in a regular semester, or four credits in a summer session, whenever the minimum grade point average has not been achieved. One of the courses must be a CAP course and the other must be a previously attempted course but not satisfactorily completed. You must see an advisor for detailed information.

Academic Dismissal – dismissal results when a student on Academic Restriction fails to achieve at least a 2.0 GPA (or P grades when applicable) during the current enrollment period.

Academic Warning – status of a student who, at any point after six credits (or two courses) are attempted, falls below the prescribed minimum standards for good academic standing.

Articulation Agreement – an official agreement between a community college and a four-year institution which designates the transferability of specific courses and/or degrees.

ARTSYS – a computerized information system developed by the University of Maryland System used to check on the transferability of Prince George's Community College courses, to find a recommended transfer program for your major, or compare how a student transcript will be evaluated by other Maryland System colleges.

Associate Degree – a degree consisting of a minimum of 60 credits which includes General Education requirements, core courses and electives.

Audit – ("H" grade designation) signifies the course has not been taken for credit. Tuition and fees are charged, but the student is not evaluated or receives a grade.

Career program – a curriculum leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) or certificate emphasizing skills training for employment after graduation.

Certificate - a series of courses in a career area designed to teach specific skills.

Challenge Examination - A comprehensive examination developed by the appropriate instructional area and is intended to measure the prior learning of students with substantial work related experience in the subject matter. Subject to certain conditions and limitations, students who pass a Challenge Examination will have credit for the course posted to their permanent record.

CLEP – College Level Examination Program- a series of general and subject exams sponsored by Educational Testing Service. The exams are designed to measure knowledge students have obtained, both formally and informally, related to college-level course material, and for which college credit may be awarded.

Concurrent Student – a student taking courses at college while attending high school.

Credit – a term used interchangeably with "semester hours".

Curriculum – an organized program of study offered at a college.

Drop (a class) – to officially withdraw from a class before the deadlines published in the schedule of classes. Various course formats, have different deadlines.

Elective – general electives, or free electives, are college courses selected to meet degree requirements. Unless specified, they can be from any academic discipline and allow a student to develop interests outside the major.

Extension Center – an off campus center where students may take college credit courses.

I Grade – means a grade of "Incomplete". Given to students whose work in a course has been qualitatively satisfactory, but due to illness or other circumstances are unable to complete the course requirements. The student makes a contract with the instructor, specifying the work to be completed, and must complete the course work before a regular grade can be assigned. This work must be completed prior to the end of the subsequent semester.

Major – a subject of academic study chosen as a field of specialization.

Matriculating Student – an applicant seeking a degree from a college.

Non-matriculating/Special Student – a student with no degree goal, who may be taking courses for personal reasons.

P Grade – passing; most commonly used for developmental courses.

Prerequisite – this can be in the form of a specified placement test score required prior to course enrollment or a course which must be completed before enrolling in a more advanced course. For example, Accounting 101 is taken before Accounting 102.

Q Grade – withdrawn for non-attendance. Assigned by the instructor to a student who either has never attended the class or who ceased attendance during the first twenty percent of the class.

Semester – generally a sixteen week period of educational study. The college also offers courses with more flexible time formats, e.g. 8 week courses or weekenders.

Transcript – a cumulative record of all of a student’s college work. Copies may be obtained from the Admissions and Records Office.

Transfer Program – a program articulated with another college or university enabling the student to transfer credits and work toward a bachelor’s degree. It is designated as an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.).

Withdrawal (from the college) – indicates the student voluntarily withdrew from all courses for the semester prior to the twelfth week of classes. The form must be signed by an advisor. Students who receive any kind of financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office before proceeding with withdrawal since it may affect your status with that office.