A Glossary of Academic Terms for Langara College Students
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
Acronyms
CDT - Computer Diagnostic Test
GPA - Grade Point Average (See web page)
LET - Langara English Test
LETN - Langara English Test score that means the student should register into ENGL 1110, a writing and grammar skills course for students who are speakers of English as a first language.
LPI - Language Proficiency Index
MDT - Mathematics/Statistics Diagnostic Test
PEN - Personal Education Number
PIN - Personal Identification Number
PLA - Prior Learning Assessment
PLFAR - Prior Learning Flexible Assessment and Recognition
A
Aboriginal Students - Refers to students of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit ancestry.
Academic Advising - On-campus assistance for students who would like with course selection and planning, program planning, reviewing prerequisites, and reviewing graduation requirements.
Academic History - The history of courses, credits, grades, academic standing, credential completion, and graduation notations that apply to a student. A student's academic history is recorded on the Langara transcript.
Academic Probation - The status assigned to students who have failed to achieve the Minimum Academic Standard in a semester. See Policy No. E2008.
Academic Program - A program of study, usually involving theoretical knowledge and research, and usually leading to a diploma, certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree.
Academic Record - A permanent record of a student's courses, credits, grades, and notations. An official transcript is a copy of your permanent record bearing both the signature of the Registrar and the seal of Langara College.
Academic Suspension - The status assigned to students who have failed to achieve the Minimum Academic Standard in two consecutive semesters. See Policy No. E2008.
Academic Year - The period of 12 months running from September 1st of one year through August 31st of the following year. At Langara, there are three semesters within each academic year: September 1 - December 31; January 1 - April 31; and May 1 - August 31.
Acceptance of Offer - A action required by the student when wanting to accept an offer for admission to a program. Students accept the offer through Langara's login page.
Active Course - A course that is open for registration.
Admission - The processes of applying to and evaluating applications for acceptance to College programs. The admission process is separate from the process of registering for courses.
Admission Requirements - Conditions students must meet before they can be considered for admission to Langara College courses and programs.
Advanced standing - A standing given to a student to permit the student to register in a higher-level course when the student has demonstrated that they have mastered the material covered in a lower-level course, but they do not have credit for the lower-level course. Having advanced standing does not reduce the number of credits required for a credential. See also Prior Learning, Flexible Assessment, and Recognition.
Advisor - Advisors at Langara include admissions advisors, counsellors, and department/faculty advisors. Advisors are available to assist students in planning and working through their academic studies.
Aegrotat Grade - A notation accompanying a letter grade that signifies that the grade was assigned when the student was unable to complete the course requirements due to extenuating circumstances. The notation (AEG) appears on the student's transcript and the grade assigned will carry the normal course credit. See Policy No. E2007.
Alumnus (masc./Alumna (fem.)/Alumni (pl.) Persons who have graduated from or attended a post-secondary institution. To qualify as an alumnus or alumna at Langara College, students must have completed a minimum of 30 credits or have received a Langara College credential.
Appropriate Professional - A registered professional as described in the Health Professions Act. See Policy No. E2007.
Articulation - The system used by post-secondary institutions to determine which courses are equivalent to one another. Articulation is normally a course-to-course analysis or comparison, but it can also involve whole programs. See BC Transfer Guide.
Arts and Science Limited Enrolment Program - An Arts and Science program, e.g., Commerce, that has a limit on the number of students who can be accepted to the program.
Assessed Financial Need - An amount calculated by using a standardized method that helps predict how much money you will need once your personal resources have been subtracted from your educational costs and living expenses. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Assigned Credit - Awarded when credit from one institution is transferred to a specific course at another institution, e.g., Langara's ECON 1220 receives credit for ECON 101 at UBC. See Unassigned Credit.
Associate Degree - Associate degrees are awarded for completion of a prescribed program of study that requires a minimum of sixty credits and at least 20 courses of university-level study in a variety of academic areas. Associate degree requirements are mandated by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education.
Audit (registering on a non-credit basis) - A course registration (with regular tuition charges) with a formal understanding that the student attends classes, does not write exams, and does not receive credit or a grade for the course. The instructor will normally determine the expectations of the student who registers in a course on an audit basis. Also see Non-credit Registration.
B
Bachelor's Degree - Bachelor's degrees require the completion of a specific program of study requiring a minimum of 120 credits and a minimum of 40 courses.
BCCAT - British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer provides a website that contains user-friendly documents that describe how courses transfer between B.C. post-secondary institutions. BCCAT is also responsible for the management of the BC Transfer Guide and Education Planner.
Block Transfer - Transfer credit awarded for a whole program, rather than a course-by-course transfer, which allows students to pursue study in a specific degree program.
Bursary - A non-repayable cash payment that is made to students who demonstrate financial need. See Financial Aid for more information.
C
Calendar, Langara College - The Langara College Calendar contains important information for students; e.g., important academic dates, regulations, academic policies, and program/course descriptions and requirements. It also contains information about student support services and financial aid. The Calendar is available in print and online.
Career Program - An applied program of study, e.g., Journalism, that involves theoretical and practical knowledge and leads to a certificate, diploma, or degree in a specific career path, or, in many cases, to further study.
Career Student - A student who has been admitted to one of Langara's career programs.
Certificate - A certificate requires the completion of a specific program of study, requiring a minimum of 30 credits and 10 courses.
Chair - The head of a program, department, or division. The term "co-ordinator" is sometimes used for heads of programs.
Citation - A citation requires the completion of a specific program of study requiring a minimum of 12 credits.
Colloquium - An academic discussion focussed on a specific area of study.
Commitment Fee - A non-refundable, non-transferable sum that confirms international students' commitment to attend the College each semester.
Computer User ID -An account assigned to students after they accept their offer. Students will receive information about activating their computer user ID in an email to their preferred non-Langara email address.
Concentration - A program of study with a required number of courses in a specific discipline: similar to a major or minor in a subject area, but with fewer requirements.
Conditional Admission/Acceptance - Acceptance to a program based on the assumption that the student will successfully complete an outstanding admissions requirement. The student must provide proof of completion of the requirement by a designated date.
Continuing Studies, Langara College - Langara Continuing Studies is dedicated to lifelong learning and public service through education by offering non-credit courses and courses that carry Continuing Studies Units. Continuing Studies reflects the College mission through a variety of programs, courses and activities that are designed to improve the intellectual, cultural, social, physical and economic well-being of individuals and the community.
Co-operative Education - Paid work placements, usually four months in duration, that enable students to integrate academic studies with related, practical work experience. Visit the Co-operative Education website for more information.
Concurrent studies/admission - A type of admission to Langara College that allows a BC secondary student to take one course per semester while in their last year in secondary school. See Admissions for further information.
Copyright - Copyright is the sole right to reproduce, or allow others to reproduce, a work or any substantial part, in any material form, for any purposes. In Canada, protection begins immediately upon creation of a work and exists until 50 years after the creator's death. Registration is not necessary to establish copyright ownership. See Policy No. B5003.
Core Course - A course that is specifically required for a particular program of study and is offered by the department responsible for administering the curriculum of that program of study. In some cases, Education Council may designate a course as "core" for a particular program of study even though it is offered by another department, or may designate a course as not being "core" even though it is offered by the department responsible for the program of study.
Co-requisite Course - A course that is required to be taken at the same time as another course, e.g., MATH 1173 and MATH 1183. Students must register into both courses in the same semester.
Counsellor - At Langara, counsellors include professionals who are available for academic, personal, and career counselling. Visit the Counselling website for more information.
Counselling - At Langara College, counselling may involve assisting with academic and career planning, assisting with personal issues, and with promoting success and wellness. Visit the Counselling website for more information.
Course - A formal, organized learning experience in a particular subject area. Courses may include lectures, seminars, laboratories, workshops, and other learning formats and experiences.
Course Exemption - Given when a student is permitted to substitute a course for a required program course because the substituted course meets the learning outcomes of the program.
Course Drop - The transaction done by students in myLangara that officially cancels the student's registration in a course and results in a defined amount of fee refund. There is no notation of this transaction on the student's academic transcript.
Course Load, Maximum - Normally 15 to 18 credit hours; however, career and arts and science limited enrolment program limits may vary. Permission to overload must be obtained from Registrar and Enrolment Services. Generally, a 3.50 GPA with a full-course load in a previous semester is required for approval of an overload.
Course Outline (also called a syllabus) - A description of the main content, organization and expected outcomes of a course, normally including the number of credits awarded, hours of class time, assignments, assignment evaluation, and required texts.
Course Schedule - A listing of courses that includes days, times, locations, and instructional modes, e.g., online. The course schedule is available online about two months before the beginning of the semester and is also included in the printed Registration Guide and Course Schedule.
Course Withdrawal - The transaction done by students in myLangara that officially cancels their registration in a course AFTER the refund period. A "W" notation represents this transaction on the student's academic transcript.
Credential - A named qualification that is awarded by Langara College upon completion of a prescribed program of study i.e., citation, certificate, diploma, associate degree, and bachelor's degree. See Policy No. F1001.
Credit - The value assigned to a course. The majority of courses at Langara are worth three credits. Credit is granted only for successfully completed courses. Once credit is granted, it can be applied towards a Langara College credential.
Current Student - A student that is currently registered in courses at Langara College.
Curriculum - The required courses a student must complete to obtain a Langara College credential for completion of a specific program.
Custom Courseware - The production of course materials e.g., textbooks, lab manuals, and reference materials, designed and published by the instructor who conducts the course.
D
Dean - The head of large educational or student support areas.
Dean's Admission - Applicants not eligible for Regular Admission may be granted Dean's Admission by the Dean of Student Support Services or delegate on the basis of age, background, previous education, and general suitability for direct entry to college-level studies. Prospective students must be at least 19 years of age on the first day of the semester in which they want to enrol.
Deferred Payment - Students who have approved BC/Canada Student Loans in advance of the fee payment due date will have their fees deferred. Visit the Financial Aid website for more information.
Deferred Payment Plan - Allows students experiencing financial hardship to defer full payment of tuition and fees past the fee payment due date. Apply for the program at the Financial Aid Department.
Deferred Standing - An arrangement identified by a temporary notation (DE) on a student's transcript that indicates the student has been granted an extension to complete the course requirements because of extenuating circumstances. See Policy No. E2007.
Degree - The academic credential conferred upon a student who has completed a prescribed course of study, generally comprising four years (minimum 120 credits) of academic study.
Department - Faculty, staff, and administrators associated with a particular discipline or program (e.g., the Sociology Department).
Diploma - A diploma requires the completion of a specific program of study, usually requiring 60 to 75 credits and a minimum of 20 courses, generally representing two years of academic study. See Policy No. F1001.
Disability - Some examples include neurological disabilities, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, hearing disabilities, visual impairments, chronic health disabilities, and mental health disorders. Visit the Accessibility Services page for more information.
Discipline - A field of study, e.g., women's studies.
Domestic Students - Students who are either Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
Dropped Course - A course that is dropped from a student's schedule during the refund period (up to and including the fifth day of classes in each semester). A dropped course will not appear on the student's transcript.
E
Elective - An elective is a course that a student chooses from a number of options. Some programs list the elective courses; others allow students to choose from a variety of subject areas.
Entrance Requirements - Various criteria required in order to be accepted into a program of study at Langara College.
English Language Proficiency - To be admitted to Langara, a student must have a minimum standard of skills with verbal and written English. This proficiency should not be confused with the Language Proficiency Index, which is a test of English language proficiency. Some courses require proof of English language proficiency. See course prerequisite information.
Examinations - A formalized process designed to evaluate a student's theoretical and/or practical learning outcomes. Final examinations, if part of the course requirements, must be written at the date and time assigned. Students must check the final examination schedule, which is posted around the campus and on the Langara website approximately one month before final examinations begin. For further information visit Grading.
Exam Schedule - A listing of dates, times, and locations of final exams.
Exempted Course/Exemption/Substitution - Given when a student is permitted to substitute a course for a required program course because the substituted course meets the learning outcomes of the program.
Extenuating Circumstances - Circumstances such as those related to a student's physical or psychological health that are unexpected, significantly disruptive and beyond a student's control, and which may have affected his/her academic performance. At Langara, extenuating circumstances require documentation from a medical professional. See Policy No. E2007.
External Studies (Field Schools/Field Studies) - Generally, one-semester interdisciplinary and limited enrolment programs that include several weeks of travel and study.
F
Faculty Member - An instructor at a post-secondary institution.
Faculty - A grouping of departments and programs in a similar area of study, e.g., Faculty of Arts.
Field Schools/Field Studies (External Studies) - Generally, one-semester interdisciplinary and limited enrolment programs that include several weeks of travel and study.
Final Transcript - A transcript available to students upon completion of their latest semester.
Financial Assistance - Assistance granted to students on the basis of assessed financial need. Types of financial assistance include Government student loans and grants, loan and work study programs, and are generally available only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
First Nations - In the context of current College policies, First Nations' people include status or non-status Indians, Metis, and Inuit people. Also see Aboriginal Students.
First Year - Usually the first 30 credits required for the program of study.
Flexible Assessment/Prior Learning Assessment - Assessment of learning acquired through non-formal education, work, and life experiences.
Full Course Load - At Langara, a full course load is defined as 15 or more credits.
Full-time Study - At Langara, full-time study is defined as registration in nine or more credits.
G
Good Standing (1) - The status of a student who is not on Academic Probation or Academic or Other Suspension. See Policy No. E2008.
Grade Point - A numerical value given to letter grades used to rate academic performance.
Grade Point Average, Cumulative (CGPA) - A weighted average determined by multiplying the letter grade point equivalent for each course by the number of credits granted for that course. These figures are then added up and divided by the total number of credits attempted, not including courses with notations, e.g., courses with S, SR, U, W, IP notations. The cumulative GPA is recorded on your official transcript. Sometimes a minimum GPA is required for admittance into a specific program, and sometimes a minimum GPA must be maintained while in the program to be allowed to continue in the program.
Grade Point Average, Semester (GPA) - A weighted average for the semester determined by multiplying the letter grade point equivalent for each course by the number of credits granted for the course. These figures are then added up and divided by the total number of credits attempted in the semester, not including courses with notations, e.g., S, SR, U, W, IP notations.
Graduate Student - A student who has received a bachelor's degree or equivalent and who is enrolled in a program leading to a master's or doctoral degree.
Grant - Similar to a bursary; does not need to be paid back.
Guided Independent Study (GIS) - An instructional format that gives students the flexibility to study course material and complete assignments independently. This format is often helpful for students whose work, college or home schedules make it inconvenient for them to attend regular, on-campus classes. Some on-campus attendance for examinations is required. GIS courses must be completed during the semester in which students enrol in the course.
H
Helpline/Registration Helpline - A phone service (604-323-5595) available to students who encounter registration difficulties or have questions during the registration period.
Honours Program - A program that involves a high level of specialization in a discipline and requires the completion of more credits at the 300 or 400 level than a regular bachelor's degree program.
I
Inactive Course - A course that is not open for registration; however, if demand warrants, it may be opened.
Institutes - Institutes are one-semester intensive interdisciplinary programs addressing a single theme. A small cohort of students will explore the given theme through three discipline-specific studies. Exact format will vary with each program.
Interdisciplinary Studies - Studies that explore issues and ideas beyond the boundaries of individual subject areas. At Langara, the Interdisciplinary Studies programs are committed to offering students unique opportunities to develop their analytical and communication skills.
Interim Transcript - A record of grades showing in-progress courses before the final grades are available.
International Exchange - An opportunity for students to pursue some of their studies at an institution in another country while remaining a student at their home institution.
International Student - A student who is neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident of Canada.
L
Langara College Board - The governing body of Langara College. See Policy No. F1004.
Langara English Test (LET) - The LET is an in-house exam that assesses the student's ability to comprehend written English and to write in English. The LET score indicates which English courses best suit the student's needs and skills.
Langara Proficiency Index (LPI) - The LPI is an external exam that assesses the student's ability to comprehend written English and to write in English. The LPI score indicates which English course best suit the student' needs and skills.
Late Registration Fee - A fee that is charged on the ninth day of the second month of each semester to students who are registering for the first time in that semester.
Letter Grade - An alpha grade assigned for a course instead of a percentage grade. Letter grades at Langara include A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, S, and U. Letter grades are assigned at the end of each semester, and they will appear on the student's transcript of grades.
Letter of Intent/Personal Statement - An admission requirement for some programs. Generally, a letter or personal statement includes a brief description of the students' accomplishments to date, their career goals, and their expectations of the program in assisting them to reach these goals.
Letter of Permission - A document which gives students permission to take a course at an institution other than the university or college in which they are currently enrolled.
Lower-Division/Level Courses - General introductory courses, usually making up the first two years of a bachelor's degree.
M
Major - A program of study in a degree where about 25-50% of the courses are in a single discipline (e.g., Philosophy, History).
Master's Degree - A degree usually earned after the completion of a bachelor's degree and preceding a doctoral degree. Students working towards this credential are called graduate students.
Medical Withdrawal - An action initiated by a student and verified by an appropriate professional that results in the termination of registration in a course. Langara College will notate a medical withdrawal in the same fashion as a regular withdrawal on the student's official transcript. See Policy No. E2007.
Minimum Academic Standing - A student has achieved the minimum academic standing when their semester grade point average is 1.50 or higher and they have not more than one "F", "N", or "U" on their transcript for that semester. See Policy No. E2007.
Ministry of Education: The ministry of the BC Government responsible for providing education to BC students from kindergarten to grade 12. The Ministry of Education provides students with their official Grade 12 transcript.
Minor - A program of study requiring fewer courses than a major.
Mixed-Mode Courses - Courses offered using a combination of on-campus and online instruction.
myLangara - A portal that provides web access to Langara students for their personal, financial, and academic activities.
N
Non-Credit Course - A course that has no assigned value but is taken for its learning value. Usually graded "S" or "U".
Non-Credit Registration (Audit) - A regular course registration (with regular tuition charges) with a formal understanding that the student attends classes, does not write exams, and does not receive credit or a grade for the course. The instructor will normally determine the expectations of the student who registers in a course on a non-credit basis. Also see Audit.
O
Ombudsperson - An independent, impartial, and confidential resource to help students with problems such as grade appeals. The Langara ombudsperson is accessed through the Langara Students' Union.
Official Transcript - A transcript issued by Langara that has the institutional seal and official signature of the Registrar and is in a sealed envelope.
Online Registration - A process that allows students to register into Langara courses via the Internet.
Online Courses - Courses that are offered via the Internet. Students receive instruction and complete the course using the Web. Some courses have online components, but they are not described in the course schedule as online courses; they are described as mixed-mode courses.
Open Registration - The time period after scheduled registration when registration is open to all eligible students.
Orientation - Workshops and sessions combining informational and social events designed to welcome new students and to assist in their transition to the College. Orientations are usually held in the week before classes begin.
P
Parchment - The document awarded upon completion of a program of study, e.g., citation, certificate, diploma, associate degree, and bachelor's degree.
Part-time - At Langara, part-time study is defined as registration in fewer than nine credit hours.
Personal Education Number (PEN): A number assigned to BC students by the Ministry of Education. This number is used to match Grade 12 transcripts with applications to BC post-secondary colleges and universities. Also, a number assigned to post-secondary students who do not have a recent BC Grade 12 record.
Personal Identification Number (PIN) - PINs and Langara Registration Numbers are required to access student information on the Web. The PIN is the student's birth date in year, month and day order. Students are advised to change their PIN when they first enter the site. PINs should be kept strictly confidential.
PhD - A designation for most doctoral degrees: an abbreviation for doctor of philosophy.
Plagiarism - The presentation of another person's or source's words and/or images and/or ideas as if they were one's own. It ranges from an entire assignment that is not the student's own work to specific passages within an assignment taken from a source without acknowledgment. For plagiarism to occur, intent is not necessary; plagiarism can be either intentional or unintentional. In either case, it is unacceptable. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:
(a) directly quoting the words of others without using quotation marks or indented format to identify them; or
(b) using sources of information (published or unpublished) without identifying them; or
(c) paraphrasing materials or ideas of others without identifying the sources. See Policy No. F1004.
Policy - A definite course and/or method of action identified to guide and determine decisions made at the College. At Langara, policies are developed within the scope of the College Vision, Mission and Goals and implement the overall directives of the College Board. See Policy No. B1003.
Post-Secondary Application Service of B.C. (PASBC) - An online service that provides students the opportunity to apply for admission to BC public post-secondary institutions. Visit the PASBC website for more information.
Prerequisite - A requirement a student must fulfill before registering in a course. Unless otherwise noted, a minimum 'C-'; or 'S' grade in the prerequisite course is required. As well as courses, prerequisites may include minimum scores on placement tests, departmental permission, or acceptance into a particular program.
Prerequisite Override - Permission given by a department to register into a course for which the student does not have the prerequisite on their student file but for which the student provides evidence that they have the knowledge to be successful in the course.
Prior Learning Flexible Assessment and Recognition (PLFAR) - A process that enables people to gain recognition and credit for what they already know and can do. Opportunities for PLFAR are dependent upon the resources available to support the process, and therefore will only be available at Langara from time-to-time. Students are advised to check with the relevant department to confirm where flexible assessment is available within the department.
Probation, Academic - The status assigned to a student who has failed to achieve the Minimum Academic Standard in a semester. To return to Good Standing, students on Academic Probation must achieve the Minimum Academic standard in the subsequent semester. Students who do not attend Langara College immediately following the semester in which they are placed on Academic Probation will remain on Academic Probation in the next semester in which they register. See Policy No. E2008.
Program - A group of courses that when successfully completed leads to a citation, certificate, diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree. Programs offered at Langara College are categorized as follows: Arts and Science Programs, Career Programs, Arts and Science Limited Enrolment Programs, and Continuing Studies Programs.
R
Reactivation of Application for Admission - An action required when students apply for a specific semester, but do not register into any courses (or drop all courses in which they have registered). Students in this situation must reactivate their application for the next semester for which they want to register.
Receiving Institution - The institution to which a student intends to transfer, e.g., SFU or UBC.
References - An admission requirement for some programs. Normally, reference letters should be from a referee who knows the student from current or previous employment, e.g., supervisor; volunteer, or educational experiences. Some programs have specific reference requirements.
Refused application - An application refusal is sent to a student who has not met the admissions requirements or to a student whose application cannot be considered because the program has been filled with qualified applicants with earlier application dates.
Registrar - A senior officer of the College who is responsible for the management of academic administration and student administration. See Policy No. F1004.
Registration - The process of enrolling in and paying for courses once you have been accepted to the College. At Langara, students register by logging into Langara's login page.
Registration ID/Langara Student Number - This nine-digit number is given to students upon application to the College. This number remains with students for their lifetime, and along with a personal identification number, it is used to access all of the student functions through Langara's login page (the Web portal).
Registration Priority - Students are assigned a registration priority according to their status as a new student or a returning student. For new students, the registration priority is based on the date of application. For returning students, it is based on the number of credits completed and their Langara cumulative grade point average. Career and Arts and Science Limited Enrolment programs register according to their program and their term in the program. See the Registration Guide for further information.
Registration Restriction - Registration into a course is limited to students in a certain program or to students with certain prerequisites.
Regular Studies, Langara College - Regular Studies include first- and second-year arts and science programs and courses and more than 30 career programs. Completion of these programs may lead to a bachelor degree, associate degree, diploma, certificate, or citation.
Residency - The number of courses or credits (or percentage of a program) a student must complete at an institution to graduate from that institution. At Langara, students must complete a minimum of 40% of the credits for their credential at Langara, including all the core courses that are required in the last half of the program.
S
Scholarship - Is a non-repayable cash payment or prize award made to a student in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. This achievement may be awarded for overall accomplishment, specific requirements for a course grade or exemplary completion of a project or piece of work. Students can get more information from the Financial Aid Office or by visiting the Financial Aid website.
Section Information Summary - An online document that provides a brief outline of the educational course content, grading scheme, texts, mode of delivery, etc., of a credit course offered at Langara.
Semester/Term - At Langara, the academic year is divided into three semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Terms refer to the program level, e.g., the Journalism Diploma program has four terms and Term 1 begins in the Fall Semester (September to December).
Seminar - A small discussion group; either a focussed part of a class or a limited enrolment class where discussion is emphasized.
Sending Institution - The institution from which a student is transferring. Langara is a sending institution for students transferring to B.C. universities or other post-secondary institutions.
Stand-out Period - The minimum period during which a student is not permitted to re-register at the College following placement on Academic Suspension. See Policy No. E2008.
Student Loans - A major source of need-based financial assistance provided by the federal and provincial governments. The governments pay interest on student loans while the borrower is engaged in full-time study, but the borrower must begin repaying loan principal and interest six months after s/he ceases to be registered in at least 60% (9 credits) of a full course load per semester. Students with disabilities may qualify for a student loan with a reduced course load of 40% (6 credits) per semester.
Student Number/Langara ID Number - This nine-digit number is given to students upon application to the College. This number remains with students for their lifetime, and along with a personal identification number, it is used to access all of the student functions through myLangara (the Web portal).
Student Services - A broad range of services that support student academic endeavours and personal well-being. See Student Services on the Langara College website for a complete list of student services.
Student Work Assistance Program (SWAP) - The Langara College student employment on campus program. Students apply to the Financial Aid Department to participate.
Study Permit or Student Visa - A permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada that allows international students to study in Canada.
Study Grant - The Government of Canada offers Canada Study Grants to financially assist post-secondary students with permanent disabilities, part-time students, and students with dependants. Unlike student loans, Canada Study Grants do not have to be repaid.
SUB - Students' Union Building
Syllabus (also called a course outline) - A description of the main content, organization and expected outcomes of a course, normally including the number of credits awarded, hours of class time, assignments, assignment evaluation, and required texts.
T
Term/Semester - At Langara, the academic year is divided into three semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Terms refer to the program level, e.g., the Journalism Diploma program has four terms and Term 1 begins in the Fall Semester (September to December).
Transcript - The formal document provided by Langara College that verifies a student's enrolment and achievement at the College. The transcript records course name, number, credits, and grades; dates of enrolment; and any credentials awarded. Students may order their Langara official transcripts online through myLangara, by mail, by fax, or in person.
Transfer - The granting of credit (transfer credit) toward a credential by one institution for programs and courses completed at another. Credit is normally transferred on a course-by-course basis; however, there are several block transfer agreements where whole programs transfer to another post-secondary institution. In BC, transfer agreements exist among the colleges, university-colleges, universities, and institutes. Visit the BCCAT website for more information.
Transfer Credit - Recognition of approved equivalent studies from other institutions. The course and grade appear as transfer credit on the Langara transcript, but the grade and credit are not calculated into the Langara College cumulative grade point average.
U
Unassigned Credit - Course credit granted when an equivalent course does not exist at the receiving institution. The credit earned may be used to meet an elective requirement or may be used in lieu of a required course (see Course Exemption).
Undergraduate Degree - See Bachelor's Degree
Undergraduate Student - A student registered in an undergraduate faculty or in a program leading to a bachelor's degree.
Unit - See Credit.
UPass - A transit pass issued to students each semester that provides unlimited access to TansLink Bus, Skytrain, and Seabus services throughout Metro Vancouver and discounts on the West Coast Express.
Upper-Level/Division Courses - Less general, more focused courses, usually making up most of the final two years of a bachelor's degree.
W
Waitlists - An efficient and fair way for students to access seats in full course sections as they become available during the registration period. When a seat becomes available, the first student on the waitlist is given an offer to register into the course.
Web Registration - Students register at Langara using the Internet. Web registration is the term used to describe registration at Langara and the term used to access the registration system in the student portal, myLangara.
Withdrawal - Students who do not want to continue in a course after the "drop" date (normally after the fifth day of classes for regular semester courses) must withdraw from their course, and a "W" will appear on the student's record/transcript. Students use myLangara to withdraw from a course. Deadline dates for withdrawals are noted in the semester Registration Guide and Course Schedule.
Y
Year-Level - The level within a program of study or the level of the course, e.g., first-year student or first-year course.