Student Handbook Lingo
Here are some common terms you will hear around ASU's West campus.
But don't forget that the University Catalog is still the official source
of academic policies and procedures.
Advisors - Also known as Student Support Specialists, or Academic Advisors. Each academic unit has advisors to assist students in developing programs of study and understanding rules, procedures, and curriculum requirements.
ASASUW - Associated Students of ASU West (Student Government). Elected student representatives who serve as "the voice" for students on campus issues.
CLCC - Classroom Lab/Computer Classroom Building. Located on the northeast side of campus.
CM:GPA - Cumulative GPA. Your overall, combined grade point average.
Course Description - Written definition of material to be covered in classes. Course descriptions are found in ASU West's Catalog.
CRNX - Classroom Annex. Located on the south side of campus.
DARS - Degree Audit Reporting System. A degree audit is an automated record, which matches courses a student has completed with the requirements of a particular academic degree program.
DOG - Declaration of Graduation. Student must file within the semester he/she earns the 81st credit hour.
DRC - Margaret Francis Disability Resource Center, located in UCB 130.
Drop/Add - a course. Students registering for courses for a semester or summer session may drop or add courses through the first week of classes in a semester or the first two days of a summer session.
ER - Earned Hours. Reflects the total hours earned and the credits transferred from another college.
FAB - Faculty/Administration Building. Located on the northeast side of campus, this building houses Academic Affairs, Academic Colleges, Faculty Offices, Basement classrooms, Copy Center, Information Technology, Institutional Advancement, and Office of the Provost.
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Form that is filled out when students want to be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, loans, or federal work-study.
FAN - Financial Aid Notification. The award letter sent by Financial Aid to students listing the types and amounts of aid the student is eligible to receive through ASU West.
GPA - Grade Point Average.
- To compute your semester GPA (SM:GPA), multiply the grade point value of the grade you received by the credit hours of the course. The product will be the honor points for a given course. A=4pts, B=3pts, C=2pts, D=1pt, E=0pts
- Divide total honor points (HP) by the total number of semester hours graded (NT) to obtain your semester GPA.
HP - Honor Points. Total honor points for all grades received at ASU used to calculate your GPA.
IAPNX - Interdisciplinary Arts Annex. Located on the south side of campus.
LEC - Learning Enhancement Center. Offers tutoring in writing, mathematics, and other areas; located in Fletcher Library, lower level 2.
NT - Net Hours. Reflects all your earned ASU hours for which you received a grade (pass/fail credits are not included)
Post Bac - Post Baccalaureate Certificate. Programs designed for students already possessing an undergraduate degree.
Pre Reg - Pre-Registration.
Pre-Req - Pre-requisite. A beginning course that prepares students for a more difficult or advanced course. Prerequisites will be listed with the course description in the Catalog.
SANDS - Sands Classroom Building. Located on the southwest side of campus this building houses Kiva Lecture Hall and Sand Trap snack bar.
Semester - The period of time within the academic calendar (usually 16 weeks) during which academic courses are offered. The University has three semesters per academic year: Fall, Spring, Summer. A semester can also have separate terms within it. Some may run the entire semester and others may be for a shorter period of time.
Syllabus - A course guideline containing assignments, readings, exam dates, professor's office hours, and other important information regarding the course.
Sundial - Phone system that provides a convenient method of processing registration and tuition payment transactions and for obtaining your semester grades.
Technopolis - Student Computing access center located on the lower level of Fletcher Library.
UCB - University Center Building. Located on the north side of campus, this building houses Admission Services, Registration Services, Financial Aid Services, Disability Resource Center, Bookstore, Cafeteria, Student Accounts, and Student Development Services.