Tulane University: Glossary
2008-2009 Academic Year
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Grade-point average (GPA): A measure of scholastic performance; the ration of
quality points earned to semester hours attempted.
Honor Code: Procedures in dealing with academic assignments that are
misrepresented by the student to be his/her work, or cooperation in such a
misrepresentation.
Interdivisional transfer [IDT]: The procedure for transfer from one school or
college within the university to another.
Joint-degree programs: A program whereby a student may pursue an
undergraduate degree and a graduate degree
Leave of absence: An interruption in enrollment, approved by the Associate
Dean of Newcomb-Tulane College, which permits re-enrollment without an
application for readmission.
Major: The primary field of study; students will take the majority of their
required courses in this area.
Matriculation: The state of being registered for credit and working toward a
specific degree.
Minor: The student's field of secondary academic emphasis.
Over/Under load: Stated minimum and maximum course loads for which
approval must be obtained from the students' dean.
Pre-professional program: A program of study in preparation for entry into a
professional degree program at another institution or another division of the
University.
Prerequisites: The preliminary requirement, usually credit in another course, that
must be met before a course may be taken.
Privacy act: The privacy of students' records and affairs is protected under the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended [P.L. 93-380],
preventing the distribution of any information other than `directory information'
on a student.
Probation and dismissal: Failure to meet the minimum semester requirements
toward graduation for the fall or spring semester will result in being placed on
academic probation. Academic deficiencies not corrected in the subsequent
semester or in the Tulane Summer School will be cause for dismissal from the
University.
Proficiency examination: A test equivalent to a final examination in a college-
level course in which a beginning student not formally enrolled may demonstrate
competence.
Quality of work: The progress toward the baccalaureate degree measured by
credits and quality points at the close of each semester.
Quality point: Numerical value assigned to each letter grade from A to F, when
given as the final grade in a course; provides a basis for quantitative
determination a grade point average.
Registration: The process by which a [duly admitted] student, upon payment of
required tuition and fees, is enrolled in classes.
Residency requirement: The period of time students are required to be enrolled
for a designated number of courses or credits.
ROTC: The Reserve Officers Training Corps program.