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| A.A. | Associate of arts degree. A degree awarded to students with a 2.0 or higher G.P.A. who have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours, including a general education core of 36 credit hours. This degree is designed to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. |
| A.A.S. | Associate of applied science degree. A degree awarded to students with a 2.0 or higher G.P.A. who have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours, including a general education core of 20 credit hours. This degree is primarily designed to prepare students for immediate employment. |
| A.A.T. | Associate of arts in teaching degree. (A.A.T.) The A.A.T. is a degree awarded to students preparing to transfer to elementary education programs in Maryland. This is a 64 credit hour program comprised of a highly specific set of courses, including a 36 credit hour general education core. (Course substitutions are not possible.) To earn the A.A.T., students must complete the program with a 2.75 or higher G.P.A. They must also pass the Praxis I exam. (HCC also has an A.A. in elementary education. It is critical that students consult with an advisor about their transfer plans and the best elementary education option for them.) |
| Academic Year | HCC's academic year starts with the Summer 3 semester. A full academic year includes the Summer 3, Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer 1, Summer 1E and Summer 2 semesters. The academic year and the catalogue year coincide. |
| Accreditation | Accreditation is approval granted by an organization, government agency, or other entity, which certifies that an educational institution meets specific, approved operating and educational standards. HCC is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the National League for Nursing, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. It is also fully approved by the Veterans Administration for veterans' benefits. |
| Advising Weeks | Advising weeks are a two-week period scheduled both in the fall and in the spring to prepare students to register for the upcoming terms. For example, fall advising weeks are generally scheduled around the end of October and beginning of November to prepare students to register early for the winter and spring semesters. While students can be advised year-round through the Office of Admissions and Advising, the advising weeks period is designed to place special emphasis on advising and early preparation and registration for the upcoming terms. |
| Advisor | A professional staff or faculty member with specific expertise in helping students with academic planning. HCC's Office of Admissions and Advising is the college's primary provider of advising services. |
| Add/Drop | See Drop/Add. |
| Allied Health | Allied Health programs include Cardiovascular Technology, Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic, Nursing, and Radiologic Technology. These programs lead to certificates and/or degrees that provide immediate entry into a career field. |
| Alumnus | An alumnus is a person who has graduated or attended a school, college, or university. The HCC Alumni and Friends Association is the college's organization for its graduates, former students, and friends. |
| ARTSYS | ARTSYS is a computer program that assist students transferring from Maryland community colleges to University of Maryland System colleges and universities and some area private colleges and universities. It provides information about course transferability and program (major) requirements. ARTSYS is available on the internet at http://artweb.usmd.edu. |
| Audit | An enrollment option for a credit class. No credit is earned for audited courses. A final grade of "N" (designating "audit") will appear on the transcript. Students must select this option within a specified time period. |
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| Bachelor's Degree | The degree awarded by four-year colleges and universities. There are different types of bachelor's degrees such as a B.A. (bachelor of arts), B.S. (bachelor of science), and B.F.A. (bachelor of fine arts). Each four-year institution makes its own determination about the type of bachelor's degrees it offers and the qualifications necessary for receiving one or the other. |
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| Campus Direct | There are several ways to request an official copy of your HCC transcript. Campus Direct is one of these ways. Campus Direct is actually a private contractor who forwards your request to HCC for processing. Although using this service does not guarantee that your transcripts will be processed sooner than through any other method, it does enable you to submit your request by phone or online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (with the exception of Christmas week). To find out more about all methods for requesting an official transcript, visit The Office of Records and Registration. |
| CampusWeb | CampusWeb is a form of online course that combines online and on-campus classroom instruction. It is particularly recommended for students who are taking an online class for the first time and for those who like the convenience of an online course, but enjoy the dynamics of classroom instruction. |
| Career Programs | Learning programs (majors) designed to give students the academic background and career skills necessary for direct entry into the job market. Career programs lead to certificates of proficiency or A.A.S. degrees. |
| Catalogue | HCC's catalogue describes the college's policies, procedures, services, learning programs, and courses. It also lists the college's full-time faculty and administrative and professional staff. The catalogue is printed once a year. |
| Catalogue Year | HCC's catalogue year coincides with its academic year. The college publishes a new catalogue for each new academic year. Students follow the programs and program requirements as outlined in the catalogue in effect at the time they initially enroll. The exceptions to this rule are: a) if and when students change their learning program, they must follow the requirements of the catalogue in effect at the time of the change (or a later catalogue if they choose); b) if a student has been out of the college for more than two academic years, the catalogue in place when they return is the one they must follow; and c) a student may always choose to follow a later catalogue year (they may not choose an earlier one). It is very important to consult with an academic advisor to determine how a new catalogue may impact specific course prerequisites, transfer requirements, and other important academic requirements. |
| Certifications | Certification is a credential granted by an external organization or company confirming that an individual has specific skills in a certain area. Certification is often awarded as a result of testing. In some cases, some combination of experience, instruction, and testing may also be required. Certification is different than licensing in that a license is almost always granted by a local, state, and/or federal government agency, while certification is granted by companies and organizations. HCC has several programs that lead to certification. For example, various cardiovascular technology programs lead to qualification to take the national certification exam to become a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist. Various computer support technology and network administration programs prepare students for industry certification exams such as the CompTIA i-Net+, the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS), and others. |
| Certificates of Proficiency | Available in selected career programs and requiring specific career courses. Certificates involve fewer requirements than degree programs. |
| Change of Information Form | Used to officially change a student's name, address, phone number, social security number, email, or emergency contacts. Download this form at: http://www.howardcc.edu/admissions/Forms.html |
| Change of Learning Program Form | Used to officially change a student's learning program or program option. Must be signed by an advisor. Download this form at: http://www.howardcc.edu/admissions/Forms.html |
| College-Level Courses | These courses may count toward degree requirements at Howard Community College and may generally be used as transfer credits to other colleges and universities. They are numbered 100 and above. |
| Commencement | Commencement is the ceremony marking graduation. Students maybe awarded diplomas following the summer 2, fall, spring, and summer 1 semesters. HCC's commencement ceremony takes place in May, immediately following the end of the spring semester. |
| Competitive Admissions | Used for HCC's Accelerated Nursing program. Students must meet baseline criteria for inclusion in the pool of qualified candidates. Applicants are compared to one another and offered admission on the basis of their qualifications, and other factors. |
| Consolidated Fee | The consolidated fee helps pay the general costs of technology, facilities, instructional materials, and student activities. All credit students pay a consolidated fee, which is currently assessed at 1percent of in-county tuition (regardless of the tuition rate a student is charged). |
| Co-requisite | A co-requisite is a course that must be taken with or before enrolling in another course. Ex: ENGL-106 Successful Learning Strategies must be taken with or before ENGL 096, Fundamentals of Academic Reading. |
| Course Codes | Course codes are alphabetic abbreviations for the subject areas; for example, the course code for English is ENGL, the code for Biology is BIOL, and so on. A full listing of course codes is available in the catalogue. |
| Course Fee | Course fees are charged for some courses to cover the specific costs of their required instructional materials and supplies. Course fees vary. |
| Course Number | A three-digit number that identifies a specific course within each subject. EX: English classes may be numbered ENGL-121, ENGL-122, ENGL-201, etc. |
| Credit/Semester Hour | A credit (sometimes called a semester hour) is a unit of measurement applied to college coursework. One credit equals approximately one hour of classroom instruction per week. Most college courses are three credits. Credits are also used to calculate tuition and are a factor in a student's grade point average (GPA). |
| Credit Load | A credit load represents the number of credit hours a student has registered for in a given semester. It is generally recommended that a first-semester student take a maximum of 12-15 credits. |
| CVT | Cardiovascular Technology. The college offers A.A.S. and certificate CVT options. The CVT Program is a Statewide Instructional Program. See Health Career Admissions. |
| Cyber Cafe | HCC's Cyber Cafe is located in The Galley (cafeteria). Students can access the Internet free of charge. |
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| Deregistration | The process the college uses to drop students from classes when they have not paid their bills in full by the required deadline. Students receiving financial aid and/or scholarships or those using the college's payment plan may have a different payment schedule from other students. It is each student's responsibility to determine the schedule that is appropriate to them and pay on time. Contact the Finance Office or Financial Aid Services for further information about paying your bill. |
| Developmental/College Preparatory Courses | These courses teach reading, writing, or math skills that prepare students for college-level coursework. They are numbered in the 060s, 070s, 080s, and 090s (i.e., ENGL-096) and are required for students who place into them. The credits earned for these classes count toward a student's GPA (grade point average). They can be covered by financial aid, but are not transferable and do not count toward degree requirements. |
| Dragon | The Dragon is HCC's mascot. |
| Drop/Add | The process used during the first three weeks of class when students need to alter their class schedules after having been registered. Dropped courses do not appear on a student transcript. Full or partial refunds are available, depending on when in the drop period a student drops the class. (Do not confuse "dropping" a class with "withdrawing" from a class. See "Withdrawal Period.") |
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| ELB | English, Languages, and Business Building. The ELB is HCC's newest facility. The English/Foreign Languages and the Business and Computers division offices are located in the ELB, along with many high tech labs and classrooms. |
| Elective Courses | Courses that a student may choose to take as part of his/her learning program and that count toward graduation requirements. |
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| FAFSA | Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is the form used to apply for federal financial aid. English and Spanish versions are available. The FAFSA may be completed online. Print copies are available at HCC's Admissions and Advising and Financial Aid Services offices as well as Howard County public high school guidance offices. |
| Financial Aid | Scholarships, grants, loans, and work assignments, that are awarded to a student to help pay for all or part of college costs. See Financial Aid Services. |
| Financial Aid Services | The HCC office that administers student financial aid services, including federal and state financial aid, scholarships, loans, and work study programs. See Financial Aid Services for more information. |
| Full Time | Enrollment in 12 or more credits in a major term (fall or spring). Students in selected health career programs, including clinical course work, may be considered full time with fewer credits in some cases. |
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| Galleria | HCC's Galleria is a large student lounge and activity area located adjacent to the first floors of the Student Activities (SA), Science and Technology (ST), and Library (L) buildings. |
| Galley | HCC's cafeteria is called the Galley. |
| Game Room | HCC's Game Room is located on the first floor of the Student Activities Building adjacent to The Galleria. It is equipped with a wide-screen TV, tennis, and pool tables, air hockey, computerized games, and other recreational equipment and materials. |
| General Education Core | Core courses are those courses required of all students pursuing a college degree. They include courses in composition, literature, fine arts, humanities, mathematics, science, history, social sciences, and interdisciplinary and emerging issues. Students completing the associate of arts degree must complete at least 36 core credits; students completing the associate of applied science degree must complete at least 20 core credits. |
| Grade Point Average (GPA) | Also referred to as Quality Point Average (QPA). The QPA is the ratio of grade points earned to the number of credit hours attempted. Grades of A, B, C, D, and F are part of the GPA calculation. To compute the GPA, add all the grade points earned and divide this sum by the number of semester hours attempted. |
| Grade Points | Also referred to as quality points. The numerical value of a grade multiplied by the credit hours for a course. (A=4 pts.; B=3 pts.; C=2 pts.; D=1 pt.). EX: A student earning an A (4 points/credit) in a 3 credit course will earn 12 grade points. |
| Graduation Petition | Petitioning to graduate is a formal process for all students planning to receive a certificate or degree. Students must complete a graduation petition form and meet with an academic advisor, who will conduct the initial evaluation of their academic record. If the student has completed all certificate or degree requirements or will do so during the term this review is conducted, the advisor will sign the petition. The student must then submit their graduation petition form and a $25 fee to the Office of Records and Registration for final review. Deadlines for submitting graduation petitions are: March 15 for May graduation; April 15 for Summer 1 graduation; and October 15 for December graduation. (Please note that commencement ceremonies are conducted in May only.) For more information regarding graduation requirements, please consult the college's catalogue. |
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| HCC | HCC is a frequently used abbreviation for Howard Community College. |
| HCC Express | HCC's online credit registration system. HCC Express enables students to check course availability, register for credit classes, view their schedule, and pay their bills online. It also gives students access to their grades, unofficial transcripts, and financial aid status. The course availability feature may be accessed by anyone; all other features require a login ID and personal identification number (PIN). To find out more, click on the HCC Express image or go to https://www.hccexpress.net. |
| Health Manpower Shortage Program | The State of Maryland has designated certain health career learning programs as health manpower shortage programs (HMSP) to address critical workforce shortages. All legal residents of Maryland (including active-duty military and their dependents) may enroll in these programs at the in-county tuition rate. HCC's HMSPs are Nursing and Emergency Medical Services. The HMSP provides a tuition benefit only. Howard County residents continue to have priority admission for clinical coursework. (Tuition benefits are also available to out-of-state residents for the nursing program only with additional conditions.) See Health Career Admissions. |
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| Kids' Connection | HCC’s Kids’ Connection website is designed as a service for the young people in our community who are in grades 4 - 8. It is also designed as a resource for those who are parenting, teaching, coaching, counseling, and mentoring them. HCC seeks to contribute to the development of critical thinking skills and to making learning fun and exciting for youngsters who will be our community’s future leaders, professionals, and parents. Features include our Book Nook, Excellent Expert, Fascinating Facts, Geography Genius, Lotsa Links, and much more! | |
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| LAC | Learning Assistance Center. The LAC provides tutoring and other types of academic support services to all students enrolled in credit courses. It is located on the second floor of the Learning Resources Center Building in Room L-230. Call 410-772-4822 (V/TDD) for further information. |
| Laurel College Center (LCC) | The Laurel College Center is an innovative partnership of three colleges: HCC, Prince George's Community College, and the University of Baltimore. Its purpose is to make higher education more accessible to people who live or work in the Laurel area. It is located in downtown Laurel on 312 Marshall Avenue, directly off of Route 1. More information about the LCC is available at www.laurelcollegecenter.org and by calling the LCC's toll-free number at 1-866-228-6110. |
| Learning Program | A planned series of courses aimed at an academic and/or career goal resulting in a certificate, A.A., or A.A.S. degree. |
| Letter of Recognition | Available in selected career programs and requiring fewer specialized courses than a certificate of proficiency. |
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| Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) | MHEC is the state of Maryland's higher education coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges and universities and for-profit career schools. MHEC also administers state financial aid programs that affect students on a statewide basis. |
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| New Student Orientation | New Student Orientation (NSO) is a program offered immediately before an upcoming fall or spring semester to prepare new students for college success. Information is provided about academic policies and procedures, services, and campus life. Some campus programs offer specialized orientation sessions for their students in addition to the main NSO program. For more information about NSO or to sign up to attend, contact the Office of Student Life. |
| NJCAA | The National Junior College Athletic Association. NJCAA is the national governing body for two-year college athletic programs. HCC is a member of NJCAA and follows its rules. |
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| Official Transcript | A printed record of a student's academic history, issued by the Office of Records and Registration, that is stamped and/or marked "Official" and is enclosed in a sealed envelope marked "Unofficial if Opened". Download an official transcript request form at http://www.howardcc.edu/admissions/Forms.html |
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| Part-Time | Enrollment in fewer than 12 credits in a major term (Fall or Spring). |
| Petitioning to Graduate | Please see Graduation Petition. |
| Phi Theta Kappa | Phi Theta Kappa is the national two-year college honor society. HCC's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is Alpha Alpha Sigma. To be invited to join students must accumulate at least 12 credits in 100- and 200-level courses during a Fall or Spring semester and have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average with no F, L, or W grades. Phi Theta Kappa scholarships are available at HCC and at many transfer institutions (specific criteria are involved; contact Financial Aid Services or the Transfer Center). |
| Placement Tests | These are computerized English and math tests that assess students' skills and place them into developmental or college-level courses. Their purpose is to ensure that students are equipped with the best possible skills for academic success. Test exemption may be possible based upon prior college level coursework or certain SAT, ACT, AP or CLEP scores. |
| Portfolio Assessment | Portfolio Assessment is a process that enables students to effectively document prior non-traditional learning acquired through employment, self-study, volunteer work, civic activities, etc. in order to demonstrate that they have acquired college-level skills directly related to courses in their learning program. It is possible for students to earn up to 15 credits through portfolio assessment. Interested students should consult with an advisor for more information. |
| Pre-Professional Programs | Pre-professional programs differ from Allied Health programs. Pre-professional programs prepare students for transfer to bachelor's degree programs, and in many cases the career fields require master's or doctorate-level work (e.g. medicine, pharmacy, etc.). |
| Prerequisite | A course required before enrolling in another course. Ex: MATH 140 - Calculus I prior to enrolling in Calculus II. |
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| Quality Points | See Grade Points. |
| Quality Point Average | See Grade Point Average. |
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| Required Courses | Courses that are needed to complete a student's learning program. |
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| Satisfactory Academic Progress | At the end of the fall and spring semesters, students' records of courses, credits, and grades are reviewed based on the MINIMUM standards for satisfactory performance. These are: - a minimum semester grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and
- successful completion of at least 50% of the credits attempted each semester.
Financial aid recipients are subject to additional standards of satisfactory academic progress as required by government regulations. |
| Schedule of Classes | The schedule of classes lists all the classes being offered during a specific term (semester). Courses are listed in alphabetic and numerical order. Days and times of each courses' sections are listed. The credit schedule of classes is printed four times a year. The non-credit schedule is printed four times a year. These schedules are mailed to most county residents. The HCC Express Course Availability feature has the most up to date listing of open credit classes.) |
| Section Number | A number or letter-number combination used to identify each section offered for a specific course. EX: ENGL-121 is the course and 113 is a section of the course. Section sometimes indicates if the course is taught online, as a telecourse, etc. EX: ENGL-101-N191 is a section taught online; N designates online. |
| Selective Admissions | Used for HCC's Cardiovascular Technology, Traditional Nursing, and Rad Tech programs. Students must meet baseline criteria for inclusion in the pool of qualified candidates. Students are evaluated based on the baseline criteria, not against one another. |
| Semester | Semester is a term of study. In addition to two 14 week semesters each year(fall and spring), Howard Community College offers four summer terms and a winter session, which are 4-8 weeks long. |
| Semester Hours | See credit hours. |
| SGA | Student Government Association. The SGA is the official voice of HCC's student body and enables students to be involved in the development and administration of college policies. In cooperation with the Office of Student Life, the SGA is also responsible for designating funds for student clubs and organizations. It assists in selecting specific themes and issues for programs brought to the college by the student body. SGA members also represents students on various college and statewide committees. |
| SPB | Student Programming Board. The SPB selects, plans and implements social and educational activities for HCC's students. |
| Statewide Instructional Programs | The State of Maryland has designated certain programs as Statewide Instructional Programs (SIP) in order to provide students access and opportunity without unnecessary program duplication. Legal residents of Maryland enrolling in these programs are entitled to the same tuition and admissions benefits as in-county residents. HCC's SIPs are Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Technology and Photonics Technology. |
| Subject Code | The four-letter abbreviation used to identify a particular subject. EX: CMSY for Computer Systems or BIOL for Biology. The subject appears before the course number. EX:BIOL-101 |
| Syllabus | A summary or outline of specific course objectives, assignments, and the grading formula distributed in each class at the beginning of the semester. |
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| TDD | Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired. HCC's main TDD number is 410-772-4023. The Learning Assistance Center's TDD number is 410-772-4822 (which is both a voice and TDD number) |
| The Times | The Times is HCC's student newspaper. |
| TouchTone Registration | TouchTone Registration is HCC's telephone registration and bill payment option for credit and non-credit students. Call 410-715-3800 8:00 a.m. - midnight. (Students who are deaf or have hearing impairments should call the TDD number 410-772-4023.) |
| Transcript | A copy of a student's academic record. Official copies may be obtained from the Office of Records and Registration. Students may print unofficial copies from HCC Express. |
| Transfer Credit | Coursework completed at another accredited college that is similar in nature, content and level of instruction to courses at HCC and applies to the student's learning program. Courses will be evaluated for transfer if an official transcript is submitted to the Office of Admissions and Advising with a completed Transcript Evaluation Request Form and the appropriate fee. |
| Transfer Programs | Programs of study (majors) designed for transfer to other colleges and universities to complete degree programs. It is important for students who select transfer programs to work closely with academic advisors. Students planning to transfer to a Maryland public (and some private) college or university should work with the computer program, ARTSYS, while taking courses at Howard Community College. |
| Tuition | Tuition is the cost of class instruction. It is charged by credit hour for credit classes. There are 3 tuition rates: in-county; in-state; out-of-state. These rates are charged based on a student's legal residence (with certain exceptions provided by law). At HCC, the maximum number of credits a student must pay for each term is 15 even if they are taking more than 15 credits. |
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| Unofficial Transcript | A printed record of a student's academic history that contains all courses both past and current, but is not stamped and/or marked "Official" and is not enclosed in a sealed envelope marked "Unofficial if Opened". |
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| Withdrawal Period | Period of time after the Drop/Add period, but well into the semester, when a student may withdraw from a class. A grade of W will appear on his/her transcript. Refunds are not available. Refer to the Schedule of Classes each semester for the first and last day to withdraw. Withdraw dates will differ for classes that meet less than the entire semester. (Do not confuse withdrawing from a class with dropping. See Drop/Add.) |
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