09-10_Academiccatalog(Fullcatalog4.30mb) - Kankakee ...

Glossary of terms
academic placement: Unless direct from a high school which provides
an ACT score, most entering credit students are required to
take institutional placement tests which determine knowledge in
basic reading, writing and math or provide formal documentation
of basic learning skills. The KCC assessment test is COMPASS.
academic calendar: Important dates for each semester; e.g.,
registration, when classes begin, withdrawal deadlines, holidays
and exams.
academic adviser: KCC staff member who assists students in
planning course work to complete their academic goals.
activity fee: A per semester hour fee which supports the development
of activities designed for student participation.
area of concentration: Courses that create a foundation for an
intended major or electives to meet credit-hour requirements for
a degree.
associate degree: Various types are offered at KCC including
Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), Associate in
Applied Science (A.A.S.), Associate in Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.),
Associate in Engineering Science (A.E.S.), Associate in Fine Arts
(A.F.A.), and Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.).
articulated course: A course that meets the requirements for a
specific course or elective credit at a four-year college or university.
This term could also apply to a high school course that meets the
requirements of a specific college course.
attendance policy: The number of absences permitted will vary
from class to class.
audit: Taking a class to benefit from experience without receiving
a grade or college credit. The cost of auditing a course is the
same as that charged for enrolling for credit. Special registration
procedures apply.
certificates: Certificates and advanced certificates are awarded to
students who complete specific requirements in career education
certificate programs.
chargeback: Tuition assistance for individuals who reside outside
the KCC district and want to enroll in a curriculum that is not
offered by their local community college.
cooperative agreement: The understanding between KCC and
other community colleges that out-of-district students can pay
in-district tuition rates when enrolled in programs named under
the agreement. Selected programs are available at in-district rates
at other community colleges as well.
credit by examination: Course credit awarded to students demonstrating
knowledge through proficiency exams.
credit hour: The unit used to quantitatively measure courses. The
number of credits assigned to a course is usually determined by
the number of in-class hours per week and the number of weeks
per session.
degree: Awarded to a student who has completed all requirements
for a program of study.
department or division chair: Person who assists in the organization
of curricula, scheduling of classes, and management of faculty
members within his/her department or division.
developmental course work: Provides the knowledge of basic reading,
writing, and mathematical skills that are necessary for success
in the course or program of study chosen by the student. Developmental
courses often do not meet graduation requirements.
disciplinary action: Students who fail to comply with KCC policies,
regulations, and rules will be subject to disciplinary action,
which may include dismissal from the college.
district: The communities within the geographic boundaries of
the college.
drop a course: Action taken when a student no longer wants
to take a course for which he or she has registered. A course
dropped during the refund period does not appear on the student’s
transcript. Dates when a drop is permitted are listed in
course syllabi.
elective: Course that a student chooses (elects) to take in order
to reach the required number of hours for a certificate or degree.
Some curricula have “suggested electives” or “program electives.”
extension sites: An outreach center of KCC offering credit and/
or non-credit courses.
extracurricular activities: Activities and events offered beyond
regularly scheduled coursework; e.g. intramural sports.
fee: Money charged for additional services other than tuition
(e.g. laboratory fee).
financial aid: Financial assistance designed to bridge the gap
between the resources of students and their families and the
cost of attending KCC. The different forms of financial aid are:
grants, loans, work on or off campus, scholarships, and veterans’
benefits.
flexible scheduling: Classes offered with varying times, course
lengths and locations that respond to the students’ needs.
full time: Enrollment in 12 or more credit hours per semester
(six credit hours in summer).
general studies: A type of associate degree (A.G.S.) intended for
students whose educational goals cannot be precisely met by other
degree programs. The A.G.S. is awarded in personalized curricula
that have been agreed upon by the student and his/her adviser
within college regulations.
grade point: Numerical value assigned to the letter grade received
in a class. Used to calculate a grade point average.
graduation petition: A form required for a student to be considered
for graduation.
honors: Distinction awarded to students based on exemplary
achievements.
incomplete grade: If a student is passing a course and misses the
final examination (with authorization of the appropriate division
chair) or fails to complete a major course assignment, the instructor
may assign a grade of “I” – Incomplete. Coursework must be
completed within the time period stated on the approval request,
not to exceed six months.
international student procedure: Non-U.S. citizens who plan to
attend KCC must comply with the student and exchange visitor
information system (SEVIS) application procedure.
lecture/lab: Number of hours students spend in a course per week
in lecture and/or laboratory time.
orientation: An information session designed to introduce students
to KCC programs, services, and facilities.
part time: Enrollment in fewer than 12 credit hours per semester
(less than six credit hours in summer).
188 Kankakee Community College • 2009-10 catalog