Learning the Lingo

All new students should become familiar with the following important terms:

What is a credit (hour)?

A standard measure of the amount of instructional time required to successfully complete a course. (For example, ENG 101, College Writing, is a 3 Credit Hour course, which usually means that it will meet for 3 hours each week. For the credit hours and length of each class session and lab hours, if any, check the College catalog, semester schedule, or with your advisor regarding specific courses.)

What is an academic program of study?

MxCC offers a variety of programs to prepare you for a career. Use our Career and Major Exploration tool.  Each program has a set of required courses and credits to complete.

What is the course schedule?

The course schedule is published before the start of each semester and the summer session in hardcopy booklet format and online.  It includes the listing of all classes offered with the days, times, classroom, campus, and instructor for each section identified.  Also included is the semester's calendar, a list of registration dates, and other instructions.

What is the student handbook?

The Middlesex Student Handbook is an annual publication designed to introduce students to the various services, college policies, and programs. The handbook is designed to be used in conjunction with the College Catalog and the class schedule.

What is a registration form?

New students will receive a registration form  at the time of registration.  All new students are required to meet with an advisor at the time of registration.  Forms are submitted to the Records Office.   Only continuing students may register for classes online.

What is the Records Office?

The Records Office is responsible for overseeing student academic records and all registration activities for credit courses.

What is a transcript?

A transcipt is an official record of your academic history. It shows the courses you have taken, grades received in those courses, as well as your semester and cumulative grade point averages.  The transcript can be accessed by logging on to www.my.commnet.edu and following instructions for student log-in.

What is the G.P.A.?

The G.P.A. (cumulative GPA) is a student's grade point average. At the end of each semester, students receive grades in every course in which they were enrolled. Grades represent various levels of accomplishment. Except for developmental courses, grades carry certain "grade points" which are numerical expressions used to determine each students academic standing. The following table lists the grades used and their corresponding grade points.

Below is an example of a grade point calculation of a student enrolled with 12 credits..

What GPA (Grade Point Average) receives the “Honors,” “High Honors”, or “Highest Honors” designation?

A GPA of 3.2 or higher is awarded “Honors” designation
A GPA of 3.5 or higher is awarded “High Honors” designation.
A GPA of 3.8 or higher is awarded “Highest Honors” designation.

What is the Dean’s List?

Placement on the Dean’s List is recognition for academic achievement. Full-time students and part-time students enrolled in three credits or more are eligible for semester hours or Dean's List.  To achieve Dean's List, a student must have a grade point average of 3.4, have no 'W", and have no incompletes.  In the case of Incompletes, once a grade is assigned upon completion of the coursework (see Incomplete Grade Policy) and a new grade point average calculated, any honors for which a student is eligible may be entered on the student's record retroacatively.

What is a syllabus?

A syllabus is a summary or outline distributed by an instructor that states the main topics to be discussed in the course and learning outcomes. Also included are deadlines for assignments, class policies, and grade standards.

What is the College calendar?

The College academic calendar is based on two semesters, usually a fall and a spring term of 15 weeks each. The calendar is published in the College’s catalog, class schedule, and the student handbook.

What is a semester?

A semester (sometimes called a “term”) is one-half of an academic year. The semester system divides a school year into two parts, usually a fall and a spring term of 15 weeks each.

What does it mean to matriculate (matriculation)?

Matriculation is the term that indicates commitment to a planned program in order to earn a degree or certificate.

What is a prerequisite?

A prerequisite is a requirement for a class prior to entry.  For example, a student must take Intermediate Algebra and pass with a "C- or better" prior to taking College Algebra with Technology.  Intermediate Algebra is the prerequisite for College Algebra with Technology.

What is Freshman Seminar (FS 100 3 cr.)?

The Freshman Seminar introduces the new student to diverse academic content, emphasizing learning strategies and critical thinking skills in preparation for more rigorous college study. This multi-disciplinary course combines a faculty lecture series with small-group discussion sessions. Topics to be covered include introductory lectures on social sciences, natural/physical sciences, mathematics, humanities, business, and career opportunities.  Highly recommended for both full-time students with two or more college prep placements and part-time students taking college prep courses.

What is a Student ID Number?  (This is also known as NetID and Banner ID)

Every student is assigned an 8 digit number beginning with the @ symbol at the time of admission (@12345678). This number is used to login to all computers on campus, and to myCommnet.  You will retain this number should you take courses at any of the 12 community colleges.