All new students should become familiar with the following important terms:
 
  Catalog College calendar Credit (credit hour)
  Dean's List Freshman Seminar G.P.A.
  Honors iCONN Matriculate
  MxCC Planned program of study Prerequisite
  Registrar Registration form Schedule
  Semester Student handbook Syllabus
  Transcript    
       

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 a planned program of study?
An outline of required courses specifically designated to an associates degree or certificate. See the College catalog for outlines.


What is the college schedule?
The class schedule is published before the start of each semester and the summer session in booklet format. 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 College catalog?
The catalog is the official periodic publication of the College that contains
all the relevant information about Middlesex Community College. The catalog contains descriptions of all programs and courses, information regarding college policies, financial aid, student services, and directories with listing of offices, faculty, and staff.

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?
The registration form is completed by each student when enrolling (signing up) for a course(s). The form is submitted to the Records Office, either in-person or by mail. Students are required to have an advisor sign their registration form.

What is the Records Office?
The Records Office is responsible for overseeing student academic records. The Records Office oversees all registration activities for credit courses.

What is a transcript?
A transcript 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.

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.

  A = 4.0   C = 2.0  
  A- = 3.7   C- = 1.7  
  B+ = 3.3   D+ = 1.3  
  B = 3.0   D = 1.0  
  B- = 2.7   D- = 0.7  
  C+ = 2.3   F = 0.0  
                 

Enrolled students need to attain a G.P.A. of at least 2.0 to graduate in a degree or certificate program.


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 Dean’s List?
Placement on the Dean’s List is recognition for academic achievement. See the College catalog for conditions pertaining to full-time and part-time enrollment status.

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 skill or course required for entry into a course or planned program.

What is iCONN?
iCONN is the online library resource that is part of the Connecticut Education Network. It provides all students, faculty and residents with online access to essential library and information resources. (See the Jean Burr Smith Library Website).

What is Freshman Seminar?
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.

What is MxCC?
The letters MxCC indicate Middlesex Community College.