Academics
A document published yearly that outlines academic policies at UND as well as requirements for all degrees, including majors, minors, and certificates.
An academic advising tool used by undergraduate students and academic advisors. The ARR shows a student's progress towards undergraduate university, Essential Studies, and major/minor/certificate requirements. The ARR is located in Campus Connection in the Academic Progress tile.
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Term |
Definition |
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Accelerated (4+1) Programs |
The Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master's (ABM) degree program allows exceptional undergraduate students at UND an opportunity to complete the requirements for both the Bachelor's and Master's degrees at an accelerated pace. These students may double count up to twelve (12) graduate-level credits and obtain a Master's degree within 12 months of completing the Bachelor's degree. |
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Combined Programs |
The Combined Bachelor's/Master's (CBM) program allows undergraduate students at UND an opportunity to complete the requirements for both the Bachelor's and Master's degrees at an accelerated pace. These students may double count up to six (6) graduate-level credits for both degrees. The completion of this program differs from the Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's program in that it is not constrained to the 4+1 time frame. This format may be used for programs that do not fit in the 4+1 structure. |
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Early Acceptance |
Some of the programs and majors at UND require acceptance prior to entrance or taking specific classes. Early acceptance is an alternate means of application and entrance offered in select programs. Examples of programs offering such an option are Physical Therapy and Nursing. |
A certification from an authoritative body stating that an institution is meeting the standards for performance and effectiveness. UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), as well as several college and department-specific organizations.
Administrative Procedures Petition. A request for an exception to the University-wide requirements and policies. This petition is reviewed by the Office of the Registrar and University Senate Administration Procedures Committee.
Through the national College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) program, high school students may take college-level classes and earn UND credit based on their AP exam score(s).
A partnership with another institution, whereby a student completes a portion of their classwork at each of the institutions, then graduates at the final one.
A course that strives to produce advanced maturation in students' intellectual skills and represents the culmination of a student's undergraduate educational experience.
A 4 or 5 digit number unique to each specific section of a class.
A document outlining the rights and responsibilities and expected levels of conduct of citzens in the University community.
A group of people with a shared characteristic. Often refers to students who entered a major or program during the same academic year.
The process by which a student earning a degree from UND may enroll in classes at another North Dakota University System (NDUS) institution within the same term, per the policy.
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Term |
Definition |
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Collaborative Agreement |
Enrolling in one or multiple classes at another North Dakota University System (NDUS) institution in the same semester as the student is pursuing a degree at UND. The form is found in Campus Connection on the UND eForms tile. |
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Collaborative Hold |
A hold placed on the record of a student taking a class collaboratively through another NDUS institution in that term. The hold only prevents the student from making any changes at the provider campus and does not impact UND registration. |
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North Dakota University System (NDUS) |
Unified system of higher education governed by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. UND is a member of the NDUS. |
A course that must be taken during the same semester as another course.
Attend a course and participate, without taking exams or receiving credit.
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Term |
Definition |
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Hybrid / Blended |
A form of instruction in which students spend at least half of their time learning online and the rest of their time learning in a physical classroom whether on campus or off campus. |
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On-Campus |
Students and instructor will conduct class within an academic building/room at the same time (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 - 8:50 a.m. in Education Room 7). |
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Online Asynchronous |
An online class that does not have a set time during which students login virtually to the class. Students can view instructional materials each week at any time they choose. Students should still be aware of deadlines and follow their Blackboard syllabus accordingly. |
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Online Synchronous |
An online class that meets virtually (i.e. over Zoom) at particular times (i.e. Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8 - 8:50am). Students are expected to log into the class online during those times. |
A 3 digit number following the prefix for a class (i.e. 111 in PSYC 111).
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Term |
Definition |
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Section (of a class) |
An offering of a class in a particular semester. |
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Enrollment Appointment |
The time and date when students may begin registering for classes in a term. |
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Waitlist |
When the capacity of a class is reached, students may enroll on a waitlist. Once the class enrollment is no longer at the capacity (whether by an increase in the overall number allowed in the section or a student dropping the section), students are enrolled in the class in order of placement on the waitlist. |
Set of classes and their content that comprise the requirements for a program.
A date by which an assignment or action must be completed.
Classes that count toward graduation requirements but are not specifically defined in the program.
A set of classes within a major that defines the requirements. Emphases, concentrations, tracks and/or subplans may be required or optional, dependent on the major.
An identifying number unique to a student, also known as a student ID number.
Essential Studies (ES) is UND's program in general education. Along with a major, it helps form the core of undergraduate education at UND.
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Breadth of Knowledge Area |
Definition |
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Communication |
A class in which at least half of the assignments emphasize written communication or speaking skills. |
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Fine Arts |
A class primarily focused on instruction in techniques used for imaginative creation. |
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Humanities |
A class primarily focused on the analysis of one or more of the following: language, history, culture, text, society, formal structures, or artistic work. |
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Math / Science / Technology |
A class that focuses on one of the following areas:
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Social Science |
A class which introduces students to human behavior. |
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Special Emphasis Area |
Definition |
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Advanced Communication |
A class in which students must produce multiple spoken presentations and/or written texts, whereby at least one-third of the assignments emphasize writing and/or speaking skills. |
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Analyzing Worldviews |
A class that examines the real-world consequences of differing worldviews by giving students tools to analyze social inequities. Concepts included are that privilege and oppression are part of larger social institutions and systems, as well as that ideologies represent the values and interests of a particular group and they are the fundamental means through which systems of privilege and oppression are organized. |
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Digital Information Literacy |
A class that teaches students specialized tools and practices for finding, evaluating, and using information – in a variety of digital formats and mediums – effectively, efficiently, safely, and ethically. Concepts include evaluating new technologies such as artificial intelligence. |
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Diversity of Human Experience |
A class committed to encouraging a consideration of the multiplicity of differing worldviews. Concepts included are the existence of cultural differences and the complexity of social identities, as well as that worldviews are constructed through our identities and cultures. |
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Quantitative Reasoning |
A class that addresses at least three of the following elements: confidence with mathematics, interpreting data, making decisions, mathematics in academic and practical contexts, and number sense. |
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of academic records.
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Term |
Definition |
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Directory Information |
Information considered public that can be released without the student's written permission. This includes information such as a student's name, hometown, major/minor, and dates of attendance. Students have the right to request that directory information be restricted. |
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FERPA Release |
A form that can be filled out to grant the University permission to share a student's educational records with specified individuals. The FERPA release form can be found and signed in Campus Connection within the UND eForms tile. |
The last exam given in a class, typically during the last week of the semester (Finals Week). The final exam schedule can be found on the UND website.
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Term |
Definition |
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Comprehensive Exam |
An exam that covers all of the material covered in a course up to that point. |
The Financial Obligation Agreement (FOA) is a hold placed on a student's record each semester prior to class registration. The agreement must be signed in Campus Connection before registering and can be read upon signing.
The application form in Campus Connection that must be filled out to request to graduate and be awarded a degree (pending successful completion of all UND requirements and paying any outstanding debt to the university).
An indicator on a student's record that prevents registration, release of official transcripts or otherwise limits the student's ability to complete functions at the university. Holds are noted in Campus Connection, along with instructions on resolving them.
If a student is unable to complete a class within the specified class dates, and it is due to circumstances beyond the student's control, they may request an incomplete grade from the instructor. An agreement is worked out between faculty and student to complete the work, then the professor resolves the incomplete grade upon completion.
Relating to more than one branch of knowledge - typically shared among multiple departments or colleges.
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Term |
Definition |
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Co-Op |
While specific definitions may vary amongst departments, a co-op is generally one credit for part-time employment and two credits for full-time employment within a semester. |
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Experiential Learning |
Hands-on, practical experience inside and outside the classroom. |
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Internship |
While specific definitions may vary amongst departments, an internship is generally 1-12 credits within a semester, dependent on number of hours in the workplace. |
Classes offered at UND or other NDUS institutions during the winter break period between the fall and spring semesters.
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Term |
Definition |
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Certificate |
A program certificate is a specialized course of study requiring at least 9 credit hours. |
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Major |
A primary program of study associated with a student's degree, typically consisting of 35 - 60 credits of coursework in one subject area or related subject areas. |
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Minor |
A program of study pursued in addition to a major, typically consisting of 18 - 25 credits of coursework in one subject area or related subject areas. |
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Program |
A program is an informal term describing a student's plan of study or a portion of that plan. Examples of course programs that do not fit the major, minor or certificate definitions are Honors, Pre-Health, and ROTC. |
At UND, students enrolled in a math class from MATH 98 to MATH 107 learn through a student-centered emporium called the Math Active Learning Lab (MALL). The MALL is a center for learning mathematics, staffed by faculty and staff who share a strong commitment to education.
Drop-in hours held by faculty during which students can stop by to ask questions or visit with instructors.
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Term |
Definition |
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Online Degrees |
Programs with all coursework designed to be available in an online format, synchronous or asynchronous. |
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Online Semester-Based Classes |
Offered either at specific times during which all students are required to log in simultaneously (synchronous) or with deadlines but no meeting time (asynchronous), these classes are delivered fully remotely without expectation of on campus attendance. |
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Self-Paced Enroll Anytime (SPEA) Classes |
100% online classes with no specific set of enrollment dates. Classes are typically completed within three to nine months and are recorded on a transcript in the semester in which students register for the class. Tuition is charged separately from semester-based tuition, and the classes do not qualify for federal or state financial aid. |
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Term |
Definition |
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Acceptance |
Permission to declare and begin coursework toward a program. |
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Declared |
Indicates an intention to complete a major, minor, certificate or specified programs with confirmation through the Registrar's Office. |
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Pre-Major |
Designation for students in a program with required acceptance prior to beginning major coursework. In many cases, the pre-majors have a preparatory curriculum to complete prior to the major requirements. |
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Pre-Professional Programs |
Sets of coursework intended to prepare a student for advanced degrees or exams. These programs are not designated as majors, minors, or certificates. |
A class that must be taken before enrolling in a given class.
A process by which student progress toward their degree is monitored for the purpose of continuing to receive financial aid. At the end of each semester, student cumulative GPA and the number of credits a student has taken are evaluated to determine eligibility to re-enroll for financial aid the following semester. If students do not meet requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), they may petition following the process.
Academic units are expressed in terms of semester credit hours.
A request from a student to drop a class, multiple classes, or withdraw after the date to do so for extenuating circumstances occurring within 12 months of the application review.
Outline of the elements to a class. Includes professor information, class descriptions and objectives, materials, resources, expectations, assessment and grading, and policies for the class.
A record of all classes and earned grades completed by a student.
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Type of Transcript |
Definition |
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Official Transcript |
The University's certified statement of a student's academic record. The official transcript is printed on a security sensitive paper and includes the University seal and the signature of the Registrar. |
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Unofficial Transcript |
Statement of academic record released to a student. Available at will in Campus Connection. |
The Transfer Evaluation System (TES) can be used to see how classes taken at another institution will transfer to UND.
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Type of Class |
Definition |
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Laboratory |
Typically consists of largely hands-on, interactive activities and assignments. |
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Lecture |
Structured class, typically involving presentation by an instructor to a class. |
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Recitation |
Smaller group class designed for increased interaction with an instructor. Often paired with a lecture format class. |
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Seminar |
Typically a smaller, discussion-oriented class. |
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Term |
Definition |
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College / School |
Unit with the university consisting of multiple departments. Examples include the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, or the College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines. |
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Department |
Unit within a College or School. Examples include Biology, Marketing, or Aviation. |
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University |
Institution of higher education and research which awards degrees. At the University of North Dakota (as with many other institutions), the university consists of several schools and colleges. |