As a member of the Northeastern Illinois University community, you will discover that the University has a language of its own. Some words, jargon and terms have meanings specific to Northeastern, while others are college jargon and standard from university to university. “Collegiate Terms” is designed to help you comprehend the different terminology on campus.

Academic Advisor
All degree-seeking students are assigned an academic advisor. The advisor serves as a resource for all academic and nonacademic services and can help students plan their schedule, choose a major, and understand the system.

Academic Calendar
The University operates on a semester system. The academic calendar or year consists of a 16-week fall semester, a 16-week spring semester, and a summer session with three terms.

Academic Catalog
The Academic Catalog describes the University, its academic programs and support services, and provides a description of all the courses offered. It outlines general course requirements that all students must fulfill and courses in a student’s major and minor that are necessary for graduation, as well as elective course options. Students are expected to know the policies, procedures, and other important information contained within the Academic Catalog

Academic Probation
Undergraduate Students
An undergraduate student at Northeastern must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or a “C” average to remain in good standing. An undergraduate whose cumulative average falls below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation and must earn Cs or above in their next semester or they will be dismissed. For additional information, see the Academic Catalog.

Graduate Students
A graduate student whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. If, in subsequent terms, the student earns grades that restore his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above, he/she will be returned to good academic standing. If a student needs to be placed on academic probation for a third time after he/she returned to good academic standing in two previous probation instances, he/she will be dismissed. A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 will be dismissed without academic probation. A student who is on academic probation and who does not restore his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 in subsequent terms will be permitted to remain on academic probation as long as he/she earns at least a 3.0 GPA for the term. If, in any subsequent term, the student on academic probation fails to earn a 3.0 GPA for the term, he/she will be dismissed. For additional information, see the Academic Catalog.

Academic Warning
Academic Warning is designed to alert an undergraduate student that he/she needs to work to regain Good Standing. Academic Warning occurs when an undergraduate student’s current term GPA is below 2.00, and the student’s cumulative GPA is 2.00 or above. Undergraduate students on Academic Warning are expected to see their advisors frequently, and to seek support from other University resources. The classification of Academic Warning will not appear on a student’s transcript.

Activity Hour
Activity hour allows for Northeastern students to take part in extra-curricular activities, meetings and programs offered on campus. Northeastern offers several weekly campus activity hours. During activity hour on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:05 to 4:05 p.m., there are no courses offered. Courses are offered during activity hours from 1-1:50 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 1:40-2:40 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Plan to participate in campus activities, meetings and programs.

Add
Register for a course or courses.

Add/Drop
See Change of Registration.

Adult Re-Entry
The offices of Enrollment Management Services and the Advising Center assist students through the initial re-entry period for returning students.

Advance Registration
Currently enrolled students and students admitted or readmitted prior to the start of the Advance Registration period may be eligible to participate in the Advance Registration process. The process allows students to register for the next semester in advance. Refer to the online Schedule of Classes for registration dates and details.

Alumnus/Alumna
A male (alumnus), or female (alumna) graduate or former student of Northeastern Illinois University. The term alumni refer to more than one alumnus and/or alumna.

Assistant Professor
See Professor.

Assistant/Associate Vice President (AVP)
Assistant or Associate Vice Presidents oversee administration of their respective University areas. In most cases, directors of one or more departments report to them. They report to a Vice President. Also see Vice President.

Associate Degree
An associate degree in arts or science (A.A., A.S., or A.A.T.) is a two-year degree offered primarily at community and junior colleges and technical schools.

Associate Professor
See Professor.

Auditing Classes
Students who meet the admission requirements of the University and are registered for a course may audit the course with written permission of the instructor. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the deadline to submit the request. An auditor cannot later have his/her registration changed to secure course credit. Auditors pay the same tuition and fees as credit students. Additional information is available in the current Schedule of Classes.

Baccalaureate Degree
See Bachelor’s Degree.

Bachelor’s Degree
The informal name for a four-year college degree. Northeastern offers the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), the Bachelor of Music (B.M.), and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) dependent on the major and the college.

Book Vouchers
Northeastern Illinois University students who have a current financial aid package (grants, scholarships, and/or loans) may qualify for a book voucher through the Follett Bookstore. The book voucher amount is determined based on the difference between the student’s balance due to the University and the student’s total financial aid package for a given term. The student presents his or her NEIU ID to the cashier at the Bookstore in exchange for books and supplies (not clothing or food items). Book vouchers cannot be used to rent or purchase books or supplies external to the University.

Catalog
See Academic Catalog.

Chair
A faculty member who is the head administrator of a department within a College. Also refers to the head of a committee.

Change of Registration
Change of Registration is a registration period each semester during which a student may add or drop classes. Consult the online Schedule of Classes for refund policies and deadline dates.

Class Schedule
See Schedule of Classes.

Class Standing (Student Classification)
Class standing or student classification for undergraduates at Northeastern is dependent upon the number of credit hours students have earned: freshmen (0-29 earned credit hours), sophomores (30-59 earned hours), juniors (60-89 earned hours), seniors (90+ earned hours). For students with an earned bachelor’s degree there are four (4) classifications: graduate students admitted to a graduate degree program, second bachelor’s degree candidates, graduate students-at-large, and graduate students-at-large in a certification program. In addition, undergraduate students-at-large have a separate classification.

CLEP Tests (Credit through College Level Examination Program)
Students who have successfully completed the CLEP General or Subject Examination and receive the minimum score may receive college credit for this work. A maximum of 30 credit hours of lower division credit may be awarded through CLEP. This credit is included in the maximum of 64 semester hours that is accepted from a community college toward graduation. For additional information and guidelines, visit Enrollment Management Services (Rom D 101) or call the Admissions Office at (773) 442-4050.

College
The University is divided into four academic colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Technology, the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education, and the College of Graduate Studies and Research. For specific requirements and application procedures of each college, see the Academic Catalog.

Colloquium
A broad-based, interdisciplinary, research-based topics course featuring the expertise of contributors from diverse fields.

Commencement (Graduation Ceremony)
A day set aside to honor graduating students. Students wearing Commencement regalia (caps and gowns) participate in a special ceremony attended by family members and friends, and University faculty and administrators, who observe the students as they are recognized for completing their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Complete Withdrawal
This is also referred to as an Official Withdrawal and is defined as to drop ALL courses for the semester using NEIUport. A student taking this action does NOT intend to be registered for ANY course for the given term. If the student receives federal assistance, they must visit the Financial Aid Office to determine whether any funds will need to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education. Students using veterans benefits should contact the Veterans Services Office before withdrawing from classes.

Concentration
An academic focus within a specific academic program.

Concurrent Registration
Concurrent registration for undergraduate students working toward a degree at Northeastern Illinois University is permissible. Prior to enrolling at another college/university, the student must meet with his/her academic advisor. For additional information see the Academic Catalog or online Schedule of Classes.

Course Number
Every course has a name and number. Numbers range from the 000-level to the 500-level. The 000s are developmental and do not count toward graduation. The 100-level are usually taken during the freshman year; 200-level during the sophomore year; 300-level are upper division courses which are for advanced undergraduate and, under some conditions, graduate students; 400 and 500-level are for graduate students only. Most freshmen and sophomores take lower division or 100-200 level courses (and when required, 000s). Juniors and seniors generally take upper division or 300-level courses.

Course Overload
Students may register for a maximum of 18 credit hours per semester. During the summer sessions students may register for a maximum of 12 credit hours. Some programs may further restrict the maximum number of hours students can take. Students who wish to register for an overload must obtain permission from the appropriate college dean. For additional information see the Academic Catalog or the online Schedule of Classes.

Course Reference Number (CRN)
The five-digit number which uniquely identifies a particular course section.

Credit Balance
Money owed to the student by the University. Students can request credit balance refunds by way of direct deposit using the Registration Tools channel in NEIUport. For example, a student may have a credit balance after financial aid funds have been posted to his or her student account.

Credit Hour
Northeastern defines a credit hour as “an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than: (1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or (2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.” At Northeastern, credits are measured in semester hours. For additional information, see the Academic Catalog.

Cumulative Grade Point Average
The cumulative grade point average is the average grade of all the courses at a specific academic level taken at Northeastern. For additional information, see Grade Point Average (GPA).

Curriculum
All the courses required for a degree. Majors/minors will have a specific course of study that students must follow. Students should consult the Academic Catalog or their major/minor advisor for information on their curriculum.

Dean
A college administrator who is the head of a specific college or organizational division or unit at the University. Northeastern includes the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Dean of the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education, the Dean of the College of Business and Technology, the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, the Dean of Libraries and Learning Resources, and the Dean of Students.

Declared Major
See Major.

Declared Pre-Major
See Pre-Major.

Degree Evaluation
The Degree Evaluation document lists the courses that an undergraduate student has taken that satisfy General Education-Distributive Learning requirements and University requirements for graduation. Undergraduate students are encouraged to run their degree evaluation through NEIUport on a regular basis. Both undergraduate and graduate students should meet regularly with their academic/program advisor to determine which courses will apply to their program requirements.

Department
Each college within the University is organized into academic departments that offer courses and a curriculum for a major and/or a minor in that specific area, such as the History Department or Biology Department.

Desire2Learn
The Desire2Learn (D2L) ePortfolio (eP) tool allows you to store, organize, reflect on, and share items that represent your learning. You can include documents, graphics, audio files, videos, presentations, coursework—just about anything that demonstrates your improvement or mastery in a certain area. You decide what items you want to include in your ePortfolio, how you want to organize them, and with whom you want to share them.

Director
Directors include administrators of a department or office. Directors may report to an Assistant or Associate Vice President.

Dismissed
The action taken when a student has not met the required academic standards of the University and is no longer eligible to attend. For more information, see the Academic Catalog.

Distance Education Courses
Select courses that are delivered through a two-way interactive teleconferencing network. For specific courses refer to the current online Schedule of Classes.

Drop (a Course)
To officially withdraw from a class.

Electives
Electives are optional courses, rather than prerequisite or required courses, in an academic curriculum.

Email Accounts
Email is an official means of communication at Northeastern and students are expected to check their University email account regularly. Email accounts are automatically created for students enrolled at Northeastern. To obtain your account information, go to the Student Computing Services website.

Engaged Learning Experiences (ELE) Requirement
Engaged Learning Experiences courses provide opportunities for deep reflection and integration of knowledge across boundaries through experiences such as interdisciplinary seminar classes, capstone projects, fieldwork, internships, study abroad, and student research. All undergraduate students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. Courses that satisfy these requirements are designated as such in the Schedule of Classes by searching under “Attributes Type.” See the Academic Catalog for specific details, and speak with your academic advisor.

Escort Service
Students may request an escort to locations on campus by calling the University Police Department.

Extracurricular (Co-curricular)
Extracurricular refers to activities outside of a student’s classes and course requirements. These activities are open to all students and include clubs and organizations, recreation and intramurals, and cultural, social, and entertainment events. For information on activities, contact Student Leadership Development or Campus Recreation.

Faculty
The title or rank of a teacher or instructor within the University is usually dependent upon his/her years of experience, educational background, and professional accomplishments in teaching, research, and service (lecturer, instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor).

Fraternity
A student organization in which members share common interests and are also called Greeks.

Fees
Fees are costs that students pay in addition to tuition. Mandatory fees include the Academic Enhancement Fee, Campus Recreation Fee, Computer Resource Fee, Green Fee, Health Service Fee, Parking Fee, Performing Arts Fee, Student Activity Fee, Student Health Insurance Fee, Student Union Fee, and U-Pass Fee. Individual courses may also have fees assessed. Refer to the online Schedule of Classes for an explanation of all fees.

Field Placement
See Internship.

Finals/Final Exams
These are exams given at the end of each semester. In some courses, final exams may be comprehensive and include all the material covered during the course, while other courses may have more specific exams. Sometimes, a professor will require a final paper or project instead of or in addition to a final exam. The course syllabus should indicate when the final will be given, what it will cover, and how much it will count toward the final grade. For the official final exam schedule refer to the online Schedule of Classes.

Financial Aid
Northeastern Illinois University participates in all of the U.S. Department of Education Title IV and state funding programs. These include: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Teach Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal GRAD Plus Loan, Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, State Monetary Award Program, State Veteran’s Grant, and State National Guard Grant. All federal and state funding programs are subject to meeting the Minimum Standards of Academic Progress, see the Academic Catalog. Northeastern Illinois University is also responsible for the oversight of institutional scholarships such as the Board of Trustee Scholar, Dream US Scholarship, Eagle Performance Award, and STAR Scholarships.

General Education-Distributive Learning
The General Education-Distributive Learning program requirement consists of 33 credit hours of courses designed for students to gain some general knowledge to enrich their lives and enhance their academic experience on a wide range of subject areas in the fine arts, humanities, social/behavioral sciences, and natural sciences. Students fulfill the General Education-Distributive Learning program by successfully completing a specified number of courses in each of these areas selected from the General Education-Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. See the Academic Catalog and the online Schedule of Classes for details.

Grade Point Average (GPA)
Northeastern is on a 4.0 grading scale. For instance, each credit hour of “A” equals 4 grade points; an “A” earned in a three credit hour course generates 12 grade points. The student’s grade point average is calculated by the total number of grade points earned divided by the total number of credit hours earned. Credit hours for courses in which an “F,” “NAF,” or “UWF” is earned are used to calculate the GPA. Transfer hours and courses in which a “P” (passing) grade is earned are not used to calculate the grade point average.

Grades (GPA)
Students may view their grades in NEIUport. Grade reports are not mailed to students. For a detailed description of the grading system, see the Academic Catalog. 

Graduate Student
A student who has earned a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.A. or B.S.) and has been admitted to the University to register for graduate level work or to complete graduate programs, such as master’s degree programs, graduate certificate programs, or licensure or endorsement programs that involve graduate level courses.

Graduation Ceremony
See Commencement.

Hold
Action taken by the University because of an outstanding obligation that may prevent a student from registering and/or restrict the release of a student’s transcript and/or diploma. The hold must be removed by the office that placed the hold.

Honors Program
The University Honors Program, which is open to undergraduate students in all disciplines, provides an expanded educational experience to students willing to challenge their academic and intellectual abilities. They attend honors courses, seminars, and colloquia and engage in independent study, research, or creative work with faculty and peer mentors. At graduation, students who complete the program requirements are awarded special distinction as Honors Scholars.

Honors Recognition
Baccalaureate degree students who graduate with a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average will be awarded honors recognition: cum laude (with honor) 3.5-3.74 GPA, magna cum laude (with great honor) 3.75-3.89 GPA, summa cum laude (with highest honor) 3.9-4.0 GPA.

Honor(s) Society
A student organization focusing on an academic discipline for students holding honor status.

Hours
Hours are another word for credits. For example, students may refer to their course load as 15 credits, 15 hours, or 15 credit hours. Credit hours are based on the number of hours spent in, and out of, class each week or the number of credits that will be earned from the course.

Identification Card (NEIU ID)
All registered students should have a University identification card. This card permits students to withdraw materials from the Library, serves as identification for University-sponsored activities and events, allows students to utilize the Physical Education Complex, and may be used as a copy card.

Incomplete
Allows for an additional amount of time to complete a course, given at the discretion of the instructor under certain circumstances. For specific information, see the Academic Catalog.

Independent Study
An individual project taken for academic credit under the supervision of a faculty member but not in conjunction with a specific course. To register for an Independent Study, obtain the Individualized Study registration form from the academic department and submit it by the published deadline. Consult the online Schedule of Classes for specific registration information.

Instructor
See Professor.

Intended Major
The academic major students indicate on their admission application to identify their interest in an area of study. Students must then formally declare their major with the appropriate academic department by the time they have completed 45 hours. See Major and Pre-Major.

International Programs
Study abroad makes it possible for students to spend a summer, a semester, or an academic year overseas while earning credit towards graduation at Northeastern Illinois University. In addition, study tours offer students a unique opportunity to participate in 7-21 day (1-3 weeks) international study trips, which are components of specific Northeastern courses. For information about these opportunities and others, contact the Office of International Programs.

Internship
An internship is a supervised work experience (usually off campus) in a student’s major field. It provides a student with an opportunity to practice newly acquired skills and theories in settings appropriate to his/her career objectives. An internship may also be called a field placement or practicum.

Intramurals
Recreational sports and athletic events offered for all students.

Laboratory or Lab
Course work or part of a course involving experiments, projects, or other “hands-on” activities rather than reading, lectures, papers, or library research.

Leadership
The ability to guide and influence others to achieve a common goal. The University offers a wide range of leadership development programs for students.

Level
The level of a student is either undergraduate or graduate.

Major
A major indicates a student’s field of academic specialization and may comprise from 25 to 50 percent of the prescribed courses he/she needs in order to graduate. By the time students have earned 45 credit hours they must contact their major department and officially declare their major. If students cannot officially declare their major, they must declare a pre-major. In most cases, students can declare a major or pre-major at any time. See Pre-Major.

Major Advisor
When students declare a major, a faculty member or advisor from the major department is assigned to assist them in course selection and academic planning.

Mentor
A knowledgeable, wise, and trusted counselor or teacher.

Midterms
Midterms refer to exams that, in most courses, professors will give to students during the middle of the semester. Usually, midterms will test students on all the material covered up to that point and may count for a higher percentage of a student’s grade than other tests. The course syllabus should indicate when the mid-term will be given, what it will cover, and how much it will count toward the final grade.

Minimum Standards of Academic Progress
At the end of each semester Northeastern Illinois University students are expected to (1) complete successfully 67 percent of cumulative attempted hours, (2) earn a cumulative academic grade point average of 2.00 as an undergraduate or 3.00 as a graduate student and (3) complete degree requirements within 180 credit hours as an undergraduate or 54 credit hours as a graduate student. Students failing to meet the Minimum Standards of Academic Progress will have their financial aid eligibility suspended. Students should visit the Financial Aid Office for details on appealing for reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.

Minor
A group of courses in a particular field designed to give students expertise in that field even though it does not fulfill requirements for a major.

N-Safe
N-Safe is the University’s official emergency notification and warning system. The objective of N-Safe is to provide timely notification and warning to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to Northeastern of a threat, occurring or imminent, that poses an immediate danger to their health, safety or general welfare while on campus. To sign up for N-Safe, download the free 911 Shield mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or online at N-Safe.

NEIU Student ID Number
A system-generated number that is unique to each student. This number is included on the University ID card and may be used when conducting business with various University departments and staff. Refer to the online Schedule of Classes for further information.

NEIUport
NEIUport is a University-wide Internet portal. NEIUport supports and promotes a better connected community through online student group activity, personal and event calendars, and announcements about services and events. Access to information is simplified with a centralized location for registration, viewing of grades, paying tuition by check or charge card, financial aid statuses, email, D2L, and other services. For additional information go to NEIUport.

Nontraditional Degree Programs
These programs are designed to meet the academic needs of experienced adult learners. They provide expanded opportunities for quality education and individual academic advisement. These include the B.A. in
Interdisciplinary Studies program and the B.A. (or B.S.) in the University Without Walls program.

NPB (Northeastern Programming Board)
NPB (Northeastern Programming Board) is the elected student board which selects, plans, and presents social, cultural, educational, and entertainment programs to the campus. The Board and its coordinators bring coffeehouse acts, roving artists, novelty acts, films, speakers, etc. to the campus. NPB works in conjunction with Student Union, Event and Conference Services, and Student Leadership Development.

Off-Campus Courses
Courses offered at additional locations, including the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (700 E. Oakwood Blvd.), El Centro (3390 N. Avondale Ave.), and the University Center of Lake County (1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake, Illinois).

Open Registration
Eligible students who did not register during the Advance Registration period may register for classes during the Open Registration period at NEIUport. See the online Schedule of Classes for registration dates and instructions.

Pass/Fail Grade Option
An undergraduate student in good standing who has accumulated 15 hours in residency (courses taken at Northeastern) may elect to take a course Pass/Fail. A grade of “P” indicates that the student has passed the course and a grade of “F” that he/she failed the course. The “F” grade is included in the calculation of the grade point average but the “P” grade is not. Declaration of the intention to select the Pass/Fail Option must be made no later than the tenth day of the term by visiting Enrollment Management Services (Room D 101). Students may not use the pass/fail option for General Education courses, Engaged Learning Experiences Courses (ELE), developmental courses, English 101, Math/Quantitative Reasoning requirement, Honors courses, tutored or independent study courses, College of Business and Technology courses, or a course used to fulfill a major or minor requirement. For additional information, see the Academic Catalog or the online Schedule of Classes.

Payment
The method of paying for a student’s registration charges, which include tuition and fees, online via NEIUport, at the Student Payment Services Office, via mail, or by telephone. Payment may be made by cash, check, credit card, money order, or, in cases of students receiving financial aid, selected scholarships or various waivers.

Placement Examinations
Placement exams are tests that incoming freshmen must take in English language, reading, and mathematics either before their first registration or during their first semester at Northeastern.

Policies and Procedures
Policies and procedures are the ground rules that ensure and protect the rights of students and faculty and explain responsibilities that enable the University to effectively function as an academic community. All students should be aware of the policies and procedures and know where to obtain information on them. For descriptions, refer to the Basics within this handbook. The following is a listing of Policies and Procedures of special interest to students. These policies include, but are not limited to the following: Affirmative Action Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedure; Bulletin Board Policy; Charitable Solicitations on Campus; Demonstrations; Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Financial Aid Minimum Standards of Academic Progress Policy; Grade Appeal; Incomplete Grades; Parking Violation Appeal; First Class Session Attendance Policy; Reasonable Accommodation of Religious Observations; Release of Information Pertaining to Students; Services for Students with Disabilities; Policy and Procedure Regarding Sexual Assault; Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure; Tobacco Free Policy; University Student Conduct Code; and Use of Facilities.

Practicum
See Internship.

Pre-Major
Students intending to major in business, education, or graphic design can declare a “Pre-Major” until the program admission requirements to the College of Business and Technology, Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education, or the B.F.A. in Graphic Design are met. The declaration of a pre-major form can be obtained in Enrollment Management Services (Room D 101).

Prerequisite
A prerequisite is usually a course that must be completed before taking another course. Sometimes, a required grade point average, class standing, or a declared major may constitute a prerequisite for certain classes. For additional information, see the Academic Catalog or the online Schedule of Classes. Prerequisites may be viewed online via NEIUport when selecting courses.

President
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the University who reports to the Board of Trustees of Northeastern Illinois University for the administration of the University. The President is assisted by the Provost (Vice President for Academic Affairs) and four vice presidents (Finance and Administration, Institutional Advancement, Student Affairs, and Legal Affairs and General Counsel).

Professor
The title of professor is the highest rank in an institution of higher learning. Other ranks include associate professor, assistant professor, and instructor. (Also see Faculty.)

Provost
The Provost is the highest academic official of the University. The Deans of the College of Arts and Sciences; College of Business and Technology; Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education; College of Graduate Studies and Research; and Libraries report to the Provost. Areas also reporting to the Provost are Student Success and Retention; Access, Innovation, and Research; Institutional Research and Assessment; Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies; El Centro; Nontraditional Degree Programs; Learning Support; Faculty Development and Academic Learning; International Programs; Continuing and Professional Education; and Sponsored Programs. The Provost reports directly to the President.

Readmission
Admission procedure followed by students in undergraduate degree programs who were previously enrolled in the University, but whose attendance was interrupted by three or more consecutive semesters. Students must have been in good standing at the time of their last attendance at Northeastern. Students who have enrolled at other institutions since leaving Northeastern must have an overall “C” average and be in good standing at those institutions. Undergraduate students who were dismissed from Northeastern must petition to the Academic Standards Committee for readmission/reinstatement. For additional information, see the Academic Catalog.

Refunds
An amount due to students for complete or partial withdrawal from classes. For additional information and the refund schedule for full and partial refunds, see the online Schedule of Classes.

Registered Student Organization (RSO)
A student organization/club that has registered with Student Leadership Development. Certain requirements must be fulfilled to register. Contact Student Leadership Development for more information.

Registration
The process of scheduling classes for each semester through the Advance, Open, or Change of Registration periods via NEIUport. Also see Advance Registration. Students must use their username (NetID) and password to access to NEIUport.

Registration Authorization (aka Override)
A registration authorization (override) will be entered online by the academic department to indicate that a student has been given permission to register for a course which is closed or restricted. Through the first week of classes, students may register for open classes without a registration authorization (override). After the first week of classes, courses will require a registration registration (override) from the department. Once a registration authorization (override) has been entered by the department, the student must register for the course via NEIUport by the published deadline.

Repeated Course Policy
Effective Summer 2008, undergraduate courses that are repeated will have only the last grade earned count in the cumulative hours and GPA. Courses that are repeated will count only once toward fulfilling the minimum 120 hours required for graduation. This policy does not apply to courses taken for graduate credit or undergraduate courses that are repeatable for credit. For additional information, see the Academic Catalog or contact Enrollment Management Services (Room D 101). For financial aid purposes, eligibility for federal and state assistance is limited to one repeat after having earned a letter grade on the first attempt.

Residency Status (Resident/Non-Resident)
Residency status refers to a student classification as either a resident or non-resident of the State of Illinois, for the purpose of assessing University tuition. Details on the factors which determine residency or non-residency status are described in the Academic Catalog.

Restriction
A condition that must be met prior to registration; for example, certain courses are only open to students in a specific major or minor, or some courses require specific arrangements with the department/instructor prior to registration.

Resume
A written summary of a student’s education, work experience, volunteer work, and related background information. This document is usually sent to an employer as an initial inquiry concerning employment.

Sanction
Penalty imposed for violation of University policies.

Schedule of Classes
The Schedule of Classes, available on Northeastern’s website prior to the start of the Advance Registration period, lists all the classes that will be offered during the coming semester, including days, times, room numbers, and faculty. The schedule also includes other pertinent registration information, updated policies and requirements, fees, insurance and financial aid information, general academic and testing requirements, and a calendar of important semester dates and deadlines. Students may search for specific courses and view most up-to-date information regarding courses via NEIUport.

Scholarship
A financial award given to a student on the basis of academic achievement, talent, financial need, or other criteria established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Section
The same course may be offered on various days and times in a given semester. Each section that is offered will be assigned a unique section number or letter. For instance, a department might offer three “sections” of the same course in a given semester, and a student would select one of the three sections in which to register.

Semester Hour
See Credit Hour.

Semester System
Northeastern is on a semester system that consists of a 16-week fall semester, a 16-week spring semester, and a summer session with three terms of varying lengths.

Seminar
A course consisting of a small group of students engaged in research under the guidance of a professor who meets regularly with them for reports and discussions. Usually, seminars are advanced courses for students pursuing a major or minor in the subject area.

SGA
Student Government Association. See Student Government (Student Senate).

Sorority
A student organization for women, also known as sisterhood and Greeks.

Student-at-Large
This is an admission classification that indicates either a student with or without a degree who enrolls as a non-degree seeking student. Students in this classification are not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Assistance.

Student Classification
See Class Standing.

Student Government
The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the student body through elected officers and senators. Examples of involvement include student participation in university activities and formulation of policies that affect the student body. The officers of Student Government are the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The SGA is made of three branches: Executive, Legislative/funding, comprised of the Student Senate and Council of Clubs, and Judicial.

Student Teaching
An internship of supervised teaching at an elementary or secondary school that all education majors must complete before graduation (see internship).

Student Union
The Student Union houses services such as the cafeteria, lockers, and study space. It has meeting facilities for campus organizations, as well as space for social and recreational events. It provides comfortable surroundings for students to study, relax, and enjoy the many educational and cultural events offered during the year.

Study Abroad
See International Programs.

Study Carrel
A small study area or room. Throughout the University, desks, tables, and chairs in the halls are available for student use. In the Library, study carrels and tables are conveniently located on every floor. Group study rooms and instructional computer terminals are also available on the fourth floor of the Library.

Syllabus
A course outline that usually explains course requirements, attendance policy, assignments, readings, examination schedule, faculty office number and hours, and other pertinent information.

The Independent
The University student newspaper.

Thesis
A dissertation or research paper advancing an original point of view as a result of research. Often a requirement for a graduate degree.

Transcript
The official record of a student’s college work, which is maintained and updated each semester by the Registrar's Office. A student's transcript includes courses, grades, grade point average, and transfer credit information. Students may view their unofficial transcript online via NEIUport.

Transfer Credit
The courses Northeastern has accepted from another college or university are reflected on the Northeastern transcript. In addition, undergraduate students can access their Degree Evaluation through NEIUport, which indicates how their transfer courses meet General Education, Engaged Learning Experiences (ELE), major/minor, and graduation requirements. See your academic advisor, the Academic Catalog, or the Transfer Center for additional information. Students also need to meet with their major and/or minor advisor to determine how their transfer courses apply toward their major and/or minor.

Tuition
The amount of money a student is charged for his/her courses, exclusive of mandatory fees or course fees. See the online Schedule of Classes for a complete listing of tuition costs.

Tuition Guarantee Plan
The Tuition Guarantee Plan applies to all newly admitted undergraduate students - including transfer students - and guarantees the same tuition rate for four continuous academic years, plus an additional two year period as defined in the online Schedule of Classes. The Tuition Guarantee Plan applies only to tuition. Fees may increase during this period. Refer to the online Schedule of Classes for more information.

Tutored Study
Individual instruction taken for academic credit for a specific course under the supervision of a faculty member. Tutored study forms can be obtained in the academic department office. Consult the online Schedule of Classes for specific registration information.

Undeclared Major
Until a student officially declares a major or pre-major, the student is considered an undeclared major.

Undergraduate Student
A student attending a university or college who has not received a bachelor’s degree.

Unofficial Withdrawal
An unofficial withdrawal results at the end of a semester when no grade points have been earned (e.g., a semester of ‘F’ grades or incompletes). Students must ensure that a last date of attendance is recorded in order to avoid any Federal Financial Assistance being returned (billed back to the student billing account), and must visit the Financial Aid Office to determine whether any Title IV Federal Assistance needs to be returned to the U.S. Department of Education. See Withdrawal.

Vice President
Vice Presidents oversee administration of their respective University areas, under the guidance of the president. Vice Presidents include the Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs (Provost), Finance and Administration, Institutional Advancement, Student Affairs, Legal Affairs and General Counsel. Also see President.

Village Square
Village Square, located at the interior entrance of the Student Union, provides a space for exhibits, conversations, and access to services such as the information center and the bookstore.

Waiver
A document that provides institutional authorization to set aside or forego a requirement or obligation. For example, a tuition waiver is granted when a student has received a tuition scholarship or other form of financial aid based upon academic achievement, talent, and financial need that covers the cost of tuition.

Welcome Desk and Box Office
The Welcome Desk and Box Office is located on the first floor of the Student Union. At the Welcome Desk and Box Office, students may rent a locker, purchase tickets for local events, obtain a student ID card, pick up their CTA U-Pass, and obtain campus information.

Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges
One of the most highly regarded and long standing honors programs in the nation.

Withdrawal
Another term for dropping a course(s). Withdrawal can mean dropping all of a student’s courses and leaving school for the semester or just dropping one course. See Change of Registration (Add/Drop), Complete Withdrawal, and Unofficial Withdrawal.