Glossary:
terms to know
These are terms that are used frequently in higher education.
Academic advisor
The person who is available in an advising office or who has been assigned
to answer your questions, assist in course selection, and help with other
academic matters. The advisor may be a professional staff member or a faculty
member.
Academic support programs
These programs support your learning at the college or university. Some
programs are available to anyone who is a student; others have eligibility
requirements. The academic advisor can suggest academic support programs
that can benefit you.
Articulation agreements
Formal agreements between higher education institutions, frequently between
two- and four-year institutions, establishing the transfer of courses and
credits.
Free elective (elective credit)
A free elective is a course that is accepted for credit but not counted
toward fulfilling general education or major requirements.
General education
General education is a grouping of courses from different areas that the
faculty at a particular institution have selected so that students receive
a well-balanced and rich education. The distribution areas and the courses
that satisfy these requirements are decided by faculty. The general education
programs and the transfer courses meeting these requirements are included
in section 1 of the Transfer Guide for Students.
Receiving institution
The two- or four-year college or university to which you are transferring.
It is the right of the receiving institution to evaluate your credits for
transfer and decide how many credits to accept.
Reverse transfer
To transfer to a two-year college after having earned credits at a four-year
college or university.
Transcript
The official record of all courses attempted and completed and grades earned.
When a degree is earned, the degree and major are indicated on the transcript.
Transfer credit
Courses may or may not transfer based on the equivalency to courses offered
at the college or university. A course may transfer as an equivalent course,
in which case you receive credit for the course either as a requirement
or as an elective. Most majors have at least some elective course choices
that the free elective credit can be used to meet.
Transfer student
In general, transfer students have taken a course(s) at an accredited institution
of higher education and plan to transfer the credit for the course(s) to
another institution. Colleges and universities may define a transfer student
differently based on the number of credits a student has successfully completed
at another institution. It is important to find out if you are classified
as a transfer student or an an incoming freshman because the criteria and
application process are different.
Last updated March 31, 2004
For more info contact:
For specific information about transferring to CCRI, RIC, or URI contact the admissions office directly
For general questions contact:
Academic & Student Affairs
RIOHE
401-462-9340
Phyllis Harnick
