Starting college is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming. From navigating your schedule to figuring out how to tackle assignments, it’s easy to wonder where…
Cracking the Code: A Student’s Guide to College Terminology
Starting college can feel like stepping into a whole new world. One with its own language. From “RA” to “credit hours,” you might be wondering what everyone’s talking about. Don’t worry! You’re not alone, and you don’t need to stress.
Our students created this guide to break down some of the most common college terms you’ll hear at Le Moyne (and terms they learned during their first months on The Heights). Think of it as your quick translation guide so you can feel confident navigating campus life!
Everyday College Words You’ll Hear
If your GPA drops below 2.0, you’ll be placed on academic probation. Don’t panic — it’s a warning, not the end. You’ll work with advisors and professors to get back on track.
If your GPA drops below 2.0, you’ll be placed on academic probation. Don’t panic — it’s a warning, not the end. You’ll work with advisors and professors to get back on track.
A temporary block on your account until you meet with your advisor.
A temporary block on your account until you meet with your advisor.
A professional staff member who supervises RAs and helps oversee your residence hall. They’re the “go-to” adult support in the dorms.
A professional staff member who supervises RAs and helps oversee your residence hall. They’re the “go-to” adult support in the dorms.
The office that handles tuition bills and payments
The office that handles tuition bills and payments
The big day — graduation! It’s the ceremony where you walk the stage and celebrate finishing your degree.
The big day — graduation! It’s the ceremony where you walk the stage and celebrate finishing your degree.
A specific focus area within your major. For example, if you’re majoring in Biology, you might concentrate in Pre-Health.
A specific focus area within your major. For example, if you’re majoring in Biology, you might concentrate in Pre-Health.
Courses that you need to take at the same time. Think of them as “partner classes.”
Courses that you need to take at the same time. Think of them as “partner classes.”
How colleges measure coursework. Most classes are worth 3–4 credit hours. You’ll need at least 120 credit hours to graduate from Le Moyne.
How colleges measure coursework. Most classes are worth 3–4 credit hours. You’ll need at least 120 credit hours to graduate from Le Moyne.
A Jesuit phrase meaning “care for the whole person” — mind, body, and spirit.
A Jesuit phrase meaning “care for the whole person” — mind, body, and spirit.
A “choose-your-own-adventure” class that doesn’t directly tie into your major or core requirements. Perfect for exploring interests!
A “choose-your-own-adventure” class that doesn’t directly tie into your major or core requirements. Perfect for exploring interests!
The form you’ll fill out every year to see what grants, loans, and work-study you qualify for.
The form you’ll fill out every year to see what grants, loans, and work-study you qualify for.
A program that lets you work a part-time job (often on campus) as part of your financial aid package.
A program that lets you work a part-time job (often on campus) as part of your financial aid package.
Any assistance that helps pay for college — scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study.
Any assistance that helps pay for college — scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study.
Full-time means taking 12+ credits each semester. Part-time means fewer than 12, which can affect your financial aid.
Full-time means taking 12+ credits each semester. Part-time means fewer than 12, which can affect your financial aid.
Courses outside your major that every student takes — like math, natural sciences, and COR (core Jesuit courses such as COR-100 and COR-400).
Courses outside your major that every student takes — like math, natural sciences, and COR (core Jesuit courses such as COR-100 and COR-400).
Le Moyne is a Jesuit college, rooted in the Catholic tradition of the Society of Jesus. Jesuits value education, care for the whole person (cura personalis), and striving to do more (magis).
Le Moyne is a Jesuit college, rooted in the Catholic tradition of the Society of Jesus. Jesuits value education, care for the whole person (cura personalis), and striving to do more (magis).
A Jesuit value meaning “the more” — striving for excellence in all you do.
A Jesuit value meaning “the more” — striving for excellence in all you do.
Your main area of study — the subject you’ll graduate with a degree in.
Your main area of study — the subject you’ll graduate with a degree in.
Your prepaid dining plan that covers meals in campus dining halls.
Your prepaid dining plan that covers meals in campus dining halls.
A secondary area of study that requires fewer courses than a major.
A secondary area of study that requires fewer courses than a major.
A student who starts or returns to college outside the typical 18–22 age range.
A student who starts or returns to college outside the typical 18–22 age range.
Scheduled times when professors are available outside of class. It’s the perfect chance to ask questions or get extra help.
Scheduled times when professors are available outside of class. It’s the perfect chance to ask questions or get extra help.
A class you need to take before enrolling in a more advanced one. Example: Intro to Psychology might be required before Abnormal Psychology.
A class you need to take before enrolling in a more advanced one. Example: Intro to Psychology might be required before Abnormal Psychology.
The senior academic leader of the college — sort of like the “chief academic officer.”
The senior academic leader of the college — sort of like the “chief academic officer.”
The office that handles class registration, transcripts, and student records.
The office that handles class registration, transcripts, and student records.
A student leader who helps build community in the residence halls, plans events, and serves as a resource for students.
A student leader who helps build community in the residence halls, plans events, and serves as a resource for students.
Founder of the Jesuits. His values of reflection, service, and education are central to Le Moyne’s mission.
Founder of the Jesuits. His values of reflection, service, and education are central to Le Moyne’s mission.
Starting college is a big deal, and stepping into your first college class can feel a little intimidating. But here’s the thing: your professors and the whole Le Moyne community are…
College. A whole new education experience after high school that requires even more hard work and determination. However don't fret!
Starting college is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming. From navigating your schedule to figuring out how to tackle assignments, it’s easy to wonder where…
Starting college is a big deal, and stepping into your first college class can feel a little intimidating. But here’s the thing: your professors and the whole Le Moyne community are…
College. A whole new education experience after high school that requires even more hard work and determination. However don't fret!
