A.A.- Associate in Arts - An undergraduate degree of at least 60 credits or more awarded upon successful completion of a program of study in liberal arts and sciences that prepares students to transfer to a baccalaureate institution.

A.S. - Associate in Science - An undergraduate degree of at least 60 credits awarded upon successful completion of a program of study in an applied subject area, such as computers, electronics, or health that prepares students to enter the work force.

A.A.S. - Associate in Applied Science – An undergraduate degree of at least 60 credits awarded upon successful completion of a program of study in an applied subject area. 

Academic Advisor - College staff member responsible for providing guidance in course and/or program-related issues. 

Academic Term (Semester) - Fall, spring and summer weeks when classes are in session. The fall and spring semesters are approximately fifteen weeks long. The summer semester usually has two sessions varying in length from eight to twelve weeks. 

Academic Year (AY) - Fall, spring and summer semesters, generally from early September to mid August. 

Add a Course - To enroll in additional courses after registration is complete, this is accomplished through the Registrar’s Office. 

Administration - College staff members responsible for management and supervision. 

Alumni - Graduates, in the plural 

Articulation Agreement - A formal agreement between York County Community College and a four year college or university, which eases transfer to that institution. 

APL - Assessment of Prior Learning - A process through which students may earn credit for college-level learning acquired through collegiate experiences such as employment, military training, community service, and volunteer activities. 

Audit - To take a course under an agreement which does not result in a final grade of A, B, C, etc. Generally involves regular attendance and participation, but limits graded activities, such as exams; requires full payment of tuition. 

Certificate Program - An academic program of study in a specific field intended for occupational training, upgrading or retraining, generally 30 credits or less. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the program. 

Commencement - Graduation Ceremony. 

Credit Course - An academic course numbered 100 or above in the college catalog which may be applied toward completion of a degree or certificate. 

Credit Hour - A standard measure of the amount of instructional time required to successfully complete a course. For example, ENG101, College Composition, is a 3 credit hour course, which means that it will meet for 3 hours each week for one semester. 

Curriculum - Set of courses focused in a particular field, e.g. accounting, computer applications technology, and early childhood education.

Dean - Member of administrative staff responsible for supervision and management of a particular division of the college. 

Degree Program - At York County Community College, an associate in arts or associate in science program of study requiring 60 credits or more for completion. 

Developmental Course - A basic skill development course numbered below 100 in the college catalog which carries college credit but does not count toward the requirements for graduation. 

Drop a Course - To cancel registration in a course. It may be accomplished only during the schedule adjustment period as specified on the academic calendar and processed through the Registrar’s Office. 

Elective - A course requirement in a program of study, which may be fulfilled with a variety of courses in the designated discipline area numbered above 100. 

Faculty - Members of college staff who teach. 

Fees - Charges to students by the college for specific services. 

Financial Aid - Funding provided to students from various sources to assist in defraying expenses of college (See Financial Aid section of this catalog). 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - A standardized application including detailed financial data which is required to determine eligibility for all financial aid programs. 

Full-Time (Student) - Student registered for 12 or more credits in a semester. 

GED - General Educational Development (high school equivalency diploma) 

General Education - A common core of courses that all students are required to take which provide for the acquisition of the core skills and knowledge of a literate citizen. 

GPA (Cumulative GPA) - Grade point average, used to compute student academic standing. 

Matriculation - Formal application to and acceptance in a degree or certificate program. 

Part-Time (Student) - Student enrolled for 11 credits or fewer in a semester. 

Prerequisite - Skill or course required for entry into a course or program of study. 

Transfer Guidelines - Informal documents which suggest courses to be taken at York County Community College for transfer to a four-year college. 

Transfer Program - A degree program designed for students who plan to continue their academic careers beyond the associate degree level through transfer to a four-year college or university. 

Transcript - Permanent record of student academic grades, available through the Registrar’s office. 

Tuition - Charges to a student by the college for registration in credit courses. 

Withdrawal From College - The formal process of notifying the college of the decision to discontinue attending all classes. To officially withdraw from the college, matriculated students must complete a withdrawal form in the Student Services Office. 

Withdrawal From a Course - The formal process of notifying the college of the decision to discontinue course attendance. A student may withdraw from a course following the add/drop period up to the two thirds mark and receive a grade of “W” or university.