ItemDefinition
1098-TA tax document used to help figure education credits (and potentially, the tuition and fees deduction) for qualified tuition and related expenses paid during the tax year. 
Academic AdvisorAt Gwinnett Tech, you have multiple academic advisors to assist you, enrollment advisors and program advisors. Their role is to support your academic and career goals by providing advice regarding academic resources, course selection, and graduation.
Academic AffairsDivision of Gwinnett Tech that supports all academic departments and programs.
Academic CalendarList of dates and deadlines for each term including admission file completion, FAFSA submission and file completion, registration, and advising periods. 
Academic DismissalA student on academic probation may be academically suspended if they fail to maintain or achieve the minimum cumulative GPA required. A student placed on suspension will be dismissed from the college for a specific time period. There are additional requirements, like an academic contract, for students to return to the college. 
Academic ProbationAll colleges require students to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) to remain in school. Any student not maintaining satisfactory progress toward their educational objectives will be placed on probation for a semester. 
Academic WarningNotification to the student that their GPA is not currently meeting the academic requirements of the college. 
Accepted/AcceptanceIf you have been accepted to Gwinnett Tech, that means you have provided the required documentation to register for classes.
AccuplacerThe placement test used to determine the level of Math and English courses a student can take at Gwinnett Tech. 
ACT/SATStandardized tests often used for admission at many colleges and universities. They are not required for admission to Gwinnett Tech. 
AdjunctAn instructor/faculty member who does not teach full-time at Gwinnett Tech. Each adjunct instructor must meet education and credential requirements before being able to teach. 
AdmissionCompleting admission requirements to be accepted to the institution. 
Admission RequirementsA set of documents and information that need to be sent to the institution in order for a student to be accepted. At Gwinnett Tech these include but are not limited to official high school transcripts or HS equivalency, official transcripts of previous college course work, placement test scores, and proof of lawful presence/residency. 
Admissions OfficeAn individual department that processes application materials submitted by students. 
Adult EducationDivision of Gwinnett Tech focused on high school equivalency achievement for students in the area around the institution. 
Advisement PeriodThe time period of the term when you should speak with an enrollment advisor to discuss your upcoming term courses and graduation planning. 
AlumniIndividuals who have graduated from the institution
ApplicationA document that includes personal and previous education information that needs to be submitted in order to be considered for admission to the institution. 
Application RequirementsPrerequisite courses or exams needed to apply to an academic program
ApprenticeshipA position where a student learns an art, trade, or job under another professional. An apprenticeship is a program that trains a worker to become skilled in a particular trade. Apprenticeships combine hands-on work with classroom learning to train the apprentice.
Articulation AgreementAn agreement between intuitions to allow the transfer of specific courses related to specific academic programs. 
Assessment CenterThe location for students to take the NextGen Accuplacer placement test, as well as other proctored exams. 
Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)Students who successfully complete a program designed to lead the individual directly into employment in a specific career achieve this degree. AAS degrees prepare graduates for the workforce and are terminal degrees. 
Associate of Science (AS)An Associate of Science (AS) degree is a 2-year degree offered by most community colleges and some 4- year colleges. Most AS degrees are transfer degrees as they provide an academic foundation. 
Associate’s DegreeAn Associate’s Degree is achieved by students who complete a 2-year program, but do not complete a Bachelor’s Degree. 
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (A.D.N)The Associate’s degree in Nursing, or ADN, is a 2-year degree and is the minimum amount of school required to become licensed as a registered nurse, or RN. Once the student graduates, he or she is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination which must be passed to become licensed by the State. An RN must be licensed to be able to work.
Bachelor’s DegreeAn undergraduate degree offered by 4-year colleges and universities
BannerThe Gwinnett Tech online student information, registration, and financial aid system. 
BlackboardThe Gwinnett Tech online learning management system used in all courses. 
BookstoreThe location where students can identify and purchase course materials, office supplies, and college apparel. 
BursarThe cashier for student accounts that manage the online payment, account refunds, and NelNet. 
Business OfficeManages the financial and purchasing functions of the institution and is where the Bursar reports.
Campus VisitAttending an information session on-campus or online to learn more about the academic programs, application process, and admission requirements. 
Career Service CenterThe Career Services Center (CSC) provides a comprehensive assortment of job assistance services and resources to students, prospective students, and alumni. These services are designed to integrate career exploration and planning into the student’s academic studies to prepare them for advancement into their respective fields of study upon graduation. 
Certificate ProgramAn organized series of college level courses that concentrates study in a particular field, may include one or more general education courses. 
CLEPThe College Level Examination Program is an exam where students can earn college credit by taking proficiency tests in selected areas. You should confirm that credit for the CLEP test is accepted for your academic program. 
ClinicalA supervised clinical experience provides students with in-person, practical training often related to a healthcare field. 
Code of ConductPolicies related to expectations of student behavior on campus. A description of all policies are found in the Student Handbook and Course Catalog
CommencementA formal ceremony to award the completion certificates, degrees, and diplomas to students who have completed their program of study. 
CommuterA student who does not live on campus and drives to and from campus for classes. 
Competitive programA program in which prospective students must apply for admission to the specific program. Applicants are selected for the program based on prerequisite GPA, TEAS exam scores and/or GPA. 
Consent to DiscloseStudents may give Gwinnett Tech consent to disclose information related to their student record by submitting a consent to disclose form. The form gives permission for the institution to speak with a designee about topics approved by the student. 
Consortium AgreementWhen a student would like to enroll in two institutions simultaneously and wants to use State or/and Federal funding. The student will want to combine the hours at both institutions for financial aid purposes. The student will complete a consortium agreement from their home institution to determine the student’s financial aid.
Continuing EducationContinuing Education programs and services provide specific workforce training in response to the needs of individuals in our community and those of business and industry.
Core RequirementsAll associate degree and diploma programs include specified general education courses. The number of general education courses vary by degree/diploma and include subjects like English, humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, natural sciences/math, and interpersonal relations.
Co-requisite courseCourses that are required to be taken during the same semester.
Cost of AttendanceThe cost of attendance (COA) is not the bill that you may get from your college; it is the total amount it will cost you to go to college each year. The COA includes tuition and fees; on-campus room and board (or a housing and food allowance for off-campus students); and allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and, if applicable, dependent care. It can also include other expenses like an allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer, costs related to a disability, or costs for eligible study-abroad programs.
CounselorA licensed mental health professional who can provide counseling and support to students. 
Course CatalogA comprehensive guide for parents and students about the institution. The course catalog and student handbook include academic policies, a list of all academic programs, graduation requirements, accreditation information, code of conduct, and contact information.  
Course NumberA 4 digit number to identify a course
Course TypesThere are different course types at Gwinnett Tech. Hybrid, Web-Enhanced, and Online. Courses may have required meeting times for meeting in person or in an online environment. Students should confirm meeting times on their class schedule and discuss questions with their instructor. 
Credit HourA unit of measure that represents an hour of instruction that can be applied to the total number of hours needed for completing the requirements of a degree, diploma, or certificate. Courses taken in college are usually measured in terms of credit hours. 
CRNCourse Requisite Number is a 4-digit number assigned to each course. 
CurriculumCourses and training required to complete a specific academic program. 
DashboardThe single sign-on location for Gwinnett Tech student email, Banner, Blackboard, and Microsoft 365 applications. 
DeanFaculty members who lead academic divisions and provide administrative support and oversight. 
DegreeWorksAn online degree audit tool used by enrollment advisors, program advisors, and students to track academic progress.
Developmental CoursesCourses designed to assist students who are not placed into college-level or learning support courses. 
Diploma ProgramAn academic program that includes both technical and general education courses, often shorter than a degree program. 
Division of Academic AffairsAcademic Affairs is comprised of all academic programs
Division of Student AffairsA collection of departments that support students outside of the classroom. These departments include: Recruitment, Admissions, Enrollment Support, Registrar, Financial Aid, and Retention
DropRemoving a course from your schedule. There are deadlines associated with dropping courses. 
Drop/Add/Swap PeriodThe first 2 or 3 days of the academic period where students can add courses, drop courses, and swap courses online in student Banner.  
Dual EnrollmentA program where qualified high school students can take courses at a participating college or university for both college and high school credit. 
Early AlertA concern submitted by a faculty member about a student’s performance in the course. 
EFCExpected Family Contribution is a formula used in the calculation of federal financial aid eligibility. 
ElectiveStudents must choose approved electives based on the list provided in the program of study area in the catalog of their year of acceptance. 
Enrollment Advising TeamGroup of enrollment advisors who work with a specific group of majors to provide advisement. 
Enrollment AdvisorA member of the enrollment advising team that supports your major. The enrollment advisors work out of the One Stop location and provide support with admissions documents, residency, course selection, academic support, financial aid, and student records. 
Essential Technical CoursesRequired courses for students studying for a technical degree and may include hands-on learning and classroom lectures. 
Excess Funds/RefundStudents who have excess financial aid funds once tuition and fees have been paid on a student account will receive a refund. 
Exemption ExamAn exam a student can take to receive Gwinnett Technical College credit for classes by passing an exam. Test scores are not included in student GPA calculation or institutional credits toward graduation. 
Extra-Curricular ActivitiesInvolvement opportunities for students to engage in learning outside of the classroom. Extra-Curricular activities can include student organizations, volunteering, or academic program organizations. 
FacultyAll people who teach courses at the institution. 
FAFSAFree Application for Federal Student Aid is required to be completed every academic year a student wishes to apply for federal or state funding. 
FERPAFederal Education Right to Privacy Act that protects the academic record of students. Colleges and Universities are not allowed to share information about a student’s academic record without express permission. 
File CompletionSubmitting all required documents for financial aid or admission. 
Final ExamsThe last exam or assessment of a student’s learning in a course. 
Financial AidState, federal and institutional funding available to students to assist with the costs of attending college. Examples include student loans, scholarships, and grants. 
Financial Aid OfficeAn individual department that manages financial aid for Gwinnett Tech. The Financial Aid Office may ask for copies of documents for their records. 
Financial Aid SuspensionIf a student does not meet satisfactory academic progress required to receive financial aid, their aid may be suspended until the student meets the SAP requirements. 
FoundationAn organization to support the educational mission of Gwinnett Tech through fundraising and student scholarships. 
Full Time StatusBeing enrolled/registered for at least 12 credit hours during an academic term. 
FYESEvery student new to Gwinnett Tech is required to complete first year experience. FYES is designed to assist students as they transition to higher education. 
GBITGBIT is dedicated to a proactive, coordinated, and planned approach to the identification, prevention, assessment, management, and reduction of interpersonal and behavioral threats to the safety and well-being of the Gwinnett Technical College community.
GEDGeneral Equivalency Degree or high school equivalency shows competency in 4 subject areas related to high school course work. 
General Education CoreAll associate degree and diploma programs include specified general education courses. The number of general education courses vary by degree/diploma and include subjects like English, humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, natural sciences/math, and interpersonal relations.
GPAA student’s grade point average is the equivalent of their average for curriculum course work. Each letter grade has an equivalent point value: A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2, D = 1 and F = 0. A student may determine the grade points for each course by multiplying the number of points a grade is worth times the number of credits the course carries. Thus, a “B” grade, worth three points, in a three-credit course is worth nine grade points; an “A” grade in the same three-credit course is worth 12 grade points. The grade point average is found by adding the total grade point values for all courses and dividing by the total number of credits attempted during the same period of time.
Grade AppealA student can appeal a grade they receive at the end of a term. There is a specific process outlined in the Student Handbook and Course Catalog to appeal a grade. 
Grade CheckpointSpecific dates are identified throughout the semester to provide students with timely feedback about their performance in their course. Faculty report students who are not passing the course based on the course requirements. Students are contacted by retention support staff to provide academic support, instructions to speak with their instructor, and advising information. 
GraduationThe act of completing all requirements of a program of study. 
GrantA type of financial aid that does not need to be paid back. 
Healthcare ApplicationStudents must complete required course work, testing, and application materials in order to be considered for one of the competitive healthcare programs. Application to a program may also include required meetings or additional testing. 
High School Equivalency Testing CenterThe location for students to complete their GED and High School Equivalency testing requirements. 
HoldA hold can prevent you from registering for classes. A hold can be placed on your account for missing transcripts, expired identification, and outstanding balances. The hold must be resolved before you can register for classes. 
HOPE ProgramA financial aid program funded by the state of Georgia. 
HybridA course that has both in-person and online learning activities. Students will meet in person at least 1 time per week and complete the remaining required work online. 
IncompleteAn instructor may assign an incomplete (a grade of “I”) to a student. It will be assigned only when a student has not completed a major assignment or examination. Course requirements must be completed within a mutually agreed-upon timeframe by instructor and student by a specified time or the “I” grade will be automatically changed to an “F.”
InstructorA faculty member who teaches courses at Gwinnett Tech. 
InternshipA work experience for credit or not for credit that provides the student with training and experience in their field of study. 
Learning Success CenterLocation of professional tutoring at Gwinnett Tech for students who need assistance in math and English. 
Learning SupportStudents are placed in learning support based on their placement scores for math and English. Learning support courses offer students with additional time for skill review and tutoring to increase success in college-level coursework. 
LectureA lecture is a speech/talk given during class times or is recorded to be played during an online course. The lecture includes concepts related to the course topic. 
LMSLearning Management System- at Gwinnett Tech Blackboard is our Learning Management System. 
Library AccountEach student currently enrolled in at least one credit-bearing course has an associated account in the library catalog.  Adult Education students may also establish an account.  Library accounts allow students to check out materials from the library and borrow materials from other library systems through the InterLibrary Loan process.
Loan Entrance CounselingRequired if a student is going to be taking out student loans, loan entrance counseling is a 20-30 minute process completed on the student aid website. Students need to complete loan entrance counseling as a first time borrower only. 
LoansLoans are financial aid that needs to be repaid based on the terms of the loan. 
Major The declared program of study a student is completing while enrolled as a student at Gwinnett Tech. Students are limited to take courses that are specific to their major. 
Major CodeAn alpha-numeric code assigned to each major at Gwinnett Tech. 
Major RequirementsCourses that are a part of the requirements to complete an academic program. 
Mandatory Health Program MeetingHealthcare programs have mandatory meetings that you have to attend in order to be a candidate in the Healthcare program you have applied to DMS, ECHO, CARDIO, and RAD TECH. Or programs like Respiratory Care and Vet Tech have a mandatory meeting for students that have been accepted into their program at the beginning of the first semester of their program start.
Master Promissory NoteThe MPN is a legal contract between the borrower and the federal aid program and must be signed before any loans can be dispersed.
Mini-mester BA short, rigorous academic that is the first 8 weeks of the semester. 
Mini-mester CA short, rigorous academic that is the last 8 weeks of the semester. 
NelNetGwinnett Tech offers a payment plan through a vendor, NelNet. Students register for classes, determine total tuition, fees, and supply fees for the semester and then set up a NelNet payment plan prior to the start of the term. The payment plan includes a down payment and then 2 or 3 payments over the course of the semester. 
New StudentA student who has not previously attended any college or post secondary education. 
No-ShowStudents must participate in their course during the first week of classes. If the course meets in person, the student must attend the course. If the course is online, students must complete the attendance assignment in Blackboard. Students in a hybrid course must attend the class meeting. 
Official TranscriptA transcript that has been sent directly to the institution or has been submitted in a sealed official envelope is considered official. Transcripts that have been scanned or opened by the student are no longer official. 
One StopThe location of the enrollment advising teams and advisors where students can get course advisement, financial aid assistance, and generally seek support for questions. 
OnlineAn online course is one that does not require a student to come to campus to participate in the class. Online courses may be synchronous, meaning students have specific times they need to be logged into the course and participating in activities or asynchronous, meaning students set their own schedule to complete the required learning listed in the syllabus. 
Open LabAn educational support center for students taking lab courses in Biology where students can complete lab work, review lab materials, and prepare for lab practical exams. 
OrientationA program for students who are accepted to Gwinnett Tech and who are ready to start classes in the upcoming term. 
Part Time StatusStudents who are enrolled in fewer than 12 credits are considered part-time students. 
Pathway ProgramStudents interested in a healthcare program who have not been admitted to the specific program are placed into a pathway program called Interdisciplinary Studies. 
Payment DeadlineThe deadline by which all tuition, fees, and supply fees need to be paid to Gwinnett Tech. 
Pell GrantThe Pell Grant is a grant offered to students who complete a FAFSA and demonstrate financial need. The grant does not need to be paid back. 
Placement TestStudents must complete the NextGen Accuplacer test or another placement test to demonstrate the academic skill to be placed into degree/diploma level or learning support courses. 
PracticumA supervised learning experience required for an academic program. 
Prerequisite CourseA specific course that you must complete before you can take another course at a higher level. Also, a course required to be completed prior to applying to a competitive health program.  
Processing TimeDocuments are processed in the order in which they are received. There may be a delay between Gwinnett Tech receiving the document and the document being associated with your application or academic record, that is processing time. 
Processing TimeDocuments are processed in the order in which they are received. There may be a delay between Gwinnett Tech receiving the document and the document being associated with your application or academic record, that is processing time. 
ProfessorA faculty member who teaches courses at Gwinnett Tech. 
Program AdvisorA faculty member who works with a specific academic program to provide academic advising and professional development for students in that particular major. 
Program ApplicationApplication requirements after students are accepted to Gwinnett Tech. Program applications have specific requirements and can include prerequisite coursework and testing. 
Program Application DeadlineThe final date that all required documents must be submitted to enrollment support. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, application packets will be accepted through the end of the following business day. 
Program DirectorA faculty member who works with a specific academic program to provide academic advising and professional development for students in that particular major. 
Program of StudyThe outline of required courses for a specific major that includes essential technical courses, general education core, and any electives. 
Program Support SpecialistA staff member designated to provide students with information regarding a specific program within the college. 
Proof of Lawful PresenceThe state of Georgia requires that all students provide proof of their residency by providing documentation of residency. Common documents used to prove residency include a Real ID Driver’s License, birth certificate, or passport. 
QlessAn app that is used to manage appointments and lines in the One Stop at both campuses.
R2T4Students who use financial aid and withdraw from courses may be required to return financial aid funds that were dispersed. 
RecruitmentA Gwinnett Tech department focused on helping potential students and families to learn more about Gwinnett Tech and to assist in the application process. 
RegisteredStudents who have been accepted to Gwinnett Tech and have selected courses in student Banner to take for the term. 
RegistrarThe staff member responsible for keeping student records and managing registration. 
Registrar’s OfficeAn individual department that manages student records, including transcripts, directory information and graduation, for the college. 
Registration PeriodThe period prior to the start of a term when students can register for classes. The registration period often begins months before the start of the academic term. 
ResidencyProof of residency is used to assign tuition rates for students. At Gwinnett Tech there are three residency types, in-state, out-of-state, and foreign student. 
ResidencyProof of residency is used to assign tuition rates for students. At Gwinnett Tech there are three residency types, in-state, out-of-state, and foreign student. 
Returning StudentA student who has not been enrolled at Gwinnett Tech for at least 2 consecutive terms. Returning students must complete a returning student application. 
SAP AppealStudents who are placed on SAP suspension may appeal their suspension by completing an SAP appeal. 
Satisfactory Academic ProgressSAP is required for students to maintain federal and state financial aid. SAP is calculated based on GPA, completion percentage, and time to complete the academic program. 
Schedule CorrectionDuring the first week of classes, students can make changes to their schedule, like switching between sections or changing from a math course to an English course. Schedule correction is only available during the dates listed on the academic calendar. 
Schedule of ClassesA listing of courses being offered during a particular academic term that students can use for planning their schedule. 
ScholarshipA monetary award based on academic merit and/or financial need. Does not need to be paid back. 
Semester/TermAn academic term lasting between 15-18 weeks. Full semester courses are called Term A courses at Gwinnett Tech. 
Single Sign-OnStudents will use the same username and password for Gwinnett Tech accounts. 
STEM CenterAn educational support center for students in science, technology, engineering, and math that is staff by peer tutors. The tutors facilitate study sessions and test preparation. 
Student AffairsA division of staff comprised of recruitment, admissions, financial aid, retention support, registrar, student life, veteran’s affairs, WIOA, and others
Student AmbassadorA student leader selected by student life to volunteer for campus events like orientation and award ceremonies. Student ambassadors receive training and have regular meetings to discuss volunteer and growth opportunities. 
Student FeesA standard set of fees charged to every student. 
Student HandbookA comprehensive guide for parents and students about the institution. The course catalog and student handbook include academic policies, a list of all academic programs, graduation requirements, accreditation information, code of conduct, and contact information.  
Subsidized LoanStudents who complete a FAFSA and demonstrate financial need may be awarded a subsidized loan. The interest on the loan is paid while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Interest begins accruing after the student is no longer enrolled. Students must pay back the loan according to the terms in the loan agreement. 
Supply FeesA fee associated with a specific course being taken by the student. Supply fees are assessed after a student registers for the course. 
SyllabusA document that includes the schedule of topics for a course, lists of assignments, instructor policies, due dates, and additional resources. The syllabus is a roadmap for the course. 
TEAS ExamA multiple-choice assessment that measures basic academic preparedness in Reading, Math, Science, English, and Language Usage.
Term AA full semester course, between 15-18 weeks. 
TextbookA book required for some courses that include information related to the course topic. 
TranscriptA list of all attempted courses and the grades earned in the course. 
Transfer AgreementA transfer agreement is between two or more institutions and includes specific courses that will transfer between the institutions. 
Transfer CreditCredits earned at other accredited institutions that are applied to a student record. All transfer credit must be evaluated after a student is admitted. Gwinnett Tech reserves the right to accept or deny transfer credits. 
Transfer StudentA student who has completed previous college course work before enrolling at Gwinnett Tech. 
Transient StudentA student who is enrolled full time at a different institution who takes one course during an academic term. 
TuitionThe amount paid per credit hour for the college credit
TutorA peer or professional staff member who provides academic support in a particular topic. 
Unsubsidized LoanStudents who complete a FAFSA may be awarded an unsubsidized loan. Interest on the loan begins accruing after the loan has been dispersed to the student. The loan must be paid back according to the terms in the loan agreement. 
VerificationA financial aid process where 30% of all student aid applicants are asked to provide additional tax and personal information. 
Web-EnhancedA course that requires on-campus or online synchronous interaction at least 2 times per week. 
WithdrawalAfter the add/drop/swap period students who choose to no longer be enrolled in a course must withdraw from the course. Withdrawing from a course may impact student GPA and financial aid. 
WIOAWorkforce Innovation and Opportunities Act served dislocated workers and/or economically disadvantaged individuals who are in need of updated skills for a return to work. WIOA customers may qualify for funding to assist them in the cost of their training and education. The focus of the WIOA program is to assist unemployed individuals and underemployed workers to obtain the skills necessary to be sustainably employable in today’s labor market. 
Work StudyStudents who complete a FAFSA may be awarded work-study funding. A federal work-study student works in an on-campus position and is paid using financial aid funding. 
Zell Miller ProgramA state of Georgia academic merit scholarship and grant program.