College Terminology

An official written agreement that identifies courses between two colleges that are comparable to, or accepted in lieu of specific course requirements of the transfer institution. Articulation agreements between RHC and other schools list courses that meet major and course requirements and are transferable.

A process of gathering information about individual students academic strengths and weaknesses. Assessment is part of the enrollment process.

The degree awarded by a community college upon satisfactory completion of an organized program. Usually requires at least two years of full-time study.

A degree awarded by a college or university after satisfactory completion of an organized program. Usually requires at least four years of full-time study.

A college publication describing academic programs, student services, general regulations, requirements and procedures. The publication describes all courses offered by a college, including information as to unit value, transferability and prerequisites, and is available to view online or for purchase at the college bookstore.

Note: not all courses listed in the catalog are taught each semester. Refer to the Class Schedule for current course offerings.

A certificate is an award for the successful completion of a specific list of courses in a vocational/technical program. A certificate is not a degree. A Certificate of Achievement will be listed on a transcript. Skill Proficiency and Career certificates are Division issued only and are NOT listed on a student’s transcript.

The class schedule is a listing of course offerings by term. Students register for courses or classes online only via the AccessRÍO portal.

When the number of students confirmed in a course reaches capacity during registration, the course is considered “closed”. Students may be placed on a wait list.

Course(s) that a student is required to simultaneously take in order to register in another course.

A degree is an official college recognition for the completion of requirements for graduation. At Río Hondo College you may receive an Associate of Science (AS) for majors in physical or biological sciences and technical/vocation subject areas. Associate of Arts (AA) degrees are awarded in all other majors.

An optional subject or course used toward fulfilling total unit requirements for graduation.

To apply for and be admitted to an educational institution. This is the first step to becoming a college student. You are not a student until you have completed all the enrollment steps and registered for a course.

A student who is registered in a minimum of 12 units.

A specific group of courses required of all students in college, regardless of major, who are working toward a degree. Also called breadth requirements. GE courses are designed to give students exposure to material outside of their major. Consult the catalog for general education requirements for the associate degree.

This is your grade point average and is a measure of your academic success. Letter grades of A, B, C, D and F are all included in the calculation of your GPA.

A time period during which students perform experiments or activities to help them understand and learn the material related to a course.

College courses at the freshman and sophomore levels.

A major is a student’s primary field of study or area of concentration. A major is important for students planning for a certificate, degree, or transfer to a four-year institution.

A course or presentation for new college students which includes counseling, an overview of programs and services, assistance with enrollment procedures and assessment testing. Orientation is designed to help students understand the basic information needed to succeed in college.

A student registered in fewer than 12 units a semester.

A policy of granting credit, but no grade, for satisfactory completion of a specific course. P/NP classes are not used in the calculation of a student’s grade point average.

A requirement that must be met before registering in a particular course (usually an entrance test score, a prior course, or previously demonstrated knowledge.) The course description in the catalog and the course listing in the class schedule include course prerequisites if any.

To sign up for a course. You are registered when you have been confirmed on the roster for the course. You will remain on the course roster until you pay or drop the course.

RíoMail is a free email account for students who apply to Río Hondo College. RíoMail is how the college will notify you for:

• Financial Aid status and information
• Wait-list notifications
• Class schedule or room changes

You can set up and check your account by clicking on the email button after logging in to AccessRÍO. You can also forward your RíoMail to another email account that you check regularly.

1. Once logged in, go to “Settings”
2. Then click on the “Forwarding and POP/IMAP” tab
3. Select “Forward a copy of incoming mail to” and enter your preferred email address
4. Save settings.

Half of an academic year, usually 16-18 weeks. Río Hondo College offers semester long courses both in the Fall and Spring.

Typed summary of course requirements and assignments described by professors, usually on the first day of class.

A period of 6-10 weeks. Río Hondo College offers a summer term.

A list of college courses showing the units attempted, units completed, final grades and grade point averages for each student. A transcript from Río Hondo College will only reflect courses taken at Río Hondo.

A Transfer Admission Agreement with a college or university guarantees transfer admission upon the successful completion of required course at Río Hondo College. See a counselor for more information.

Courses taken during the freshman through senior years of college work.

A number that indicates the amount of credit given to a course. Generally, one unit is awarded for every three hours of work per week per term. In most college courses, one unit is awarded for a lecture course that meets once a week for (50 minutes), with the assumption that the average student spends two additional hours on homework and other preparation for the course. Courses that do not require additional study or preparation, such as laboratory courses, field work, drawing, music, physical education, etc. must meet two or three hours a week in order to earn one unit of credit.

College courses at the junior and senior levels.