Initially, University jargon can be confusing and even overwhelming. To rid any confusion, we’ve compiled a list of commonly used terms and their definitions.
Admission: the process of gaining acceptance to the University of Saskatchewan. This term is commonly confused with registration.
Bowl: the large grassy area in the middle of campus where students enjoy outdoor studying, relaxing and special events.
Bursary: a monetary award made on the basis of financial need. Some bursaries may also include consideration of academic achievement, school and community activities, qualities of leadership or other criteria.
College: an organizational unit of the university that is generally responsible for the development and delivery of programs and courses leading to degrees, certificates, diplomas and other recognitions.
Credit unit: a number that indicates the relative academic weight of a given course. During Regular Session, a three-credit unit course will run from September to December or January to April; a six-credit unit course will run from September to April.
Direct entry: a university program that can be entered directly from high school. The following colleges have direct entry programs: Agriculture and Bioresources, Arts and Science, Business, Education, Engineering, Kinesiology and Nursing.
Faculty: instructional staff who share their expertise through academic programs, professional services and research efforts.
Full-time student: one who is taking 18 credit units or more in Regular Session, or 9 credit units or more in either term of Regular Session.
Major: a specialization chosen by the student. For a degree, the majority of credit units taken will be in the major. Note: colleges may refer to majors as “fields of specialization”, “routes of study” or “disciplines”.
Minor: a secondary specialization chosen by the student.
Non direct entry: a university program which cannot be entered directly from high school. At least one year of university-level study is required before entry into the following programs: Dentistry, Education, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy and Veterinary Medicine.
NSID (Network Services ID): an identifier in the form of three letters followed by three numbers issued to all members of the university community. The NSID is often used as a username to log in to the university computer and network services.
PAWS (Personalized Access to Web Services): the U of S web portal where students log in to access information and services tailored specifically to their needs. Including: college-specific announcements, email, course schedules, exam timetables, grades, online fee payment, etc.
Recruitment and Admissions: the unit that provides prospective students, their parents and counsellors with information about the U of S and assists with application and admission. It is often a student’s first contact with the university.
Registration: the process of choosing classes and enrolling in them. This term is commonly confused with admission.
Regular Session: the session of academic study that runs from September to April.
Scholarship: a guaranteed or competitive student award based on academic achievement. Some scholarships may consider school and community activities, qualities of leadership or other criteria.
Spring and Summer Session: the session of academic study that runs from mid-May to mid-August. Classes in this session are offered in compressed time periods of approximately seven-week terms.
Student Central: an in-person information and services resource for students. It is the first place–and often the only place–students need to visit to have their questions about the university answered or to do university business.
Student Number: a number assigned to all U of S applicants and used in most official university business.
U-Pass: a universal city bus pass that is included in student fees. This USSU initiative makes transportation to and from campus and around the city convenient, environmentally friendly and affordable.
USSU: the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union. The USSU is a student government organization responsible for representing, providing service to and advocating for the university’s undergraduate student population.
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