Glossary of Terms

ACT: The ACT Assessment¬ is designed to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The test covers four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science.

Bursar: The Bursar's Office is where all fees are paid (tuition, housing, meal plans, etc). The Bursar's office also offers a payment plan for fees payment.

College preparatory courses: High school courses that prepare students for the academic level required in a university environment. College preparatory course standards are set by the state of Ohio. Parents should talk to high school personel for courses that meet a college preparatory curriculum.

Community Advisor: A community advisor (CA) is someone who was selected from a larger group of applicants to serve the students on a floor in the residence halls. They can help your students so much in their adjustment to college.

Community Director: The community director (CD) is a full-time, live-in, professional university staff person responsible for the daily operations of a co-ed residential community. The CD creates a comprehensive and responsive student-centered educational program.

Co-op/Internship: The terms cooperative education (co-op) and internship both define types of work experiences available to students who have been admitted into their degree program. Work performed by a student in a co-op or internship provides educational opportunities consistent with the student's course of study.

FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that must be completed every year with updated federal tax information, and can be submitted as early as January 1st of your student's senior year. Wright State University's priority deadline date for submitting the FAFSA is February 15th. The priority deadline date is used in determining your student's eligibility for federal campus based funds (loans, grants and work study). A student will not be notified about financial aid unless a FAFSA form is filed.

General Education: Wright State's general education program is required of all students and serves as a foundation upon which all baccalaureate programs are built. Students must complete a minimum of 56 credit hours in the general education curriculum.

Grant: A grant is a non-repayable gift aid based upon financial need. Available grants include the Ohio Instructional Grant, the Ohio Part-Time Grant, the Federal Pell Grant, and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

Learning Communities: First-year students have the opportunity to take a set of classes with a group of peers called Learning Communities. Learning Communities link required general education courses with a first year seminar. The seminar will answer questions about college and academics, help with study tips, and direct students to other university resources. Learning Communities are linked by a common interest like your student's major or residence hall.

Loan: Federal loans, unlike grants or scholarships, must be repaid and at least half-time registration is required to be eligible to receive these loans. The different loan programs include the Federal Perkins Loan, Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program, Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).

PSAT: The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a program co-sponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. For many students, the PSAT/NMSQT is the first step on the road to college. It assesses skills developed through years of study in a wide range of courses as well as through experiences outside the classroom. The PSAT/NMSQT has three parts: Verbal, Math and Writing Skills.

PLAN: As a "pre-ACT" test, PLAN is a powerful predictor of success on the ACT Assessment, At the same time, many schools recognize the importance of PLAN testing for all students, as it focuses attention on both career preparation and improving academic achievement. Typically, PLAN is administered in the fall of the sophomore year.

Registrar: Wright State's registrar takes care of class schedules, and residency information. They also verify enrollment and provide official transcripts for students.

SAT: The SAT measures verbal and mathematical reasoning skills students have developed over time and skills they need to be successful academically. The SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800(for math and verbal) and is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.

Work-Study: The Federal Work-Study Program is a federally funded student employment program. The federal support provides for 75% of the student's gross wages, while the employing department/organization pays the remaining 25%. Eligibility to participate in the Federal Work-Study Program is based on the student's financial need. Wright State University's Financial Aid Office grants awards for students upon completion of the FAFSA. Students who are awarded work-study monies, are eligible for employment in both on campus and off campus in Federal Work-Study positions.