Getting Started: Learn the Lingo

A nine-character code that uniquely identifies each student admitted to Utah State University. This number (which is not social security number based) always consists of a capital A, followed by eight numbers. Find your A-Number.

The web-based computer program which USU students can access for final grades, transcripts, financial aid, and account information. The Access system (which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be accessed from any web-enabled system) allows students to register for, drop, and add classes.

Blackboard Vista is a learning management system for online classes, as well as some Interactive Broadcast classes. Course materials and assignments for most online courses are delivered through Blackboard Vista.

Courses that are part of the General Education requirements, and are intended to introduce students to different disciplines. At USU, all students must take a least one course or its equivalent in each of the following six categories: American Institutions, Creative Arts, Humanities, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences.

A document certifying that one has fulfilled the requirements of and may practice in a certain vocation.

A computer examination that consists of six modules: information law and ethics, information resources, document processing, operating systems, spreadsheets, and electronic presentations. CIL is part of the General Education requirements.

When a high school student is enrolled in a university course for which the student simultaneously receives high school and university credit.

Allows students an additional 3 months to complete an Independent Study course. Students may have a maximum of 2 extensions and must pay a fee of $75 per extension. Extensions must be requested by the student prior to the expiration date of the course.

Courses that are part of the University Studies requirements and are intended to provide students with more in-depth background in different disciplines.

Scholarships, grants, loans, and work assignments which are awarded to a student to help defray, in part or in whole, college-related expenses.

A set of requirements that all candidates for a bachelor’s degree, regardless of major, must satisfy. At USU, General Education is part of the University Studies Requirements. For more information, see pages 49-52 of the general catalog.

Independent Study courses, offered via CD-ROM and Online formats, give students 52 weeks to complete a course. Students complete assignments and exams at their own pace. Learn more about independent study courses.

A website where students enrolled in Independent Study courses can check on the status of assignments and exams, as well as final grades. Your username is the email address on file from registration information. The password is initially set to the student’s birth date (mm/dd/yy). Independent Study System.

Interactive Broadcast courses are the closest form of distance education you can get to traditional on campus courses. The technologies allow students at many locations to all be part of the same classroom and interact in real time with their instructors and classmates through two-way audio and video. More information.

Courses numbered at the 1000 and 2000 level that are usually taken during a student’s freshman and sophomore years.

A student who enrolls or registers in a college or university as a degree candidate (necessary for financial aid).

The process of applying and gaining acceptance into a degree program at a college or university. Being matriculated is important for academic advisement and financial aid purposes, and allows students to take advantage of all services within the University.

A semester-based online course follows the same calendar as on-campus courses. Students must complete the course within the semester they registered for. Learn more about online semester courses.

A yearlong online course gives students 52 weeks to complete the course from the time they register. Course material is delivered via Blackboard Vista or Syllabase. Learn more about independent study online courses.

The order in which students may register for classes. A priority registration schedule indicates the earliest possible day a student may register for classes. Priority is given first to graduate students, followed by seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen, based on earned credit hours.

A proctor is someone who is responsible for supervising you as you take an exam for your independent study or online course. For more information on proctors, see the Distance Education Testing page.

Syllabase is a learning management system for some online and Interactive Broadcast classes (mostly English courses). Students can submit assignments, have discussions, and communicate with the instructor.

Requirements that all students, regardless of major, must satisfy in order to qualify for a bachelor’s degree. Learn more about University Studies requirements.

Courses numbered at the 3000-level or higher that are usually taken during a student’s junior and senior years.