Semester

An academic year that is divided into two equal segments of 15 to 18 weeks.

Seminar

A small class focused on specialized topics discussed in depth with a professor.

Senior

A student in their fourth year of study at a high school or college/university.

Social Security Number

A unique nine digit number issued to people eligible to work and collect benefits in the US such as US citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents by the US government.

Sophomore

A student in their second year of study at a high school or college/university.

Syllabus

A document distributed to students enrolled in a course that outlines the material a course will cover, instructor expectations, assignments, due dates, instructor contact information, and relevant university policies.

TA (Teaching Assistant)

A graduate student employed part-time to assist faculty with teaching an undergraduate course.

TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language)

A standardized exam that determines english proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The exam is required for international student admission to a US college or university.

Tenure

A status earned by faculty members at a college or university after demonstrating a strong record of research, publishing, and teaching.

Term

A period of study such as a semester.

Thesis

A formal piece of writing on a specific topic required for a degree.

Transcript

An official record of a student's performance at an academic institution.

Transfer Credit

Credit awarded toward a degree on the basis of studies completed at another college or university.

Tuition

The amount of money an academic institution charges its students for attendance.

Undecided

A student that has not chosen or declared their major field of study.

Undergraduate

A post-secondary program leading to a bachelor's degree. The term also refers to a student attending such a program.

Visa

An official mark or stamp in a passport that allows someone to enter a country for a specified amount of time. The US government issues the following types of visas for students and scholars: F-1 (student visa) and J-1 (exchange visitor visa).

Work-study

A financial aid program funded by the US government that allows students to work part-time on campus.