College Terms

Browse the glossary using this index

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F

First-time student

A student attending any institution for the first time at the level enrolled. Includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended a postsecondary institution for the first time at the same level in the prior summer term. Also includes students who entered with advanced standing (college credit earned before graduation from high school).

First-time, first-year (freshman) student

A student attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. Includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also includes students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).

First-year student

A student who has completed less than the equivalent of 1 full year of undergraduate work; that is, less than 45 quarter hours.

Freshman

A first-year undergraduate student.

Freshman/new student orientation

Orientation addressing the academic, social, emotional, and intellectual issues involved in beginning college. May be a few hours or a few days in length.

Full-time student (undergraduate)

A student enrolled for 12 or more quarter credits each term.