A.A.S. (Associate of Applied Science) Degree - A three-year or less degree focused on practical and technical skills for specific careers. It is designed for students entering the workforce directly after graduation rather than transferring to a four-year university.
A.S. (Associate of Science) Degree - A two-year degree focused on science and math courses. It is typically designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Academic Advisor - A staff member who helps students with course selection, academic planning, and meeting graduation requirements.
Academic Probation - When a student's GPA drops below 2.0, the institution can put them on academic probation. Academic probation means students risk losing financial aid and even being dropped from college.
Academic Status - Your status is determined at the end of each semester and summer session based on your GPA.
Academic Suspension - An official notification that a student is not allowed to enroll in any classes, earn credits, or receive financial aid during the suspension period for one whole semester.
Academic Withdrawals & Drops - If you don’t attend class by Census Date, you’ll be dropped from the course. After Census Date, you need instructor's permission to withdraw and must submit a form to the Registrar’s Office.
Blackboard - A central hub for your courses where you can find class materials, syllabus, submit assignments, take quizzes, participate in discussions, and check your grades.
Census Date - Administrative drop from courses of non-participation or non-attendance and the date used for enrollment reporting.
Credit Hour - A unit of measurement that represents an hour of instruction per week over a semester.
EDUC-1100/Learning Frameworks - A required course for all degree-seeking students at Amarillo College. This course helps students establish a vision and purpose for their college journey and future career. It covers time management, career research, personality testing, study skills, and more. It's recommended to complete this course in the first year for maximum benefit.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - A form used to apply for student financial aid from the government.
Financial Aid Suspension - A status given to students who do not meet the academic standards required to receive financial aid. During suspension, financial aid is not available until the student improves their academic performance.
Financial Aid Warning - A status given to students whose academic performance falls below the required standards. It allows them to keep their financial aid for one more semester while they work to improve their grades and course completion rate.
GPA (Grade Point Average) - A numerical representation of a student’s academic performance. On a scale of 0.0-4.0.
Grant - Financial aid that does NOT need to be repaid, usually awarded based on financial need.
Hybrid Courses - Combines in-person meetings with online components for flexibility.
In-Person Courses - Classes meet face-to-face on campus as scheduled times.
Online (Web) Courses - Course materials and activities are entirely online with no scheduled in-person meetings.
Prerequisite - A course or requirement that must be completed before taking another course.
Registrar's Office - The office responsible for student records and course registration.
Scholarship - Financial aid that does NOT need to be repaid, typically awarded based on academic merit or other criteria.
Student Loan - Money borrowed to pay for college that MUST be repaid with interest after graduation or leaving school.
Success Coach - A staff member who supports students in achieving their personal, academic, and career goals by providing guidance and resources.
Syllabus - A document that outlines the course objectives, schedule, policies, and assignments.
Tech-Supported Courses - Course meets online (via zoom) at scheduled times, but materials and assignments are managed online.
Thrive Scholarship - Scholarship for Amarillo ISD graduates that covers tuition, fees, and books up to 60 credits hours or 3 years at AC after applying and utilizing FAFSA.
Transcript - An official record of a student’s academic performance, including courses taken, grades received, and GPA.
TSI Testing - Texas Success Initiative (TSI) determines if you’re ready for college-level courses in language & math. Every incoming student will need to take this test unless exempt. Your scores will place you in the right college-level course or developmental course to help you prepare.
Watermark - Student Engagement Portal - This portal provides direct communication between you, your success coaches, and your success network. You'll get updates, task reminders, attendance records, and guidance for your college journey.