In the UW System, the fall semester courses typically begin after Labor Day and end the third week of December.

Definition In A Sentence... Academic Adviser A contact at the university that provides guidance with course selection and degree planning.

A warning that the student's performance has fallen below the institution's requirement for “good academic standing.”

A process of validation in which colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning are evaluated. The standards for accreditation are set by a peer review board whose members include faculty from various accredited colleges and universities.

Based on your military experiences and training, you may have college credit recommendations to apply toward a degree requirement. Actual credit transferred is solely at the discretion of the receiving college or university.

US college admissions test, measuring what you learn in high school to determine your academic readiness for college.

Applications received prior to this date are guaranteed to be reviewed. Applications received after the priority deadline are not guaranteed to be reviewed; it usually depends on the space available.

A program that offers college-level course work and exams to high school students. College credit is given based upon the results of a final examination.

A two-year post-secondary degree. Students who pursue this kind of degree full-time can complete a program in as little as two years— though many choose to go at their own pace. An associate degree translates into the first two years of a bachelor’s degree (freshman and sophomore years.

Taking a class for no academic credit. Typically, the student can listen in lectures but not participate in labs, papers, projects, or tests.