Glossary of Academic Terms
College has its own language. This glossary explains common academic terms in clear, simple language so you can make informed decisions and stay on track toward graduation.
Academic Calendar
The official university schedule that lists important dates and deadlines for each semester, including the start and end of classes, add/drop deadlines, holidays, and final exams.
Why it matters: The Academic Calendar determines key deadlines that affect enrollment, tuition, financial aid, and graduation. Missing a deadline can have academic or financial consequences. Review the Dates & Deadlines page.
Academic Disqualification
A status assigned when academic performance does not meet university GPA standards after probation.
Why it matters: You will need to complete a reinstatement process before returning to regular enrollment. Advising support is available to help you plan next steps. Review the Academic Requirements and Progress page.
Academic Load
The number of units you take in a semester. Full-time status is 12 units. To graduate in four years, most students need to complete about 15 units per semester.
Why it matters: Taking fewer than 15 units may extend your time to graduation.
Academic Probation
A warning status assigned when your campus or cumulative GPA falls below 2.0.
Why it matters: You must meet specific GPA requirements to return to Good Standing and avoid disqualification. Review the Academic Requirements and Progress page.
Academic Requirements Report
Also known as your degree audit, this online tool works like a checklist of your graduation requirements. It shows the courses you have completed and what you still need to finish your degree.
Why it matters: It helps you track progress, confirm remaining requirements, and plan future semesters. Review the Academic Requirements and Progress page.
Academic Standing
Your official academic status is determined by your GPA and may be Good Standing, Academic Probation, or Academic Disqualification.
Why it matters: Your standing affects your ability to enroll and continue at the university. Review the Academic Standing Policy page.
Add/Drop Period
The first two weeks of the semester when you can change your schedule.
Why it matters: After this period, dropping a course may affect your transcript or financial aid. Review the Registration Processes and Policies and the Dates and Deadlines pages.
Baccalaureate Degree (B.A. or B.S.)
An undergraduate degree awarded by a four-year college or university.
Why it matters: This is the degree you earn after completing all graduation requirements.
Catalog Year
The academic year that determines the degree requirements you must follow to graduate. Your catalog year is usually based on when you first enrolled at the university or when you last changed your major.
Why it matters: Your catalog year determines which courses and requirements apply to your degree. Requirements from newer catalogs may not automatically apply to you unless you officially change your catalog year.
Class Standing
Your academic level based on completed units:
• Freshman: 0 to 29 units
• Sophomore: 30 to 59 units
• Junior: 60 to 89 units
• Senior: 90 or more units
Why it matters: Registration dates are assigned based on class standing. Some courses and graduation requirements also depend on your unit level.
Co-requisite
A course that must be taken during the same semester as another course.
Why it matters: You must enroll in both courses at the same time.
Commencement
A ceremony held at the end of the academic year to celebrate graduates.
Why it matters: Commencement is an optional celebration, not the process of awarding your degree. You must apply for graduation and meet all requirements to receive your diploma. Review the Graduation and Commencement pages.
Continuous Enrollment
Maintaining enrollment without being away from the university for more than one semester.
Why it matters: Gaps in enrollment may affect your catalog year and degree requirements.
Course Numbering
Course numbers help you identify the academic level and expectations of a class.
• Lower Division: 100 to 299
• Upper Division: 300 to 499
• Graduate Level: 500+
Why it matters: Degree programs require a specific number of upper-division units.
Credit/No Credit
A grading option where you receive credit for a course without a letter grade.
Why it matters: This option may affect your GPA and may not count toward certain major requirements.
Enrollment Hold
A restriction placed on your account that prevents registration.
Why it matters: Holds must be cleared before your registration appointment or you will not be able to enroll. Review the Registration guidelines page.
Enrollment Verification
A document issued by the Office of the Registrar that confirms your enrollment at the university for a specific term.
Why it matters: Enrollment verification may be required for health insurance, scholarships, employment, housing, or loan deferment.
General Education (GE)
Courses outside your major that provide broad knowledge and skills.
Why it matters: GE courses are required for graduation and must be completed in specific categories.
GPA (Grade Point Average)
A number that represents your average academic performance.
• Term GPA: GPA for one semester
• Major or Minor GPA: GPA for coursework within your major or minor requirements only
• CSUMB GPA: GPA for coursework completed at CSUMB only
• Overall/Cumulative GPA: GPA for completed coursework at all colleges and universities
Why it matters: GPA affects academic standing, graduation eligibility, and some scholarships.
Grade Forgiveness
A policy that may allow a repeated course grade to be replaced in GPA calculations.
Why it matters: There are limits on how many units qualify, and the process may not be automatic. See your Academic Advisor for details. Review the Academic Standing Policy page.
Graduation Application
The process of officially applying to graduate during your final semester.
Why it matters: Completing your requirements does not automatically guarantee your degree; you need to submit an application by the deadline. Graduation and Commencement are separate events. Review the Graduation and Commencement pages.
Graduation Requirements
All requirements needed to earn your degree, including major courses, general education, and university requirements.
Why it matters: You are responsible for completing all requirements before you can graduate.
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
An upper-division writing requirement completed through a designated course in your major.
Why it matters: This requirement must be met to graduate.
Incomplete
A temporary grade given when a student cannot finish coursework due to serious or unexpected circumstances, but has completed most of the class and is passing. Coursework must be completed within one year.
Why it matters: If not completed on time, the grade may change to a failing grade. The Incomplete Form must be initiated by the student.
Learning Plan (My Learning Plan)
A personalized semester-by-semester outline of courses needed to complete your degree. At CSUMB, advisors and students may use the My Learning Plan tool in Oasis to map graduation requirements and plan future semesters.
Why it matters: A learning plan helps you see the full path to graduation and make informed decisions about course sequencing and unit load.
Major Declaration
The process of officially choosing or changing your major.
Why it matters: Some majors have GPA or course requirements before you can declare.
Matriculated Student
A student who has been formally admitted to the university and is enrolled in a degree program.
Why it matters: Matriculated students follow degree requirements and are eligible for regular enrollment, financial aid, and graduation.
Non-Matriculated Student
A student who is enrolled in courses but has not been formally admitted into a degree program. This may include students taking courses through Extended Education or the CSU Open University program.
Why it matters: Non-matriculated students are not considered degree-seeking and may have different enrollment processes and limitations.
Permission Number
An add code issued by a department that allows you to enroll in a specific course.
Why it matters: A permission number gives you access to enroll, but you are not officially enrolled until you add the course in OASIS and see it on your schedule. Review the Permission Numbers page.
Prerequisite
A course or requirement you must complete before enrolling in another course.
Why it matters: You cannot enroll without meeting prerequisites.
Priority Registration
An earlier registration time given to students in specific categories, such as certain programs or eligibility groups. Students with priority registration enroll in the morning of their assigned registration day rather than the afternoon.
Why it matters: Priority registration provides earlier access to available courses, making scheduling easier. Review the Registration guidelines page.
Registration/Enrollment Appointment
The date and time when you can begin enrolling in classes for an upcoming semester. Dates and times are assigned based on the number of units you have completed.
Registration typically opens in this order:
• Seniors
• Graduate, second baccalaureate, and post-baccalaureate students
• Juniors
• Sophomores
• Freshmen
Why it matters: You cannot enroll before your assigned appointment. Students with more completed units register earlier, which can provide more course options. Review the Registration guidelines page.
Repeated Course
A course you take again after earning a low or failing grade.
Why it matters: Repeating a course may improve your GPA, but previous attempts remain on your transcript and policies apply. Review the Academic Requirements and Progress page.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
A financial aid standard that requires you to maintain a certain GPA and complete enough units.
Why it matters: You can be in Good Standing and still lose financial aid if you do not meet SAP requirements. Review the Financial Aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress page.
Shopping Cart
A feature in OASIS where you store selected classes before officially enrolling.
Why it matters: Adding a class to your shopping cart does not mean you are enrolled.
Syllabus
A document provided by your instructor that outlines course expectations, assignments, grading policies, and important dates. Save a PDF copy of the syllabus for each class you enroll in.
Why it matters: The syllabus explains how you will be graded, outlines assignment requirements, and provides a timeline of important deadlines. It can also serve as documentation if you plan to transfer or apply to graduate school.
Transcript (Official)
An official copy of your academic record.
Why it matters: Official transcripts are required for graduate school applications, job applications, or transfers. Review the Records page.
Unofficial Transcript
A copy of your academic record that includes work in progress and can be accessed through your OASIS Student Center.
Why it matters: You can use this to track your academic history and GPA. Review the Records page.
Unit Cap
The maximum number of units you can enroll in during a semester without special approval.
Why it matters: Taking more units than allowed requires permission. Review the Registration guidelines page.
Upper-Division General Education (UDGE)
Nine units of General Education completed after reaching junior standing. These include upper-division courses in Math/Quantitative Reasoning or Science, Arts & Humanities, and Social & Behavioral Sciences.
Why it matters: These courses are required for graduation and must be completed at the upper-division level.