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Terms to Know

Terms to Know

The transition between high school and college can be challenging. But, we’re here to fill in the gaps and share some terminology with you to help make that shift easier!

Group of students walking campus
TermDefinition
AdvisingThe process of planning a program and selecting courses with assistance from an academic advisor. 
Co-RequisiteA requirement that one course must be taken at the same time as another course. For example, some courses may have a lab or discussion that a student must also enroll to earn full credit.
Credit HourThe unit of credit for one hour of lecture per week for a semester.
Degree-Granting CollegeThe “academic home” where student pursue specific degree requirements and their major work is completed. After a student has earned 24 credit hours, declared a major and met the GPA requirement of the degree-granting college, their records are transferred from University College to their degree-granting college.
EnrollmentThe process of choosing and officially registering in a set of courses for a semester or term.
FeesA charge paid by students for services, e.g., course fee, student activity fee, health fee, etc. 
Final Examination (Final)An examination that is comprehensive in nature or that accounts for a greater proportion of the final grade than an exam given during the semester. Please note, final exams may be scheduled for a different time than when the class met during the semester.
General Education
(Gen Ed)
A common set of courses or categories of courses that are required of all undergraduate students to complete a degree.
Lower Division1000 and 2000 level courses. 
OUNet ID (4x4)More commonly known as your 4x4, your OU Net ID, along with your password, will be you log-in for access to OU services.
Pre-RequisiteA requirement, usually credit in another course, which must be met before a particular course can be taken.
SemesterA 16-week academic session. Please note, each new semester, students will enroll in a new set of courses.
Sooner ID (OU ID)Your nine-digit ID number assigned to you when you are admitted.
TuitionThe charge paid by all students to enroll in courses at the university. 
Upper Division3000 and 4000 level courses.