A B C D E  F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T V W X Y Z

A.B.
Artis Baccalaureus. Bachelor of Arts. Although LS&A awards its degrees in English, the College retains the traditional Latin name for this liberal arts degree.

Academic Auditors
The academic auditors check for the completion of all LS&A degree requirements once graduation materials have been submitted, inform students of their progress toward graduation, and authorize graduation. They can provide a Letter of Certification that requirements have been met and a degree will be awarded. G255 Angell Hall, 763-3101.

Academic Calendars
Each College within the University has a specific set of deadlines which apply to the academic term - deadlines for adding and dropping courses, deadlines for finishing incomplete work from a previous term, deadlines for identifying a Pass/Fail course, etc. The deadlines are not necessarily the same for each College, so be sure that you are acting within the LS&A deadline dates, not those of another unit of the University. As an LS&A student, you will follow LS&A rules and deadlines, regardless of whether or not you are taking a class in another part of the University such as the School of Art and Design or the School of Education.

Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty consists of Plagiarism, Cheating, Double Submission of Papers, Aiding and Abetting Dishonesty, Fabrication, Falsification of Records and Official Documents, and Unauthorized or malicious interference/tampering with computer property.

The academic judiciary acknowledges that it is the mutual responsibility of student and instructor to be clear on the community's standards of scholarship. An instructor has the responsibility to clearly define academic dishonesty and to help his/her students understand the appropriate use of the work of others and under what conditions this is permitted.

Academic Integrity in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
The undergraduate academic community, like all communities, functions best when its members treat one another with honesty, fairness, respect, and trust. The College expects that all enrolled students will uphold standards of academic integrity and conduct. To accomplish its mission of providing an optimal educational environment and developing societal leaders, the College prohibits all forms of academic dishonesty.

Academic Judiciary
Our College's Academic Judiciary has been established to adjudicate cases of alleged academic misconduct by students in our College. The judiciary acknowledges that it is the mutual responsibility of student and instructor to be clear on the community's standards of scholarship. An instructor has the responsibility to clearly define academic dishonesty and to help his/her students understand the appropriate use of the work of others and under what conditions this is permitted. The Academic Judiciary shall consist of faculty members and LS&A student members. The faculty members shall be appointed by the Executive Committee of the LS&A College and serve two-year terms; three faculty seats shall lapse one year, four the next. The student members shall be appointed by the LS&A Student Government for one-year terms. The functions of the four-person hearing board will be limited to deciding an academic dishonesty case, rather than determining the sanctions to be imposed. The role of determining sanctions will be left to the Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs, but the Academic Judiciary may make a nonbinding recommendation.

Academic Minors
Optional certification for students electing the A.B. and B.S. degrees. Students completing an academic minor will have a notation on their academic record.

Academic Peer Advisors (APA)
The Academic Peer Advisor (APA) Program is an outreach effort to students in University housing from the LS&A Academic Advising Center. These student advisors have been trained extensively in College policies, procedures, and curricula and can be of valuable help in dealing with issues of academic difficulty or course planning. If they don't have the answers, they are knowledgeable sources of referral. Feel free to stop by during the hours listed below and get acquainted with your APA.

Academic Report
The Academic Report is the current record of a student's academic progress.

Academic Resources

Academic Standards Board
Members of the Academic Standards Board help students individualize their programs of study and may grant exceptions to College-level academic policies and degree requirements. A student may discuss with a member and, if necessary, petition in writing for a waiver or modification of College rules. They also administer academic discipline. The purpose of academic discipline is to help foster good performance and to protect a student's chance of graduating from the College.

Add/Drop
Once you are registered in classes for a term, you may begin to drop and add courses as many times as you like according to the policies and procedures established by the faculty. The College allows you to drop and add courses freely during the first three weeks of the regular term without any record of the changes appearing on your transcript. After this deadline, Adds or Drops must be requested through the Academic Advising Center, 1255 Angell Hall. If your late drop request is approved, you will receive a grade of "W" for any course dropped after the third week deadline. In addition, be aware that after the ninth week of the term late drop requests are rarely approved, and then only on an exceptional basis. You should discuss all late drop/add requests with your academic advisor.

Advanced Placement Credit (AP)
AP credit is credit granted by the College on the basis of scores achieved in a standardized test given prior to college entry. The test is presumed to cover the content of an entry level college course covering the particular subject. Credit is awarded on the basis of the AP test score. Amount or type of credit given is determined by the individual College department. AP tests are administered by the College Entrance Examination Board. Advanced Placement credits may not be included as part of your Area Distribution, Race & Ethnicity, English Composition, or Quantitative Reasoning requirements; they may, however, be used as free electives or as concentration prerequisites.

Aiding and Abetting Dishonesty
A form of academic dishonesty. Providing material or information to another person with knowledge that these materials or information will be used improperly.

America Reads Tutoring Corps
In this program, students tutor children in grades K-3 in elementary schools in Michigan's Wayne and Washtenaw Counties with the goal of having them read well and independently by the end of third grade.

AmeriCorps Partnership, Michigan
In this program, graduate and undergraduate students work in Detroit-based nonprofit organizations on projects such as program facilitation, business plan development, grant research and writing, and community organization.

Angell Scholar
James B. Angell Scholars are students who earn all A , A, or A- grades for two or more consecutive terms based on a minimum 12 graded credits elected each term; all other grades must be P, S, or CR. Terms of fewer than 12 credits completed with grades of A , A, A-, P, S, or CR enable a student to maintain standing as an Angell Scholar. Any other grades earned during a full or half term make a student ineligible for this honor. This distinction is posted on a student's transcript by the Registrar's Office, and recipients of this honor are invited to attend the annual Honors Convocation.

AP credit, see Advanced Placement

Arts of Citizenship
In this program, faculty, staff, graduate students and community partners collaborate to foster the role of the arts, humanities and design in civic and community life.

Audit, Academic (Senior)
Having your record audited is required for graduation.

Auditing a course
Request for Audit Status

B

B.G.S.
Bachelor of General Studies. The College's newest degree, dating from the 1960's. This is an interdisciplinary degree which, instead of a traditional concentration, requires that half of the degree be upper level courses.

B.S.
Bachelor of Science. The B.S. degree contains at least 60 credits of approved natural science and/or mathematics.

B.S. Chem.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. An undergraduate degree which services students who are interested in professional careers in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields. The degree requires a minimum of 124 credits to complete. This differs from a B.S. with a concentration in chemistry which requires a minimum of only 120 credits.

Blue Book
This is a term used to describe both an object and a type of exam.
1. A blue book is a booklet containing 8-12 blank pages (some are larger), with a sky-blue cover, for use during a midterm or final exam. Students are often expected to bring their own blue books to exams. (Blue books are on sale at any of the local bookstores.)
2. Because students use blue books most often for essay exams, you will occasionally hear this type of exam referred to as a "blue book" or a "blue book exam."

Branstrom Award
Students in the top 5% of the freshman class are eligible for this honor, administered by the Office of the Registrar, if they have earned at least 14 graded credits at Michigan. A book with an inscribed nameplate is presented to each student, and a notation is made on the official transcript, and recipients of this award are invited to attend the annual Honors Convocation.

C

Cheating
A form of academic dishonesty. Using unauthorized notes, or study aids, or information from another student or student's paper on an examination; altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for re-grading; and allowing another person to use one'swork and to submit the work under one's own name.

Class Honors
Students who elect a minimum of 28 credits in courses taken on the Ann Arbor campus during a calendar year (January 1 through December 31) including a minimum 20 credits elected on a graded basis, and who earn a 3.5 grade point average are eligible for Class Honors. Incoming freshmen and transfer students who elect a minimum 14 credits during the fall term, including a minimum of 10 graded , and who earn at least a 3.5 GPA are also eligible for Class Honors. This distinction is posted on a student's transcript by the Registrar's Office, and recipients of this honor are invited to attend the annual Honors Convocation. The criteria for awarding Class Honors are currently under review and are subject to change.

Class Standing
Class standing is determined by the number of credits earned toward a degree.
Freshman  fewer than 25 credits 
Sophomore  25 through 54 credits  
Junior   55 through 84 credits  
Senior   85 credits or more  

Cognate
A cognate course is a class in a discipline or subject related to the concentration but which is offered by a different department. For example, a cognate for a Political Science concentration might be a course in the History department. A number of LS&A concentrations include cognate classes as part of the concentration requirements.

Concentration
The concentration is the portion of your A.B. or B.S. degree which represents your area of subject specialization.

Concentration Advisors
Concentration advisors are, most often, faculty or staff members from LS&A departments who help you shape and focus your academic goals. They discuss with you how best to progress in a concentration program and to utilize the skills acquired in the study of a particular discipline both in graduate or professional schools or on the job. You will meet with most concentration advisors in their departmental offices.

Concentration Release Form
On this form, your concentration advisor indicates that you have completed or will complete all concentration requirements, including required cognates. If you have not met all the requirements for the concentration, including the required cognates, your advisor will itemize the required courses which do not appear on the most recent academic report, or which appear but have not yet been successfully completed. If there is any doubt regarding the GPA in the concentration, your advisor will indicate necessary grades in the final elections to ensure a 2.0 in the concentration. If you are "double majoring," two Concentration Release Forms must be submitted.

Course Equivalence
Unless otherwise stated, the phrase "or equivalent" may be considered an implicit part of the prerequisite for any course. When a student has satisfactorily completed a course(s) believed to be substantially equivalent to one listed as a prerequisite, the student must consult the instructor or department. If equivalency is determined to have been satisfied, election may be approved.

Course Guide
An accurate and current course description helps students in their academic planning. Descriptions are published in the LS&A Course Guide for distribution to LS&A students at least one week before early registration. They are prefaced with the course number, title, prerequisite(s), and other information from the updated LS&A Bulletin. Descriptions generally begin with a statement of the subjects (topics, themes, methods, and include any recommended special background that is not already listed in the course prerequisite). Instructors usually indicate the basis of student evaluation (exams, papers, etc.); the texts which will be required; and the method(s) of instruction (lecture, lab, discussion). The Course Guide Archive. Archive of past Course Guides (Winter Term 1982 to the present). If a course is not listed, then a description probably does not exist. Contact the department which offered the course.

Course Numbering System
The University numbers courses 100 through 999. This numbering system does not always mean that courses with higher numbers are more difficult. Rather, the number system reflects degrees of specialization. Courses numbered on the 100 and 200 levels are usually designed for students with little previous knowledge of a subject, and are often taken by first-year students. In many cases such courses must be taken before more specialized courses on the 300 and 400 levels can be taken, but this is not always true, and you should study the requirements of different departments before deciding which courses to take.

Course Pack
This is a collection of readings and exercises prepared by an instructor for a course. Rather than ask students to purchase a textbook, many professors prepare a course pack containing readings and other materials that are specifically geared for that particular course. Course packs can include: course syllabus, reading list, assignments, and worksheets; articles taken from popular publications or research journals; other readings especially prepared by the instructor. Course packs can be obtained from the local document copying establishments; your instructor will tell you which one(s).

Creative Expression (CE)
Creative expression is one of the categories of courses used to meet the Pattern II distribution plan. A creative expression class is one in which you perform or produce the art rather than studying artistic works of someone else. So, a drawing class rather than a history of art class; an acting class instead of a history of the theatre class, a creative writing class rather than a literature class. And so on.

Credit
Sometimes called "credit hour." This is a unit of academic progress. The number of credits assigned to a course corresponds (more or less) to the number of contact hours you have per week with the instructor in the classroom. You should note that credits are NOT a good indicator of how difficult a course may be or the amount of the workload in the class. For example, it's quite possible for a three-credit upper-level course to be more challenging and time-consuming than a four-hour introductory course. LS&A students ordinarily need to complete 120 credits in order to graduate.

Credit/No Credit
Credit/No Credit is a method of grading in which a student's work is either rated as meeting the expected standard of performance and therefore meriting credit or as not meeting the expected standard and therefore not meriting credit for the course.

Credit Toward Program (CTP)
Credit Toward Program refers to the number of credits a student has accumulated that actually count toward the degree. Some courses which a student might elect appear on the transcript and impact the grade point average, but do not count toward the total number of credits needed to graduate.

Cross-listed Courses
Cross-Listed courses are sponsored by more than one department or program and may be elected through any of the participating departments. Cross-listings are denoted by a slash appearing between departmental titles in the Course Guide and LS&A Bulletin. Meet togethers (joint offerings) are unofficial cross-listings; they are generally a one-time event, where two different courses meet in the same room, at the same time, with the same instructor, and participants do the same work.

Curriculum Committee
The Curriculum Committee is the approval agency for course modifications, concentration changes, and curricular modifications.

D

Deadlines, see Academic Calendar

Dean's List
Many colleges have one; LS&A doesn't. The College, however, acknowledges the superior academic achievement of its students in a variety of ways. These include the awarding of class honors, special awards, honors at graduation, election to national honor societies, the LS&A Scholarship Program, and departmental academic awards.

Dean's Recommendation Forms
Dean's Recommendation Forms are sometimes required by professional schools or professional associations, as well as by prospective employers. These forms, once you have filled out your portion, should be turned into the Academic Advising Center. If the form has no place for your signature, you will need to sign an authorization form to allow the provision of "confidential" information such as class rank. Envelopes will appropriate postage should be provided. If there is no actual form to be filled out, then turn in a letter explaining what questions you want to be answered, for what purpose, along with addressed and stamped envelopes. The Academic Advising Center will write a letter on department letterhead addressing the issues you ask us to address. All questions will be answered and the forms mailed within two weeks of your submission.

Declaration Form
A form that must be filled out to declare a concentration/academic minor. Once the form is signed by the concentration advisor and you turn it in to the Advising Center, you are "DECLARED." You are required to declare when you reach 55 credits. If you haven't declared by then, you will receive a hold credit. You may change concentrations at any time. A new concentration is declared by filling out a new Declaration Form, signed by the concentration advisor.

Diploma Application
When you decide you would like to be graduated, submit this form along with a Concentration Release Form. The Academic Auditors will check on your degree progress and, if you have completed all requirements, you will be authorized to be graduated. If you do not complete degree requirements during the term for which a Diploma Application has been filed you must file a new one in order to be placed on a subsequent degree list.

Directed Reading
A type of Independent Study.

Discussion Section
A Latin derived word meaning "to examine." Most large lecture courses are accompanied by discussions. Discussion entails two way communication between instructor and students as they examine the contents of a lecture and supplementary materials. Discussions offer students an opportunity to ask questions concerning the lectures or review homework assignments. Quizzes on lecture material/homework are common. Many discussion sections are led by Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs). Class size ranges from 20 to 30 students.

Disenrollment
Disenrollment refers to student formally withdrawing from all classes elected during a particular term

Distinction/High Distinction/Highest Distinction
Degrees with distinction are awarded on the basis of rank in class. A notation is made on the diploma and the transcript. Students who have completed at least 58 credits in residence, at least 45 of which are "graded" (A to D-), and rank in the top 3% of their class are recommended for a degree "with highest distinction." Those students who rank in the top 10% of their class but not in the top 3% are recommended for a degree "with high distinction." Those students who rank in the top 25% of their class but not in the top 10% are recommended for a degree "with distinction."

Distribution
Distribution is one of the College graduation requirements for students earning an A.B. or B.S. This requirement ensures that all students take some courses in each of the mian divisions of knowledge—natural science, social science and humanities. General Policies

Double Submission of Papers
A form of academic dishonesty. Submitting or resubmitting substantially the same paper for two or more classes in the same or different terms without the express approval of each instructor.

Double "major"
You may elect to do two or more concentrations. You must meet all requirements for each one. Each plan must be developed in consultation with a concentration advisor. Courses, including cognates, elected as part of one concentration plan may be used, when appropriate, to meet the requirements of the second concentration.

Drop/Add
Once you are registered in classes for a term, you may begin to drop and add courses as many times as you like according to the policies and procedures outlined below. The College allows you to drop and add courses freely during the first three weeks of the regular term without any record of the changes appearing on your transcript. After this deadline, Adds or Drops must be requested through the Academic Advising Center, 1255 Angell Hall. If your late drop request is approved, you will receive a grade of "W" for any course dropped after the third week deadline. In addition, be aware that after the ninth week of the term late drop requests are rarely approved, and then only on an exceptional basis. You should discuss all late drop/add requests with your academic advisor.

E

English Composition Board (see Sweetland Writing Center)

English Language Institute (500 East Washington Street, 764-2413)
The English Language Institute offers instruction in the English language to non-native speakers enrolled in the University. The main purpose of this instruction is to help non-native speakers to become effective and fully participating members of the academic community. In addition, the ELI offers workshops in the Spring and Summer for International Teaching Assistants (ITA) in conjunction with the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) and offers language courses throughout the academic year for non-native speaking ITAs which address the communicative language needs of classroom lab and office hours. The ELI operates a Writing Clinic and a Speaking Clinic as one-on-one facilities for those who have taken or are taking ELI courses in the relevant areas or are deemed not to need regular classroom instruction.

Excluded (Excl)
Courses not designated by our College as having the necessary breadth qualifications for use in the Distribution Plan.

Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the College consists of the Dean and six members of the faculty. The Associate Deans of the College sit with the Committee but do not vote. The Committee is charged with formulating educational and instructional policies for consideration by the faculty, and it acts for the College in matters related to the budget, promotions, and appointments.

Extended Courses
There are a few courses that are specifically approved by the LS&A Curriculum Committee to extend over two terms rather than one. In an approved extended course, the instructor submits a "Y" at the end of the first term to indicate the work is in progress.

F G H I J

F

Fabrication
A form of academic dishonesty. Presenting data in a piece of work which were not gathered in accordance with guidelines defining the appropriate methods for collecting or generating data and failing to include a substantially accurate account of the method by which the data were gathered or collected.

Faculty Code
The educational policies and practices of our College. Amendments to the Faculty Code are made by the faculty at LS&A faculty meetings. The Academic Standards Board and a number of related offices are responsible for interpreting the academic policies set forth in the Faculty Code.

Falsification of records and official documents
A form of academic dishonesty. Altering documents affecting academic records; forging signature of authorization or falsifying information on an official academic document, grade report, letter of permission, petition, or any document designed to meet or exempt a student from an established College or University academic regulation.

First-Year Seminar
A seminar for first year students only, usually taught by a tenured or emeritus professor. These seminars focus on various specialized topics.

Full-Time Academic Load
12 credits are necessary for full-time status for Financial Aid and other reasons. Special permission is required to elect fewer than 8 or more than 18 credits during a Fall or Winter term (more than 9 in a half-term). In order to graduate on schedule (4 academic years), you must carry an average of 15 credits for each of your eight terms unless you have Advanced Placement or other credits, or you plan to enroll for Spring or Summer term(s). Because of the new demands of college life, some first-year students would do well to enroll in fewer than 15 credits, at least for the first term. In most cases, four courses is the typical load, with the credits totaling anywhere from 12 to 17.
Tuition charges are based on a per credit hour basis (0-11); a standard fee is charged for 12-18 credits

G

Grade Grievance
All students have the right to appeal any alleged unfair or improper grading by filing a grade grievance. Each department has specific procedures for handling such appeals, which follow general guidelines set by our College.

Grade Point Average (GPA)
The Term GPA is determined by dividing the total number of Michigan Semester Hours (MSH) elected during a term into the total number of Michigan Honor Points (MHP) earned during the same term. The Cumulative GPA is determined by dividing the total number of Michigan SemesterHours into the total number of Michigan Honor Points (MHP) earned.

H

Honors/High Honors/Highest Honors
Students who have completed at least 58 credits in residence and have demonstrated high academic achievement and capacity for independent work in a department or degree program may be recommended for a degree "with highest honors," "with high honors," or "with honors" in the field of concentration. Capacity for independent work must be demonstrated in part by superior performance in an honors program or some achievement of equivalent character. A minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 is required. A notation is made on the diploma and the transcript.

Honors Point Deficit
An honor point deficit can occur in the field of concentration GPA, in the cumulative (overall) GPA, or in both. The deficit means tha tht GAP has fallen below 2.0, and the amount of the deficit is the number of house of "B" grades necessary in the future to raise the average to the minimum 2.0 requirement.

Humanities (HU)
The Humanities are academic disciplines that are concerned with human thought and culture - the products of human creativity, inspiration, and imagination. Disciplines in the Humanities include such departments as: Philosophy, History of Art, Music History, Religion, and Literature.

I

"I" notation (see Incomplete)

Incomplete
An incomplete is an arrangement you make with an instructor; it is not automatic, and an instructor is not obligated to provide one. The Faculty Code specifies that an incomplete ("I" grade) can be reported "only if the unfinished part of the student's work is small, the work is unfinished for reasons acceptable to the instructor, the student's standing in the course is at least a "Cú" grade or higher, and the student has taken the final examination."; "X" indicates the student was unable to take the final exam. An incomplete grade must be made up by the end of the 4th week of the next fall or winter term of enrollment. If the instructor does not submit a final grade within a week of the incomplete deadline, the grade will lapse to an "E." Enrollment in a spring or summer half-term will not cause an incomplete to lapse.

Independent Study
Independent Study is a course of study designed by a student and a sponsoring instructor. The student works independently on the project and material throughout the term, consulting with the instructor on a periodic basis.

Individual Concentration Program (ICP)
An ICP is a concentration which you design yourself should none of the official concentration offerings fit your needs. If you were to do an ICP you would work with an ICP advisor, then make your official proposal to a committee which would decide whether or not to accept your design. An ICP can contain no more than 6 credits of non-LS&A work.

International Center
The International Center provides information, advice, and referrals for those in the University community who are participating in or considering an international experience. American and international students, faculty, staff, visiting scholars, and alumni may obtain information regarding options for overseas study, scholarships, internships, work, volunteering, travel, and international careers through individual consulting and informational programs. University of Michigan international students and scholars can rely on the International Center for support services, general information, orientation, and advice about visa and immigration issues, employment, cross-cultural issues, taxation, health insurance, and other practical concerns important to the successful program completion and quality of life of international students.

Introductory Composition Requirement
LS&A requires that all students complete an initial course focusing on college level writing. Students are encouraged to complete this requirement during their first or second term on campus.

J

Joint offerings (See Meet-togethers)

K L M N O

K

Keller Plan
Course work that is conducted on a self-paced schedule throughout the term with published study guides. This format has no formal lectures, is mastery-oriented, and student proctored.

L

Laboratory
A Lab is an instructor-supervised execution of exercises of investigation, observation, and experimentation by a class. Lab exercises allow students to apply information from lectures to problems and projects. Labs are a frequent section type in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and the natural sciences. Class sizes range from 12 to 24 students.

Laboratory Fees
Lab fees are charged for many courses, and such fees are listed on wolverine access and on the Registrar's office website. They are subject to change without notice.

Language Requirement
LS&A requires that students earning an A.B. or B.S. must reach "fourth-term" proficiency in a language other than English. This requirement is satisfied on the basis of the successful completion of the fourth-term of a language or on the basis of a placement test result.

Language Resource Center (2018 Modern Languages Bldg., 764-0424.)
The LRC houses a variety of state-of-the-art multimedia equipment to enable students to practice with the audio, video and computer- based materials used in all introductory language and literature courses. A large number of materials – particularly international television programming brought in from one of the LRC's three satellite dishes, as well as some computer-based programs – are available for students who just want to browse.

Lapsed grade
When you fail to finish an incomplete by the Incomplete deadline or an approved time extension, an "I" or "X" grade will become an E. The "I" is said to "lapse."

Lecture
A Latin derived word meaning "to read." Lectures frequently are large introductory classes (with as many as 500 students) and are primarily one-way communication of prepared materials from instructor to students. Students attend, take notes, and have limited time for asking questions. Lecture courses are frequently accompanied by a discussion section.

The Life Sciences Initiative
Innovative, interdisciplinary undergraduate courses have been created to prepare students for a world of explosive growth and dramatic new capabilities in the biological and health-care sectors.

Lower-Level Courses
Courses which are numbered 100-299 within a department's numbering system.

LS&A Scholarships
Each year the College awards a number of scholarships to students who have completed at least one full term. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of high scholastic performance and demonstrated financial need. Applications for LS&A Scholarships are available online: www.lsa.umich.edu/scholarship/.

LSA Student Government (LSA-SG)
Allocates money to student organizations on campus; Appoints students to various College and University committees; Lobbies the LS&A administration for academic changes; Creates events and activities for all LS&A students. LS&A Student Government meetings which are held every Tuesday evening at 6:00 in 2002 LS&A Building. email:LSA-gov@umich.edu

M

Math Lab (B860 East Hall; 936-0160)
The Mathematics Laboratory is a free walk-in tutoring service for students enrolled in mathematics courses through Math 216. The Math Lab tutors are advanced undergraduates in mathematics and mathematically- oriented fields who are selected for their expertise and ability to explain mathematics. Graduate student instructors and faculty volunteers also participate.

Math/Logic (M/L)
Math/Logic is a category of courses that was used to meet the Pattern II distribution plan. Courses which fall in this category are not marked in the Course Guide or LS&A Bulletin; decisions regarding which courses qualify were made by your academic advisor. This category can only be used by students admitted to our college prior to Fall 1997 who are doing a Pattern II distribution plan.

Mathematical and Symbolic Analysis
A category that may be used in an area distribution plan.

Meet-togethers
Meet togethers (joint offerings) are unofficial cross-listings; they are generally a one-time event, where two different courses meet in the same room, at the same time, with the same instructor, and participants do the same work.

Michigan Honor Points (MHP)
Michigan Honor Points refer to the numerical value of a grade, and are used together with MSH to compute   the GPA.   MHP for a course is calculated by multiplying the number of credits of a course by the numerical value of the course grade. For example, if you receive a "B" in a four-credit course, the MHP for that course is 12.000. Grade values are as follows:

Michigan Semester Hours (MSH)
Michigan Semester Hours refers to the total number of course credits elected for a grade in a particular term. Courses elected Pass/Fail, Credit/No Credit, etc., are not included in the MSH total. This, along with MHP, is used to compute the GPA.

Michigan Student Assembly
The Michigan Student Assembly (MSA) is the central student government at the University of Michigan, representing students from every school and college.

Minor Release Form
On this form, your minor advisor indicates that you have completed or will complete all academic minor requirements. If you have not met all the requirements for the academic minor, your advisor will itemize the required courses which do not appear on the most recent academic report, or which appear but have not yet been successfully completed. If there is any doubt regarding the GPA in the academic minor, your advisor will indicate necessary grades in the final elections to ensure a 2.0 in the academic minor.

Minors, Academic
Optional certification for students electing the A.B. and B.S. degrees. Students completing an academic minor will have a notation on their academic record.

MSA
1. Michigan Student Assembly
2. Mathematical and Symbolic Analysis

N

Natural Sciences (NS)
The Natural Sciences are those disciplines that deal with the objects, phenomena or laws of nature and the physical world. Disciplines in the Natural Sciences include such departments as: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Astronomy, Geology, Biological Anthropology, Biopsychology and Cognitive Sciences, and Computer Science.

Non-LS&A
Any course that is not listed in the LS&A Bulletin or LS&A Course Guide is a non-LS&A course. Most non-LS&A courses still earn LS&A credit, up to certain limits that depend on the degree program (20 credits for B.G.S., A.B./B.S.).

Not Excluded (N.Excl)
Courses that do not fit into the Pattern I Distribution classification system but which have been designated as eligible for use as the final three credits of this Pattern, if desired. This category has been discontinued, effective Fall 1997.

O

Orientation
A mandatory session which introduces new students to the University of Michigan and the College in which they enroll.

P Q R S T

P

Pass/Fail
An optional grading pattern. You can choose any regularly graded course pass/fail by modifying this preference through Touch-Tone Registration by the end of the third week of a full term (end of the second week of a half-term). You cannot change to or from Pass/Fail after the deadline for making that decision. You are not obligated to tell your instructor if are taking a course pass/fail. A letter grade will be reported by the instructor. The Registrar's Office will convert grades of "A " to "C–" to "P" and "D " through "E" to "F."

Permission of instructor
The phrase "or permission of instructor" may be considered an implicit part of the statement of prerequisites for any course. When permission is a stated requirement, or when a student does not have the stated prerequisite for a course but can give evidence of sufficient background, the student should obtain approval from the instructor or department concerned.

Phi Beta Kappa
Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776, is the oldest scholastic society in America. Up to four per cent of each year's graduating seniors, and a very few juniors of the highest scholastic ranking, in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts may be invited to join Phi Beta Kappa. Seniors with outstanding achievements in the liberal arts in other schools and colleges of the University of Michigan may be invited to join if they have earned at least forty-five credits in LS&A. Transfer students with superior academic records in the liberal arts and at least forty-five credits earned in LS&A may also receive invitations to join. Invitations to membership in the national Phi Beta Kappa Society are issued by the local chapter, taking into account achievement in the liberal arts as indicated by a student's cumulative grade point average, numerical rank, and percentile rank. Letter grades reported for Pass/Fail courses will be used in estimating such rankings.

Placement test
Course selection will depend in part upon results of placement tests taken during Orientation. Placement tests are given in Chemistry, Mathematics, and in several languages: French, Spanish, German, Hebrew, and Latin.

Plagiarism
A form of academic dishonesty. Submitting a piece of work (for example, an essay, research paper, assignment, laboratory report) which in part or in whole is not entirely the student's own work without attributing those same portions to their correct source.

Physics Help Room
The Physics Help Room was created to help students who are taking the Introductory Physics classes. It is located in 1416 Randall Lab. The Help Room is a place where students taking the introductory physics course can go for help.  The Help Room is staffed by a combination of GSI's whose only teaching duty is tutoring in the Help Room, GSI's who teach the introductory labs, and faculty who teach in introductory classes.  All of the Help Room staff are able to answer questions from any physics class.

Prerequisites
Prerequisites are courses which are necessary to master prior to taking a specific higher-level course. If a prerequisite is needed in order to take a course, that information is specified in the LS&A Bulletin or Course Guide listing. Most concentrations also have official prerequisites for the concentration, which are listed along with concentration requirements in the LS&A Bulletin.

Project Community (SOC 389)
A service-learning course that is produced in partnerships with the Sociology Department, the School of Education, and the Office of Community Service Learning.

Project Outreach (PSYCH 211)
Project Outreach enables students to do field work in local community settings. The purpose is to gain an understanding of yourself, the agency in which you will work, the people whom you will serve, the psychological concepts observed in action, and to provide a genuine community service. Outreach includes approximately 45 agencies in which you can provide direct service to children in day care settings, adolescents in after-school programs, handicapped children and adults, women, physically ill adults and children, persons legally confined to criminal institutions, social advocacy organizations concerned with combating racism, helping battered women, and others. (1346 East Hall)

Project SERVE
SERVE is a student-run unit at the University of Michigan that works to provide students with opportunities to address serious social issues through community service and social action. Student leadership teams and committees work together to plan and implement all of our programs as well as to determine our directions and priorities.

Q

Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Requirement
A general LS&A graduation requirement.   All LS&A students who entered our College in Fall '94 or later must take one (QR/1) or two (QR/2) courses that teach methods of analyzing quantitative information to make decisions, judgments, and predictions. Lists of approved courses for meeting this requirement are published each term in the LS&A Course Guide.

R

Race & Ethnicity (R&E) Requirement
A general LS&A graduation requirement.   All LS&A students who entered our College in Fall '94 or later must receive credit for one course from an approved list addressing issues of racial or ethnic intolerance. Lists of approved courses for meeting this requirement are published each term in the LS&A Course Guide.

Recitation section
A Latin derived word meaning "to recite." The instructor prepares subject matter and leads students in a joint examination of that material. Recitations are rarely accompanied by lecture sections. Frequently, language courses are recitations. Students prepare material (homework) and they can expect to be called upon in each class meeting to contribute their opinion and analysis to the discussion.

Regents
The University is governed by the Board of Regents, which consists of eight members elected at large in biennial state-wide elections. The president of the University serves as an ex officio member of the board. The Regents serve without compensation for overlapping terms of eight years. According to the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the Regents have "general supervision" of the institution and "the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution's funds." The Regents meet once a month in a public session.

Renumbered Courses
A reorganized or renumbered course cannot be repeated for credit without special permission. Courses which change number have their course numbers followed by a former course number in parentheses in the Course Guide or Bulletin. When renumbering or reorganization has left the division unchanged, only the previous course number is given; if the division has also changed, the previous division name and course number appear.

Repetition
A repeat of a course already taken. A course may be retaken for credit only if the original earned grade was an "e" or an "F". If the origianl grade was a "D " through a "D-", the second grade is figured into the GPA but does not add credits toward graduation. A repeated course with its earned grade will be posted on the transcript along with a notation that the course is a repetition

Residence Hall Advising
The Academic Advising Center maintains an advisor program in the residence halls. In most buildings, a general academic advisor maintains regularly scheduled office hours in the building throughout the academic year. Responsibilities include advising and meeting with students and in-residence staff on academic matters. The academic advisors also conduct small group informational meetings throughout the school year on numerous academic topics (e.g., discussions on the different distribution patterns, choosing an academic concentration, and general degree requirements for the College). Residence hall staff members are encouraged to contact academic advisors or refer students to an academic advisor and academic resources when they are aware that students on their corridor may be having academic difficulties or questions.

Residence Hall Academic Peer Advisors (APA)
The Academic Peer Advisor (APA) Program is an outreach effort to students in University housing from the LS&A Academic Advising Center. These student advisors have been trained extensively in College policies, procedures, and curricula and can be of valuable help in dealing with issues of academic difficulty or course planning. If they don't have the answers, they are knowledgeable sources of referral. Feel free to stop by during the hours listed below and get acquainted with your APA.

Residential College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
The Residential College is a four year, degree-granting unit within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. The RC offers courses and concentrations of its own. Students in the RC elect a substantial number of courses within LS&A and often complete LS&A concentrations. The faculty consists of over fifty full or part-time lecturers and professors, most of the latter on joint appointment with LS&A departments or other schools and colleges of the University. The curriculum includes multidisciplinary approaches to the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Courses are also offered in fine arts, music, and languages. Concentrations open exclusively to RC students include: Drama, Creative Writing, Comparative Literature, Arts and Ideas in the Humanities, Social Science, and RC Individualized Concentration. Residential College students are required to live in East Quadrangle for the first two years of the undergraduate program. East Quadrangle houses administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, a library, art and music studios, a theatre, a computer room, a language laboratory, a snack shop, and other facilities supportive of the academic and community life of the Residential College.

Retro-credits
A program established for students entering LS&A in Fall Term 1997, granting credit for certain results of the language placement tests in French, German, Latin, and Spanish.

S

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory is a method of grading in which letter grades are not assigned. Instead, the student's work is rated as satisfactory and credit for the course is granted or rated as unsatisfactory with no credit granted. This grading system is not used in LS&A but is often used for School of Education courses.

Science Learning Center (1720 Dow; 764-9326)
The Science Learning Center (SLC) is an interdisciplinary resource center provided by the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts to support teaching and learning in the five natural science departments: astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. Located in the atrium of the Chemistry Building, the SLC facilities include instructional technology labs, teaching assistant and study group meeting alcoves, and a loan desk for reserve and research materials. The Center's equipment and staff activities are all directed toward the goal of improving student learning and involvement in the sciences, particularly in the introductory courses. The SLC endeavors to help students, faculty, and GSIs build a learning community where students become scientists.

Seminar
A seminar is a small group meeting to exchange information and hold discussions on a specialized topic under the supervision and leadership of a faculty member. Generally, class size is 20 students or less. Many upper-level courses for concentrators and graduate students are seminars. See also First-year Seminar.

Senior Release Form
A form that BGS students must submit, along with a Diploma Application, when they are ready to graduate.

Social Sciences (SS)
The Social Sciences are those disciplines that deal with the study of human society and of the individual's relationship in and to society. Disciplines in the Social Sciences include such departments as: Psychology, Sociology, History, Anthropology, Economics, and Political Science.

Standard Practice Guide (SPG)
The Standard Practice Guide (SPG) is furnished to provide University of Michigan employees with convenient access to the operating policies and practices of the various departments, facilities, and services that are available. Normally internal procedures within an office or department are not included in the SPG.

Sweetland Writing Center
The Sweetland Writing Center helps students write successfully in their undergraduate courses. One of the most valuable services offered by the SWC is the Writing Workshop. Any LS&A student, any student enrolled in an LS&A course, and any graduate student may make an appointment with an experiences writing instructor to obtain help with writing assignments, assistance in analyzing a first draft, developing an argument and polishing a paper, personal statements for graduate or professional schools, or help with a specific writing problem (e.g., writer's block). Students seeking assistance may drop in or make an appointment by calling 764-0429.

Syllabus
A syllabus is a detailed outline of the course prepared by the instructor. A syllabus will often include: a long description or statement of purpose for the course; a list of the course requirements (midterms, final exam, papers, other projects) and due dates; a week-by-week schedule of classes, topics, readings, and assignments.

T

Theme Semester
A group of courses, lectures, and special events collectively entitled The Theme Semester. The topic of each theme Semester is chosen by the Dean of the College. A cluster of courses, from departments across the University, provide an opportunity to examine the selected topic from a variety of viewpoints and disciplines. Forums, lectures by distinguished visitors, special exhibits by libraries and museums, a film series, etc., are included in the Theme Semester.

Time Extensions
Our college allows four weeks into the next fall or winter term in-residence in which to complete an Incomplete course. If a grade has not been submitted within ten days after the applicable deadline for incompletes, the course lapses to "E" Any extension of the deadline must be approved in writing by the Academic Standards Board. If you need an extension, contact the instructor of the course, obtain the instructor's signature on a Time Extension Request Form obtained from 1255 Angell. If the instructor is not willing to allow you extra time, the matter ends there. If the instructor does agree to extra time, the Academic Standards Board must still approve the time extension and will make that decision in the context of your history in our college.

In general, an extension should be brief and should not extend beyond the ninth week of the term.

Time Schedule
The University's  Online Schedule of Classes, published online by the Curriculum Office of the Office of the Registrar, provides a listing of all course offerings for a given term. It also contains Registration and Drop/Add Information, Fee Regulations, and an Examination Schedule.

V W X Y Z

V

W

"W" notation
If you drop a course after the drop/add deadline, this notation will appear on your transcript.

Waitlists
Waitlist procedures exist to help deal fairly with students who wish to enroll in closed courses. These procedures vary from one department to the next and may vary for courses within a department. Waitlists may be administered by CRISP through Touch-Tone Registration, by departments, or by the individual instructors.

Withdrawal
The term "withdrawal" generally refers to a student removing him/herself form all courses during a particular term. This must be done at the Academic Advising Center; Wolverine Access will not allow a student to "drop" all courses.

Wolverine Access
Wolverine Access is an electronic information service (world wide web) for students to use to access their academic record and general University information. Students are able to access their academic report, obtain a copy of their class schedule, process address changes, check CRISP info (open and closed courses, waitlisted classes), check their term grades, verify their student account, and obtain their registration appointment time. Students need a Uniqname and UM Kerberos password to use Wolverine Access.

X

"X" notation (See Incomplete)

Y

"Y" Notation
There are a few courses that are specifically approved by the LS&A Curriculum Committee to extend over two terms rather than one (extended courses). In the case of such a course, the instructor submits a "Y" at the end of the first term to indicate the work is in progress. Any time an instructor submits a "Y" for a course not approved for such grading, the Registrar's Office will covert the "Y" to an "ED" and count that as a failing grade on the student's transcript.

Z