Common Terms

Does everything at 91��ɫ have an acronym? Almost! Here's your guide to learning our acronyms and special terms.

ACT/SAT: The ACT and SAT are two types of entrance exams used by colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. At 91��ɫ, these exams are NOT required (admission into some academic programs may require them, however).
CAC: Canady Creative Arts Center
Carruth: Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services.
CLASS: Center for Learning, Advising and Student Success.
COA: Cost of attendance.
Colleges and Schools: Colleges and schools are institutions within a larger university that specialize in a range of academic programs (like the School of Dentistry or the John Chambers College of Business and Economics). At 91��ɫ, there are 14 colleges and schools. Think of them like small family units within the greater 91��ɫ family.
Credit Card Processing Fee: There is a credit card processing fee applied if you pay your 91��ɫ charges with a credit card.
DA: Daily Athenaeum student newspaper.
DEI: Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Dining Dollars: These are virtual dollars included in 91��ɫ dining plans that can be used for food and drinks in locations around campus. They can be used instead of meal swipes or when your daily/weekly limit of meal swipes on your dining plan is reached. Funds can be added anytime.
Dining Plan: Dining plans are prepaid food packages (which often include dining dollars) you can use across campus. Choose anything from unlimited meals per week to plans for students who live off-campus. All students who live in a residence hall must buy a dining plan. You’ll need to pick an option (usually by mid-summer) or you will be assigned one.
DL: Direct Loan.
ERC: Evansdale Residential Complex (also called Towers and includes Bennett, Braxton, Lyon and Brooke Towers).
FAFSA – Free Application For Federal Student Aid: A form completed by current and prospective college students to determine eligibility for federal student financial aid (and additional types of aid). You should submit a FAFSA every year, regardless of your (or your family’s) financial situation.
Federal Work-Study: This is a federal program in which eligible students earn funds by working part time. Recipients earn a paycheck during academic semesters and also gain valuable experience. The rate of pay is at least minimum wage.
FERPA – Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act Of 1974: This is a federal law protecting your privacy (after classes start or you move onto campus): it means that your parents/family do not have access to your records and accounts (grades, billing details, etc.) unless you grant it to them.
Financial Aid: Scholarships, grants, employment and loans are available for students who need financial help. A financial aid offer is based on your financial need and eligibility (determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA).
FSA ID: Federal Student Aid ID – both you and at least one parent need to apply for one because it’s used to electronically sign your FAFSA form and other aid-related forms.
Grade Point Average (GPA): The 91��ɫ grading system is explained in the course catalog. Each course grade has a numeric value. GPA is used to determine eligibility for financial aid.
Grants: Unlike loans, these are sources of funding that generally do not have to be repaid. The Federal Pell Grant is just one example.
Housing Costs: Fees charged for a residence hall room (or other living facility) and food during the school year.
HSC: Health Sciences Center.
IEP: Intensive English Program.
ISSS: International Students and Scholars Services.
Late Fees: Late fees are charged on past-due balances of $200 or more.
Living-Learning Communities: These on-campus communities are focused on a field of study or shared passion of the students who live there (such as business, global cultures, sustainability or the arts). Immerse yourself in what you love, connect with faculty and make friends.
Loan: Sources of funding for college that generally do have to be repaid (sometimes with interest). Both students and parents are often able to take out loans.
Major: A major is a specific subject that students can specialize in while earning a college degree (you can major in things like English, mechanical engineering, even puppetry). At 91��ɫ, you can customize your degree by choosing to double major (take on two specializations), add a minor (see below) and more. We have over 350 majors to choose from.
Meal Swipe: Single transaction used to eat one meal. Dining plan options include a varying number of swipes. They do not carry over between semesters.
Minor: These are like mini-majors in a specific subject that can help you customize your degree and future career path. You can add multiple minors, too.
MIX: Mountaineer Information Xpress, the 91��ɫ student email (check it every day!)
Mountaineer Card: Your student ID. It's your key to services all over campus.
Mountie Bounty: Mountie Bounty is a convenient debit plan that allows you to place dollar amounts on your Mountaineer Card for later use.
Parent PLUS Loan: Parent loan for dependent undergraduate students.
PRT: Personal Rapid Transit, our electric-powered people-mover
Student Aid Index (SAI): A number calculated based on information provided on the FAFSA, that the 91��ɫ Hub uses to determine how much federal student aid the student may receive
The Bunker: Our 2,500 square foot facility in the Mountainlair (Room 214) that supports military students.
The Lair: Short for Mountainlair, the student union on the downtown area of campus.
The 91��ɫ Hub: Located in Evansdale Crossing, where you go for help with financial aid, scholarships, student accounts and student employment.
Tuition: How much college courses cost (the amount paid for each credit hour of enrollment). Tuition does not include the cost of books, fees or room and board (or living expenses; pizza’s not free). The term “tuition” includes 91��ɫ tuition, college/school tuition based on your major and University fees.