Student language guide
College terms explained.
College websites, emails, applications, and conversations can use unfamiliar language. Use this guide whenever a term is unclear—you do not need to memorize it all.
Applications and paying for college
Financial-aid terms
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The application used to request federal and state financial aid. Many students complete a new FAFSA each academic year.
California Dream Act Application
A state financial-aid application for eligible California students. Some systems and messages abbreviate it as CADAA.
Financial-aid award
The grants, scholarships, work-study, or loans offered after your application and eligibility information are reviewed.
Disbursement
Financial-aid funds being released and applied to your account or sent to you after required steps are complete.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Academic progress standards students generally must meet to remain eligible for financial aid.
Classes and registration
Enrollment and academic terms
Add authorization
Permission from an instructor that may allow you to add a class after regular registration has begun.
Prerequisite
A course, skill, or requirement you must complete before enrolling in another course.
Corequisite
A course or requirement that must be completed before or taken at the same time as another course.
Units
A measure of course credit and workload. Units affect enrollment status, progress toward a degree, and financial aid.
Waitlist
A list of students waiting for a possible opening. A waitlist position does not mean you are registered.
Education plan
A counselor-supported plan showing courses that can help you reach your certificate, degree, transfer, or career goal.
Academic standing
Your current status based on academic progress and college requirements.
Technology and college systems
Tools you will use
Bear Cub Hub
The student portal for registration, records, financial-aid tasks, profile information, and other college services.
Canvas
The online space instructors use for course materials, assignments, announcements, discussions, and grades.
Student ID
Your student identification number or your physical student identification card. The surrounding instructions should indicate which one is needed.
Student email
Your official Bear Cub Email account. Check it regularly for messages from instructors and college offices.
Programs and support
Names you may see around SRJC
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)
Comprehensive academic and personal support for eligible students facing educational or financial barriers.
Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)
Additional support available to eligible single parents who participate in Extended Opportunity Programs and Services.
NextUp
Support for eligible current and former foster youth attending college.
Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)
Academic, transfer, and career support for eligible students pursuing math, science, engineering, and technology.
Health Occupations Preparation Education (HOPE)
Academic support and community for eligible students pursuing health-related education.
Asian Pacific American Student Success (APASS)
A learning community centered on belonging, academic success, and the Asian Pacific American experience.
CalWORKs
Coordinated college support for eligible student parents receiving public assistance.
Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy and Services (VIDAS)
Free immigration legal services available to SRJC students and other eligible members of the college community.
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
A broad group of academic subjects and career fields. You may see STEM used in program and scholarship information.
College to Career
A Disability Resources program supporting eligible students as they prepare for competitive paid employment. It may be abbreviated as C2C.
Transition to College
College preparation for eligible graduating high school seniors with disabilities. It may be abbreviated as TC.
You can ask us
Still unsure what something means?
Welcome & Connect can help you interpret a message, identify the responsible office, and prepare your next question. The office that owns a process remains the source for official requirements and decisions.