Glossary of Key Terms Used in Post-Secondary Education in Ontario
Academic Transcript - This is a copy of a student's permanent academic record which usually means all courses taken, all grades received, all honors received and degrees conferred to a student
Admissions and Registration (Office of the Registrar) - This department is responsible for applications, registration, adding/dropping a class, maintenance of academic records, grades and evaluation of transcripts.
Bookstore - The bookstore is located on campus and supplies the textbooks ordered for all college courses.
Bridging Program - These programs help skilled newcomers get their license or certificate in their profession or trade, so that they can work in Ontario. Employers, colleges and universities, occupational regulatory bodies and community organizations deliver bridge training programs.
Bursaries - A bursary is a cash award or equivalent granted to a current or potential student to help that person continue their studies. It is based primarily on financial need, but academic standing may also be considered.
Career Centre - The Career Centre provides resources for current students and graduates seeking employment both on and off campus. The Career Centre can help students research job opportunities, prepare resumes, and practice interview skills.
College Entrance Examinations/Admissions Testing - You may be required to complete program-specific individualized tests, assessments, interviews, or auditions to determine your program eligibility. Contact Admissions Office for further information.
Credential Evaluation - This evaluation enables Canadian employers and educators to understand the exact nature and equivalency of the educational background of prospective employees and students who were educated outside of Canada.
Curriculum - Curriculum includes both the stipulated practices and procedures governing the delivery of education, as well as the unwritten practices and procedures that influence student activities, behaviours, perceptions, and outcomes.
Financial Aid - This office administers Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), scholarships, and bursaries for students who require assistance with covering the cost of their education and living expenses.
Mature Student - An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older (21 or older for degree programs) as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet program eligibility. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U level or equivalent.. More information...
Mentoring - The Mentoring Partnership initiative brings together recent skilled immigrants and established professionals in occupation-specific mentoring relationships.
Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT) - OSLT provides newcomers with job-specific language skills and workplace culture training. These courses can help you communicate more effectively in the Canadian workplace.
Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) - OCAS is an online resource that allows students to research, select and apply to Ontario college programs. Using this resource, students may apply to several colleges by completing one application.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) - OSAP is a government funded loan and grant program that provides financial assistance to eligible post-secondary students.
PLAR- Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition is a "process of identifying, assessing and recognizing what a person knows and can do for the purpose of awarding academic credit". (Canadian Labour Force Development Board, 1999). PLAR is designed for people who have acquired significant knowledge and skills outside formal college classrooms.
Prerequisite - A prerequisite is a specific course or admissions test that is required in order to qualify for admission to a program or course.
Scholarship - A scholarship is a cash award or equivalent granted to a student for educational expenses. It is usually based on academic achievement, although financial need may also be considered. Recipients are selected according to criteria established by the donor.
Transfer Credit - Transfer credits are those credits which may be granted when a student moves from one college program to another within the same institution, or between institutions. Transfer credits will be granted where, in the opinion of the college, the work covered is equivalent in content or objectives to the corresponding course of study.
