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A
A.A.
A.S.
A.A.S.
A.O.S.
(see Associate
Degree - A.A., A.S., A.A.S., and A.O.S.)
Academic
Progress
(see Satisfactory
Academic Progress)
Allowance
(see Housing
Allowance)
As Fast as
Average
(see Growing
as Fast as Average)
Ability
A natural talent or acquired
skill. Typing, for example, is an acquired skill because one must learn
how to type. In contrast, a natural talent is something one can do well,
even without taking lessons. For some people, painting
may be a natural talent. Occupations require different
abilities.
Academic
Year
A period of 30 weeks or more
of instruction. Educational institutions use different measures of time.
At schools that use semesters, an academic year is at least 24 semester or
trimester hours. At other schools, at least 36-quarter hours or 900 clock
hours is an academic year.
Accreditation
Approval showing that a school
has met certain standards in its education programs, services, and
facilities.
Accrue
To increase or
accumulate.
ACT
(see American
College Testing Program)
Active
Duty
Full-time service by armed
forces personnel. Those in the Reserve or National Guard have at least 14
days of active duty each year; weekend training does not qualify as active
duty.
ADA
(see Americans
With Disabilities Act - ADA)
Admission
(see Deferred
Admission)
(see Open
Admissions)
(see Program
Admission)
(see Rolling
Admissions)
Admissions Interview
An interview at an
educational institution to determine whether
an applicant should be admitted.
Admissions
Requirements
Conditions that applicants
must meet in order to be admitted to an educational institution. These may
include a specific grade point average, test scores, references or an
interview.
Advanced
Individual Training
For Army soldiers,
classroom and field training in their chosen Army job. This training is
provided after basic training.
Advanced Placement
Program (AP)
A service of the College Board
that provides high schools with course descriptions in college subjects
and Advanced Placement Examinations in those subjects. High schools teach
the courses and give the examinations to interested students. Those who
pass the exams are eligible for advanced placement, college credit, or
both.
Advancement
Opportunities
A topic in GCIS Occupation
files that describes the path a specific career follows as workers gain
skills and further training. The path generally occurs as a person moves
into positions with more responsibility. Workers can advance within one
company or across several organizations. One example of advancement would
be rising from lawyer to partner in a firm, and then to managing
partner.
Affirmative
Action
A
federal law that makes it illegal for an employer not to hire or promote
someone because of their race, color, gender, religion, or national
origin.
Aid
(see Campus-based
Aid)
(see Financial
Aid)
Aid
Report
(see Student
Aid Report - SAR)
Air
Force
The branch of the armed
forces that trains troops for fighting in the air, rather than on the
ground or water. Support personnel, such as airplane mechanic and air
traffic controllers, are also trained by the Air Force.
Air National
Guard
Pilots and support personnel
who provide civilian defense. In peacetime, they help with disaster relief
and maintain peace and order.
Allowances
Compensation received by
members of the armed forces in addition to their pay. This non-taxable
compensation includes food, housing, clothing, travel, and other
service-related expenses. Monthly allowances vary depending on the
person's enlistment status (enlisted personnel, warrant officer, or
commissioned officer), the pay grade, and whether or not the person has
dependents.
American College
Testing Program (ACT)
An examination
designed to measure a student's scholastic development. The test covers
English, writing, mathematics, social studies, and natural sciences. Many colleges
require students to take this test and submit their test scores when they
apply for admission. Some colleges accept this test or the Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT I). Most students take the ACT or the SAT during their
junior or senior year of high school.
Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA)
Law that prohibits
discrimination against the disabled and handicapped in employment and many
other areas. The ADA prohibits discrimination against disabled
individuals who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the
essential functions of the job.
Reasonable accommodations
include making existing facilities readily accessible and usable by the
individual with the disability. This can mean job restructuring, part-time
or modified work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position, acquisition
or modification of equipment or devices, appropriate adjustment or
modification of examinations, training materials or policies, providing
qualified readers or interpreters, and similar accommodations.
Amnesty
Discharge
A soldier's release from
active duty in the armed forces before the end of the contract period.
This is not an honorable discharge.
(also see Discharge
for other military discharge terms)
AP
(see Advanced
Placement Program)
Applicant
An individual who is asking to
be considered for a job or for admission to a school.
Application
A written form for gathering
information about an individual. This form is filled out when applying for
a job or admission to a school.
(also see Job
Application)
Application
Essay
A short paper written by
applicants to some schools or for some jobs. The purpose of the essay is
to evaluate how well an applicant can express thoughts and information in
writing.
Applied
Research
A type of research where a
scientist uses basic research ideas to create products. For example, a
scientist in research and development at a manufacturing company develops
a new product.
Apprentice
A person of at least 16 years
of age who learns a trade, generally in construction, by working on the
job with a skilled worker. Classroom study of related technical subjects
is usually included in the training.
Apprenticeship
A relationship between an
employer and an employee during which the worker, or apprentice, learns a
trade. Training is on the job as well as in the classroom. Apprenticeships
generally last about four years, but range from one to six years. During
this time, apprentices work with an experienced worker. Under this
worker's guidance, the apprentice learns the trade. As they gain skill,
apprentices work with less supervision. Apprenticeship training programs
are usually registered with the Department of Labor or the State
Apprenticeship Agency. The programs provide training under conditions
specified in a written apprenticeship agreement.
Armed
Forces
The
collective term for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.
(see Air
Force)
(see Army)
(see
Marine
Corps)
(see Navy)
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
(ASVAB)
A test taken by individuals who wish to join the armed
forces. The results are used to determine whether applicants qualify for
entry into a service. In addition, results are used to direct individuals
toward occupations that may interest them. The test covers four areas:
mechanical and crafts; business and clerical; electronics and electrical;
and health, social and technology. Minimum entry scores vary by service
and occupation. In the Assessment Link component of GCIS, a list of
occupations of interest to a student can be generated from that student's ASVAB scores.
Army
The
branch of the armed forces that trains troops mainly for fighting on the
ground, rather than in the air or on the water. Jobs range from general
administration to the operation and maintenance of weapons, vehicles,
aircraft, and electrical systems.
Assessment
Link
A component of GCIS that
creates a list of occupations based on a student's results on one of nine
assessment tests. A few examples include the Armed Services Vocational
Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), Career Assessment Inventory (CAI), and
Differential Aptitude Test (DAT). Your counselor provides the assessment
tests. (Go to GCIS Assessment Link
index.)
Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
A process in which a student's
various kinds of prior learning are evaluated and determined to be
equivalent or similar to knowledge and competence being developed in
college. A student's past jobs, military service, volunteer work, and
self-directed learning can be considered for credit. APEL programs
translate these experiences into academic credit. Colleges vary in their
participation and in the amount of credit they give for prior experiential
learning.
ASSET
Assessment tests used by
some colleges and universities to measure basic reading, number, algebra,
and language skills. Scores are used to determine course placement, such
as type of math class. Students usually take these exams before they begin
their first year of classes. These tests were developed by the American
College Testing Program and generally are given free of charge by the
school.
Assets
Items of value such as
cash in savings and checking accounts, trusts, stocks, bonds, money market
funds, mutual funds, trust funds, a home (if owned), other real estate,
business equipment, business inventory, and so forth. Cars, stamp
collections, or musical instruments are not counted as assets for the
purposes of financial aid. Students who apply for financial aid must fill
out forms listing their assets.
Associate Degree
(A.A., A.S., A.A.S., and A.O.S.)
An
undergraduate degree that can be earned at two-year colleges and
professional-technical schools. The associate of arts (AA) or associate of
science (AS) degree is granted after students complete a program of study
similar to the first two years of a four-year college curriculum. The
associate of applied science (AAS) and associate of occupational studies
(AOS) degrees are awarded upon completion of some two-year technical or
vocational program of study.
Association
(see Professional
Organization/Association)
ASVAB
(see Armed
Services Vocational Aptitude Battery - ASVAB)
Average
An average is what is
typical or represents most people in a group. For example, most workers
work five days a week. Some may work more and some may work less. However,
since most work five, then the average is five days a
week.
An average is calculated similar to the mean. For
example, take the total of the salaries for a particular job, and divide
by the number of people who were surveyed.
Award
Letter
The document a school uses
to notify students about the financial aid they are eligible to receive.
The award letter usually gives information on the types and amounts of aid
offered. It gives students the opportunity to accept or decline the
aid.
Award
Year
The school year in which
financial aid will be received.
B
B.A.
B.S.
(see Bachelor's
Degree - B.A., B.S.)
Bachelor's Degree
(B.A., B.S.)
A degree received after
the satisfactory completion of four- or five-years of full-time study at a
college or university. Sometimes called baccalaureate degrees, they are
more often called either Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science
(B.S.) degrees. Policies concerning the awarding of B.A. and B.S. degrees
vary from college to college.
Bad-Conduct Discharge
A soldier's release from
active duty in the armed forces before the end of the contract period.
This is not an honorable discharge.
(also see Discharge
for other military discharge terms)
Basic
Employability Skills
The work habits and social
skills employers desire in their employees. Examples include
responsibility, communication, and a positive outlook. Employers also
prefer workers who cooperate, are helpful, and on time. They also look for
workers who are organized and flexible.
Basic
Pay
The amount of pay a
military employee receives. The pay rate is determined by the individual's
pay grade (rank) and years of military service. Basic pay does not include
allowances such as food and lodging.
Basic
Research
A type of research where a
scientist is either looking for new information or testing new practices.
It is doing research for the purpose of learning. In the GCIS Occupation
files some scientists do basic and others do applied research.
Basic
Training
The initial military
training provided to all new enlisted personnel. The purpose of basic
training is to prepare enlistees mentally and physically for the military
role. Basic training lasts from six to ten weeks, depending on the
service. Each service has its own basic training
Before-Tax
Income
Money received as pay for
working. This amount has not yet had federal income taxes
deducted.
Benefits
Compensation given to
employees in addition to their regular wages. Common benefits include
health insurance and retirement plans. They also include paid vacation and
sick leave.
(also see Social
Security Benefits)
(also see Montgomery
GI Bill Benefits)
(also see Veteran's
Benefits)
Borrower
A person who receives a
loan.
Budget
The total cost for a student
to attend school for one academic year. Generally, this figure includes
tuition and fees, on-campus room and board (or a housing and food
allowance for off-campus students), books and supplies, and
transportation. Childcare, costs related to a disability, and
miscellaneous expenses may be factored in as well. The school determines
these amounts based on the cost of living for the area and the costs
associated with attending their school, such as tuition.
Bureaucracy
A way of organizing people so
that one person supervises several lower-level workers. Each of these
workers may supervise many other lower-ranking workers. This term is often
applied to the government. It may also be applied to
businesses.
Business
School
A school where students
learn about business. Business colleges focus on word processing and other
clerical support skills. Business schools at colleges and universities
offer a variety of business courses, such as management and
accounting.
C
CAI
(see Career
Assessment Inventory - CAI)
Calendar
The system by which an
academic institution divides the year into periods for instruction and
awarding credit. The most common calendars are those based on the
semester, trimester, and quarter. Some schools use the Four-One-Four
(4-1-4) system. This is a four-month term, a one-month inter-session, and
a four-month term.
Campus-based
Aid
Financial aid that is
administered by a university. The university receives a fixed amount of
money from the federal government. That money is then awarded to students
with demonstrated need. Examples of campus-based aid are Perkins loans,
Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, and federal work-study
programs. Unlike federal programs administered through schools such as
Stafford loans, there is no guarantee that every eligible student will
receive aid because funds are limited.
Cancellation of
Loan
The
situation that exists when a borrower meets certain conditions (such as
death or disability) so that all or part of a loan need not be repaid.
Cancellation may also occur when a loan, or portion of a loan, is returned
directly to the lender instead of being released to the borrower. Some
federal loans are cancelable in full or in part if the borrow becomes a
teacher in certain areas of the country lacking teachers.
Capitalize
To add unpaid interest to the
principal balance of an educational loan. This increases the size of the
loan. Interest is charged on the new balance to include both the unpaid
principal and the accrued interest. This increases the monthly payment and
the amount of money that must be repaid eventually.
Career
A lifestyle concept that
involves a sequence of work and leisure activities in which one engages
throughout a lifetime. A career is unique to each person and is dynamic
and unfolding throughout life. A career includes pre-vocational and
post-vocational activities and decisions. A career involves how a person
integrates his/her work life with other life roles such as family,
community, and leisure pursuits.
Career Assessment
Inventory (CAI)
An assessment test given to
students to direct them toward occupations that may be of interest. In the
Assessment Link component of GCIS, a list of occupations of interest to a
student can be generated from that student's CAI scores.
Career
Counselor
A trained individual who
works with students and job seekers. The counselor can help people figure
out what careers interest them, write a resume, and practice for a job
interview.
Career Decision
Making-Revised (CDM-R)
An assessment test given
to students to direct them toward occupations that may be of interest. In
the Assessment Link component of GCIS, a list of occupations of interest to
a student can be generated from that student's CDM-R scores.
Career
Development
Those aspects of an
individual's experience that are relevant to personal choice, entry, and
progress in educational, vocational, and avocational pursuits. It is a
lifelong process through which individuals come to understand themselves
in relationship to education and work.
Career
Exploration
Researching what you want
to do for your career. It includes learning about your self, what you like
and dislike. It also includes learning about occupations and the
workplace. Once you have gained insight into both areas, use what you know
about yourself to make decisions about what occupation(s) fit you. Then
explore your decisions through job shadowing, volunteering, or an
internship.
Career
Information
Synthesized data related
to education and work. Career information includes personal, social,
educational, and occupational information emphasizing the user's
individual characteristics, attributes, skills, knowledge, interests,
values, and aptitudes. Career decision makers and career guidance
professionals use career information to discover and explore occupational
opportunities, related educational programs of study and training, and
schools or other institutions that offer the programs.
Career
Ladder
The
path a specific career follows as workers advance. The path generally
occurs as a person moves into positions with more responsibility. Workers
can follow career ladders within one firm or company or across several
organizations. One example of a career ladder would be rising from lawyer
to partner in the firm to managing partner. In GCIS Occupation files, you
can find this information in the Advancement Opportunities
topic.
Career Occupation
Preferences System (COPS)
An assessment test given to
students to direct them toward occupations that may be of interest. In the
Assessment Link component of GCIS, a list of occupations of interest to a
student can be generated from that student's COPS scores.
CareerScope
An assessment instrument
linking interests and aptitudes to work groups. In the Assessment
Link component of GCIS, a list of occupations of interest to a student can
be generated from that student's CareerScope results.
Catalog
(see College
Catalog)
CDM-R
(see Career
Decision Making-Revised - CDM-R)
Certificate or
Diploma
An award for successful
completion of a particular vocational or technical program (generally one
year, but less than four years of study).
Certification
A voluntary process by
which a non-governmental organization, such as a professional society or
certifying agency, grants recognition to an individual who meets education
and experience requirements. An example of an occupation with required
certification is Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Certificates must be
renewed every few years.
Challenge for
Course Credit
The process by which a
student challenges school's course or class. If a person feels that they
already have the knowledge or experience being taught in a class, they may
be able to take a test that covers the class's content. If the test is
passed, the student may either get credit or have the requirement of
taking that class waived. Colleges vary in the way they handle challenge
for course credit.
Child Labor
Laws
State and federal labor laws
that protect minors (children under 18) who work. In general, the
following rules apply to working children under sixteen years when school is in
session:
-- no more than three hours per day on school
days
-- no more than eight hours per day on non-school
days
-- no more than 18 hours per week
-- only work
between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
-- no work during school
hours
When school is not in session, children under 16 can
work 8 hours a day, up to 40 hours a week. For 16 and 17 year olds, the
maximum workweek is 40 hours. On school days, they can work between 7 a.m.
and 11 p.m.
Civilian
A person who is not on active
duty in the military.
CLEP
(see College-Level
Examination Program - CLEP)
Clock
Hour
The equivalent of EITHER a 50-
to 60-minute class or lecture OR a faculty-supervised laboratory, shop
training, or internship.
Cluster
In GCIS, a way of organizing
information. Each cluster of occupations shares a common function, such as
health care.
The GCIS Financial Aid file is divided into
clusters such as awards for talent or interest, poise and appearance,
awards based on academic achievement or leadership, etc.
Coast
Guard
An
agency that saves lives and protects property on the oceans, lakes, and
rivers of the United States. This group maintains a system of rescue
boats, aircraft, and communications systems. In times of war, the Coast
Guard operates as part of the Navy.
College
An institution of higher
education that offers a course of studies leading to a degree.
Colleges are usually smaller and less research-oriented than universities.
(also see
Community
College)
(also see Four-Year
College)
(also see Junior
College)
(also see Liberal
Arts College)
(also see Specialized
College)
(also see Two-Year
Community College)
(also see Upper-Division
College)
College
Catalog
A publication sent to
prospective students by colleges and universities. It provides information
about the campus, professors, courses, and financial aid.
College
Interview
An interview given by an
educational institution to determine whether
an applicant should be admitted.
College-Level
Examination Program (CLEP)
A program of examinations in
undergraduate college courses. The exams provide students and adults the
opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement. The examinations are
used by colleges to award credit. Business, industry, government, and
professional groups also may use these exams to satisfy educational
requirements for advancement, licensing, and admission to training
programs.
College-Orientation
Session
One or more days of
activities, discussions, and events provided by a college or university.
This session is held before the term begins and is designed to prepare new
students for college life. Examples of discussion topics include financial
aid, study skills, and registration for classes.
College-Preparatory
Program
Classes that most colleges and
university require applicants to have taken. Suggested courses are
English, mathematics, social studies, science, and a foreign
language.
College Savings
Plans
Savings options for
parents saving for a child's college education. Also known as "529" plans;
they are state-operated investment plans that give families a federal
tax-free way to save money for college. Authorized by Congress in 1996,
they are officially known as qualified tuition programs (QTPs), but
usually referred to as "529 plans," "state 529 plans," or "section 529
plans," after the section of the Internal Revenue tax code that regulates
the plan's special tax breaks.
College
Testing
(see American
College Testing Program - ACT)
Combat
Active fighting in a
war.
Combined Degree
Program
(see 3-2
Degree program)
Commission
A percentage of the purchase
price of an item that is paid to a broker or sales representative. It is a
payment a worker receives instead of, or in addition to, wages. Workers
who sell expensive items such as cars or houses may be paid only by
commission. Workers who work only for commission receive no salary and do
not get paid unless they sell items and/or meet their quota of
sales.
Commissioned
(Military)
The certification that
officers in the armed forces receive when they have met all of the
qualification requirements.
Community
College
A two-year college that
usually is public and serves the residents of a local or regional area.
Most of these colleges admit all or most of the students who apply. Some
programs, such as nursing, may be more selective. Students receive
associate degrees after two years of successful full-time
study.
Compensation
Wages given to employees
in return for their services. Other types of compensation include health
insurance, vacation pay, and contributions to a retirement plan.
(also
see Non-Wage
Compensation)
(also see Worker's
Compensation)
Conditions
(see Environmental
Conditions)
Continuing
Education
Courses that are available
to adults who are not part of a formal degree program. These courses are
available at community colleges and through professional
associations.
Cooperative
Education
A formal arrangement between
students and off-campus employers. Students alternate between periods of
full-time study and full-time employment in a related field. It may take
longer to complete a degree under this program, but students gain
practical work experience and are paid for their work.
COPS
(see Career
Occupation Preferences System - COPS)
Cost of
Attendance
The total cost for a
student to attend school for one academic year. Generally the cost of
attendance includes tuition and fees, on-campus room and board (or a
housing and food allowance for off-campus students), books and supplies,
transportation, and personal expenses. Childcare, costs related to a
disability, and other miscellaneous expenses may be factored in as well.
The school determines these amounts based on the cost of living for the
area and the costs associated with attending their school, such as
tuition.
Cover
Letter
A letter that is sent with
your resume. It points out your skills and experience that relate directly
to the job.
Coworkers
The people you work with
at your job.
Credential
A document that entitles a
worker to authority or allows him/her to work in a particular field. Often
a credential is a license, certificate, or other piece of
paper.
Credit
Bureau
A
company that compiles and distributes credit information about people to
lenders. This information may include a person's employment information as
well as the balance on loan and credit card accounts.
Credit
(see Challenge
for Course Credit)
(see Credit
for Prior Learning - CPL)
(see Credit
Hour)
Credit for Prior
Learning (CPL)
A process in which a
student's various kinds of prior learning are evaluated and determined to
be equivalent or similar to knowledge and competence being developed in
college. A student's past jobs, military service, volunteer work, and
self-directed learning can be considered for credit. CPL programs
translate these experiences into academic credit. Colleges vary in their
participation and in the amount of credit they give for prior
learning.
Credit
Hour
A unit used to measure the
amount of schoolwork a student has enrolled for or completed. In a credit
hour system, each course is assigned a specific number of credit hours.
This number is usually based on the number of classroom meetings per week.
Thus a course that meets for one hour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is
a three credit hour course.
Current
Employment
In GCIS Occupation files,
the Employment and Outlook topic gives the number of jobs the occupation provided throughout the
country and state in a given year. In addition, it lists the types of employers
which most often hire people in that occupation. Factors that affect where
or when jobs are found are discussed, as are the number of self-employed
workers. Occupations are categorized by size based on employment
levels.
D
DAT
(see Differential
Aptitude Tests - DAT)
Day
Shift
People on this shift of
the workday work the "regular" hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However,
people may begin working earlier (for example, 7:00 a.m.) or end working
later (for example, 6:00 p.m.).
Decline
This phrase is used in the
Employment and Outlook topic of GCIS Occupation files. It describes occupations in
which the number of workers is expected to decrease over a 10-year
period. Thus there will be fewer workers in that occupation in 2014
than in 2004.
Default
When a borrower fails to repay
a loan according to the terms in the loan agreement.
Deferment of
Loan
When loan repayment is
suspended because the borrower has met one of a number of conditions. For
example, borrowers may not need to make loan payments on certain kinds of
financial aid loans while they are in school, are unemployed, or have a
medical disability. In most cases, interest does not accrue during the
deferment period.
Deferred
Admission
The practice of permitting
students to postpone enrollment for up to one year after acceptance to a
college or university.
Degree
An academic title, such as
a bachelor's degree (B.A.), awarded to a student who completes the
required courses.
(also see Associate
Degree)
(also see 3-2
Degree Program)
(also see Bachelor's
Degree)
(also see Doctoral
Degree)
(also see External
Degree Program)
(also see First
Professional Degree)
(also see Master's
Degree)
(also see Professional
Degree)
Delayed Entry
Program (Military)
The practice of permitting
enlistees to postpone active duty for up to one year after signing an
enlistment contract with a branch of the armed forces. Acceptable reasons
for the delay are finishing school or waiting for an opening in the
enlistee's desired area of training. Enlistees are in the service,
however, and are members of the Reserve forces until they begin active
duty.
Delinquency
The failure of a borrower
to make a loan payment on time.
Dependent
Student
A student who is under 24
years of age by December 31 of the year for which he or she is seeking
aid. The student also must not meet one or more of the "Independent
Student" criteria. See Independent Student.
Differential
Aptitude Tests-Career Interest Inventory (DAT-CII)
An
assessment test given to students to direct them toward occupations that
may be of interest. In the Assessment Link component of GCIS, a list of
occupations of interest to a student can be generated from that student's
DAT-CII scores.
Diligent
Working quickly and
steadily, without taking many breaks. This term is usually applied to
employees.
Diploma
A document given to high
school, college, or university graduates to show that they have completed
the required courses.
(also see Certificate
or Diploma)
Disabled
According to the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), applicants or employees are disabled if they
have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more
major life activities, have a record of such an impairment, or are
regarded as having such an impairment.
(see Americans
with Disabilities Act - ADA)
Discharge
(see Amnesty
Discharge)
(see Bad-Conduct
Discharge)
(see Dishonorable
Discharge)
(see General
Discharge)
Disclosure
Statement
The borrower receives this
statement from the lender when the loan is disbursed and again as the
repayment period approaches. The disclosure statement provides information
about the actual cost of the loan. This includes the interest rate and any
additional finance charges. It also includes information about the length
of the grace period (if any), the maximum length of repayment, the minimum
annual repayment, any deferment conditions, and the definition of
default.
Discrimination
To treat someone differently
because of his or her age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or
national origin. It is illegal for an employer who has 15 or more
employees to decide against hiring or promoting an employee on the basis
of these characteristics. Employers with 14 employees or less are not
covered under this act. However, some states have regulations keeping
these smaller businesses from discriminating.
Dishonorable
Discharge
A soldier's release
from active duty in the armed forces before the end of the contract
period. This is not an honorable discharge.
(also see Discharge
for other military discharge terms)
Distance
Learning
Distance education is
instruction that occurs when the instructor and student are separated by
distance or time, or both. A wide array of technologies are currently used
to link the instructor and student. Courses are offered via videotape,
broadcast television, ITFS (instructional television fixed service),
microwave, satellite, interactive video, audio tapes, audioconferencing,
CD-ROM, and, increasingly, computer networking-including e-mail, the
Internet, and the World Wide Web.
Doctoral
Degree
Graduate degree awarded
after successfully completing a program (master's degree) of two or more years beyond the
bachelor's degree. A Ph.D. or
Doctor of Philosophy usually requires 6 years of education after a
bachelor's degree. Some universities admit doctoral students immediately
after completion of a bachelor's degree.
Double
Major
Any
program of study leading to a degree in which a student completes two
majors at the same time.
Drug
Testing
The policy of testing
employees for illegal drug use. Test may be required before employment or
given randomly to all employees.
Dual Degree
program
(see 3-2
Degree program)
Dual
Enrollment
The practice of colleges
allowing high school seniors to enroll part time in college courses while
completing their senior year.
Duty
(see Active
Duty)
E
Early Action
Plan
Colleges and universities
normally advise applicants of their acceptance or rejection in mid-April.
With early action, schools notify applicants of their status at an earlier
date (usually by the middle of December). To be evaluated for early
action, applicants must submit their applications early in the fall. Early
action is different from early decision because applicants may apply early
action to several schools. In addition, applicants are not required to
commit to an offer of admission.
Early
Admission
The admission of high
school students (usually juniors) of superior ability as full-time college
students before they graduate from high school. Under early admission,
high school juniors are allowed to skip their senior year and enroll in
college. This is also known as early entrance.
Early Decision
Plan (EDP)
A formal program in which
students apply early to a college or university and are notified of
acceptance or rejection much earlier than the usual notification date
(December instead of April). If not accepted under early decision, the
application is reconsidered without bias under the college's regular
admissions plan.
There are two kinds of early decision
plans. Under early decision-single choice (EDP-S), a student may not apply
to any college other than his or her first choice school. If rejected by
that school, the student is free to apply to other institutions. Under
early decision-first choice (EDP-F), a student may apply to several
schools, but must agree to enroll at the first choice college if
accepted.
Early
Entrance
The admission of high
school students (usually juniors) of superior ability as full-time college
students before they graduate from high school. Under early entrance, high
school juniors are allowed to skip their senior year and enroll in
college. This is also known as early admission.
Earnings
The amount of money paid
to a worker as wages, salary, or commission. Wages vary with the worker's
experience, level of responsibility, and geographic area.
Education
(see Continuing
Education)
(see Cooperative
Education)
EFC
(see Expected
Family Contribution - EFC)
Emancipated
When a dependent is released
from the control of a parent or guardian. Emancipating a child does not
make a child eligible for independent status for the purposes of financial
aid.
Emergency
Loan
A loan provided by a
school to cover unexpected expenses. Often this is a short-term loan that
is processed quickly and must be repaid in a short period of
time.
Employability
Skills
(see Basic
Employability Skills)
Employer
Generally a single firm
that hires one or more workers and has one or more worksites.
Endorser
The person who is
responsible for repaying a loan obligation if the borrower
defaults.
English As A
Foreign Language
(see Test
of English as a Foreign Language - TOEFL)
Enlisted
Personnel
Employees of the armed
forces who are below the rank of a warrant or commissioned officer. These
workers conduct the day-to-day operations of the military. Enlisted
personnel usually are high school graduates.
Enlistment
Voluntary entrance into
military service as opposed to induction through Selective Service.
Enlistment is usually for four years, but can range from two to six
years.
Enlistment
Contract
To join the military,
either as an officer or as an enlisted person, an individual must sign an
enlistment contract. The military agrees to provide pay, benefits,
occupational training, and a job. The military tries to offer the job for
which a person has been trained, but a specific type of job is not
guaranteed at enlistment. In return, the individual agrees to a minimum
service obligation of eight years. Two to six of those years are spent on
active duty; the rest are spent in the Reserve forces, either active or
standby. The length of active duty depends on the service and the amount
of training the military provides.
Enrollment
Deposit
A
nonrefundable deposit required of accepted students to reserve their place
in a class at a college or university. Usually applied to tuition, this
deposit may also be called a tuition deposit.
Entrance
Interview
An initial loan counseling
session in which a school provides information on a borrower's rights and
responsibilities regarding loans. The session includes information on the
borrower's obligation to repay the loan and the consequences of default.
All first-time students must attend an entrance interview prior to
receiving the first disbursement of their first Perkins or Stafford
Loan.
Entrepreneur
A person who organizes,
manages, and takes the risks of running a business.
Entry-Level
Job
A
position in an occupation at the beginning level. For example, in food
service an entry-level job would be someone who chops the vegetables for
the chef to use.
Environmental
Conditions
These factors describe the
setting in which a job is performed. For example, in some occupations
workers are exposed to outside weather, extreme temperatures, or
wetness/humidity. Other conditions include exposure to noise, sharp
objects, or dangerous machinery. In GCIS Occupation files, the Working
Conditions topic lists these factors. They are also called Physical
Working Conditions.
Essay
(see Application
Essay)
Evening
Shift
People on this shift work
during the evening or from late afternoon into the night. This shift may
be at the same time as the swing shift (3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.) or it may
be a shorter time period, such as from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Exit
Interview
An information session for
student-borrowers that is held before they transfer, leave, or graduate
from a school. The session is provided by the school's financial aid or
student loan office. Information includes the repayment schedule for
student loans. Counselors also review the options for repayment and
management of debt.
In the work world, exit interviews are
conducted by some employers when employees leave their jobs. In general,
employers ask employees why they are leaving and for feedback about the
company.
Expected Family
Contribution (EFC)
The amount a student and
his or her family are expected to pay toward the cost of attendance. It is
calculated from the financial information provided by the student and his
or her family, including the student's spouse.
Exploration
(see Career
Exploration)
External Degree
Program
A program that allows a
student to earn credit toward a degree through a combination of
independent study, college courses, proficiency examinations, and personal
experience portfolios. These programs may be offered by external degree
colleges or by external degree branches of college and university
campuses.
F
FAFSA
(see Free
Application for Federal Student Aid - FAFSA)
FAQ
(see Frequently
Asked Questions-FAQs)
Faster Than
Average
(see Growing
Faster Than Average)
Federal Direct
Student Loan Program (FDSLP)
Funds for FDSLP are provided
by the federal government. Funds are disbursed directly to students and
parents through the schools where students are enrolled. FDSLP includes
the Federal Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) and the
Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).
Federal Family
Education Loan Program (FFELP)
Funds for FDSLP are provided
by private lenders such as banks and credit unions. The federal government
guarantees these loans against default. FFELP includes the Federal
Stafford Loan, the Federal Perkins Loan, and the Parent Loan for
Undergraduate Students (PLUS).
Federal
Processor
Organization that
processes information that applicants submit on the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are two different federal processors.
These processors each serve specific geographic regions of the United
States.
Federal Work-Study
Program
A federally funded
part-time employment program for undergraduate and graduate students.
Eligibility is based on financial need. The earnings help students meet a
portion of their educational expenses. The federal government subsidizes a
portion of the student's salary. This makes it cheaper for employers to
hire students who have demonstrated financial need.
Fellowship
A cash or stipend award
for graduate or professional students. The award is based on academic
achievement or potential success in their field. Fellowships may also
include a waiver of tuition costs. Fellowships do not have to be
repaid.
FFELP
(see Federal
Family Education Loan Program - FFELP)
Financial
Aid
Money awarded to students to
help them pay for education. Aid is given as loans, grants, scholarships,
or work-study. Some forms of financial aid need to be repaid after
graduation.
This is also a component of GCIS that contains
explanations of the different types of financial aid as well as
information about the application process. GCIS also lists available
scholarships as well as some internships and fellowships. (Go to
GCIS
Financial Aid
index.)
Financial Aid
Administrator
Employee of the college or
university in charge of administering financial aid. Also known as
"Financial Aid Advisors" or "Financial Aid Counselors."
Financial Aid
Package
An
offer by an educational institution of one or more forms of financial aid,
such as loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study. These funds are
combined to produce a "package" to meet a student's financial
need.
Financial Aid
Sort
A
component of GCIS that creates a list of aid sources based on a student's
qualifications and financial need. (Go to GCIS Financial
Aid Sort.)
Financial Aid
Transcript
A record used by
postsecondary schools listing all financial aid awards given to the
student at other postsecondary schools that the student has
attended.
Financial
Need
The difference between the
cost of attendance and the student's expected family contribution. (See
Expected
Family Contribution.)
First Professional
Degree
The degree required to
practice in certain professions, such as law and medicine. Study usually
requires a total of at least six years, including prior college-level
work. First professional degrees may be awarded in architecture,
chiropractic, dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, optometry,
osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, podiatric medicine, rabbinical and
talmudic studies, theology, and veterinary medicine.
(also see Professional
Degree)
First-Time
Undergraduate Student
A student who is enrolled
in a program leading to a certificate or an undergraduate degree. The
student has not previously completed a four-year degree.
Five-Year Degree
Program
(see 3-2
Degree program)
Fixed
Interest
Interest rate that does
not change. In a fixed rate loan, the interest rate is guaranteed to
remain the same until the loan is paid off.
Follow-Up
Letter
A letter sent by a job
applicant to an interviewer shortly after the interview. A good letter can
set an applicant apart from the others. It also provides an opportunity to
restate any important points that were discussed during the
interview.
Forbearance
Period in which the lender
allows the borrower to temporarily stop making payments. Unlike deferment,
during a period of forbearance, interest continues to accrue (even on
subsidized loans). Forbearance will not be granted if a loan is in
default.
Forgivable
Loan
A loan that may be repaid
by a term of service, such as teaching or practicing medicine in a rural
area. If the term of service is not completed, the loan must be repaid in
full.
Formal
Training
A type of training where
workers gather to learn about an occupation. The training may involve
taking courses at a school or on the work site. For example, manufacturers
offer formal training programs to train multiple workers about their
product. In the GCIS Occupation files, the Preparation topic lists whether
formal or informal training is needed.
Four-One-Four
(4-1-4)
A
variation of the academic calendar. This is a four-month term, a one-month
inter-session, and a four-month term. The inter-session is used for
intensive short courses, independent study, off-campus work, or other
types of instruction.
Four-Year
College
A college that grants
bachelor's degrees after students successfully complete four years of
full-time study. Some of these schools offer two-year programs that
students can complete before transferring into a bachelor's degree
program, sometimes earning an associate degree. A variety of programs are
available at these colleges. Some colleges offer graduate
programs.
Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
A free financial aid
application form used to determine eligibility for need-based federal
financial aid. Applications are accepted after January 1. Early
application is strongly encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some GCIS files such as
Occupations, Programs of Study, and Military Employment have a FAQ tab.
These are common questions from GCIS users. The answers are
given to help you get the most out of the GCIS files.
Fringe
Benefits
(see Benefits)
Full
Time
Usually defined as 40
hours per week. However, it is sometimes defined as 35 hours or more per
week. In some organizations, especially for salaried employees, more than
40 hours is considered full time (with no extra pay for the additional
hours).
Full-Time
Student
A student whose academic
workload is at least 12 semester or quarter hours per term in a term-based
program. In a credit hour system, 24 semester or 36 quarter hours per
academic year qualifies as full time. Clock hour systems require full-time
students to have 24 clock hours per week.
G
G.I. Bill
Benefits
(see Montomery
G.I. Bill Benefits)
Garnishment
Practice of taking a
portion of the wages of a borrower who is in default on a loan without
his/her consent.
GED
(see General
Education Development - GED)
General
Discharge
A soldier's release from
active duty in the armed forces before the end of the contract period.
This discharge is given under honorable conditions.
(also see Discharge
for other military discharge terms)
General
Educational Development (GED)
A series of five tests
that adults may take through their state education system to qualify for a
high school equivalency certificate. Many colleges accept satisfactory GED
test results in place of a high school diploma.
GPA
(see Grade Point
Average - GPA)
Grace
Period
The
period of time from the date a student borrower is no longer enrolled in
school at least half time to the date loan repayment is scheduled to
begin. The student does not need to pay the loan principal and interest
during the grace period, but the student is responsible for any interest
on an unsubsidized loan that collects during this period. In general, the
grace period for student loans is six months.
Grade Point
Average (GPA)
A system used by many
schools for evaluating the overall scholastic performance of students. The
most common system of numerical values for grades is A = 4, B = 3, C = 2,
D = 1, and E or F =0. To find a student's GPA, first multiply the number
of hours given for a course by the student's grade in the course to get a
grade point for each course. Then add all grade points together for the
term and divide by the number of hours of course work taken.
Graduate
Assistantship
Financial aid given to
graduate students in return for teaching a class or performing
research.
Graduate School
Sort
A
component of GCIS that sorts U.S. graduate schools based on your responses
to questions about costs, programs, and other school
characteristics. (Go to GCIS Graduate
School Sort.)
Graduate
Student
A student enrolled in an
academic program of study above the bachelor's degree level at a college
or university. Typically, these students are enrolled in master's or
doctoral programs.
Grant
A form of financial aid
that does not have to be repaid or earned by working. Grants usually are
based on financial need; however, academic merit may also be
considered.
Graveyard
Shift
People on this shift work
during the nighttime and into the early morning. This time period usually
ranges from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. It may also be called the night
shift.
Grievance
A complaint about a
problem at work, such as harassment. Some employers have formal steps that
must be followed to report and solve the problem.
Gross
Pay
The amount of wages or
salary before money is deducted for taxes, Federal Insurance Contributions
Act (FICA), or dues.
Growing
as Fast as Average
This phrase is used in the
Employment and Outlook topic of GCIS occupation files. It describes occupations in
which the number of workers is expected to increase over a 10-year period
at about the same pace as the average for all occupations. This rate
of growth is 9 to 17 percent. That percentage translates to an
additional one to two jobs for every ten that existed in 2004.
Growing Faster
than Average
This phrase is used in the
Employment and Outlook topic of GCIS Occupation files. It describes occupations in
which the number of workers is expected to increase over a 10-year period
at a pace faster than the average for all occupations. This rate of
growth is 18 to 26 percent. That percentage translates to an
additional two to two-and-one-half jobs for every ten that existed in
2004.
Growing More
Slowly than Average
This phrase is used in the
Employment and Outlook topic of GCIS Occupation files. It describes occupations in
which the number of workers is expected to increase over a 10-year
period. These occupations are expected to grow at a slower pace
(zero to eight percent) than the average growth for all occupations.
That percentage translates to, at most, one additional job for every ten
that existed in 2004.
Growing Much
Faster than Average
This phrase is used in the
Employment and Outlook topic of GCIS Occupation files. It describes occupations in
which the number of workers is expected to increase over a 10-year period
at a pace much faster than the average for all occupations. This
rate of growth is 27 percent or higher. That percentage translates
to an additional three or more jobs for every ten that existed in
2004.
Guarantee
Agency
A state agency or private,
nonprofit organization that administers federally-funded student loan
programs. Guarantee agencies approve student loans and insure them against
default.
Guard
(see Air
National Guard)
(see National
Guard)
H
Half-Time
Student
A student whose academic
workload is at least six semester or 9 quarter hours per academic term for a
term-based program. In a credit hour system, 12 semester or 18 quarter
hours are required. A clock-hour system requires that half-time students
have 12 clock hours per week.
Harassment
(see Sexual
Harassment)
Hazard
(see Occupational
Hazard)
Hazardous Duty
Pay
Additional wages paid to
military personnel who engage in dangerous activities. For example,
personnel receive hazardous duty pay for activities such as flight or
submarine duty, parachute jumping, and explosives demolition.
Health
Insurance
A benefit received by many
workers and their families. Health insurance usually covers doctor visits,
medication, hospitalization, and related medical care.
Help Wanted
Ad
An
advertisement, appearing in the newspaper, that gives information about an
available job. It tells interested applicants who to contact for more
information.
Hierarchy
The result of sorting
people or objects into groups. Some groups are ranked higher and may have
more power. For example, managers are near the top of the hierarchy and
clerks are near the bottom. The workers at the top of the hierarchy
supervise those who are below them.
Hiring
Practices
A topic in the GCIS
Occupation files. This topic covers what training or experience employers
look for when they hire an employee for an occupation. Some occupations
have set requirements whereas others are more flexible.
Holland
Codes
These codes divide career
interests into six categories. The categories include Realistic,
Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.
Assessment tests such as the SDS, Strong, and IDEAS use the Holland codes
to help students identify their interests.
Honors
Program
An
unusually challenging academic program for superior students that offers
the opportunity for educational enrichment, independent study, or
acceleration.
Hour
(see Clock
Hour)
(see Credit
Hour)
Hourly
Wage
Payment to a worker that is
based on the number of hours worked.
Housing
Allowance
An extra amount of money
paid to military personnel who do not live on a military base.
I
IDEAS
(see Interest
Determination, Exploration and Assessment System -
IDEAS)
Incentive
Pay
Additional wages paid to
military personnel who engage in dangerous activities. For example,
personnel receive hazardous duty pay for activities such as flight or
submarine duty, parachute jumping, and explosives demolition. Special pay
is also given to officers in certain occupations, such as doctors,
dentists, and veterinarians.
Independent
Student
A student who meets one or
more of the following criteria: (a) be 24 years old by December 31 of the
award year; (b) be an orphan or a ward of the court or a former ward of
the court until age 18; (c) be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces; (d) be
a graduate, professional, or married student; or (e) have legal dependents
other than a spouse. A student may also be determined to be an independent
student because of unusual circumstances documented by the financial aid
administrator.
Independent
Study
An
arrangement that allows students to complete some of their college program
by studying independently instead of attending scheduled classes and
completing group assignments. Students typically plan a program of study
with a faculty adviser or committee. Students may report periodically to
the committee and submit a final report for evaluation.
Industry
A collection of employers
grouped according to product, service, or activity. Examples of industries
include entertainment, food, oil production, and mining.
Infantry
Officer
An
Army or Marine Corps officer who gathers and evaluates information about
enemy strength and positions. These officers also develop battle plans and
supervise infantry unit training.
Infantryman
An Army or Marine Corps
soldier who operates, cleans, and stores automatic weapons. Other duties
include parachuting from troop transport airplanes and digging foxholes,
trenches, and bunkers.
Informal
Training
A
type of training where workers learn the skills needed for an occupation.
The training is on the job. For example, a supervisor or more experienced
worker teaches or demonstrates the skills. In the GCIS Occupation files,
the Preparation topic lists whether formal or informal training is needed.
Informal training may also be called on-the-job training.
Insurance
(see Health
Insurance)
Inter-Session
For schools that are on the
Four-One-Four (4-1-4) academic year. This is the one-month term between
the two four-month terms. The one-month term is used for intensive short
courses, independent study, off-campus work, or other types of
instruction.
Interdisciplinary
Programs or courses that
combine knowledge from a number of subject areas. Such combinations could
be biology and physical science or engineering and business.
Interests
A topic in the GCIS Occupation
files. The Interest topic lists the interests and work values that workers
in an occupation report are important to them.
Interest
Determination, Exploration and Assessment System (IDEAS)
An
optional assessment tool within GCIS that helps students identify their
interests. Once you complete the on-line test, your results direct you
toward occupations that may be of interest. In the IDEAS module of GCIS,
you also can enter your IDEAS paper and pencil results to generate a list
of occupations that relate to your interests.
Internship
A program where a student
works for an employer for a specified period of time. The student learns
about a particular occupation and practices skills previously learned in
the classroom. The student's workplace activities may include special
projects, sample tasks related to different occupations, or tasks from a
single occupation. Internships may or may not include wages.
Interview (Job
Interview)
A meeting between an
employer and a potential employee. The employer asks questions about the
interviewee's knowledge, skills, and abilities. The interviewee has an
opportunity to ask questions about the employer.
(also see Admissions
Interview)
(also see College
Interview)
(also see Entrance
Interview)
(also see Exit
Interview)
J
Job
Activities performed on a
regular basis in exchange for payment. A single position at one
company.
Job
Application
A written form for gathering
information about an individual applying for a job. Typical information
includes the applicant's name, address, phone number, work experience,
education, and references.
Job Bank
A computerized listing of job openings that is updated daily. National
and local job banks can be found on the World Wide Web. Local job banks
can also be accessed at state employment services offices. Many job
banks also allow workers to post their resumes.
Job
Fair
An
event where businesses provide information about their companies to
jobseekers.
Job
Search
The
process of going through the necessary steps to find a
job.
This is also a component of GCIS that provides
information for starting and conducting a job search. It includes tips
about interviewing, preparing a resume, and writing a cover letter.
(Go to GCIS Job
Search index.)
Job
Shadow
One method for a student
to explore their career interests. Usually a daylong event where the
student observes a worker in an occupation of interest.
Journey-Level
Worker
Title given to workers who
have finished an apprenticeship in a craft or trade. These workers are
also known as Journeymen.
Junior
College
A two-year college that
usually is public and serves the residents of a local or regional area.
Most of these colleges admit all or most of the students who apply. Some
programs, such as nursing, may be more selective. Students receive
associate degrees after two years of successful full-time study. Junior
colleges typically do not offer vocational/technical degrees. Instead,
they usually offer the first two years of study leading to a bachelor's
degree.
K
Keep That
Job
A
component of GCIS outlining real-life skills that help you succeed on the
job. (Go to GCIS Keep
That Job Index.)
Knowledge
A topic in the GCIS Occupation
files. The Knowledge topic lists areas of experience and training that are
needed for success in an occupation.
Kuder Career
Search - KCS
An assessment instrument
measuring whether the taker's interests are similar to those of people
working in a specific occupation. In the Assessment Link component
of GCIS, a list of occupations of interest to test taker can be generated
from his or her KCS results.
L
Labor
Exchange
On the job, you provide skills
and your employer provides you with a paycheck. Thus, you are trading your
time and labor for another item, in this case, money.
Labor
Laws
(see
Child
Labor Laws)
Labor Market
Information
Information about workers,
jobs, industries, and employers. It includes employment, demographic, and
economic information. This information is used by job seekers, employers,
administrators, planners, information analysts, and policy
makers.
Layoffs
Large businesses are required
to give 60-days advance notice to workers that they will lose their jobs.
Workers who are laid off may be eligible for retraining under the Economic
Dislocation and Worker Adjustment Act.
Leave
(see Maternity
Leave)
(see Parental
Leave)
Letter
(see Award
Letter)
(see Cover
Letter)
(see Follow-Up
Letter)
Liberal Arts
College
A college that focuses on
cultivating general knowledge and reasoning skills rather than on specific
career preparation. They are sometimes known as colleges of arts and
sciences. These colleges promote a broad exposure to many subjects,
including literature, history, fine arts, social sciences, philosophy,
natural sciences, and foreign languages. Most liberal arts colleges are
private rather than public. They usually do not offer as many majors in
scientific and technical disciplines as do universities.
License
A document granted by a
government agency that authorizes individuals to work in an occupation,
activity, or business. Examples of occupations where workers must be
licensed are social worker, doctor, and physical therapist.
Licensing/Certification
A topic in the GCIS Occupation
files that lists requirements workers need to meet for licensing or
certification. Common requirements are technical training, education, and
experience. In addition, this topic provides names and addresses of
licensing agencies.
Link
(see Assessment
Link)
Loan
An advance of funds that the
borrower must repay under specified conditions.
(also see Emergency
Loan)
(also see Deferment
of Loan)
(also see Forgivable
Loan)
(also see Student
Loan)
(also see Subsidized
Loan)
(also see Unsubsidized
Loan)
M
Major
The field of academic study in
which a student specializes. The courses that constitute the main body of
a program of college study.
Manager
An individual who is in
charge of a business or activity.
Manufacturing
The act of making,
producing, processing, or fabricating a product. Work may be done by hand
or by machine and is usually done in large quant | 
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