Terms to Know

There can be many new words and concepts to learn when you begin your application process. Here is a comprehensive list of terms that might help you as you apply to Baylor.

Types of Students and Degrees

• Bachelor's Degree: An undergraduate academic degree awarded for a course of study that generally requires four years of work, split into semesters.
• Full-Time Student: This refers to the number of courses you are taking in a specific semester. A full-time student is enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. A typical course is 3 credit hours. 
• Graduate Degree: A degree earned in addition to a bachelor's degree, such as a master's degree or doctoral degree.
• Graduate Student: A student who has already completed a bachelor's degree and is working toward a master's or doctoral degree.
• High School: School attended after elementary or primary school, usually consisting of grades nine through 12, also known as secondary school.
• International Student: At Baylor University, we consider any student who is on (or will need to be on) a nonimmigrant visa to be an international student. This includes Financial Aid eligibility and Visa processing through the International Student and Scholar Services Office. (Please note that the “International Student” definition through the Admissions and application process is slightly different. Refer to “International Applicant” below for more details.)
• International Applicant: Students currently applying to Baylor University from a school that is located outside of the United States, even if they have a U.S. passport or Permanent Residency (considered “international” for admissions & application processes only).
• Non-Degree Seeking Student: Students who are taking classes at a university, but who are not actively seeking a degree. At Baylor, these students must go through the regular admissions process.
• Part-Time Student: This refers to the number of courses you are taking in a specific semester. A part-time student is enrolled in 11 hours or less. A typical course is 3 credit hours.
• Post-Baccalaureate Student: A student who has received a bachelor's degree and is taking additional undergraduate classes in a separate area of study from their original bachelor’s degree. 
• Transfer Student: A student who has attempted college coursework after graduating high school (excluding the summer immediately after high school graduation).
• Undergraduate Student: A first-level university student working toward a bachelor's degree.

General Admissions Terms

• Academic Advisor: A Baylor faculty/staff member who will guide you through your college degree. They help students plan their academic careers and keep them on track for graduation. 
• Academic Tracks: An academic track, or concentration, is a group of courses that focus on a specific subdiscipline within a major. It can be tailored to suit your specific interests, such as the Cybersecurity concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) at Baylor.
• ACT: One of two standardized achievement tests (the other is the SAT) taken by U.S. high school students and international students interested in studying at a university in the United States. For more information, visit the official ACT website.
• Admissions Counselor: A prospective student's direct Baylor contact for questions about the admission process. Admissions counselors are assigned based on specific geographic territories. Visit this link to learn who your counselor is.  
• ApplyTexas: An online portal for prospective students from Texas and other states to apply for admission to Baylor University. Learn more and apply here.
• Baylor ID Number: All Baylor University students are assigned a nine-digit identification number that they can use to access their grades and other information.This number might sometimes be referred to as a Banner ID.
• Bear ID: An electronic identifier created uniquely for every student, typically comprised of your first name, last name, an underscore character and a number (e.g. Firstname_Lastname2). Your Bear ID will be used to access almost all campus electronic resources. 
• BearWeb: Baylor’s secure online system for personal information, emergency contacts, financial and billing information, final grades, transcripts and registration.
• BSB: Baylor Sciences Building includes more than 150 laboratories and nearly 40 class and conference rooms. Ninetyseven percent of undergraduates take at least one course in the BSB.
• Canvas: Baylor’s online learning management system where students can check grades, submit assignments, check their assignments, view calendars, etc.
• CL: Community Leader, the students responsible for residents in an on-campus residence hall or apartment. Community Leaders receive room and board, as well as a graduated stipend based on years of service ($600-$1400) credited to housing and Living-Learning Center program costs and 170-meal block per semester.
• CommonApp: An online portal where you can access Baylor’s free online application. Learn more and apply here.
• Core Curriculum: Also known as “general education” courses, core curriculum provide the foundation for your degree. All undergraduate students take core courses in subjects including mathematics, humanities, physical sciences and social sciences.
• Course Catalog: A list of the academic programs, degree requirements and academic policies for each academic year. Baylor produces five catalogs Undergraduate, Graduate, Law, Seminary and Social Work.
• Credit Hour: A unit counted toward completion of an academic program. Each course is worth a number of credit hours (also known as "credits"). The number of credits reflects the number of hours a student spends in class for that course per week. These classes also carry the expectation of two hours of out-of-class student work for every hour in class. A typical course offers three credits. Students typically take 12-15 credit hours per semester. A bachelor's degree typically requires a total of 120-124 credit hours.
• Diadeloso: Day of the Bear, a spring campus celebration and day off from classes full of fun.
• Dining Dollars: Meal plan dollars to be used at fast casual restaurants on campus.
• Early Action: Designed for students who want to complete the admissions process early in their senior year. Applicants must complete their application and submit materials by November 1. They will receive an admission decision by January 15 and, if accepted, have until May 1 to make their final decision. 
• Early Decision: A binding agreement for students who will commit to Baylor, if accepted. This is a decision plan for those that have Baylor as their first choice for college and is ideal for students who are confident Baylor is the right academic, social and financial fit for them and their family. With this agreement, the student, a parent and a high school counselor must sign a contract stating that the student will deposit and enroll at Baylor upon acceptance. Those applying Early Decision may still apply to other institutions with a non-binding application. However, if accepted to Baylor under an Early Decision plan, they must withdraw all other schools' applications. Students applying Early Decision must complete their online application for Baylor as well as send in a high school transcript, test scores (optional), essay and a short answer response by November 1. They will receive a decision back no later than December 15 and have a deposit deadline of February 15.
• Electives: Courses that count toward credits for graduation but are not required  as a part of your degree requirement.
• Enrollment Deposit: Once accepted, an enrollment deposit is a payment made by a student to secure their spot at Baylor University. This deposit serves as confirmation of the student’s intention to enroll and is required by the specific deadline stated in their acceptance letter and the student’s goBAYLOR account. Once the deposit is processed, applicants will unlock their Enrollment Guide checklist of next steps in goBAYLOR (like the Housing Application, Orientation and Baylor Line Camp). Applicants who do not pay their deposit by the deadline may not be assured a space in the entering class. The enrollment deposit is non-refundable for prospective freshman. The enrollment deposit is refundable for transfer students if a request for a refund is submitted by the student’s specific deadline through the applicant’s goBAYLOR account. Deposits are not transferable to future semesters. Learn more about our Deposit Policies.
• Enrollment Guide Checklist: A list of actionable items that you must complete in order to successfully enroll at Baylor University. 
• Final High School Transcript: A final, official record of a student’s coursework and grades that includes an official graduation date.  An official transcript includes the school's official seal or the signature of a school administrator and is either sent directly from the school or submitted in an envelope sealed by the school.
• goBAYLOR: An online portal where you can access Baylor’s free online application. It will also guide you through each step of the admissions process. goBAYLOR will provide regular updates, checklists and deadlines, so check often! Learn more and apply here.
• GPA: Grade Point Average. This is the average of grades earned, weighted by the number of credit hours earned. Baylor calculates GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Graduation Rate: The calculated percentage of students who graduate or complete their program within a specified timeframe. This can be calculated on a 4-6 year range.
• Honors College: The Honors College unites four innovative programs committed to helping undergraduates pursue questions that often fall between the cracks of the specialized disciplines, by exploring the writings of scientists along with the writings of poets, historians, and philosophers.
• International Admissions Counselor: A prospective student’s direct Baylor contact for questions about the admission process. Anis Qourzal is Baylor’s Senior Director of International Admissions. Visit this link to learn who your international counselor is, or contact the International Admissions Team at International_Admissions@baylor.edu.
• Major: A student’s main field of study and degree plan during their undergraduate studies. You will be required to take specific subject area courses for your major (usually beginning in your third year). You will also choose from other subject options related to your major.
• Minor: A minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework that can be added to complement a major. A minor is generally not required, although certain majors require a minor. Students usually take a minor either for personal interest or to specialize within a major.
• NPE: Stands for New Parent Experience.
• NSE: Stands for New Student Experience.
• OALA: Office of Access and Learning Accommodation who are committed to ensuring equal access in all aspects of the college experience for students with disabilities in all of Baylor’s programs. Accommodations can include any changes, modifications, equipment or services requested by students because of their disability — that includes classroom, housing, meal plan or mobility needs.
• Office Hours: Time set aside by faculty to be available to students for individual academic support and counseling. 
• Orientation: Orientation introduces new students and their guests to life at Baylor. Orientation is offered as a Combined session with Baylor Line Camp or as an Orientation-Only experience. 
• Prerequisite: A class that is required before you can successfully register for a specific course. 
• Registration: To enroll for courses and create a semester-long class schedule. Students are required to meet with their academic advisor prior to registering for courses. 
• Regular Admission: Regular Admission is our latest and final application deadline. This is designed for students who would like a non-binding decision and do not complete their application by the Early Decision or Early Action plans under the November 1 deadline. With this decision plan, students must complete their application and submit required materials by February 1, and they will receive a decision by April 10. They have until May 1 to make their final decision.
• Rolling Admission: Rolling Admission is where we review your application as soon as you have submitted all the required materials. We make acceptance decisions on an ongoing basis, so you don’t want to wait for a specific date or for all applications to be submitted before receiving a decision.
• SAT: The Scholastic Assessment Test is one of two standardized achievement tests (the other is the ACT) taken by U.S. high school students and international students interested in university study in the United States. For more information, visit the official SAT website.
• Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR): A self-reported academic record of a student’s coursework and grades. By choosing this option, Baylor Admissions can process your application more holistically.
• SI: Supplemental Instruction that includes free academic tutoring programs that utilize peer-assisted study sessions. 
• SLC: (pronounced: Slick) Student Life Center is a 156,000 square foot recreation center for student, faculty and staff. The SLC includes a fitness center, a climbing rock, leisure pool, outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts, 4-court gymnasium, conference rooms, racquetball/squash courts, indoor jogging track, aerobics studio and student lounge. Baylor Health Services is also housed here.
• SUB: The Student Union Building, or the Bill Daniel Student Center (BDSC), is the home for the Department of Student Activities. Students often stop by here to study, grab food or even go bowling.
• Syllabus: An outline of the main course requirements, grading criteria, content and other relevant course information.
• Test Optional: With our test optional policy, you have the choice of whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores as part of your application. We holistically review students, including the recommended items you share with us, and have no minimum GPA or SAT/ACT requirements for admission. (Although some majors have academic requirements.) Learn more about our test optional process here.
• TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language; a test that measures and scores the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand North American English. For more information, visit the official TOEFL website.
• Transcript: An official record of a student’s coursework and grades.  

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Academic Standards: Measure of scholastic excellence held by a university; most require that students maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) to continue their studies.
• Academic Year: A Standard Academic Year (SAY) is a fixed period that generally begins and ends at the same time each calendar year.  Baylor uses a SAY for our undergraduate and traditional graduate students with the standard academic year beginning in the fall semester through the end of the spring semester.  Students are typically offered financial aid for fall and spring terms at the same time, with aid disbursing for the intended term within 10 business days prior to the start of the term in most cases. If graduating in December, the student will be offered fall aid only.  For students attending summer, summer is designated as a trailer, which means that it would be added to the end of the SAY.  If you enroll in summer, the financial aid office will automatically calculate eligibility for summer aid and notify students through BearWeb of any eligible aid.
• Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): Gross income minus adjustments to income. Gross income includes your wages, dividends, capital gains, business income, retirement distributions as well as other income. Adjustments to income include such items as educator expenses, student loan interest, alimony payments or contributions to a retirement account.
• Co-Signer: An individual who agrees to jointly borrow a loan with the primary borrower and takes legal responsibility for repayment of the loan in the event that the primary borrower fails to make required payments. A co-signer can increase the chances of approval for a loan, particularly when the student is the primary borrower. 
• Cost of Attendance: The estimated cost of attending Baylor for one academic year. This amount includes costs payable to Baylor, which can include tuition, fees, books from the Follett Access program, housing and food (meal plan), and costs paid to others, such as books, supplies, transportation and personal expenses. It is important for students to budget and make wise decisions regarding utilization of the financial aid funds they receive. Your cost of attendance is not the same as your bill, which will contain your actual costs to attend Baylor and will be sent prior to the start of each term.
• Costs Paid to Others: These costs are estimated and may vary depending on a student’s enrollment. These costs are also known as non-billable costs since they do not appear on a student's bill. These costs can include books, transportation, personal expenses and off-campus housing and meals.
• Costs Payable to Baylor: Baylor will bill students directly for costs such as tuition, fees, books from the Follett Access program, on-campus housing and meal plans. These costs are also known as billable costs.
• CSS Profile: Form submitted through College Board to begin the process of being considered for Need-Based Aid. Students can submit their request during their initial application for admission or after completing their application. Students may waive this if they do not want to be considered for Financial Aid.
• Deferment: A postponement of payment on a loan. Deferment is allowed under certain conditions. 
• Dependent Student: Students required to provide parental data when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Direct Lending: Borrowing directly from the federal government in the form of subsidized, unsubsidized, Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS loans. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education, which will assign a loan servicer to keep students informed of debt totals and repayment.
• Disbursement: The process by which funds are made available to a student's Baylor account for use in meeting education expenses
• Educational Loan: Money you borrow and must pay back with interest. If you apply for financial aid, you might be offered loans as part of your financial aid offer. When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend Baylor. You must repay the loan as well as the interest that accrues. 
• Enrollment Level: Level of the degree-granting program in which a student is enrolled. There are three basic levels of enrollment at Baylor: undergraduate (students seeking a bachelor’s degree), graduate (students working on a master’s degree or professional degree) and post-graduate (students enrolled in a doctoral program). The amounts and types of financial aid a student is eligible for is determined, in part, by their enrollment level.
• Enrollment Status: Academic workload (or course load) that a student is carrying for a defined academic period. This normally relates to the number of credit hours taken by a student during a given academic period. For Baylor, undergraduate full-time status is at least 12 hours for a semester, three-quarter time status is 9-11 credit hours for a semester, and half-time status is 6-8 credit hours for a semester.
• Entrance Counseling: A mandatory information session, which takes place before you receive your first federal student loan. First-time Direct Loan borrowers at Baylor are required to complete entrance counseling before loan funds can be disbursed. Entrance counseling explains your responsibilities and rights as a student borrower. Students complete entrance counseling at studentaid.gov.
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC): A measure of how much the student/family can be expected to contribute to the cost of the student’s education for the year. The EFC is calculated using a formula specified in federal law and is based upon the information provided by the student and his/her family on the FAFSA. It is used to determine eligibility for most need-based student aid programs.
• Federal Work-Study: A need-based financial aid program that allows you to earn money to help pay for school, without reducing your ability to receive other need-based aid in the future. Part-time employment opportunities exist both on and off campus and student workers earn at least the current minimum wage. However, you may earn more depending on the type of work you do and the skills required for the position.
• Financial Aid: Funds to help pay for college. Grants, work-study, loans and scholarships help make college affordable. 
• Financial Aid Offer: The total amount of federal and non-federal aid offered to you in an academic year. You will be notified of your Financial Aid package in an emailed Financial Aid Offer and your package can be viewed in BearWeb once it is released. The amount offered in your package may not meet your full estimated Cost of Attendance. If this is the case, students can apply for outside scholarships or review private loan options.
• Financial Documentation: Proof that a student has the necessary funds to study in the United States, often in the form of bank statements or certificates of deposit. Baylor University requires international students to submit financial documentation before an I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued.
• Financial Need: The basis for awarding most student aid programs. Financial need is determined by the following equation: Cost of Attendance (COA) - Expected Family Contribution (EFC) =  Financial Need.
• Financial Statement: A document issued by a bank or credit company that tracks a person's finances, including credits and debits.
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): The application for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study, and loans. Students may waive this if they do not want to be considered for financial aid.
• Graduate PLUS Loan: A Federal loan exclusively for graduate students to assist with costs not covered by other financial aid. Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check is required. Borrowers who have an adverse credit history must meet additional requirements to qualify. 
• Grant: Financial aid, often based on financial need, that does not have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund). 
• Independent Student: Students not required to provide parental data when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Interest: A loan expense charged for the use of borrowed money over time. Interest is paid by the borrower to the lender or loan servicer for Federal loans. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount of the loan.
• Interest Rate: The annual rate at which an outstanding loan balance will grow, increasing the amount needing to eventually be repaid.  
• Lender: A lender is the organization that made the loan (borrower’s school, bank, credit union, etc.). 
• Loan Exit Counseling: An online tutorial and quiz about student-borrowers’ rights and responsibilities, loan repayment and the consequences of default. Direct Loan borrowers who leave school or drop below half-time enrollment must complete exit counseling. During the exit counseling, students are required to provide updated personal information, such as address, telephone number and employer name. Students complete exit counseling at studentloans.gov. Students who do not comply will be provided with written information by our office at the time of graduation/less than half time enrollment.
• Loan Principal: The total amount borrowed of a student loan, excluding interest or fees. This is the amount that will gradually accrue interest.   
• Mandatory Fees: Required costs charged by the university in addition to tuition. Examples include student activity fee, student health fee, technology fee and transportation fee.
• Master Promissory Note: The legally binding document signed when applying for education loans. The promissory note is a contract between the student and the lender that details the conditions under which monies were borrowed and the repayment terms.  This is a required step for borrowing any federal loan. Baylor prefers students to complete and sign the MPN electronically.
• Merit-Based Scholarship: Money awarded to students who decide to attend college based comprehensive academic record and a full review of a completed Baylor application file. No additional application is required. All applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships when they apply, including students who apply as test optional.
• Miscellaneous Fees: Extra costs charged by the university for services, such as providing an official transcript.
• Net Cost: An estimate of the actual cost that a student and his or her family need to pay in a given year to cover education expenses for the student to attend a particular school. Net price is determined by taking the institution's cost of attendance and subtracting any grants and scholarships for which the student may be eligible. 
• Net Price: Difference between the cost of attendance and all gift aid. The net price can be covered through other funding sources, including savings, income and education loans. The net price can also be called out-of-pocket cost.
• Origination Fee: An origination fee is a percentage of your loan amount charged by the lender for the processing of your loan. Federal student loans have an origination fee, so the amount you may receive as a disbursement may be slightly lower than the amount you accept.
• Outside Scholarship: Funds awarded to students from entities outside of the federal, state and institutional aid programs.
• Principal: Loan principal can refer either to the original amount borrowed (original principal) or to the remaining amount of principal to be repaid (current principal). The current principal balance may include interest that has been capitalized. (For example, interest that was capitalized at the end of a period of deferment or forbearance.) 
• Private Loan: A non-federal, educational loan borrowed from a private lending organization. Private loan rates and terms vary greatly depending on the lender and the specific applicant’s financial situation. Sometimes referred to as "Alternative Loans."
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): The minimum academic standards a student must maintain to be eligible to receive state and federal aid. These standards require you to progress toward a degree in a timely manner and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA). View more information about Baylor’s SAP policy here.
• Scholarship: Money awarded to a student based on academic or other achievements to help pay for education expenses. Scholarships generally do not have to be repaid. 
• Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA): Students who are classified as Texas residents but cannot apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA are encouraged to complete this form to determine their eligibility for state financial aid programs.
• Tuition: The cost of college instruction based on the number of hours taken. At Baylor University there is a flat rate as long as you are enrolled as a full-time student (at least 12 hours).
• Verification: Process to confirm the accuracy of data provided by the applicant on the FAFSA. In order to complete the verification process, students are required to provide certain documents to Baylor for review. You will receive a notification form our Student Financial Aid office if you are chosen for verification. For additional information on completing verification, visit Baylor One Stop.
• Withdrawal: Refers to discontinuing all classes only for the term in which a student is currently enrolled. A withdrawal occurs on or after the first day of classes and prior to the withdrawal deadline.

Student Accounts

• Authorized User:  A student can designate individuals as Authorized Users of his/her student account. This designation grants access to view the student account, view the IRS Form 1098T and make payments on behalf of the student. 
• Collection Agency: Baylor partners with collection agencies to help collect on outstanding balances owed to the University after a student is no longer enrolled in classes.
• Credit Balance: A credit balance on a student account is typically created by schedule adjustments, excess financial aid or over-payments. It represents the amount of a potential refund a student might be eligible to receive. 
• Drop Refunds: If a class is dropped within a designated period of time during the semester, a student might be eligible for a partial tuition refund. If a dropped class results in a tuition adjustment, the student account is automatically credited. 
• E-Bill: All student account information is available in the E-Bill system, Baylor’s online platform. A student can also locate billing information, make payments, designate Authorized Users and view the IRS Form 1098T in it.
• Due Date: A due date is reflected on a student’s invoice and indicates when the payment is expected.
• Estimated Aid & Authorized Aid: When the Student Accounts office is reasonably sure anticipated financial aid is forthcoming, a temporary allowance is made for those funds. If after a reasonable period of time the financial aid funds have not materialized, the temporary allowance is canceled. 
• Hold: If a financial obligation on a student account is past due, a restriction is generally placed on a student record that will prevent a student from registering for a future term and adding/dropping a class. 
• Late Fee: If a financial obligation on a student account is not paid by the due date, a late fee is assessed.
• Memo: The “Estimated Aid” amount on your student statement account. This amount refers to the amount of aid that is anticipated to be paid by a third-party sponsor. 
• Payment Plan: Baylor offers a term-based payment plan to help a student and his/her family pay the educational expenses on the student account within the term. 
• Previous Balance: If a financial obligation is not paid in full by the due date, the amount owed is reflected on the next billing statement as a previous balance.
• Refund: The refund of an eligible credit balance will be processed automatically, either by Electronic Refund (via Direct Deposit) or a mailed check to the home address in BearWeb. 
• Returned Check:  If a check payment on a student account does not clear the student’s bank, it is considered a returned check. With the exception of checks returned due to insufficient funds, returned checks are automatically charged to the student account.
• Resubmit: If a returned check is due to insufficient funds, the Student Accounts office will attempt to resubmit the check one time. If the resubmission is unsuccessful, the returned check will be charged to the student account.
•  Student Account:  A record of all the financial activity related to a student’s direct educational expenses, financial aid and payments are reflected on the student account, which is maintained by the Student Accounts office.
• Third-Party Billing: Third-party sponsors, who have contacted Baylor on behalf of a student, will sometimes require billings for a student’s direct educational expenses. Upon receipt of these requests, the Student Accounts office will provide these billings.
• Title IV Authorization:  Title IV Authorizations allow Baylor to use Title IV funds to pay prior balances and/or miscellaneous charges on the student account, such as parking permits and Health Center charges.
• Tuition Insurance: Baylor partners with GradGuard to offer optional insurance coverage to help refund tuition, fees and other direct educational expenses in the event a student cannot complete the semester due to a covered medical reason, such as an illness, accident or mental health issue.

Academic Sessions

• Fall: The fall semester generally begins in August and ends in early December. Fall also refers to one of the four seasons (weather-based divisions of the year) experienced in Texas. Fall, also called autumn, consists of the transition months of September, October and November when the weather begins to cool and winter approaches.
• Minimester: Between the spring semester and the summer session, Baylor offers a minimester, a short and intense semester during which students can earn credits. The minimester at Baylor typically occurs in May.
• Spring: The spring semester generally begins in January and ends in May. Spring also refers to one of our four seasons (weather-based divisions of the year) experienced in Texas. Spring consists of the transition months of March, April and May when the weather begins to warm and summer approaches.
• Summer: There are classes during two smaller summer terms (First Summer Term: early June-early July; Second Summer Term: mid July-mid August). Summer also refers to one of the four seasons (weather-based divisions of the year) experienced in Texas. Summer is comprised of the months June, July and August when the weather is at its warmest.
• Winter: Occasionally, Baylor offers a winter minimester term between the fall and spring semesters. Winter also refers to one of the four seasons (weather-based divisions of the year) experienced in Texas. Winter is comprised of the months December, January and February when the weather is at its coldest.

Classification System

• Freshman: Usually a student's first year at a university. In Baylor's system, these students have less than 30 credit hours total.
• Sophomore: Usually a student's second year at a university. In Baylor's system, these students have more than 30 hours but less than 60 hours total.
• Junior: Usually a student's third year at a university. In Baylor's system, these students have more than 60 hours but less than 90 hours total .
• Senior: Usually a student's fourth and final year at a university. In Baylor's system, these students have more than 90 hours total.

Immigration

• Designated School Official (DSO): Designated School Officials (DSOs) act as intermediaries between international students, Baylor University and the U.S. government. They issue necessary immigration forms, guide students through the process of studying in the U.S., maintain records in the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and more.
• DS-2019: An immigration document used by students to obtain a J-1 visa. You can download the form here.
• F-1 Student Visa: An F-1 visa is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute.
• I-20: An immigration document used by students to obtain an F-1 visa. You can download the form here.
• International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): This office provides guidance and support to those at Baylor who have an F-1 Visa or J-1 visa, helping them with their initial transition to Baylor and their connection to the Baylor experience. Email: ISSS_Support@baylor.edu.
• Immigration: The act of coming into a country to live where one is not a native resident.
• Proof of English Proficiency: This requirement is for individuals who are non-native English speakers to demonstrate their English ability when applying for enrollment at Baylor. These tests assess an individual’s proficiency in reading, listening, speaking and writing in the English language. To meet this requirement, students must submit one of the following items directly from the testing agency.
• SEVIS: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a database used by universities and colleges to record information about all students who will need an F, M, or J student visa to enter the United States. It is also used by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to send information about admitted students electronically to consulates and embassies in preparation for interviews.
• SSN: Social Security Number is a number assigned by the government to United States residents at birth.

Student Life

• Alumni: Graduates or former students of a particular university. Students can visit the Alumni Network's webpage to learn more about Baylor's graduates.
• Campus Housing: Apartments and residence halls (dorms) located on campus property and owned by the university. Students can visit Campus Living & Learning's webpage to see all of Baylor's living options.
• Dorm: Shortened form of "dormitory,” also known as "residence hall." A university building where students live while going to school, often with shared rooms. Baylor offers several dorms across the campus.
• Mascot: A person, animal or object believed to bring good luck, especially one kept as the symbol of an organization, such as a sports team. In 1914, students voted the bear as Baylor’s mascot, and in 1917, the first live bear mascot arrived on campus. The Baylor mascots live in a state-of-the-art facility maintained and staffed by a team of student caregivers within the Baylor Chamber of Commerce, trained professionals and a veterinary care team.
• Off-campus housing: Apartments and houses not located on campus property and owned by someone other than the university. To find off-campus housing, students can view Baylor's Off-Campus Housing Guide.
• Student Activities: A department of the university that oversees student organizations and events connected with the university, such as sports teams, clubs and volunteer activities. Visit Student Activities' webpage to see all of Baylor's activities.