Glossary
Like most large institutions, universities often seem to have their own language. While it might seem a bit weird at first, you'll get the hang of uni jargon in no time. In the meantime here's a glossary to help you decipher the code in your first year.
Choose from the listing below for glossary terms under that letter of the alphabet.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
If you don't find everything you're looking for here, you could also try Student Administration's useful page 'What does all the jargon mean?'
Academics - Academics or academic staff are the people who teach and undertake research at the University. Examples of titles of academic staff are professor, associate professor, reader, doctor, lecturer, tutor or demonstrator.
Academic dress - The official robes worn by graduates. They can be hired from the Regalia Shop on the third floor of Union House.
Academic year - The academic year is divided into two semesters. Each semester consists of twelve teaching weeks followed by an assessment period.
Admissions Office - Handles admission procedures for the University, including information and events for prospective Australian and international students.
Alumni - Alumni are graduates of the University. There is a Melbourne Alumni Association at the University.
Application - An application is the first stage in the process of applying for a place at university. Applications are made through VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre, or the equivalent in your State) in the year before you wish to enrol. International and graduate students may apply directly to the University. Check the Admissions website for more information about how to apply.
Articulation - The process of getting credit for subjects completed through a TAFE course when moving from TAFE to university (or vice versa).
Bachelor degree - A bachelor degree is also called an undergraduate degree. A bachelor degree can be designated in different ways, according to the faculty a student takes a degree in, for example BA means Bachelor of Arts, BSc means Bachelor of Science, BEng means Bachelor of Engineering.
Breadth - The breadth component of the New Generation undergraduate degrees will mean that students take a quarter of their degree (75 points) outside their faculty. Students will have a wide choice of breadth subjects, including new interdisciplinary subjects which are open to students from all academic backgrounds.
Campus - The campus is the grounds in which the University is situated. The University of Melbourne has several campuses. The main campus is at Parkville, and others are situated around Victoria.
Census Date - Date in each semester after which students cannot withdraw from a subject without paying a fee for that subject. The census date is usually the last working day in March and August for first and second semesters respectively.
CIE - The Centre for Indigenous Education provides support and assistance for indigenous students on campus. It assists students with course selection, tutorials, accommodation, study, personal support, community networking, cross-cultural development and referral.
Clubs and Societies - Clubs affiliated with the Student Union range from the Choral Society to a Chocolate Appreciation Society. Joining clubs and societies is a great way to get involved in university life and meet new people who share your interests. There are clubs and societies based in faculties and departments, the Student Union and Melbourne University Sport.
Credit - A credit-bearing subject is one which counts towards the total number of subjects required for completion of a degree.
College - There are a number of residential colleges and halls of residence located both on and off campus. These not only provide accommodation for students but also additional tutoring, pastoral care and the opportunity to live in a stimulating communal environment.
Concrete Lawn - Also known as Union Lawn, it is the paved concrete area in front of the main (eastern) entrance to Union House.
Counselling - The University Counselling Service provides counselling on a broad range of issues, including adjusting to university life, family or relationship issues, depression, anxiety, lack of motivation and academic issues with faculty staff. The Counselling Service is free to all University of Melbourne students. Careers and Employment also offers careers counselling, and the Student Union Advisory Service and the Postgraduate Association also provide support and advocacy for students.
Course - A sequence of subjects which make up a degree or diploma.
Dean - The head of each faculty.
Deferment - You can apply to defer (delay) the starting date of your course. Your place will be held for you, usually for a period of one year.
Degree - A set course of undergraduate or postgraduate study
DEEWR - Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The Commonwealth Government Department responsible for higher education.
Demonstrator - Teaching staff who demonstrate practical experiments in courses such as Science.
Department - Most university faculties are divided into several departments, each of which deals with an individual area of study.
Disability - The University provides a range of services and assistance for students with a disability or ongoing medical condition.
DLU - The Disability Liaison Unit provides advice and assistance to students with a disability to enable them to participate fully in the University environment.
Discontinuation- Discontinuation occurs when you choose not to proceed with studying the course in which you are currently enrolled (i.e., your enrolment is terminated).
Disorientation week - A Student Union organised week of entertainment to celebrate the end of the academic year.
Distance education - Off-campus study completed via correspondence.
Elective - A non-compulsory subject which does not form part of the core area of a course.
Email - Electronic mail is one of the University's main forms of communication with students and staff. Every student must activate their University email address, which is free.
Enrolment - At the beginning of each academic year there is an enrolment period during which students must finalise subject choices, and pay their annual amenities and services fee (ASF).
Authorised to enrol - Faculty has approved enrolment but you still need to do some things to complete your enrolment.
Confirmed enrolment - Fully enrolled student at the University.
Enrolment number - Number on your enrolment form. This is the same as your student ID number.
ENTER - The Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank is the percentile ranking based on an applicant's VCE study scores which reflects their performance relative to all other VCE students.
Exchange programs - The University of Melbourne has exchange agreements with approximately 130 institutions in 34 countries. Students may apply to study for either one or two semesters at an overseas institution while gaining credit towards their degree at Melbourne.
Eyeball - A bi-weekly news sheet which lists upcoming events for clubs and societies affiliated with the Student Union as well as other Union news and information. Eyeball is one of the best ways to find out what is going on around campus. Submissions for Eyeball can be made at the information centre in Union House.
Faculty - The University is divided into a number of faculties, each of which deals with a general area of study. Most faculties are also sub-divided into smaller departments.
Farrago - The University of Melbourne student newspaper which is published by the Student Union.
Fees - Students pay a range of course fees depending on whether they are an Australian or International student, undergraduate or graduate, or in a fee-paying or Commonwealth Supported Place. An explanation of all of these is available on the Tuition Fees web page.
First Aid - First-aid facilities are available in every university department. Locations such as the Baillieu Library, Sports Centre and Student Union are open for extended hours and are well equipped to provide first-aid assistance.
Graduate - There are two definitions for 'graduate' at the University of Melbourne.
A graduate is someone who has received a degree; or
A graduate (usually referred to as a 'Graduate Student') is someone studying for a higher degree including:
Graduate Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma - usually one year of coursework.
Master - can take up to two years and can be either Research, consisting of a major thesis of 30,000-50,000 words; or Coursework, including a minor thesis or major project of around 15,000-20,000 words and class attendance.
PhD - also a degree purely made up of research, resulting in a thesis of up to 100,000 words.
Professional Doctorate - similar to a PhD but including some coursework.
Graduate diploma - A graduate diploma is a specialised postgraduate qualification which can be completed following a related undergraduate degree. Graduate diplomas are usually one to two years in length.
Graduation - Following completion of their courses, students attend a graduation ceremony during which their degree or diploma will be awarded.
Handbooks - Each year the University of Melbourne publishes handbooks which detail all undergraduate and graduate courses. These are available for purchase at the Bookshop. The handbooks can also be accessed online. Some faculties and departments also publish their own subject handbooks.
Honours - The honours year is a final year of specialised study in the area in which a student has completed a major, usually consisting of a combination of coursework and a major thesis. Honours is also the highest grade band used in assessment. Honours are divided into four levels: H1 (80-100), H2A (75-79), H2B (70-74), H3 (65-69).
Host Program - At the beginning of each year, current students volunteer to act as hosts to a group of first year students in the Host Program. The host groups meet during Orientation to help new students familiarise themselves with the campus.
ID number - The five or six digit number printed on your student card. You keep the same ID number throughout your degree.
Increment - For fifth and sixth studies completed at VCE units 3 and 4 level, 10 per cent of the score for each study will be added to the score from which the ENTER is derived.
Academic Skills Unit (ASU) - The ASU provides assistance to students to enhance their study skills. The ASU runs free workshops throughout the year as well as offering individual appointments to help with issues such as time management, study skills and essay writing.
Leave of Absence - Similar to deferment, leave of absence is the term used for suspending your course once you are part way through. You can apply through your faculty to take leave of absence, usually for a period of a semester or a year.
Lecture - Large, formal classes in which lecturers present course material to all students enrolled in a given subject.
Libraries - In addition to the Baillieu, there are also branch libraries for individual faculties and departments, and at each of the other university campuses. Students may use their student card to borrow from all the University libraries.
Major - A sequence of subjects which make up the main area of study in a degree or diploma.
Melbourne Model - The Melbourne Model is part of a global shift towards broader undergraduate programs followed by entry into employment, intensive professional training or research degrees. Core principles of the new Melbourne Model undergraduate programs include: 25 percent breadth component; clearly-defined majors or equivalents and capstone experiences; knowledge transfer (industry/community) experience; research experience; online learning experience; international experience; research pathways; and pathways to professional graduate programs.
MUOSS - The Melbourne University Overseas Student Service is the international student organisation of the Student Union.
North Court - The paved area under the giant sail on the north side of Union House.
Off campus - Some subjects are completed either in whole or in part through off-campus study. Off-campus subjects include those completed via correspondence or distance education or off campus components of courses such as practical placements and school experience.
Open Day - Open Day is held on a Sunday in August each year and is a chance for prospective students to find out more about the campus, courses and services.
Orientation - Prior to the beginning of each academic year an orientation program is held. There are a variety of activities held ranging from tours and faculty BBQs to information sessions and sports demonstrations. We urge all new students to attend Orientation, as it's a great chance to become familiar with the campus, learn more about your course, get involved with clubs and societies, and meet heaps of new people. There is also an Orientation held at the beginning of second semester, for students who commence studies mid-year.
P
Postgraduate - See Graduates.
Prac or Practical session - A class in which practical experiments or exercises are conducted under supervision.
Prosh Week - Long part of University tradition, Prosh Week is an activities-based week of all-round fun and frivolity. Activities range from trivia nights to sports events and billycart races and the traditional focus tends to be on socialising and being silly.
Professor - A senior member of the academic teaching staff.
Provost - Professor Peter McPhee is the University of Melbourne's Provost, with particular responsibilities for managing and monitoring changes in the policies and practices that affect the academic life of the University as a whole, including the delivery of curricula and the provision of high quality, consistent student support services.
Residency Status
Permanent resident - A citizen of another country who has been granted permanent residency status in Australia.
Citizen - Someone who through birth or naturalisation holds Australian citizenship.
Proof of citizenship - A birth certificate, passport, or certificate of citizenship (original or certified).
Rowden White Library - A recreation library run by the Student Union. It is located on the second floor of Union House and contains a large contemporary book collection, a wide selection of magazines, journals, comics and music. There is a listening room filled with comfy chairs and cushions which is a great place to have a rest between classes.
School of Graduate Research - The Melbourne School of Graduate Research is located in the Graduate Centre on Grattan Street. The School's primary objective is to enhance the quality of graduate education through policy development, performance monitoring, targeted academic support and effective program administration.
Security on campus - When walking around campus at night you should try and keep to the 'light corridors' (marked in the diary map). Security officers are on call 24 hours a day and are available to escort you from buildings off campus. Any personal security problems should be reported to the Security Office in Central Control at the Monash Road entrance (Gate 4). Their emergency phone number is 8344 6666.
Selection officer - A person who makes decisions regarding students' selection into courses.
Semester - There are two semesters in each academic year. There are 12 weeks of classes in each semester. You can find semester dates for the next few years on the Key Dates website. (See also Summer Semester.)
Seminar - A small class taught by an academic, more commonly found in higher-level courses such as Honours.
South Lawn - The large grass area above the South Car Park, east of the Baillieu Library.
Student Administration - Located in the Raymond Priestly building, Student Administration handles enrolment, fees, examination and graduation.
Mature-age - Mature age students have had an extended break in formal education and include those who are:
obtaining new certification following the completion of other courses.
entering university having done no previous academic work since leaving school.
entering university having in part or full, studied for the VCE (or equivalent) just prior to entry to tertiary study.
re-entering university after having previously discontinued studies.
entering university for personal development purposes.
Part-time - A student enrolled in less than 37.5 points in a given semester. Many students choose to study part-time to allow time for external commitments such as work or family.
Graduate - A graduate student is someone studying for a higher degree including:
Graduate Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma - usually one year of coursework.
Master - can take up to two years and can be either Research, consisting of a major thesis of 30,000-50,000 words; or Coursework, including a minor thesis or major project of around 15,000-20,000 words and class attendance.
PhD - also a degree purely made up of research, resulting in a thesis of up to 100,000 words.
Professional Doctorate - similar to a PhD but including some coursework.
Undergraduate - Student completing a Bachelor or Undergraduate degree.
Student Portal - The Portal is the essential, online source of information about enrolment, subject and exam timetables, fees, information technology, handbooks and more.
Subject - Each course is divided into individual subjects. Descriptions of all subjects offered each year are printed in the University handbook.
Summer Semester - Some subjects are available over the summer period, in January and February. Check with your faculty to see which subjects are offered.
Theatre (Th.) - A large auditorium in which lectures are held.
Tute or tutorial - Usually less formal than a lecture, tutes are small classes in which material from lectures and readings can be discussed in more detail.
UMPA - University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association - UMPA is the main representative body for graduate students.
UMSU - University of Melbourne Student Union - The University of Melbourne Student Union Limited is the main student representative body at the University of Melbourne. It is owned and directed by students to serve student needs. Student office bearers are elected annually to represent student concerns to the University, government and the wider community.
Undergraduate - see Students.
University of Melbourne Voice - The University community newspaper. The Voice contains information on University events and publications.
Union - See UMSU above.
Union House (Union Building) - Located in the centre of campus, Union House is the home of the Student Union and contains a wide range of student facilities and services. These include food outlets and shops, a student computing centre, the Rowden White Library, meeting rooms, lockers, student office bearers' offices, and the Student Union Advisory Service.
University Council - The governing body of the University. All University bodies report to the University Council.
VCA - The Victorian College of the Arts is a faculty within the University of Melbourne with its main campus at Southbank.
VCAA - Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. The body which is responsible for curriculum, assessment and certification of the VCE.
Vice-Chancellor - The most senior administrative and academic member of the university staff. The current Vice-Chancellor is Professor Glyn Davis.
The Workshop - A student union shop which sells a range of stationery and art supplies. The workshop is located in the basement of the Union Building.