Glossary

For a table of the more commonly used acronyms and abbreviations that appear in University documents and publications please see the abbreviations section.

This glossary describes terminology in use at the University of Sydney.

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

1:5:40
The University's aspiration to achieve:

clear leadership as Australia's premier university in research, teaching and learning and the student experience
acknowledgement and ranking as one of the top five universities in the region
recognition and ranking in the top 40 universities around the world.

(See University Strategic Directions.)

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Academic Board
The senior academic body within the University. In conjunction with faculties, the Academic Board has responsibility for approving new or amended courses and endorsing faculty development of units of study. The Board is also responsible for the formulation and review of policies, guidelines and procedures in relation to academic matters.
(For further information, see the University of Sydney (Academic Governance) Rule 2003 (as amended).)

Academic Consortium 21 (AC21)
An international network, of which the University is a member, compromising educational, research and industrial organisations throughout the world with the objective of encouraging the further advancement of global cooperation to the benefit of higher education and to contribute to world and regional society.

Academic cycle
The program of teaching sessions offered over a year. Currently the cycle runs from the enrolment period for Semester One through to the completion of the processing of results at the end of Semester Two.
(See also Academic year, Stage.)

Academic dishonesty
Academic dishonesty occurs when a student presents another person's ideas, findings or written work as his or her own by copying or reproducing them without due acknowledgement of the source and with intent to deceive the examiner. Academic dishonesty also covers recycling, fabrication of data, engaging another person to complete an assessment or cheating in exams.
(See also Plagiarism.)

Academic record
The complete academic history of a student at the University. It includes, among other things: personal details; all units of study and courses taken; assessment results (marks and grades); awards and prizes obtained; infringements of progression rules; approvals for variation in course requirements and course leave; thesis and supervision details.

Access to a student's academic record is restricted to authorised University staff and is not released to a third party without the written authorisation of the student.
(See also Academic transcript.)

Academic transcript
A printed statement setting out a student's academic record at the University. There are two forms of academic transcript: external and internal.
(See also Academic record, External transcript, Internal transcript.)

Academic year
The current calendar year in which a student is enrolled.
(See also Academic cycle, Stage.)

ad eundem gradum
Long-standing full-time members of the University’s academic and general staff who are not graduates of the University may be considered by Senate, upon their retirement, for admission ad eundem gradum ('to the same degree'), to an appropriate degree of the University.

Admission
Governed by the University's admission policy, this is the process for identifying applicants eligible to receive an initial offer of enrolment in a course at the University. Admission to most courses is based on performance in the HSC, with applicants ranked on the basis of their UAI. Other criteria such as a portfolio, interview, audition, or results in standard tests may also be taken into account for certain courses.

Admission basis
The main criterion used by a faculty in assessing an application for admission to a course. The criteria used include, among other things, previous secondary, TAFE or tertiary studies; work experience; special admission; and the Universities Admission Index (UAI).

Admission (Deferment)
An applicant who receives an offer of admission to a course may apply to defer enrolment in that course for one semester or one academic cycle.

Admission mode
A classification based on how a student was admitted to a course, for example 'UAC' or 'direct'.

Admission period
The period during which applications for admission to courses are considered.

Admission year
The year the student expects to begin the course.
(See also Commencement date.)

Advanced diplomas
(See Award course.)

Advanced standing
(See Credit.)

Advisor
A member of academic staff appointed in an advisory role for some postgraduate coursework students.
(See also Associate supervisor, Instrumental supervisor/teacher, Research supervisor, Supervision.)

Aegrotat
In exceptional circumstances involving serious illness or death of a student prior to completion of their course, the award of aegrotat and posthumous degrees and diplomas may be conferred.

Alumni
(See Graduate.)

Alumni sidneiensis
A searchable database of graduates of the University from 1857 to 30 years prior to the current year.

Annual average mark (AAM)
The average mark over all units of study attempted in a given academic year (equivalent to the calendar year).
The formula for this calculation is:

(sums over all units of study completed in the selected period)

Where the mark is the actual mark obtained by the student for the unit of study, or in the case of a failing grade with no mark – 0. Pass/fail assessed subjects and credit transfer subjects (from another institution) are excluded from these calculations; however, the marks from all attempts at a unit of study are included.

Annual progress report
A form which is used to monitor a research student's progress each year. The form provides for comments by the student, the supervisor, the head of the department and the dean (or their nominee). The completed form is attached to the student’s official file.

Annual Report
The University’s yearly financial and audit report, submitted to the NSW Parliament. It also includes a broad range of the University's activities and the strength of their performance in relation to the University's stated roles, values and goals.

Appeals
Students may lodge an appeal against academic or disciplinary decisions.

Appeals against an academic decision
A student may appeal to the Student Appeals Body against a decision by the University that affects the academic assessment or progress of a student within his or her award course, including a decision:
(a) to exclude a student in accordance with the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (as amended)
(b) not to readmit or re-enrol a student following exclusion in accordance with the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (as amended)
(c) to terminate a student's candidature for a postgraduate award.
(See also Student Appeals Body.)

Appeal against a disciplinary decision
A student may appeal to the Student Disciplinary Appeals Committee against a determination being:
(a) a finding by the Vice-Chancellor or the student Proctorial Board that the student is guilty of misconduct
(b) the imposition of a penalty upon the student by the Vice-Chancellor or the Student Proctorial Board
(c) an order made by the Vice-Chancellor or the Student Proctorial Board.
(See also Student Disciplinary Appeals Committee.)

Assessment
The process of measuring the performance of students in units of study and courses. Performance may be assessed by examinations, essays, laboratory projects, assignments, theses, treatises or dissertations.
(See also Result processing, Result processing schedule.)

Formative assessment
Used principally to provide students with feedback on their progress in learning. It reinforces successful learning, and is an opportunity for students to expose the limitations in their knowledge and understanding.

Summative assessment
Used to certify competence, or to arrange students in a rank order of merit. It certifies the attainment of a standard, and is used as the basis for progression to the next part of a program, or to graduation.

Associate supervisor
A person who is appointed in addition to the supervisor of a research student, who can provide the day-to-day contact with the candidate or provide particular expertise or additional experience in supervision.
(See also Advisor, Instrumental supervisor/teacher, Research supervisor, Supervision.)

Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
A consortium of leading research universities in the Pacific Rim, of which the University is a member, which aims to foster education, research and enterprise thereby contributing to the economic, scientific and cultural advancement in the Pacific Rim.

Assumed knowledge
For some units of study, a student is assumed to have passed a relevant subject in the HSC and this is called assumed knowledge. While students are generally advised against taking a unit of study for which they do not have the assumed knowledge, they are not prevented from enrolling in the unit of study.
(See also Prerequisite.)

Attendance pattern
Attendance pattern is classified as full-time, part-time or external. This is dependant on the student's mode of attendance and the student load.

Attendance mode
A Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) classification defining the manner in which a student is undertaking a course, i.e. internal, external, mixed or offshore.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
The framework for recognition and endorsement of qualifications established by the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA).

AUSTUDY
Provides financial help to students who are 25 years old or over who meet the required criteria, and are undertaking an approved full-time course at an approved institution.
(See also Youth Allowance.)

Automated Results Transfer System (ARTS)
This system was developed by the Australasian Conference of Tertiary Admissions Centres (ACTAC) to allow the electronic academic record of a student to be accessed, via an admission centre, by tertiary institutions.

Award course
(See Course.)

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Bachelor's degree
The highest undergraduate award offered at the University. A bachelor's degree course normally requires three or four years of full-time study or the part-time equivalent.
(See also Award course.)

Barrier
An instruction placed on a student's record that prevents the student from re-enrolling or graduating.
(See also Deadlines (fees), Suppression of results.)

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Calendar
(See University Calendar.)

Cadigal program
A program, named in recognition of the Aboriginal people of the land on which the University is located, designed to increase the successful participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in degree courses in all faculties at the University of Sydney.

Campus
The grounds on which the University is situated. There are ten campuses of the University of Sydney:

Burren Street (Institute of Transport Studies)
Camperdown
Darlington
Camden (Agriculture and Veterinary Science)
Conservatorium (Sydney Conservatorium of Music)
Cumberland (Health Sciences)
Mallett Street (Nursing)
Rozelle (Sydney College of the Arts)
St James (Law)
Surry Hills (Dentistry)

Cancellation
Where enrolment is cancelled for non-payment of fees.

Candidature
Candidature commences when a student is admitted to a course of study leading to the award of a degree, diploma or certificate. There are maximum periods and in some cases minimum periods of candidature depending on the award course and whether the candidate is a full-time or part-time student.
(See Course Enrolment status.)

Census date
The date at which a student's enrolment, load and HECS liability are finalised before this information is reported to DEST.
(See also HECS-HELP.)

Ceremony
(See Graduation ceremony.)

Chancellor
The non-executive head of the University. An honorary position, the Chancellor presides over meetings of the University's governing body, the Senate, and important ceremonial occasions such as graduations.

Clinical experience
Students undertake clinical placements in a professional environment as part of their course requirements. Many require University approved supervision. In order to undertake clinical placements a student may be required to fulfil additional requirements.

Combined course
A course which leads to two awards. For example the Arts/Law course leads to the separate awards of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws.

Combined degree
A single program with a single set of course resolutions leading to the award of two degrees (unless otherwise specified in the resolutions).
(See also Combined course.)

Commencement date
The date a student commences candidature.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
(Previously known as a HECS Place). A student in a Commonwealth Supported Place makes a contribution towards the cost of their education (known as the student contribution) while the Australian Government contributes the majority of the cost.

Confirmation of Enrolment form (COE)
This form is issued to each student after enrolment, showing the course and the units of study in which the student is enrolled, together with the credit point value of the units of study and the HECS weights. Until all fees are paid, it is issued provisionally. A new confirmation of enrolment form is produced every time a student's enrolment is varied.

Conjoint ventures
Two or more institutions cooperate to provide a unit or course of study to postgraduate coursework students. Arrangements exist between individual departments at the University of Sydney and individual departments at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). In these arrangements, students enrolled for a degree at one institution complete one or more units of study at the other institution to count towards the award program at their 'home' institution.

Continuing professional education
A process which provides a number of programs of continuing education courses for professionals as they move through their career. These programs are presently administered by the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) and a number of departments and foundations across the University. This process supports the whole of life learning concept and involves the maintenance of a long term relationship between the student and the University.

Convocation
The body compromising the Fellows and former Fellows of the Senate of the University of Sydney; members of the former governing bodies of the institutions with which the University has amalgamated or their predecessors; the graduates of the University of Sydney, which include graduates of the institutions with which the University has amalgamated or their predecessors; professors and other full-time members of the academic staff of the University; and principals of the incorporated colleges. This is as per clause 14 of the University of Sydney Act 1989.

Core unit of study
A unit of study that is compulsory for a particular course or subject area.
(See also Unit of study.)

Corequisite
A unit of study which must be taken in the same semester or year as a given unit of study (unless it has already been completed). These are determined by the faculty or board of studies concerned, published in the faculty handbook and shown in FlexSIS.
(See also Prerequisite, Waiver.)

Cotutelle Scheme
Agreement between the University and any overseas university for joint supervision and examination of a PhD student as part of an ongoing cooperative research collaboration. If successful, the student receives a doctorate from both universities with each testamur acknowledging the circumstances under which the award was made.

Course
An undertaking of study at the University of Sydney.

Award course
A formal course of study that will see attainment of a recognised award. Award courses are approved by Academic Board and endorsed by Senate. The University broadly classifies courses as undergraduate, postgraduate coursework or postgraduate research.
(See also Bachelor's degree, Course rules, Diploma, Doctorate, Major, Master's degree, Minor, PhD, Stream.)

Non-award course
Studies undertaken by students who are not seeking an award from the University.
(See also Cross-institutional enrolment.)

Coursework
An award course not designated as a research award course. While the program of study in a coursework award course may include a component of original work, other forms of instruction and learning normally will be dominant.

Research
A course in which at least 66 per cent of the overall course requirements involve students in undertaking supervised research, leading to the production of a thesis or other piece of written or creative work, over a prescribed period of time.

Course alias
A unique five character alpha-numeric code which identifies a University course.

Board of Studies
An academic body which supervises a course or courses, and which is similar to a faculty except that it is headed by a chair rather than a dean and does not supervise PhD candidates.

Bursaries
Financial award made to a student, based primarily on need.
(See also Scholarships.)

Course code
(See Course alias.)

Course enrolment status
A student’s enrolment status in a course is either 'enrolled' or 'not enrolled'. 'Not enrolled' reasons include: cancelled; suspended; under examination; or terminated.
(See also Cancellation, Candidature, Course leave, Enrolment, Enrolment variation, Terminated, Under examination.)

Course leave
Students are permitted to apply for a period away from their course without losing their place. Course leave is formally approved by the supervising faculty for a minimum of one semester. Students on leave are regarded as having an active candidature, but they are not entitled to a student card. At undergraduate level, leave is not counted towards the total length of the course. Students who are absent from study without approved leave may be discontinued and may be required to formally reapply for admission.
(See also Progression.)

Course rules
Rules which govern the allowable enrolment of a student in a course. Course rules may be expressed in terms of types of units of study taken, length of study, and credit points accumulated. For example, a candidate may not enrol in units of study having a total value of more than 32 credit points per semester. Course rules also govern the requirements for the award of the course, e.g. a candidate must have completed a minimum of 144 credit points.
(See also Award course, Corequisite, Prerequisite.)

Course suspension
(See Course leave.)

Course transfer
A transfer occurs when a student changes from one course in the University to another course in the University without the requirement for an application and selection process (e.g. from a PhD to a master's program in the same faculty).

Credit
The recognition of previous studies successfully completed at this University, or another university or tertiary institution recognised by the University of Sydney, as contributing to the requirements of the course to which the applicant requesting such recognition has been admitted. It may be granted as specified credit or non-specified credit.

Specified credit
The recognition of previously completed studies as directly equivalent to units of study.

Non-specified credit
A 'block credit' for a specified number of credit points at a particular level. These credit points may be in a particular subject area but are not linked to a specific unit of study.
(See also Annual average mark (AAM), Waiver, Weighted average mark (WAM).)

Credit points
The value of the contribution each unit of study provides towards meeting course completion requirements. Each unit of study normally has a 6 credit point value assigned to it. The total number of credit points required for completion of award courses will be specified in the Senate Resolutions relevant to the award course.

Cross-institutional enrolment
An enrolment in units of study at one university to count towards an award course at another university. Cross-institutional enrolments incur a student-contribution liability (see Commonwealth-supported student) or tuition fee charge at the institution at which the unit of study is being undertaken.
(See also Non-award course.)

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Data Audit Committee (DAC)
The Data Audit Committee's role is to oversee the integrity and accuracy of the course and unit of study data as strategic University data. It also advises the Academic Board on suggested policy changes related to course and unit of study data. A subcommittee of the VCAC Enrolment Working Party, it is chaired by the Registrar, with membership including the deans, the Student Centre, FlexSIS and Planning and Statistics.

Deadlines (Enrolment variations)
(See Enrolment variation.)

Deadlines (Fees)
The University has deadlines for the payment of fees (e.g. HECS, compulsory subscriptions, course fees). Students who do not pay fees by these deadlines may have their enrolment cancelled or they may have a barrier placed on the release of their record.
(See also Barrier, Cancellation.)

Dean
The head of a faculty, or the principal or director of a college (such as the Sydney Conservatorium of Music or the Sydney College of Arts).

Dean's Certificate
A statement from the Dean certifying that all requirements, including fieldwork and practical work, have been met and that the student is eligible to graduate. Not all faculties use Dean's Certificates. In faculties that do, qualified students have 'Dean's Certificate' noted on their academic record.

Deferment (Deferral)
(See also Admission (deferment), Course leave.)

Degree
(See also Award course, Bachelor's degree.)

Delivery mode
Indicates how students receive the instruction for a unit of study. The delivery mode must be recorded for each unit as distinct from the attendance mode of the student, i.e. an internal student may take one or more units by distance mode and an external student may attend campus for one or more units.

Distance education
Where subject matter is delivered in a more flexible manner, such as correspondence notes, and student may only attend campus if required.
(See also Extended semester, Distance education, International – off shore.)

Intensive on campus
Core content is delivered with support learning in an intensive (one or more days) format on campus. Participation is usually compulsory. Previously this may have been called residential, block mode, or weekend workshop.

On campus (normal)
Attendance of scheduled lectures, tutorials etc at a campus of the University.

Department
(See School.)

Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST)
The Commonwealth Government department responsible for higher education.

Diploma
The award granted following successful completion of diploma course requirements. A diploma course usually requires less study than a degree course.
(See also Award course.)

Direct admissions
For some courses, applications may be made directly to the University. Applications are received by faculties or the International Office, and considered by the relevant department or faculty body. Decisions are recorded and letters are forwarded to applicants advising them of the outcome.
(See also Admission, UAC.)

Disability information
Students may inform the University of any temporary or permanent disability which affects their life as a student. Disability information is recorded but it is only available to particular authorised users because of its sensitive nature and students will be informed of its use.

Disciplinary action
Undertaken as the result of academic or other misconduct, e.g. plagiarism, cheating, security infringement, criminal activity.

Discipline
A defined area of study, for example, chemistry, physics, economics.

Discipline group
A DEST code used to classify units of study in terms of the subject matter being taught or being researched.

Discontinuation (course)
(See Enrolment variation.)

Discontinuation (unit of study)
(See Enrolment variation.)

Dissertation
A written exposition of a topic which may include original argument substantiated by reference to acknowledged authorities. It is a required unit of study for some postgraduate award courses in the faculties of Architecture and Law.

Distance education
Where a student does not attend campus on a daily basis for a given course or unit of study.
(See also Delivery mode, Extended semester.)

Doctorate
A high-level postgraduate award. A doctorate course normally involves research and coursework; the candidate submits a thesis that is an original contribution to the field of study. Entry to a doctorate course often requires completion of a master’s degree course. Note that the doctorate course is not available in all departments at the University.
(See also Award course, PhD.)

Domestic Student
A student who is not an international student.
(See also Local student.)

Double degree
A double degree is a program where students are permitted by participating faculties (and/or by specific resolutions within a single award) to transfer between courses in order to complete two awards.

Downgrade
Where a student enrolled in a PhD reverts to a master's by research, either on the recommendation of the University on the basis that the research they are undertaking is not at an appropriate level for a PhD; or at the student’s own request, for personal or academic reasons.

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Equivalent full-time student unit (EFTSU)
The equivalent full-time student unit (EFTSU) is a measure of student load based on the workload for a student undertaking a full year of study in a particular course. A student is then recorded as having generated one EFTSU.
(See also Load, Stage.)

Equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL)
The equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL) for a year. It is a measure, in respect of a course of study, of the study load for a year of a student undertaking that course of study on a full-time basis.

Embedded courses
Award courses in the graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master's degree by coursework sequence which allow unit of study credit points to count in more than one of the awards, e.g. the Graduate Certificate in Information Technology, Graduate Diploma in Information Technology and Master of Information Technology.

Enrolment
A student enrols in a course by registering with the supervising faculty in the units of study to be taken in the coming year, semester or session.

Commencing
An enrolment is classified as commencing if a student has enrolled in a particular degree or diploma for the first time.

Continuing
Students already in a course at the University re-enrol each year or semester. Most continuing students are required to pre-enrol.
(See also Pre-enrolment.)

Enrolment list
A list of all currently enrolled students in a particular unit of study.
(See also Unit of study.)

Enrolment status
(See Course enrolment status.)

Enrolment Variation
Students may vary their enrolment at the beginning of each semester. Each faculty determines its deadlines for variations, but student-contribution liability depends on the Commonwealth census date.
(See also Commonwealth Supported Place.)

Examination
A set of questions or exercises evaluating on a given subject given by a department or faculty.
(See also Examination period, Assessment.)

Examination period
The time set each semester for the conduct of formal examinations.

Examiner (Coursework)
The person assessing either the written/oral examination, coursework assignments, presentations, etc of a student or group of students.

Exchange student
Either a student of the University of Sydney who is participating in a formally agreed program involving study at an overseas university or an overseas student who is studying here on the same basis. The International Office provides administrative support for some exchanges.

Exclusion
A faculty may ask a student whose academic progress is considered to be unsatisfactory to 'show good cause' why the student should be allowed to re-enrol. If the faculty deems the student’s explanation unsatisfactory, or if the student does not provide an explanation, the student may be excluded either from a unit of study or from a course or faculty. An excluded student may apply to the faculty for permission to re-enrol. Normally, at least two years must have elapsed before such an application would be considered.

University policy relating to exclusion is set out in the University Calendar.
(See also Progression, Senate appeals.)

Exemption
A decision made at a sub-unit of study level to allow a student to complete a unit of study without also completing all the prescribed components of coursework and/or assessment.
(See also Credit, Waiver.)

Expulsion
The ultimate penalty of disciplinary action is to expel the student from the University. The effect of expulsion is:

the student is not allowed to be admitted or to re-enrol in any course at the University;
the student does not receive their results;
the student is not allowed to graduate; and
the student does not receive a transcript or testamur.

Extended semester
A distance-learning student may be allowed more time to complete a module or program if circumstances beyond the student’s control, e.g. drought, flood or illness, affect the student's ability to complete the module or program in the specified time.
(See also Distance education.)

External
(See Attendance mode, Distance education.)

External transcript
A certified statement of a student’s academic record printed on official University security paper. It includes the student’s name, any credit granted, all courses the student was enrolled in and the final course result and all units of study attempted within each course together with the result. It also acknowledges prizes the student has received. Marks can be included or omitted, as required.
(See also Academic transcript, Internal transcript.)

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Faculty
A formal part of the University’s academic governance structure, consisting mainly of academic staff members and headed by a dean, which is responsible for all matters concerning the award courses that it supervises. Usually, a faculty office administers the faculty and student or staff inquiries related to its courses. The University Calendar sets out the constitution of each of the University’s faculties.
(See also Board of Studies, Supervising faculty.)

Faculty handbook
The annual University publication for each faculty which provides detailed information about the faculty, its courses and resolutions.

FEE-HELP
An eligible student in a postgraduate course or in a bridging study course (for overseas-trained professionals) can apply for assistance (in the form of a loan) in paying all or some of their tuition fees.

Fee-paying students
Students who pay tuition fees to the University and are not liable for student contributions to a Commonwealth Supported Place. The Commonwealth does not contribute towards the cost of the education of fee-paying students. Annual fees vary between the faculties. Students pay a per semester fee.

Fellows of Senate
Members of the governing body of the University who are either elected, appointed or ex-officio.

Flexible learning
(See Delivery mode, Distance education.)

Flexible start date
Full fee-paying distance students are not restricted to the same enrolment time frames as campus-based or Commonwealth-supported students.

Flexible Student Information System (FlexSIS)
The computer-based Flexible Student Information System at the University of Sydney.

FlexSIS holds details of courses and units of study being offered by the University and the complete academic records of all students enrolled at the University.

Formative assessment
(See also Assessment.)

Full-time student
(See Attendance pattern, EFTSU.)

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Grade
The outcome for a unit of study linked with a mark range. For example, a mark in the range 85–100 attracts the grade 'high distinction' ('HD').
(See also Mark.)

Graduand
A student who has completed all the requirements for an award course but has not yet graduated.
(See also Graduation, Potential graduand.)

Graduate
A person who holds an award from a recognised tertiary institution.
(See also Graduand, Graduation.)

Graduate Certificate
(See Award course.)

Graduate Diploma
(See Award course.)

Graduate entry degree
A bachelor’s, or undergraduate degree, that requires another undergraduate degree as a prerequisite of entry. Examples of graduate entry degrees at the University of Sydney include: the Medical Program; Graduate Law and the Bachelor of Dentistry.

Graduation
The formal conferring of awards either at a ceremony or in absentia.
(See also In absentia, Potential graduand.)

Graduation ceremony
A ceremony where the Chancellor confers awards upon graduands.

Group of Eight (G08)
The Group of Eight represents Australia's major research intensive universities and membership comprises the vice-chancellors (presidents) of: The Australian National University, Monash University, The University of Adelaide, The University of Melbourne, The University of New South Wales, The University of Queensland, The University of Sydney and The University of Western Australia. It works to ensure a consistent and sustainable policy environment which maximises the wide-ranging economic, social and cultural benefits to the Australian community of higher education and which ensures Australian universities are recognised as among the best in the world.

Group work
Means a formally established project to be conducted by a number of students in common, resulting in a single piece of assessment or a number of associated pieces of assessment.
(See also Legitimate cooperation.)

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Handbook
(See Faculty handbook.)

Head of department/Head of school (HOD/HOS)
The head of the academic unit which has responsibility for the relevant unit of study, or equivalent program leader.

Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS)
The Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) was the previous Commonwealth Government student loan scheme. It ceased to operate on 1 January 2005 and was replaced by HECS-HELP (see below).

HECS-HELP
An eligible student in a Commonwealth Supported Place can apply for assistance in paying their student contribution. This may take the form of a HECS-HELP loan to pay all or some of the student contribution, or a HECS-HELP discount if all (or at least $500) of the student contribution is paid by the census date.

Honorary degrees
A degree honoris causa (translated from the Latin as 'for the purpose of honouring') is conferred on a person whom the University wishes to honour.

Honours
Some degrees may be completed 'with Honours'. This may involve either the completion of a separate honours year or additional work in the later years of the course or meritorious achievement over all years of the course. Honours are awarded in a class (Class I, Class II – which may have two divisions or, Class III).

NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC)
The NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC), which is normally completed at the end of year 12 of secondary school. The UAI (Universities Admission Index) is a rank out of 100 that is computed from a student’s performance in the HSC.

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In absentia
Latin for 'in the absence of'. Awards are conferred in absentia when graduands do not, or cannot, attend the graduation ceremony scheduled for them. Those who have graduated in absentia may later request that they be presented to the Chancellor at a graduation ceremony.
(See also Graduation.)

Instrumental supervisor/teacher
All students at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music have an instrumental teacher appointed.
(See also Advisor, Associate supervisor, Research supervisor, Supervision.)

Internal mode
(See Attendance mode.)

Internal transcript
A record of a student’s academic record for the University’s own internal use. It includes the student’s name, student identifier (SID), address, all courses in which the student was enrolled and the final course result, and all units of study attempted within each course together with the unit of study result.
(See also Academic transcript, External transcript.)

International student
Any student who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of Australia is an international student. An international student is required to hold a visa that allows study in Australia and may be liable for international tuition fees.

Fee-paying
A private international student who is liable to pay tuition fees for their studies with the University.

Fee-paying – Outgoing exchange
An international fee-paying student undertaking short term study at a recognised overseas institution with which the University has a student exchange agreement. Exchange study counts towards the student’s University of Sydney award and students remain enrolled in their University of Sydney course during the period of exchange.

International – cross-institutional
An international fee paying student undertaking non-award study at the University on a cross-institutional basis. They are liable to pay fees for the study they undertake at the University, but there is no compliance reporting requirement, which rests with their 'home' institution.

International – Sponsored
A private international student who is fully sponsored for his/her tuition; his/her sponsorship may also cover Overseas Health Cover and Compulsory Subscriptions.

Offshore studies
International offshore students undertake their program of study at one of the University’s offshore campuses and hence do not enter Australia; therefore they do not require a visa. They are distinct from international students who are on outbound exchange programs as they never enter Australia during their program of study.

Short course
An international fee-paying student undertaking a short course with the University of Sydney comprising such programs as international development programs, executive training or study visits. The study undertaken by these students is non-award and generally a student visa is not required.

Sponsored award
An international student sponsored by the Australian government, undertaking a program of study at the University. Currently Australian Development Scholarships holders, funded by AusAID, are the only students in this category. These students are fully sponsored for their tuition and other costs such as travel and health cover, and are paid a stipend.

Study Abroad
An international student who is undertaking short-term study at the University under the Study Abroad scheme. Study Abroad students must have completed at least one year of study towards a degree at a recognised institution in their home country and are continuing towards the degree of their home institution.
(See also Local student, Student type.)

L[\dc]

Learning entitlement
Each student has a seven year full-time period during which they can remain Commonwealth supported. This seven year period is called their 'learning entitlement'.

Leave
(See Course leave.)

Legitimate cooperation
Any constructive educational and intellectual practice that aims to facilitate optimal learning outcomes through interaction between students.
(See also Group work.)

Life membership
Life membership is no longer offered by the University of Sydney Union (USU). However, existing Life Members continue to enjoy the right to vote in USU elections and at USU General Meetings. Like all members, Life Members are encouraged to stand for election to the USU Board. Similarly, Life Members, once they have paid the appropriate annual fees, are able to enjoy the benefits of the Access Benefits program.

Load
The sum of the weights of all the units of study in which a student is enrolled. The weight is determined by the proportion of a full year’s work represented by the unit of study in the degree or diploma for which the student is a candidate. Student load is measured in terms of Equivalent full-time student units (EFTSU).
(See also Equivalent full-time student units (EFTSU).)

Local student
Either an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident. New Zealand citizens are required to pay their Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) fees upfront.
(See also Domestic student, International student.)

M[\dc]

Major
A field of study, chosen by a student, to represent their principal interest. This would consist of specified units of study from later stages of the award course. Students select and transfer between majors by virtue of their selection of units of study. One or more majors may be awarded upon the graduand's assessment of study.
(See also Award course, Minor, Stream.)

Major timetable clash
The term used when a student attempts to enrol in units of study which have so much overlap in the teaching times that it has been decided that students must not enrol in the units simultaneously.

Mark
An integer (rounded if necessary) from 0 to 100 indicating a student’s performance in a unit of study.
(See also Grade.)

Master's degree
A postgraduate award. Master’s degree courses may be offered by coursework, research only or a combination of coursework and research. Entry to the course often requires completion of an honours year at an undergraduate level.
(See also Award course.)

Method of candidature
A course is either a research course or a coursework course and so the methods of candidature are 'research' and 'coursework'.
(See also Course – Coursework, Course – Research.)

Mid-Year intake
Admission to degree programs for Semester Two.

Minor
Studies undertaken to support a Major. Requiring a smaller number of credit points than a major students select and transfer between minors (and majors) by virtue of their selection of units of study. One or more minors may be awarded upon the graduand’s assessment of study.
(See also Award course, Major, Stream.)

Mixed mode
(See Attendance mode.)

MPhil
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a master's by research degree offered by some (but not all) of the University’s faculties.
(See also Award course, Master’s degree.)

Mutually exclusive units of study
(See Prohibited combinations of units of study.)

MyUni
The University of Sydney’s student portal system. It provides students with access to information about the University and its courses, including access to email, library services, student support services, student self-administration and e-learning software such as Blackboard and WebCT.

N[\dc]

Non-award course
(See Course.)

Non-standard session
A teaching session other than the standard February and August sessions – e.g. Sydney Summer School or Winter School, in which units of study are delivered and assessed in an intensive mode during January or July respectively.
(See also Semester, Session.)

O[\dc]

Orientation Week
Orientation or 'O Week', takes place in the week before lectures begin in Semester One. During O Week, students can join various clubs, societies and organisations, register for courses with departments and take part in activities provided by the University of Sydney Union.

P[\dc]

Part-time student
(See also Attendance mode, Attendance pattern, Equivalent full-time student units (EFTSU).)

Permanent home address
The address used for all official University correspondence with a student, both inside and outside of semester time (e.g. during semester breaks), unless the student provides a different overridden by semester address for use during the semester.
(See also Semester address.)

PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and other doctorate awards are the highest awards available at the University. A PhD course is normally purely research-based; the candidate submits a thesis that is an original contribution to the field of study.
(See also Award course, Doctorate.)

Plagiarism
Presenting another person's ideas, findings or work as one's own by copying or reproducing them without the acknowledgement of the source.
(See also Academic dishonesty.)

Policy Online
The website which provides access to the University’s current policies, procedures and guidelines.

Postgraduate
A term used to describe a course leading to an award such as graduate diploma, a master’s degree or PhD which usually requires prior completion of a relevant undergraduate degree (or diploma) course. A 'postgraduate' is a student enrolled in such a course.
(See also Course – Coursework, Course – Research.)

Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme (PELS)
An interest-free loans facility for eligible students who are enrolled in fee-paying, postgraduate non-research courses. It is similar to the deferred payment arrangements available under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS). This scheme was replaced by the FEE-HELP scheme on 1 January 2005.
(See also FEE-HELP Loan.)

Potential graduand
A student who has been identified as being eligible to graduate on the satisfactory completion of their current studies.
(See also Graduand, Graduation.)

Pre-enrolment
Pre-enrolment – also known as provisional re-enrolment – takes place in October, when students indicate their choice of unit of study enrolment for the following year. After results are approved, pre-enrolment students are regarded as enrolled in those units of study for which they are qualified. Their status is 'enrolled' and remains so provided they pay any money owing and comply with other requirements by the due date. Students who do not successfully pre-enrol in their units of study for the next regular session are required to attend the University on set dates during the January/February enrolment period.
(See also Enrolment.)

Prerequisite
A unit of study that is required to be successfully completed before another unit of study can be attempted. Prerequisites can be mandatory (compulsory) or advisory.
(See also Assumed knowledge, Corequisite, Waiver, Qualifier.)

Prizes
Awarded in recognition of outstanding performance, academic achievement or service to the community or University.

Probationary candidature
A student who is enrolled in a postgraduate course on probation for a period of time up to one year. The head of department/school is required to consider the candidate’s progress during the period of probation and make a recommendation for normal candidature or otherwise to the faculty.

Professional practice
Students undertake placement in a professional practice as a part of their course requirements. May require University approved supervision. Professional placements are located in a wide range of professional practices environments, and may not require additional criteria to be fulfilled.

Progression
Satisfactory progression is satisfying all course and faculty rules (normally assessed on an annual basis) to enable the completion of the chosen award within the (maximum) completion time allowed.
(See also Exclusion.)

Prohibited combinations of units of study
When two or more units of study contain a sufficient overlap of content, enrolment in any one such unit prohibits enrolment in any other identified unit.
(See also unit of study.)

Provisional re-enrolment
(See Pre-enrolment.)

Q[\dc]

Qualification
An academic attainment recognised by the University.

Qualifier
A mandatory (compulsory) prerequisite unit of study which must have a grade of pass or better.
(See also Assumed knowledge, Corequisite, Prerequisite, Waiver.)

R[\dc]

Recycling
The submission for assessment of one's own work, or of work which substantially the same, which has previously been counted towards the satisfactory completion of another unit of study, and credited towards a university degree, and where the examiner has not been informed that the student has already received credit for that work.

Registration
In addition to enrolling with the faculty in units of study, students must register with the department responsible for teaching each unit. This is normally done during Orientation Week. Note that unlike enrolment, registration is not a formal record of units attempted by the student.

Research course
(See Course – Research.)

Research supervisor
A supervisor is appointed to each student undertaking a research postgraduate degree. The supervisor will be a full-time member of the academic staff or a person external to the University recognised for their association with the clinical teaching or the research work of the University. A research supervisor is commonly referred to as a supervisor.
(See also Advisor, Associate supervisor, Instrumental
supervisor/teacher, Supervision.)

Result processing
Refers to the processing of assessment results for units of study. For each unit of study, departments/schools tabulate results for all assessment activities and assign preliminary results.
(See also Assessment, Formative assessment, Examination period, Summative assessment.)

Result processing schedule
The result processing schedule will be determined for each academic cycle. All schools and faculties are expected to comply with this schedule.
(See also Assessment, Examination period, Result processing.)

Result
The official statement of a student’s performance in each unit of study attempted as recorded on the academic transcript, usually expressed as a mark and grade.
(See also Grade, Mark.)

Research Training Scheme (RTS)
The RTS provides Commonwealth-funded higher degree by research (HDR) students with an 'entitlement' to a HECS exemption for the duration of an accredited HDR course, up to a maximum period of four years full-time equivalent study for a doctorate by research and two years full-time equivalent study for a master's by research.

S[\dc]

Scholarships
Financial or other form of support made available to enable students to further their studies.
(See also Bursaries.)

School
A school or academic unit shall encourage and facilitate teaching, scholarship and research and coordinate the teaching and examining duties of members of staff in the subjects or courses of study with which it is concerned.

Semester
A half-yearly teaching session, the dates for which are determined by the Academic Board. Normally all undergraduate sessions will conform to the semesters approved by the Academic Board. Any offering of an undergraduate unit not conforming to the semester dates (non-standard session) must be given special permission by the Academic Board.
(See also Session, Non-standard session.)

Semester address
The address to which all official University correspondence is sent during semester time, if it is different to the permanent address.

Senate
The governing body of the University.
(See the University Calendar for more details of its charter and powers.)

Session
Any period of time during which a unit of study is taught. A session differs from a semester in that it need not be a six-month teaching period, but it cannot be longer than six months. Each session maps to either Semester One or Two for DEST reporting purposes. Session offerings are approved by the relevant dean, taking into account all the necessary resources, including teaching space and staffing. The Academic Board must approve variation to the normal session pattern.
(See also Semester, Non-standard teaching period.)

Session address
(See Semester address.)

Short course
A fee paying student undertaking a short course with the University of Sydney comprising professional development, executive training etc. The study undertaken by these students is a non-award course.

Show cause
(See Progression, Exclusion.)

Special consideration
Candidates who suffer serious illness or misadventure which may affect performance in any assessment, may request that they be given special consideration in relation to the determination of their results.

Special Studies Program (SSP)
A period of release from normal duties to allow academic staff to undertake a planned program of academic activity and development.

Sponsorship
Financial support of a student by a company or government body.

Stage
A normal full-time course of study taken in a year.
(See also Course rules, EFTSU, Progression.)

Strategic Directions
(See also University Strategic Directions.)

Stream
A defined award course, which requires the completion of set units of study as specified by the course rules for the particular stream, in addition to the core program specified by the course rules. A stream will appear with the award course name on testamurs, e.g. Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Construction Management).
(See also Award course, Major, Minor.)

Student
Student means a person enrolled as a candidate for an award course or unit of study.

Student Appeals Body
Any student may appeal to the Student Appeals Body against an academic decision on the ground that due academic process has not been observed by the relevant Faculty in relation to the academic decision.
(See also Appeals, University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006.)

Student Disciplinary Appeals Committee
Any student may appeal to the Student Disciplinary Appeals Committee against a misconduct determination by the Vice-Chancellor or a Student Proctorial Board.
(See also Appeals.)

Student identifier (SID)
A nine-digit number which uniquely identifies a student at the University.

Student ID Card
All students who enrol are issued with an identification card. The card includes the student’s name, SID, the course code, a library borrower’s bar code and a passport-style photo. The card identifies the student as eligible to attend classes and must be displayed at formal examinations. It must be presented to secure student concessions and to borrow books from all sections of the University Library.

Student progress rate (SPR)
A calculation which measures the rate at which load undertaken is passed annually in each award program.

Student type
Student type identifies whether a student is local or international and the type of study the student is undertaking.
(See also International student, Domestic student, Exchange student.)

Study Abroad program
A scheme administered by the International Office which allows international students who are not part of an exchange program to take units of study at the University of Sydney, but not towards an award program. In most cases the units of study taken here are credited towards an award at their home institution.
(See also Exchange student.)

Subject area
A unit of study may be associated with one or more subject areas. The subject area can be used to define prerequisite and course rules, e.g. the unit of study 'History of Momoyama and Edo Art' may count towards the requirements for the subject areas 'Art History and Theory' and 'Asian Studies'.

Summative assessment
(See Assessment.)

Summer School
(See Sydney Summer School.)

Supervising faculty
The faculty that has the responsibility for managing the academic administration of a particular course, i.e. the interpretation and administration of course rules, approving students’ enrolments and variations to enrolments. Normally the supervising faculty is the faculty offering the course.

However, in the case of combined courses, one of the two faculties involved will usually be designated the supervising faculty. Further, in the case where one course is jointly offered by two or more faculties (e.g. the Liberal Studies course), a joint committee may make academic decisions about candidature and the student may be assigned a supervising faculty for administration.

Supervision
Refers to a one-to-one relationship between a student and a nominated member of the academic staff or a person specifically appointed to the role.
(See also Advisor, Associate supervisor, Instrumental
supervisor/teacher, Research supervisor.)

Suppression of results
Results for a particular student can be suppressed by the University when the student has an outstanding debt to the University; or the student is facing disciplinary action. A student may also request a suppression for personal reasons.

Suspension
(See also Course leave.)

Sydney Summer School
A program of accelerated, intensive study running for approximately six weeks during January and February each year. Both undergraduate and postgraduate units are offered. Summer School provides an opportunity for students at Sydney and other universities to catch up on needed units of study, to accelerate completion of a course or to undertake a unit that is outside their award course.

All units attract full fees and enrolled students are also liable for compulsory subscriptions. Some fee-waiver scholarships are available.

Sydney Winter School
An intensive session offered by the University in July during the mid-year break.

T[\dc]

Teaching department
(See School.)

Teaching end date
Official finish date of formal timetabled classes.

Teaching start date
Official commencement date of formal timetabled classes.

Terminated
Term used when a student’s candidature has been officially closed because they are not able to complete the Course requirements.
(See also Candidature.)

Testamur
A certificate of award provided to a graduand, usually at a graduation ceremony. The Award conferred will be displayed along with other appropriate detail.

Thesis
A major work that is the product of an extended period of supervised independent research.
(See also Course – Research.)

Timetable
The schedule of lectures, tutorials, laboratories and other academic activities that a student must attend.

Transcript
(See Academic transcript.)

Transfer
(See Course transfer.)

Tuition fees
Tuition fees may be charged to students in designated tuition fee-paying courses. Students who pay fees are not liable for HECS.

U[\dc]

Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)
The UAC receives and processes applications for admission to undergraduate courses at recognised universities in NSW and the ACT. Most commencing, local undergraduate students at the University apply through the UAC.

Universities Admission Index (UAI)
A measure of overall academic achievement in the HSC that assists universities in ranking applicants for university selection. The UAI is based on the aggregate of scaled marks in ten units of the HSC, and is a number between 0.00 and 100.00 with increments of 0.05.

Under examination
Indicates that a research student has submitted their written work (thesis) for assessment, and is awaiting the finalisation of the examiners’ outcome and recommendation.

Undergraduate
A term used to describe both a course leading to a diploma or bachelor’s degree and a student enrolled in such a course.

Unit of study
Unit of study or unit means a stand-alone component of an award course. Each unit of study is the responsibility of a department.
(See also Prohibited combinations of unit of study.)

Unit of study enrolment status
The enrolment status indicates whether the student is still actively attending the unit of study (i.e. currently enrolled) or is no longer enrolled.
(See also Discontinuation or Cancellation.)

Unit of study level
Units of study are divided into Junior, Intermediate, Senior, Honours, Year 5, and Year 6. Most majors consist of 32 Senior credit points in a subject area (either 3000 level units of study or a mix of 2000 and 3000 level units of study).

University
Unless otherwise indicated, University in this document refers to the University of Sydney.

University Calendar
The annual University publication, also available online, which provides general and historical information about the University of Sydney, the statutes and regulations under which it operates and the Senate resolutions relating to constitutions and courses in each faculty.

University Medal
A faculty may recommend the award of a University Medal to a student qualified for the award of an undergraduate honours degree (or some master’s degrees), whose academic performance is judged to be outstanding.

University Strategic Directions
The University of Sydney Strategic Plan 2006-2010

Upgrade
Where a student enrolled in a master's by research course is undertaking research at such a standard that either the University recommends that the student upgrade their degree to a PhD, or the student seeks to upgrade to a PhD and this is supported by the University.

V[\dc]

Variation of enrolment
(See Enrolment variation.)

Vice-Chancellor and Principal
The chief executive officer of the University, responsible for its leadership and management. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal is head of both academic and administrative divisions.

W[\dc]

Waiver
In a prescribed course, a faculty may waive the prerequisite or corequisite requirement for a unit of study or the course rules for a particular student. Unlike credit, waivers do not involve a reduction in the number of credit points required for a course.
(See also Credit, Exemption.)

Winter School
(See Sydney Winter School.)

Weighted average mark (WAM)
This mark uses the unit of study credit point value in conjunction with an agreed 'weight'. The formula for this calculation is:

Where Wc is the weighted credit point value – i.e. the product of the credit point value and the level of weighting of 1, 2, 3, or 4 for a first, second, third or fourth year unit of study respectively; and where Mc is the greater of 45 or the mark out of 100 for the unit of study.

The mark is the actual mark obtained by the student for the unit of study, or in the case of a failing grade with no mark – 0. Pass/fail assessed subjects and credit transfer subjects (from another institution) are excluded from these calculations; however, the marks from all attempts at a unit of study are included. (Effective from January 1 2004.)

In addition, faculties may adopt other average mark formulae for specific progression or entry requirements. If such a formula is not specified in the faculty resolutions, the formula outlined above is used.
(See also WAM weight.)

WAM weight
A weight assigned to each unit of study to assist in the calculation of WAMs.

Y[\dc]

Year of first enrolment (YFE)
The year in which a student first enrols at the University.
(See also Commencement date.)

Youth Allowance
Youth Allowance is payable to a full-time student or trainee aged 16–24 years of age who is enrolled at an approved institution such as a school, college, TAFE or university, and undertaking at least 15 hours a week face-to-face contact.