Explanation of Common Terms

This is a glossary of commonly used terminology within the university. We hope it helps you navigate through the key terms we use.

Like most colleges/universities, Loyola measures academic requirements in terms of credit hours (also referred to as "credits" or sometimes as "units"), not the number of classes. One credit hour is roughly equivalent to one hour of class time plus one to three hours outside of class studying per week. Most classes at Loyola are three credit hours each. Notable exceptions include lab courses, which are one-credit courses that typically meet for three hours a week.

Cumulative GPA measures a student’s overall average of grades they received for every semester they have completed. Loyola grades on a 4.0 scale (i.e., 4.0 is an A average). Loyola also uses a plus/minus grading system to calculate semester and cumulative GPAs (instructors have the options of awarding the letter grade, the letter grade with a plus for higher grades, or the letter grade with a minus for lower grades). 

Double-dipping means using one class to satisfy several requirements at the same time. For example, if a student takes a class that satisfies a Core requirement that is also offered as a Writing Intensive, that student can complete both a writing intensive and Core requirement simultaneously. There are limits to the double-dipping between majors and minors, but there are no limits to double-dipping with Core.  

Fieldwork is a category of engaged learning that requires students to work with a professional organization within their chosen field of study. This can include clinical placements or practicums, but fieldwork courses require students to complete at least 100 hours with their chosen organization.

General electives are courses that students choose based on interest, since they do not necessarily fulfill any requirements. Not all students will take general electives, but those who will not reach at least 120 credits after completing major, Core, and other graduation requirements may choose general electives to help reach 120 total credit hours. There are no limits on the number of classes students can take towards general electives.  

Some classes at Loyola are graded as Pass/No Pass. Instead of receiving a typical letter grade on an A-F scale, students either complete the requirements for the class and receive a passing grade (P) or they do not and receive a no-passing grade (NP). Pass/No Pass courses do not count towards the student's GPA.

Pre-requisites refer to courses or other requirements that must be completed before enrollment in other courses

Service learning courses are a category of engaged learning. Service learning courses require students to volunteer with a community organization or community project to provide service to the broader community. Though the courses will vary, a service learning course is required to complete at least twenty hours of service with their community organization or project.  

Writing intensive courses are courses that a department or instructor has designed to include more emphasis on writing. The courses designated as writing intensive change by semester. UCWR 110 is not a writing intensive course, but it is the pre-requisite for all writing intensive courses. If you are required to complete two writing intensive courses, be sure to plan them in different semesters.