Credit Hour = the basic unit of measurement colleges use to define courses. A typical course is 3 credit hours. Tuition is also based on the amount of credit hours you are enrolled in.

Semester = part of the academic year; DACC has 4 different semesters: Spring (Jan - May); Summer (June - July); Fall (Aug. - Dec.); and Winter (Dec. - Jan.)

Associate Degree = a degree obtained by completing 60+ credit hours. This degree may be transfer oriented (if your goal is to get a bachelor's degree) or career-oriented (if your goal is to get a job immediately).

Bachelor's Degree = a degree obtained by completing 120+ credit hours. The first 60 hours are usually made up of general education classes and the final 60+ hours consist of major-specific coursework.

Academic Advisor/Counselor = one who advises you on the academic requirements to complete a certificate and or degree as well as the requirements in transferring to another college.

Academic Support Services = services provided to students to help them succeed academically. Examples include tutoring, the Writer's Room, etc.

Financial Aid = based upon student need, discovered through the completion of various forms and processes, students might be eligible for monetary gifts, work study programs, student loans, etc., to help them pay for educational expenses.

Online Course = a course delivered through the Internet and web-based software. Students interact with the instructor and other students via email. This class format is very flexible for busy schedules due to the fact that you can log on to the course at any time of the day (or night). However, certain computer skills and a degree of determination (no procrastination) are necessary to be successful.

Interactive Video Course = a course delivered through a two-way interactive television where the students and instructor are at different sites. Communication is possible by talking and sight.

Dropping a Course = students have the option to "drop" a course within the first two weeks of a class that meets 12 weeks or longer and during the first week of a class that meets less than 12 weeks. If a student drops a course within this timeframe they will receive a full refund of monies paid or payable to the college. Students may drop a course through the Admissions Office.

Withdrawing from a Course = If a student drops a course after the refund period (stated above), the student will be "withdrawn" from a course. This means that the course will remain on their academic transcript with a "W" grade and no refund will be given. A "W" grade does not affect your grade point average, but it could affect your financial aid. A student can "withdraw" from a course in the Admissions Office.

DACC Student News: Updates you on monthly activities and upcoming events such as the next registration period; student services available; etc.

College Catalog: Course descriptions; degree requirements; graduation requirements; college policies and procedures; etc.

Semester Schedule: Available courses for the upcoming semester; notice of extended registration hours; college holidays; etc.

Bulletin Boards: Graduation Requirements; Withdrawal/Drop Dates; Student events; course information; campus happenings; etc.

College Website: Open Computer Lab Schedule; Semester Schedules with a "course finder" tool; course syllabi; athletic information; etc.