A-B Tech InfoBase

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Glossary of Terms

Glossary is usually defined as an alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge. This InfoBase glossary provides a collection of InfoBase documents that define many technical terms. These terms are arranged alphabetically, but you can quickly jump to a specific term by selecting its first letter from the index of the InfoBase glossary below.

100% Refund
Full refund for tuition and fees made if classes are dropped or cancelled prior to first day of the term. For example, if a minimester class starts on Oct. 16, the class can be dropped through Oct. 15 for a full refund.
75% Refund
75% tuition refund only for classes dropped prior to official 10% point of the term. These dates are published in the Student Handbook.
8-Week Minimester
Accelerated courses that fulfill the required contact hours in eight weeks instead of sixteen weeks
A-B Tech Access Card
Also called a BankMobile card and issued to all students. Financial aid refunds and tuition refunds are issued through this card.
A.S. Degree (Associate in Science)
The A.S. degree is designed for students who want to pursue a four-year degree in areas of study such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, the sciences, or professional programs that require strong mathematics and science backgrounds.
Academic Calendar
The academic calendar is a list of important dates for the school year. The academic calendar can be viewed at abtech.edu/academiccalendar
Academic Fresh Start
Any returning student who has not attended A-B Tech for 3 years, and upon re-enrolling maintains a 2.0 GPA for a minimum of 12 credit hours, may petition to have grades on all prior course work more than 3 years old with a grade less than a "C" excluded in calculating the cumulative GPA.
Academic Probation
Occurs when a student’s semester GPA falls below 2.0 for two semesters in a row. Student on Academic Probation will need to take specific steps in order to register for classes.
Academic Standing
This is the status of a student with respect to academic performance. Determined after each semester and based on a student’s semester GPA. Students may have an Academic Standing of Good Standing, Warning, Suspension, or Probation.
Academic Suspension
Occurs when a student’s semester GPA falls below 2.0 for three semesters in a row. Student will need to file an Academic Appeal before taking Curriculum classes again.
Academic Warning
Occurs when a student’s semester GPA falls below 2.0 for one semester. Students on Academic Warning will need to take specific steps in order to register for classes.
Academic Year
Consists of the fall, spring, and summer semesters. For example, the 2013-2014 academic year consists of the Fall 2013, Spring 2014, and Summer 2014 semesters.
Access Card (A-B Tech Access Card)
Also called Bank Mobile (formerly Higher One) card and issued to all students. Financial aid refunds and tuition refunds are issued through this card.
Accreditation
Confirms that the College meets certain minimum academic standards, as defined by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A-B Tech must be accredited to be eligible to participate in federal student aid programs.
Add/Drop
The process of adjusting a student’s schedule by dropping and/or adding courses after initial registration. Dropped courses do not appear on a student’s transcript. Full or partial refunds are available for drops, depending on when the drop occurred. The deadline for dropping/adding a class is listed on the college calendar online or in the Student Handbook. (Do not confuse "drop" with "withdraw.")
Addiction, Recovery, and Coping (ARC)
The ARC or Addiction, Recovery, and Coping program is a support and recovery program started at A-B Tech due to the impact of the opioid epidemic. The RESET is part of A-B Tech’s ARC program.
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
Your or your family’s wages, salaries, interest, dividends, etc., minus certain deductions from income as reported on a federal income tax return.
Admission to Selective Allied Health Programs
Admission to any of the Allied Health curricula is selective according to established criteria. There is a specific, pre-determined application period. Applicants are selected for admission to these programs based on special criteria which vary for each program and are updated annually.
Advisor
A professional staff or faculty member with expertise to help students with academic planning. A-B Tech has General Academic, Transfer, and Faculty/Program Advisors. General Academic and Transfer Advisors are available in the Bailey Student Services Building. Faculty/Program Advisors are instructors within individual academic departments who assist students within their own department or program of study. Find your advisor here: https://www.abtech.edu/myadvisor
AGI (Adjusted Gross Income)
Your or your family’s wages, salaries, interest, dividends, etc., minus certain deductions from income as reported on a federal income tax return.
Agreement to Serve (ATS)
The binding agreement you must sign to receive a TEACH Grant. By signing the ATS, you agree to teach (1) full-time (2) in a high-need field (3) at a low-income school or educational service agency that serves certain low-income schools, and (4) for at least four complete academic years within eight years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which you received the grant. If you do not complete your teaching service agreement, the amounts of the TEACH Grants you received will be converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that you must repay with interest charges from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.
ALC (Academic Learning Center)
An office in the Ferguson Building on A-B Tech’s Asheville Campus that provides free tutoring services to students in English, math, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Application for Program Completion
Form that should be completed in cooperation with a student’s academic advisor in the last semester or two of a program. Completion of the form initiates the process of checking that requirements have been met, the awarding of the appropriate credential if requirements have been met, and communication about participating in graduation.
ARC (Addiction, Recovery, and Coping)
The ARC or Addiction, Recovery, and Coping program is a support and recovery program started at A-B Tech due to the impact of the opioid epidemic. The RESET is part of A-B Tech’s ARC program.
Asheville Campus
The main A-B Tech campus location at 340 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801.
Associate Degree
An undergraduate degree granted by a college after the satisfactory completion of a two-year program of study. A student may receive any of the following from A-B Tech: A.A. – Associate in Arts Degree; A.S. – Associate in Science Degree; A.A.S. – Associate in Applied Science Degree; and A.F.A. – Associate in Fine Arts Degree.
Associate in Arts Degree (A.A.)
For students who plan to transfer to senior colleges and universities to continue study for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The A.A. is designed for students who want to pursue a four-year degree in one of the liberal arts disciplines or at a professional school that requires a strong liberal arts background. The mathematics and science requirements for the A.A. degree are usually fewer than for an A.S. (Associate in Science) degree.
Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
Students who satisfy the courses required in the A.F.A. curriculum and additional General Education courses will be eligible for admission into a university B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts) program, pending portfolio review, as a junior.
Associate in Science (A.S.)
Designed for students who want to pursue a four-year degree in areas of study such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, the sciences, or professional programs that require strong mathematics and science backgrounds.
ATS (Agreement To Serve)
The binding agreement you must sign to receive a TEACH Grant. By signing the ATS, you agree to teach (1) full-time (2) in a high-need field (3) at a low-income school or educational service agency that serves certain low-income schools, and (4) for at least four complete academic years within eight years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which you received the grant. If you do not complete your teaching service agreement, the amounts of the TEACH Grants you received will be converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that you must repay with interest charges from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.
Attendance-Required
It is mandatory that the student attend at least once during the first 10 percent of the course. For online classes, a graded activity must be submitted during the first 10 percent of the course. Beginning with the fall 2017 semester, A-B Tech no longer has a centralized attendance policy that applies to all departments/classes. However, different divisions or departments can institute their own specific attendance requirements.
Audit
When a student completes or "sits in" on a Curriculum course without intending to receive credit for the course and without getting any sort of grade. Students wishing to audit a course must complete the regular registration procedures and must meet any necessary prerequisites for the course.
Award Letter
An offer that states the type and amount of financial aid A-B Tech is willing to provide if you enroll at A-B Tech, enter into a program of study, and begin taking classes at A-B Tech. After an Award Letter has been processed, a notification is sent to your A-B Tech student email account, and the Award Letter can be viewed in Self-Service.
Award Year
The academic school year for which financial aid is used to fund your education.
Bachelor’s Degree
An undergraduate degree awarded for a course of study that generally lasts four years. A-B Tech does not currently offer Bachelor’s Degrees, but only Associate Degrees, Certificates, and Diplomas.
Bank Mobile Card
A debit card issued to students that facilitates financial aid and tuition refunds. The card is sent to all A-B Tech students and can be activated and managed online at www.refundselection.com. Bank Mobile (formerly "Higher One") is a financial services company that has partnered with A-B Tech and other colleges to help manage the disbursement of students’ refunds.
BFIT (Basic Firefighter Indoctrination Training)
A-B Tech is no longer offering Basic Firefighter Indoctrination Training (BFIT). To view other Fire Service Continuing Education Certification classes please visit abtech.edu/fire-services/upcoming-fire-service-coned-certification-classes.
Bookstore
A-B Tech’s Bookstore is located in the K. Ray Bailey Student Services Building on the Asheville Campus. Students may purchase textbooks, school supplies, A-B Tech merchandise, convenience/grab-and-go food, and items of special interest.
C.A.A. (CAA)
or Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. A legal document negotiated between the community colleges of NC and the 16 public NC universities that provides certain protections to graduates of NC community college when they transfer
Cap and Gown
The attire word by graduates at graduation ceremonies, which is available for purchase through the A-B Tech Bookstore.
Certificate
An award for completing a short-term program or course of study. Usually 3 to 5 courses scheduled over 1 to 2 semesters are required to complete a certificate program. These courses cover minimum skills in the program of study and provide an opportunity to achieve entry-level job skills, to upgrade skills, or to cross-train. Not all certificate programs are eligible for financial aid.
Certified Nursing Assistant/CNA (Nurse Aide 1)
Classes providing basic training in the entry-level caregiving skills needed to work as a Nursing Assistant in various healthcare settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, or private homes. Additional information can be found at abtech.edu/cna
Co-requisite
A course that must be taken with or before enrolling in another course. A course’s co-requisite(s) are listed in the College Catalog and in Self-Service. For example, a Chemistry lab may be a co-requisite to a Chemistry lecture class.
COA (Cost of Attendance)
The total amount it will cost to go to school, usually stated as a yearly figure. COA includes tuition and fees, living expenses, and allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and child care. It also includes miscellaneous and personal expenses, including an allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer, costs related to a disability, and reasonable costs for eligible study-abroad programs. For students attending less than half-time, the COA includes tuition and fees and an allowance for books, supplies, transportation, and child care expenses, and can also include living expenses for up to three semesters. Additional details about what should be included in the COA calculation should be discussed directly with the Financial Aid Office.
Collection Agency
An entity that recovers unpaid debt from borrowers who have defaulted on their loans.
Common-Law Marriage
A marriage relationship made by agreement and by living together without a marriage license. Not all states allow common-law marriages, and the elements required for a common-law marriage change from state to state.
Community College
A college offering two-year associate degrees, one-year diplomas, and short-term program certificates. Upon graduation, students either go directly into the workplace or transfer to a four-year college to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Completion Rate
The overall percentage of credits a student has successfully completed, based on the total amount of credits that have been attempted at A-B Tech (including any credits that have been transferred into A-B Tech). The Financial Aid Office calculates pass/completion rate and uses this figure, along with cumulative GPA, to determine whether a student is maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students must maintain a minimum completion rate of 67% (for students who have completed 30+ credits) or 50% (for students who have completed 1-29 credits) to remain eligible for financial aid.
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement
or C.A.A. A legal document negotiated between the community colleges of NC and the 16 public NC universities that provides certain protections to graduates of NC community college when they transfer
Consolidation
The process of combining one or more loans into a single new loan.
Contact Hours
The total hours of class, lab, and clinical required per week in a course. These numbers can be found in the College Catalog, next to the specific course. 29 or more contact hours is considered full time, 23-28 is 3/4 time, 15-22 is half time, and 14 or less is considered less than half time.
Cost of Attendance (COA)
The total amount it will cost to go to school, usually stated as a yearly figure. COA includes tuition and fees, living expenses, and allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and child care. It also includes miscellaneous and personal expenses, including an allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer, costs related to a disability, and reasonable costs for eligible study-abroad programs. For students attending less than half-time, the COA includes tuition and fees and an allowance for books, supplies, transportation, and child care expenses, and can also include living expenses for up to three semesters. Additional details about what should be included in the COA calculation should be discussed directly with the Financial Aid Office.
Course Number
The subject and 3-digit number that identifies a specific course within each subject; for example, English classes may be numbered ENG-110, ENG-111, ENG-112, etc.
Course Load
The total number of courses/credit hours the student is enrolled in per semester.
Credit Hour
Credit hours are a unit of measurement applied to the approximate quantity of college coursework in a particular course, and is usually based on the number of hours per week in class. Most classes are three credit hours, but some are worth more or less. Labs are usually one credit hour, although you may spend more than one hour in the lab per week. In order to be enrolled full time, you must take 12 credit hours or more.
Curriculum
The sequence of courses in a program that leads to completion of that particular program.
Curriculum Courses
Courses offered for college credit, as opposed to Continuing Education courses, which are not offered for college credit. All courses leading to a college degree are considered Curriculum courses.
Data Release Number (DRN)
The four-digit number assigned to your FAFSA that allows you to release your FAFSA data to schools you did not list on your original FAFSA. You need this number if you contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center to make corrections to your mailing address or the schools you listed on your FAFSA. You find this number below the confirmation number on your FAFSA submission confirmation page or in the top right-hand corner of your Student Aid Report (SAR).
Dean’s List
Students who qualify for the Dean’s List must 1) be enrolled in an academic program (degree, dipoma, or certificate) 2) carry minimum of 8 credit hours of curriculum courses numbered 100 or above and 3) must have a 3.75 quality point average during the semester under consideration.
Default
Failure to repay a loan according to the terms agreed to in the promissory note. For most federal student loans, you will default if you have not made a payment in more than 270 days. You may experience serious legal consequences if you default.
Default Rate
The percentage of borrowers who fail to repay their loans according to the terms of their promissory notes.
Deferment
A postponement of payment on a loan that is allowed under certain conditions and during which interest does not accrue on Direct Subsidized Loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, and Federal Perkins Loans. All other federal student loans that are deferred will continue to accrue interest. Any unpaid interest that accrued during the deferment period may be added to the principal balance (capitalized) of the loan(s).
Delinquent
A loan is delinquent when loan payments are not received by the due dates. A loan remains delinquent until the borrower makes up the missed payment(s) through payment, deferment, or forbearance. If the borrower is unable to make payments, he or she should contact his or her loan servicer to discuss options to keep the loan in good standing.
Dependency Status
The determination of a financial aid applicant as dependent or independent; dependent student’s are required to provide their parents’ information on the financial aid application, while independent students are not.
Dependent Student
A student who does not meet any of the criteria for an independent student. An independent student is one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, someone with legal dependents other than a spouse, an emancipated minor, or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. A dependent student is required to provide their parents’ information on their financial aid application.
Developmental Courses
Courses that teach basic reading, writing, or math skills to prepare students for college-level coursework. They are numbered in the 060s, 070s, 080s, and 090s and are required for students who place below a certain level on a placement test. The credits earned for these classes count toward a student’s GPA (grade point average). They can be covered by financial aid but are not transferable and do not count toward degree requirements.
Direct Consolidation Loan
A federal loan made by the U.S. Department of Education that allows you to combine one or more federal student loans into one new loan. As a result of consolidation, you will only have to make one monthly payment on your federal loans, and the amount of time you have to repay your loan will be extended.
Direct Loan
A federal student loan for which eligible students and parents borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education at participating schools. Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans are types of Direct Loans. Direct Loans are sometimes referred to as Stafford Loans.
Direct PLUS Loans
A loan made by the U.S. Department of Education to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students for which the borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest, regardless of the loan status.
Disability Services
Students with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, may seek services (interpreters, readers, note takers or other reasonable accommodations) from the Counseling Center in the Bailey Student Services Building.
Disbursement/Disburse
When financial aid funds (grants, loans, scholarships, etc.) are applied to a student’s account balance. Disbursements typically pay off any remaining balance the student has, then the student is issued a refund for any remaining funds. Disbursements occur on specified dates during each semester. A student’s specific disbursement date is primarily determined by when their classes start. The anticipated disbursement schedule varies each semester and is usually listed at www.abtech.edu/financial-aid.
Discretionary Income
An individual’s income minus the poverty guidelines for your family size.
Disposable Pay
The amount that remains from an employee’s pay after deductions.
Distance or Online Learning
An option for earning course credit off-campus by internet. 100% of the course instruction is delivered online, although there may be some exams that occur on campus. Distance students must be proficient with computers and exhibit a high level of self discipline to keep up with each course assignment.
Don C. Locke Library
An on-campus library, located in the Locke Building on the Asheville Campus, that provides books and electronic resources to help students meet their information needs. Hours of operations and additional information can be found by at www.abtech.edu/library.
DRN (Data Release Number)
The four-digit number assigned to your FAFSA that allows you to release your FAFSA data to schools you did not list on your original FAFSA. You need this number if you contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center to make corrections to your mailing address or the schools you listed on your FAFSA. You find this number below the confirmation number on your FAFSA submission confirmation page or in the top right-hand corner of your Student Aid Report (SAR).
Drop/Add
The process of adjusting a student’s schedule by dropping and/or adding courses after initial registration. Dropped courses do not appear on a student transcript. Full or partial refunds are available, depending on when in the drop period a student drops the class. (Do not confuse “dropping” a class with “withdrawing” from a class. See Withdrawal Period.) The deadline for dropping/adding a class is listed on the college calendar online or in the student handbook.
E-Cashier
The online payment plan option for tuition and fees. Available only for Curriculum students (those students taking classes for college credit) at www.abtech.edu/payments.
Early College
Rigorous programs in which students can earn a high school diploma and Associate’s Degree simultaneously. Early college students start in the ninth grade and can complete the program in 5 years. A-B Tech has two partner early colleges: Buncombe County Early College, which is located on the main campus of A-B Tech in Asheville; and Madison Early College High School, which is located in Mars Hill.
Eligible Noncitizen
A U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swains Island), U.S. permanent resident (who has an I-151, I-551 or I-551C [Permanent Resident Card]), or an individual who has an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing one of the following designations:Refugee; Asylum Granted; Cuban-Haitian Entrant (Status Pending); Conditional Entrant" (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980); Victims of human trafficking, T-visa (T-2, T-3, or T-4, etc.) holder; Parolee (You must be paroled into the United States for at least one year and you must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that you are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and that you intend to become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.) If you meet the noncitizen criteria above, you are eligible to receive federal student aid. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please check with the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Eligible Program
A program of organized instruction or study of a certain length that leads to an academic, professional, or vocational degree or certificate, or other recognized education credential.
Emancipated Minor
An individual (under the age of 18) who has legally been determined to be an adult by a court in his or her state of legal residence.
Endorser
An individual who does not have an adverse credit history and agrees to repay the loan if the borrower does not repay it.
Enka Site
The A-B Tech location at 1459 Sand Hill Rd, Candler, NC 28715.
Entrance Counseling
A mandatory information session which takes place before you receive your first federal student loan that explains your responsibilities and rights as a student borrower.
Exit Counseling
A mandatory information session which takes place when you graduate or attend school less than half-time that explains your loan repayment responsibilities and when repayment begins.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC or FC)
The number that’s used to determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid. This number results is determined by the U.S. Department of Education and is based on many factors from from the financial information you provided on your FAFSA. The higher your EFC, the less you may qualify for in federal Pell Grant funds. Students with an EFC above a certain amount would not be eligible for any Pell Grant funds. Your EFC is reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR).
FAFSA
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is the application that must be filled out in order to apply for any financial aid through the federal government or state. Students needing assistance completing the FAFSA can schedule a FAFSA by Appointment on the A-B Tech website. The FAFSA can be completed online at fafsa.gov
FAFSA by Appointment
15-20 minute student appointments with a trained financial aid trained volunteer or work-study student, who will provide assistance in completing a FAFSA . These appointments can be scheduled online at abtech.edu/financial-aid
Fall Semester
A 16-week period of Curriculum classes that starts in August and ends in December. The fall semester includes 16-week, 8-week, and 4-week classes that start at various dates between August and December.
Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program
Under this program, private lenders provided loans to students that were guaranteed by the federal government. These loans included Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, FFEL PLUS Loans, and FFEL Consolidation Loans. Federal student loans under the FFEL Program are no longer made by private lenders. Instead, all new federal student loans come directly from the U.S. Department of Education under the Direct Loan Program.
Federal School Code
An identifier that the U.S. Department of Education assigns to each college or career school that participates in the federal student aid programs. In order to send your FAFSA information to a school, you must list the school’s Federal School Code on your application. A-B Tech’s federal school code is 004033.
Federal Student Aid Programs
The programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 that provide grants, loans and work-study funds from the federal government to eligible students enrolled in college or career school.
Federal Student Loan
A loan funded by the federal government to help pay for your education. A federal student loan is borrowed money you must repay with interest.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
A grant from the government for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who are enrolled at least half-time. To apply for FSEOG, students need to complete the FAFSA.
Federal Work-Study
A federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school to help pay your education expenses. Work study jobs can be on campus or off campus and are part of your financial aid package.
FERPA
FERPA stands for Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA affords students the right to inspect and review their education records, request the correction of inaccurate or misleading records, consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in their education record and file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if the institution does not comply with this law.
FFEL Program
Under this program, private lenders provided loans to students that were guaranteed by the federal government. These loans included Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, FFEL PLUS Loans, and FFEL Consolidation Loans. Federal student loans under the FFEL Program are no longer made by private lenders. Instead, all new federal student loans come directly from the U.S. Department of Education under the Direct Loan Program.
Financial Aid Office
The office that’s responsible for preparing and communicating information on financial aid. This office helps students apply for and receive student loans, grants, scholarships and other types of financial aid. A-B Tech’s Financial Aid Office is located in the Bailey Student Services Building on the Asheville Campus.
Financial Need
The difference between the cost of attendance (COA) and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). While COA varies from school to school, your EFC does not change based on the school you attend.
Forbearance
A period during which your monthly loan payments are temporarily suspended or reduced. Your lender may grant you a forbearance if you are willing but unable to make loan payments due to certain types of financial hardships. During forbearance, principal payments are postponed but interest continues to accrue. Unpaid interest that accrues during the forbearance will be added to the principal balance (capitalized) of your loan(s), increasing the total amount you owe.
Form 1-20
Required form for international students who are seeking curriculum degrees or diplomas at A-B Tech and are applying for a M-1 Visa. The form, issued and signed by an A-B Tech official, states that the student has fulfilled the school’s admissions requirements and presented proof of financial resources. International students must present a signed Form I-20 at a U.S. embassy or consulate in his/her home country to obtain a M-1 Visa.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The application that must be filled out in order to apply for any financial aid through the federal government or state. It can be completed online at fafsa.gov.
FSA ID (For FAFSA)
The FSA ID (Federal Student Aid Identification) serves as your electronic signature, provides access to your personal records, and adds a further layer of security to your FAFSA. If you haven’t yet created an FSA ID, you can create one at fsaid.ed.gov.
FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
A grant from the government for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who are enrolled at least half-time. To apply for FSEOG, students need to complete the FAFSA.
Full-time Student
A student enrolled for 12 or more credit hours during the fall and spring semesters and 9 or more credit hours during the summer session. Financial aid recipients must be registered 12 credit hours or more in the summer in order to be considered full-time and to receive the full amount of their summer Pell Grant award.
GED (General Educational Development)
A certificate that students receive if they’ve passed a specific, approved high school equivalency test. Students with a GED certificate are eligible to enroll at A-B Tech and receive federal student aid. A-B Tech has a GED program that helps prepare students to take the GED test. The GED Office is located in the Hemlock Building on the Asheville campus and can be contacted at (828) 398-7433 or adulted@abtech.edu.
GED Certification
A certificate that students receive if they’ve passed a specific, approved high school equivalency test. Students with a GED certificate are eligible to enroll at A-B Tech and receive federal student aid. A-B Tech has a GED program that helps prepare students to take the GED test. The GED Office is located in the Hemlock Building on the Asheville campus and can be contacted at (828) 398-7433 or adulted@abtech.edu.
General Occupational Technology (GOT)
An academic Curriculum program that provides individuals with an opportunity to upgrade their skills and to earn an Associate’s Degree or diploma by taking courses suited for their occupational interests and/or needs. Students planning to enter one of A-B Tech’s selective or limited admissions programs often begin in the GOT program.
Global Institute for Sustainability Technologies (GIST)
An institute that develops/designs educational programs for both students and community and promotes the WNC local economy through collaborative partnerships in the emerging areas of sustainability .
GOT (General Occupational Technology)
An academic Curriculum program that provides individuals with an opportunity to upgrade their skills and to earn an Associate’s Degree or diploma by taking courses suited for their occupational interests and/or needs. Students planning to enter one of A-B Tech’s selective or limited admissions programs often begin in the GOT program.
GPA (Grade Point Average)
A numerical indication of the final letter grades earned by a student. A-B Tech uses a 4.0 scale for semester and cumulative grade-point averages. A grade of A is equivalent to a 4.0, a B is a 3.0, a C is a 2.0 a D is a 1.0, and an F is 0.0. A "W" grade (withdrawal) does not affect GPA.
Grace Period
A period of time after borrowers graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment where they are not required to make payments on certain federal student loans. Some federal student loans will accrue interest during the grace period, and if the interest is unpaid, it will be added to the principal balance of the loan when the repayment period begins.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
A numerical indication of the final letter grades earned by a student. A-B Tech uses a 4.0 scale for semester and cumulative grade-point averages. A grade of A is equivalent to a 4.0, a B is a 3.0, a C is a 2.0 a D is a 1.0, and an F is 0.0. A "W" grade (withdrawal) does not affect GPA.
Graduation Ceremony
An official ceremony held in May each year for diploma and/or degree graduates.
Graduation Rate
Measures the progress of students who began their studies as full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking students by showing the percentage of these students who complete their degree or certificate within a 150% of "normal time" for completing the program in which they are enrolled.
Grant
Financial aid, often based on financial need, that does not need to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund).
Health Clinic
An on-campus clinic located in the Ferguson Center for Allied Health and Workforce Development, room 115.17, on the Asheville campus that provides basic health care to students and employees (18 years and older). Appointments can be made by calling (828) 398-7570 or emailing healthclinic@abtech.edu.
Homeless
For financial aid purposes, an individual is considered homeless if he or she lacks fixed, regular and adequate housing. You may be homeless if you are living in a shelter, park, motel or car, or temporarily living with other people because you have nowhere else to go. Also, if you are living in any of these situations and fleeing an abusive parent, you may be considered homeless when completing your FAFSA even if your parent would provide support and a place to live.
Homeschool
A school in which children are educated at home either by parents, legal guardians, or tutors, rather than traditional public or private school.
Hybrid Classes
These are classes that utilize a combination of in-person and online instruction for the contact hours of the course. Hybrid Classes will have a Y identifier in their course section code. To learn more about course section codes and identifiers, visit abtech.edu/registration/course-section-identifiers
I-901
Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) registration and fee that is required for some international students. Visit ice.gov/sevis/i901 for details.
I.C.A.A. (ICAA)
or Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. A a legal document negotiated between the community colleges of NC and many private NC colleges that provides certain protections to graduates of NC community college when they transfer.
ID Card Office
An office located in the Bailey Building at the A-B Tech Asheville Campus where student identification photo cards are issued.
In-State Resident
Another term for Resident. Per North Carolina law (G.S. 116-143.1), a student must have maintained domicile in North Carolina for at least the 12 months immediately prior to classification as a legal resident for tuition purposes. Proof of residency includes being employed within the state of NC, paying NC taxes, having a current NC driver’s license, and voting in NC. A student cannot qualify for in-state tuition if he or she is claimed as a dependent by a parent or guardian who is not a NC resident. Contact the Admissions Office in the Bailey Student Services Building for additional information about residency.
Income Tax Refund Offsets
A debt collection tool that allows the government to seize income tax refunds from individuals who owe the federal government to help repay the outstanding debt. This tool may be used for federal student loans borrowers who are in default.
Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement
(or ICAA or I.C.A.A.) a legal document negotiated between the community colleges of NC and many private NC colleges that provides certain protections to graduates of NC community college when they transfer.
Independent Student
For financial aid purposes, an independent student is one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, or someone with legal dependents other than a spouse, an emancipated minor, or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Information Center
The A-B Tech Information Center is a team of passionate employees who are dedicated to providing current and prospective students, community members, and A-B Tech employees with accurate information about the College’s programs and services. The Information Center can be reached by phone at (828) 398-7900, by email at info@abtech.edu, or by live web chat through the A-B Tech website, abtech.edu.
Interest/Interest Rate
A loan expense charged for the use of borrowed money. Interest is paid by a borrower to a lender. The expense is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount of the loan
Intramural Sports
Athletic programs that are offered each Fall and Spring term and are open to A-B Tech faculty, staff, and students, from beginners to advanced athletes. More information can be obtained by contacting Rhonda Davidson at 398-7843, rhondaldavidson@abtech.edu, or stopping by the Coman Gymnasium, office 106 with any questions.
IRS Tax Return Transcript
Also called Tax Transcript, this is an official government document issued by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) that shows most line items from a specific year’s tax return as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. An IRS Tax Return Transcript is sometimes requested by the Financial Aid Office for verification purposes and can be printed or ordered online at irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript or by calling the IRS automated phone tool at 1-800-908-9946.
IVT/Zoom Classes
These are classes that are taught via live video broadcast from one A-B Tech site to another. IVT Classes will have a Z identifier in their course section code. To learn more about course section codes and identifiers, visit abtech.edu/registration/course-section-identifiers
Job Board
An on-campus service to students and local community employers. Jobs, internships, and co-ops are posted for A-B students and graduates. Job Board can be viewed online by visiting abtech.edu, hovering over "Careers" at the top of the website, and selecting "Job Board."
Legal Guardianship
A relationship created by court order, through which the court appoints an individual other than a minor’s parent to take care of the minor. A legal guardian is not considered a parent on the student’s FAFSA. In fact, a student in legal guardianship does not need to report parent information on the FAFSA because he or she is considered an independent student.
Lender
The organization that made the loan initially; the lender could be the borrower’s school, a bank, credit union, another lending institution, or the U.S. Department of Education.
LEU (Lifetime Eligibility Used)
The amount of all Federal Pell Grant aid (in percentage) awarded to you divided by the amount of Pell Grant aid you would have been eligible to receive based on full-time enrollment. The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited by federal law to be the equivalent of six years (or 12 semesters) of Pell Grant funding.
Library (Don C. Locke Library)
On-campus library, located in the Locke building. It provides books and electronic resources to help students meet their information needs. Hours of operation and additional information is listed at abtech.edu/library.
Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU)
The amount of all Federal Pell Grant aid (in percentage) awarded to you divided by the amount of Pell Grant aid you would have been eligible to receive based on full-time enrollment. The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited by federal law to be the equivalent of six years (or 12 semesters) of Pell Grant funding.
Limited Admission Programs
Curriculum academic programs that have limited capacity due to clinical site, resource, and/or lab space availability. Students are accepted into these programs on a first-come, first-served basis after they have met the minimum program eligibility requirements. Current Limited Programs include Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation; Cosmetology; Cosmetology Instructor; Emergency Medical Science; Esthetics; Manicuring/Nail Technology; Medical Assisting; Pharmacy Technology; and Phlebotomy.
Loan Forgiveness
The cancellation of all or some portion of your remaining federal student loan balance. If your loan is forgiven, you are no longer responsible for repaying that remaining portion of the loan.
Loan Holder
The entity that holds the loan promissory note and has the right to collect from the borrower.
Loan Rehabilitation
The process of bringing a loan out of default and removing the default notation from a borrower’s credit report. To rehabilitate a Direct or a FFEL Loan, the borrower must make at least 9 full payments of an agreed amount within 20 days of their monthly due dates over a 10-month period. To rehabilitate a Perkins Loan, a borrower must make nine on-time, consecutive monthly payments of an agreed-upon amount. Rehabilitation terms and conditions vary for other loan types and can be obtained directly from loan holders.
Loan Servicer
A loan servicer is a company that collects payments on a loan and performs other administrative tasks associated with maintaining a loan on behalf of a lender. You can look up who your student loan services is a nslds.ed.gov.
Loans
Money that is borrowed for tuition, books, and/or living expenses and must be repaid by the student.
M-1 Visa
M-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant student visa. It allows foreign students who wish to pursue technical or non-academic studies, other than language training, to enter into the U.S.
Madison Site
The A-B Tech location at 4646 U.S. Highway 25-70, Marshall, NC 28753. The Madison Site offers many classes and services for both Curriculum and Continuing Education students.
Major Elective Courses
Courses that a student may choose to take as part of his/her learning program and that count toward graduation requirements.
Master Promissory Note (MPN)
A binding legal document that you must sign when you get a federal student loan. The MPN can be used to make one or more loans for one or more academic years (up to 10 years). It lists the terms and conditions under which you agree to repay the loan and explains your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. It’s important to read and save your MPN, because you’ll need to refer to it later when you begin repaying your loan or at other times when you need information about provisions of the loan, such as deferments or forbearances.
Maximum Course Load
Students are limited to a maximum of 20 hours of course work each semester. Exceptions to this rule may be granted by the Vice President for Instructional Services.
Maximum Timeframe
For financial aid recipients, federal regulations specify that a student receiving federal financial aid must complete their program of study within 150% of the program’s published length. For example, if the published timeframe for a program is 2 years, the student has 3 years (150%) to complete the program and remain eligible for federal financial aid. When students exceed the timeframe for their programs of study, they are no longer eligible to receive financial aid; however, students can submit an appeal to the Director of Financial Aid to have their eligibility extended if there are extenuating circumstances that prevented the student from completing their program in a timely manner.
Merit-Based
Based on a student’s skill or ability; for example, a merit-based scholarship might be awarded based on a student’s high grades.
Middle College
Located on the main A-B Tech Campus in Asheville, Buncombe County Middle College (BCMC) provides high school juniors and seniors with a non-traditional setting for completing a high school diploma and earning college credits. As a cooperative-innovative high school, BCMC has partnered with A-B Tech to provide local students with a comprehensive and accessible education.
Minimester
Accelerated courses that fulfill the required contact hours in 4 weeks or 8 weeks instead of the traditional 16 weeks. Minimester courses start at various times throughout the semester and are often more intense than 16-week courses. For financial aid recipients, minimesters can affect when a student’s financial aid funds are disbursed.
Moodle
An online learning management system that A-B Tech and other colleges use, primarily to conduct online courses. It can be accessed at moodle.abtech.edu.
Moodle Online Orientation
An online course in students’ Trailhead accounts that introduces students to navigation and features of Moodle, the learning management system used by A-B Tech. Students must complete Moodle Online Orientation in order to enroll in a 100% online class.
Mountain Mobility
The City of Asheville contracts with Mountain Mobility to provide paratransit service along its routes within the City of Asheville and to the Town of Black Mountain. More information can be found at buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/transportation.
Mountain Tech Lodge
A learning facility located on A-B Tech’s main Asheville Campus that is operated by the students enrolled in the Hospitality Management Program. The Lodge is open to state employees traveling on business and guests of the school. For reservations, call (828) 398-7248.
MPN (Master Promissory Note)
A binding legal document that you must sign when you get a federal student loan. The MPN can be used to make one or more loans for one or more academic years (up to 10 years). It lists the terms and conditions under which you agree to repay the loan and explains your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. It’s important to read and save your MPN because you’ll need to refer to it later when you begin repaying your loan or at other times when you need information about provisions of the loan, such as deferments or forbearances.
National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS)
A leadership development program is open to curriculum students who have completed at least 12 credit hours in good standing with a 3.0 GPA. The National Society of Leadership and Success has hundreds of branches throughout the nation at community colleges and universities.
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
A centralized database, available at nslds.ed.gov/nslds/nslds_SA, which stores information on federal grants and loans. NSLDS contains information on how much aid you’ve received, your enrollment status, and your loan servicer(s). You can access NSLDS using your FSA ID.
NC-DAP Test
An assessment/placement test measuring reading comprehension, sentence skills, arithmetic, elementary algebra and college level mathematics. Scores are used to select courses that best fit the students’ current educational level (formerly called "Accuplacer Test").
NCCCG (North Carolina Community College Grant)
A state financial aid award that’s generally given to NC residents not qualifying for a full Pell Grant award based on their EFC or other disqualifications. You must attend at least half-time (at least 6 credit hours) in order to be eligible to receive NCCCG funds.
NCCCS (North Carolina Community College System)
The network of community colleges within the state of North Carolina. A-B Tech Community College is a recognized and approved community college within the NCCCS.
NCELS (North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship)
A state financial aid award that’s generally given to NC residents not qualifying for a full Pell Grant award based on their EFC or other disqualifications. You must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) to be eligible to receive NCELS funds.
Need-Based
Based on a student’s financial need; for example, a need-based grant might be awarded based on a student’s low income.
Net Price
An estimate of the actual cost that a student and their 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.
New Borrower
You are a new borrower if you had no outstanding balance on a Direct Loan Program Loan or a Federal Family Education Loan Program loan as of Oct. 1, 2007, or have no outstanding balance on such a loan on the date you receive a new loan after Oct. 1, 2007.
New Student Orientation (NSO)
An information session that must be completed by all Curriculum students before the student is able to register for classes. NSO can be completed either in person on A-B Tech’s Asheville Campus or online through Trailhead. In order to take NSO (either in person or online), it must be scheduled beforehand at abtech.edu/nso.
No Show
A registered student who does not attend during the first 10% of the class is dropped as a No Show. There are no tuition/fee refunds for No Shows, and a No Shows grade does appear on the transcript.
Non-Resident
Another term for Out-of-State Resident. A student is considered an out-of-state resident, by North Carolina law (G.S. 116-143.1), if they have not maintained domicile in NC for at least the 12 months immediately prior to classification as a resident for tuition purposes. Proof of residency includes being employed within the state of NC, paying NC taxes, having a current NC driver’s license, and voting in NC. A student cannot qualify for in-state tuition if they are claimed as a dependent by a parent or guardian who is not a NC resident. Contact the Admissions Office in the Bailey Student Services Building for additional information about residency status.
North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG)
A state financial aid award that’s generally given to NC residents not qualifying for a full Pell Grant award based on their EFC or other disqualifications. You must attend at least half-time (at least 6 credit hours) in order to be eligible to receive NCCCG funds.
North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)
The network of community colleges within the state of North Carolina. A-B Tech Community College is a recognized and approved community college within the NCCCS.
North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS)
A state financial aid award that’s generally given to NC residents not qualifying for a full Pell Grant award based on their EFC or other disqualifications. You must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) to be eligible to receive NCELS funds.
Notary Public
Classes covering the qualifications, procedures, and certification for becoming a notary, which is a person authorized to perform certain legal formalities, such as drawing up or certifying contracts, deeds, and other official documents. A-B Tech’s Notary Public classes are offered through the Continuing Education division.
NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System)
A centralized database, available at nslds.ed.gov/nslds/nslds_SA, which stores information on federal grants and loans. NSLDS contains information on how much aid you’ve received, your enrollment status, and your loan servicer(s). You can access NSLDS using your FSA ID.
NSLS (National Society for Leadership and Success)
A leadership development program is open to curriculum students who have completed at least 12 credit hours in good standing with a 3.0 GPA. The National Society of Leadership and Success has hundreds of branches throughout the nation at community colleges and universities.
NSO (New Student Orientation)
An information session that must be completed by all Curriculum students before the student is able to register for classes. NSO can be completed either in person on A-B Tech’s Asheville Campus or online through Trailhead. In order to take NSO (either in person or online), it must be scheduled beforehand at abtech.edu/nso.
Nurse Aide 1 (Certified Nursing Assistant/CNA)
Classes providing basic training in the entry-level caregiving skills needed to work as a Nursing Assistant in various healthcare settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, or private homes. Additional information can be found at abtech.edu/healthcare/nurse-aide-program.
Office 365
A-B Tech gives all curriculum students (taking classes for college credit) Microsoft Office 365 accounts free of charge. These include access to both the desktop and web apps in the Office suite. The desktop apps included are Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Skype for Business, and OneDrive for Business.
Official Transcript
An official record of a student’s academic history that contains all courses that have been taken at A-B Tech, including any credits that have been transferred into A-B Tech. A hard-copy Official Transcript is marked “Official” and enclosed in a sealed envelope marked “Unofficial if Opened.” An electronic Official Transcript is a secure PDF sent directly from A-B Tech to another school.
Online Classes
These are classes that utilize online instruction for 100% of the contact hours of the course. Online Classes will have an O identifier in their course section code. To learn more about course section codes and identifiers, visit abtech.edu/registration/course-section-identifiers
Online Course
Courses that require students to access course materials and complete assignments completely online. Online courses can be identified by the letter "O" in the course section name; for example, ENG-111-O2 is an online English course. Online courses at A-B Tech are conducted through Moodle at moodle.abtech.edu.
Online Writing Center
An A-B Tech website that offers an online tutoring service for students enrolled in online or hybrid courses. For assistance, visit abtech.edu/content/writing-center/writing-center-online.
Out-Of-State Resident
A student is considered an out-of-state resident, by North Carolina law (G.S. 116-143.1), if they have not maintained domicile in NC for at least the 12 months immediately prior to classification as a resident for tuition purposes. Proof of residency includes being employed within the state of NC, paying NC taxes, having a current NC driver’s license, and voting in NC. A student cannot qualify for in-state tuition if they are claimed as a dependent by a parent or guardian who is not a NC resident. Contact the Admissions Office in the Bailey Student Services Building for additional information about residency status.
Paratransit
The City of Asheville contracts with Mountain Mobility to provide paratransit service along its routes within the City of Asheville and to the Town of Black Mountain. Contact Mountain Mobility directly at (828) 250-6750 for eligibility.
Parchment
An online service that students use to order official A-B Tech transcripts. To order a transcript through Parchment visit abtech.edu/transcripts.
Parent PLUS Loan
A Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a federal direct loan for which parents can apply. More information can be found at studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans/plus.
Parking Decal
Required vehicle identification and registration for all A-B Tech students and faculty/staff. These decals (or car window sticker) for Curriculum students are available in the Bailey Student Services Building. Continuing Education students taking classes for two weeks or longer may obtain parking decals in the Ferguson Allied Health and Workforce Development Center on the Asheville Campus. Faculty/Staff can obtain parking decals from HR in the Sunnicrest Building on the Asheville Campus.
Part-time Student
A student enrolled for fewer than 12 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters or fewer than 9 credit hours during the summer semester. Financial aid recipients must be registered 12 credit hours or more in the summer in order to be considered full-time and to receive the full amount of their summer Pell Grant award. For financial aid purposes, 12 credits or more is full-time, 9-11 credits is 3/4-time, 6-8 credits is half-time, and 1-5 credits is 1/4-time or less-than-half-time.
Pass Rate
Also called completion rate, pass rate is the overall percentage of credits a student has successfully completed, based on the total amount of credits that have been attempted at A-B Tech (including any credits that have been transferred into A-B Tech). The Financial Aid Office calculates pass/completion rate and uses this figure, along with cumulative GPA, to determine whether a student is maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students must maintain a minimum completion rate of 67% (for students who have completed 30+ credits) or 50% (for students who have completed 1-29 credits) to remain eligible for financial aid.
Payment
The use of money or other funds (such as financial aid award funds) to cover the cost of tuition and fees. Payment options can be viewed at abtech.edu/payments.
Payment Plan
A plan that allows Curriculum students to pay for their tuition/fees throughout the semester in separate payment installments, rather than paying for the entire cost of their tuition/fees up-front before the semester starts. Payment plans generally consist of 3 payment installments, and can be set up online through E-Cashier at abtech.edu/payments or your Self-Service account.
Pearson VUE
A computer-based testing provider for certifications and licensures. A-B Tech provides a location for some Pearson VUE tests. Pearson VUE tests can be scheduled at pearsonvue.com.
Pell Grant
A grant for undergraduate students from the federal government that does not have to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students need to complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov. The amount of Pell Grant a student received is determined by a number of factors, including the information provided on the FAFSA (such as income, assets, etc.), the cost of attendance, and the student’s enrollment status.
Personal Counseling
A student support service in which an A-B Tech Counselor is available either by phone or face-to-face to assist a student with personal issues. A-B Tech provides free counseling services to A-B Tech Curriculum students. The Counselors are available by appointment in the Bailey Student Services Building on the A-B Tech Asheville Campus.
Phi Beta Lambda
A-B Tech’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter.
Phi Theta Kappa
A-B Tech Honor Society. Membership is by invitation only for students who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 after completing at least 12 credit hours of Associate Degree coursework.
Placement
The process that allows A-B Tech to assess the student’s level in English and Math, so that the College can place the student in the appropriate level of classes. Placement options include the NC-DAP test (administered by A-B tech), an alternate test like the SAT or ACT (not administered by A-B Tech), or transfer credits in college-level English or Math. Additional information about placement can be viewed at abtech.edu/placement.
Placement Test
A test given to Curriculum students entering A-B Tech, which allows the College to determine a student’s proficiency in various subjects, so that the student can be placed in the appropriate level of courses. A-B Tech’s general placement test for incoming Curriculum students is called the NC-DAP, which tests students knowledge of reading comprehension, sentence skills, arithmetic, elementary algebra and college level mathematics.
Plan
An arrangement made between the student and their advisor to determine which classes the student should take during the upcoming semester. Most students must have their advisor set up an educational plan before every semester in order to register for the upcoming semester. This ensures the student is taking classes that keeps them on track to completing their program of study in a timely manner.
Plus Loans
A loan available to graduate students and parents of dependent undergraduate students for which the borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest regardless of the loan status.
Post-Secondary Institution
Education beyond high school is referred to as post-secondary. An example of a post-secondary institution is a college or university, such as A-B Tech.
Pre-Limited/Pre-Selective Information Session
An information session that must be completed by all students interesting in a Selective or Limited program at A-B Tech prior to meeting with an advisor. It can be completed online or in person. For more information, visit abtech.edu/selective-limited-programs.
Prerequisite
One or more courses that must be completed or other knowledge, skills, or standards that must be demonstrated before a student is permitted to take certain courses; for example, ENG 111 is a prerequisite for ENG 112, so ENG 111 must be completed before a student can register for ENG 112. A course’s prerequisites are listed in the College Catalog and in Self-Service. Prerequisites completed at other institutions can be used by sending a transcript from that institution to A-B Tech.
President’s List
Students who qualify for the President’s List must 1) be enrolled in an academic program (degree, dipoma, or certificate) 2) carry minimum of 12 credit hours of curriculum courses 3) be enrolled in only courses numbered 100 and 4) must have a 4.0 quality point average during the semester under consideration.
Priority Registration
A process that allows returning students or students with disabilities to register for classes before registration opens for new students. Priority registration is typically held the first week of regular registration.
Private Loan
A nonfederal loan made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, state agency, or school.
Probation (Academic)
Occurs when a student’s semester GPA falls below 2.0 for two semesters in a row. Students on Academic Probation will need to take specific steps in order to register for classes.
Promissory Note
The binding legal document that you must sign when you get a federal student loan. It lists the terms and conditions under which you agree to repay the loan and explains your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. It’s important to read and save this document because you’ll need to refer to it later when you begin repaying your loan or at other times when you need information about provisions of the loan, such as deferments or forbearances.
PSB/HOAE (Psychological Services Bureau/Health Occupations Aptitude Exam)
An exam required as part of the process to apply to most of our Selective Allied Health Programs. The PSB/HOAE Health Occupations Aptitude Exam is designed to determine a candidate’s readiness and ability to successfully complete a program as a health care professional. It will assess the student’s abilities, attitude and skills and knowledge in a variety of areas and is part of the required educational curriculum for a healthcare practitioner.
Psychological Services Bureau/Health Occupations Aptitude Exam (PSB/HOAE)
An exam required as part of the process to apply to most of our Selective Allied Health Programs. The PSB/HOAE Health Occupations Aptitude Exam is designed to determine a candidate’s readiness and ability to successfully complete a program as a health care professional. It will assess the student’s abilities, attitude and skills and knowledge in a variety of areas and is part of the required educational curriculum for a healthcare practitioner.
Purge Date
The date on which students’ classes are dropped from their registration schedules due to unpaid tuition and fees. Students who have paid their balance in full, set up a payment plan for the current semester, or have financial aid in place for the current semester are not affected by purge dates.
Quality Point Average
At the end of each semester, quality points are assigned in accordance with the following formula: A = 4 quality points per credit hour; B= 3 quality points per credit hour; C =2 quality points per credit hour; D=1 quality points per credit hour; F= 0 quality points per credit hour; and U=no quality points.
RACE (Regional Articulation in Career Education)
College credit may be awarded for high school courses if conditions of the North Carolina High School to Community College Articulation Agreement or Regional Articulation in Career Education (RACE) are met. Students may see the Student Records and Registration Office in the Bailey Student Services Building on the A-B Tech Asheville Campus for additional details.
RCN (Residency Certification Number)
A Residency Certification Number or RCN is a unique, 10-digit number assigned to you by Residency Determination Service as part of the application process to A-B Tech, beginning in October 2017. This number allows A-B Tech to access your residency status for tuition purposes.
Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable accommodations are changes/adjustments in the learning environment that permit students with disabilities to compete on equal footing with their peers at the College. The accommodations modify non-essential elements of College programs. Examples of reasonable accommodations are extended time on tests; taped texts; sign language interpreters; and taped lectures. Accommodations are determined based on an individual basis, using documentation of a disability.
Records and Registration Office
A-B Tech’s Records and Registration Office is located in the K. Ray Bailey Building and is responsible for student academic records and related processes, including academic transcripts, grade reporting, degree audit, graduation, re-enrollment, and more.
Refund
A payment made from A-B Tech back to a student, either because the student dropped a class during the "drop period" or was awarded financial aid funds above and beyond the amount of their tuition/fees cost.
Regional Articulation in Career Education (RACE)
College credit may be awarded for high school courses if conditions of the North Carolina High School to Community College Articulation Agreement or Regional Articulation in Career Education (RACE) are met. Students may see the Student Records and Registration Office in the K. Ray Bailey Student Services Center for additional details.
Registrar
The officer at A-B Tech whose office is responsible for keeping records of students’ enrollment and academic standing. A-B Tech’s registrar can be contacted at registrar@abtech.edu.
Registration
The process of choosing courses and creating a class schedule for the next semester using Self-Service. Your registration date and time depends on the number of credit hours you have accumulated, with priority given to students who are farther along in their degree program. Students should be sure to consult their advisor before their registration date. Advisors do not typically register students for classes.
Residency
North Carolina law (G.S. 116-143.1) requires that a legal resident must have maintained domicile in North Carolina for at least the 12 months immediately prior to classification as a resident for tuition purposes. Proof of residency includes being employed within the state of NC, paying NC taxes, having a current NC driver’s license, and voting in NC. A student cannot qualify for in-state tuition if he or she is claimed as a dependent by a parent or guardian who is not a NC resident. Contact the Admissions Office in the Bailey Student Services Building for additional information about residency or visit ncresidency.org
Residency Certification Number (RCN)
A Residency Certification Number or RCN is a unique, 10-digit number assigned to you by Residency Determination Service as part of the application process to A-B Tech, beginning in October 2017. This number allows A-B Tech to access your residency status for tuition purposes.
Residency Determination Service
An online process for determining a student’s residency status for tuition purposes. Residency for tuition purposes is no longer determined by A-B Tech. The general College application will automatically direct you to complete a Residency Determination or you can complete it at ncresidency.org.
Resident
Per North Carolina law (G.S. 116-143.1), a student must have maintained domicile in North Carolina for at least the 12 months immediately prior to classification as a legal resident for tuition purposes. Proof of residency includes being employed within the state of NC, paying NC taxes, having a current NC driver’s license, and voting in NC. A student cannot qualify for in-state tuition if he or she is claimed as a dependent by a parent or guardian who is not a NC resident. Contact the Admissions Office in the Bailey Student Services Building for additional information about residency.
Resume
A document used to present an individual’s educational background, work experience, and job-related skills. Resumes can be used for a variety of reasons, but they’re most often used when applying for a new job.
RISE
A-B Tech’s culture of services statement. It is a commitment to demonstrating an inclusive and welcoming culture of respect, integrity and support for everyone.
Safe Zone
A-B Tech is a participant in the Safe Zone program, which seeks to create a climate of safety for all members of the College community. When you see the Safe Zone symbol, you will find an individual who is empathetic and informed about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) issues and who is willing and able to provide support and information.
SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress)
The on-going review of a student’s academic progress to ensure the student maintains the necessary standards to remain eligible for federal and/or state financial aid. These standards include maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, maintaining a minimum cumulative completion/pass rate of 67% (for students with 30+ credit hours) or 50% (for students with 1-29 credit hours), and completion of the academic program within 150% of the program’s published time frame. The Financial Aid Office determines a student’s SAP once per year, following the spring semester.
SAR (Student Aid Report)
A summary of the information submitted on the FAFSA. You receive this report via e-mail a few days after your FAFSA has been processed or by mail within 7-10 days if you did not provide an e-mail address. If there are no corrections or additional information you must provide, the SAR will contain your EFC, which is the number that’s used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid.
SAT (Scholastic Aptitute Testing)
The most widely used standardized test for college admissions. The exam is created and administered by CollegeBoard (collegeboard.org) and covers three subject areas: critical reading, mathematics and writing. A-B Tech accepts SAT scores of 500 or higher in place of the NC-DAP test.
Satellite Locations
A-B Tech operates smaller campus sites and conducts educational training classes at different locations from the main Asheville Campus. A-B Tech’s satellite campuses are the Enka site in Candler and the Madison site in Marshall. We also offer classes at A-B Tech South, in Arden, and A-B Tech Woodfin, in North Asheville/Woodfin. The Goodwill Training Center in West Asheville and other public sites serve as training facilities.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
The on-going review of a student’s academic progress to ensure the student maintains the necessary standards to remain eligible for federal and/or state financial aid. These standards include maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, maintaining a minimum cumulative completion/pass rate of 67% (for students with 30+ credit hours) or 50% (for students with 1-29 credit hours), and completion of the academic program within 150% of the program’s published time frame. The Financial Aid Office determines a student’s SAP once per year, following the spring semester.
Schedule of Classes
A list of all the classes being offered during a specific semester. Courses are listed in alphabetical and numerical order. Days and times of each courses’ sections are also listed.
Scholarship
Money awarded to students based on academic or other achievements to help pay for education expenses. Scholarships generally do not have to be repaid.
School Code
An identifier that the U.S. Department of Education assigns to each college or career school that participates in the federal student aid programs. In order to send your FAFSA information to a school, you must list the school’s Federal School Code on your FAFSA. A-B Tech’s school code is 004033.
Secondary School
An educational institution attended before college, such as a high school.
Section Number
A number or letter-number combination used to identify each section offered for a specific course; for example, for ENG-111-D13, the ENG 111 is the course number, and D13 is the section number. General education courses are offered multiple times and days. Each course has a different section number to indicate the specific class.
Selective Program Information Session
A program-specific information session. Students must complete the Selective Program Information Session prior to apply to a Selective program. For more information, visit abtech.edu/selective-limited-programs.
Self-Service
An A-B Tech Online Tool where students go to register for classes, view financial aid information, view tuition statements, download unofficial transcripts, view class schedules and view grades. Self-Service can be accessed by clicking the "Self-Service" link in the "Online Services" menu at the top of A-B Tech’s website, abtech.edu.
Semester
A period of 16 weeks (in the Fall or Spring) or 10-weeks (in the Summer) when Curriculum classes are offered.
Semester GPA
Average of the numerical final letter grades earned in a specific semester. A-B Tech uses a 4.0 scale for semester grade averages; a grade of A is equivalent to a 4.0, a B is a 3.0, a C is a 2.0, a D is a 1.0, and an F is 0. A "W" grade (withdrawal) does not affect GPA. Semester GPA is used to determine a student’s Academic Standing.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitior Program)
A program within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement which monitors students and exchange visitors in the United States with F, M, or J visas status.
Share The Ride NC
A program that enables students, staff, and faculty to share/participate in carpool opportunities. For more information, visit sharetheridenc.org.
Single Stop
A “one-stop shop" for students to get connected to resources that will help keep them in school.
Small Business Center (SBC)
A building at the A-B Tech Enka Site in Candler that’s part of the statewide Small Business Center Network (SBCN), a community college-funded initiative with a vision to foster and support entrepreneurship, small business, and economic development in local communities across the state. More information can be found at abtech.edu/sbc.
SmarterMeasure
An assessment that measures readiness for online classes. SmarterMeasure is part of the Moodle Online Orientation and must be completed before registering for a 100% online class.
SMARTTHINKING
A-B Tech’s online tutoring service. All enrolled Curriculum students have access to Smarthinking, but it is especially useful for students in online and hybrid classes. Additional information can be found at abtech.edu/content/academic-success/academic-learning-center/SMARTHINKING-online-tutoring.
South Site
The A-B Tech location at 303B Airport Road, Arden, NC 28704. The South Site opened January 2013 and offers classes and services for Curriculum, Continuing Education, and GED students.
Spring Semester
The 16-week period starting in January and ending in May.
Standardized Test
A test that is designed to assess individuals against a common standard.
State Aid
Financial aid from a student’s state of legal residence. An example of state aid in North Carolina is the North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG).
Student Activity Fee
Fee charged to attending day students which is used to finance A-B Tech student activities.
Student Aid Report (SAR)
A summary of the information you submitted on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You receive this report (often called the SAR) via e-mail a few days after your FAFSA has been processed or by mail within 7-10 days if you did not provide an e-mail address. If there are no corrections or additional information you must provide, the SAR will contain your EFC, which is the number that’s used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS)
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) is a program within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement which monitors students and exchange visitors in the United States with F, M, or J visas status.
Student Business Incubator Program
The Student Business Incubator Program is a 12-month extracurricular activity designed to provide a nurturing, supportive environment to currrent A-B Tech students (enrolled in at least 9 credit hours) who want to either start or grow their own business.
Student Due Process
A process that gives students the right to appeal accusations of violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Students may request to have an informal meeting with the appropriate College Vice President to attempt to discuss and resolve the issue. For a complete process/procedure overview, reference the Student Handbook or A-B Tech website.
Student Email
The email account created after a student enrolls as a Curriculum student at A-B Tech. It can be accessed by clicking the link at the bottom of the A-B Tech website (abtech.edu) that says "Login to Student Email." Most notifications from A-B Tech to a student are sent to the student’s A-B Tech student email account.
Student Goverment Association (SGA)
The student group responsible for legislative and executive authority in regard to student affairs. The SGA serves as the voice of the student body in their relations with the College officials.
Student ID Card
An identification card that’s issued to current A-B Tech Curriculum students. The card includes the student’s name, student ID number, and photo. It can be obtained from the ID Card Office in the Bailey Student Services Building. ID Cards can be produced with a current application on file and a current government-issued photo ID card (driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc.).
Student ID Number
A seven-digit identification number assigned to all A-B Tech students upon admission to the College. Students first receive their student ID number in an email from the Admissions Office. A student’s ID number can also be viewed in WebAdvisor (under "Curriculum Students" then "My Profile"), or it can be obtained by showing a photo ID to the Student Services Desk in the Bailey Student Services Building.
Student Services
A division of A-B Tech that consists of the Admissions, Advising/Counseling, Financial Aid, Records & Registration, Call Center, Recruitment, and Student Life and Development departments. Most Student Services offices are located in the Bailey Student Services Building on A-B Tech’s Asheville Campus. Student Services assistance can be obtained by calling (828) 398-7900, emailing info@abtech.edu, or by visiting the Student Services Desk in the lobby of the Bailey Building.
Subsidized Loan
A loan based on financial need for which the federal government pays the interest that accrues while the borrower is in an in-school, grace, or deferment status. If the interest is not paid during the grace period, the interest will be added to the loan’s principal balance.
Summer Semester
The 10-week period of Curriculum classes starting in May and ending in August.
Suspension (Academic)
Occurs when a student’s semester GPA falls below 2.0 for three semesters in a row. Student will need to file an Academic Appeal before taking Curriculum classes again.
Suspension (Financial Aid)
Student is not meeting SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) requirements and is not eligible for financial aid, but does have the option to appeal.
Syllabus
A document provided by an instructor that describes the content and expectations of a course, the grading policy, the academic integrity policy, a list of assignments and due dates, and related information such as the required textbooks and other course materials, the instructor’s office hours, contact information, etc.
TABE Test
Reading comprehension test required for several Continuing Education programs, including Nurse Aide I, BFIT (Basic Firefighter Indoctrination Training), and EMS. It is also required for students whose NC-DAP/Accuplacer scores do not meet minimum requirements.
Tax Return Transcript
Also called Tax Transcript, this is an official government document issued by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) that shows most line items from a specific year’s tax return as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. An IRS Tax Return Transcript is sometimes requested by the Financial Aid Office for verification purposes and can be printed or ordered online at irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript or by calling the IRS automated phone tool at 1-800-908-9946.
Teach Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
A federal grant that provides up to $4,000 per year to students who agree to teach for 4 years at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families and to meet other requirements. If the service obligation is not met, the grant is converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
TEACH Grant
A federal grant that provides up to $4,000 per year to students who agree to teach for four years at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families and to meet other requirements. If the service obligation is not met, the grant is converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan
TEAS Test
TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) test includes reading, math, science, English, and language usage. The TEAS is required in the application criteria for A-B Tech Allied Health programs and can be scheduled through the ATI Testing website, atitesting.com.
Technology Fee
A fee that’s combined with the computer usage fee and is charged to Curriculum students each semester. This fee supports buying and repairing computers and other instructor technology.
Term
Another word for "semester," term describes the 16-weeks (in the Fall or Spring) or 10-weeks (in the Summer) when Curriculum classes are offered. Continuing Education class terms have separate dates from curriculum terms.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
A test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native English language speakers wishing to enroll in a college or university in the U.S. International students are often required to submit TOEFL scores. These scores must be sent directly to A-B Tech from the testing agency or may be included with the application packet. Incoming international students from countries where English is a language of instruction and international students who already already live in the Asheville area are not required to submit TOEFL scores.
Text Alerts
Text alerts for urgent campus situations can be received through your mobile phone by updating your contact information through your WebAdvisor account. Log into your Webadvisor account, go to "Verify/Change My Contact Information", add mobile phone number in the "Alerts Phone Number field".
The RESET
Part of A-B Tech’s Addiction, Recovery, and Coping (ARC) Program. The RESET is a safe place for those in recovery or have questions about recovery to come, press pause, and reset before making disastrous decisions.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
A test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native English language speakers wishing to enroll in a college or university in the U.S. International students are often required to submit TOEFL scores. These scores must be sent directly to A-B Tech from the testing agency or may be included with the application packet. Incoming international students from countries where English is a language of instruction and international students who already already live in the Asheville area are not required to submit TOEFL scores.
Traditional/Seated/In-Person Classes
These are classes that utilize in-person instruction for 100% of the contact hours of the course. Most of the time these courses will only use section identifiers for time and location (if taught at a campus other than the Victoria Rd location) in their course section code. To learn more about course section codes and identifiers, visit abtech.edu/registration/course-section-identifiers
Trailblazers/Trailblazer Bear
A-B Tech’s school mascot.
Trailhead
An A-B Tech online tool where students go to complete New Student Orientation online, Moodle Online Orientation, and Fast Track to Online Learning. Trailhead can be accessed by clicking the "Student Orientations" link in the "Online Services" menu at the top of A-B Tech’s website, abtech.edu.
Transfer Credit
Coursework completed at another regionally accredited college that is similar in nature, credit/contact hours, and level of instruction to A-B Tech. Courses will be evaluated for transfer credit when an official transcript is submitted to the Records and Registration Office.
Transfer Programs
Two-year Associate’s Degree programs that allow students, upon graduation, to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a Bachelor’s Degree. A-B Tech’s transfer programs are Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), Associate in Engineering (A.E.), and Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.).
Tuition
The total cost of the classes for which a student has registered. Tuition is charged by credit hour for credit classes. There are two tuition rates: in-state and out-of-state. These rates are charged based on a student’s legal residence (with certain exceptions provided by law).
Tuition Refund
A return payment made back to the student if classes are dropped within a specific timeframe. Full tuition and fees refunds are made if classes are dropped or cancelled prior to first day of the term; for example, if a minimester class starts on Oct. 16, the class can be dropped through Oct. 15 for a full refund. 75% tuition refunds are available only for classes dropped prior to the official 10% point of the term. These dates are published in the Student Handbook.
Tutoring
A service provided to students intended to provide additional assistance or instruction in a specific subject. A-B Tech’s Academic Learning Center offers free tutoring services to students in Math and English, the Writing Center offers free tutoring in writing, and a free service called SMARTHINKING offers online tutoring in Math, Accounting, Science, and Business.
Unclassified Student
A student enrolling in classes for personal interest with no plans to complete a certificate, diploma or degree. New Curriculum students are automatically considered Unclassified until they officially declare a major. Unclassified students are not eligible for financial aid and may need special permission for certain classes.
Unofficial Transcript
An unofficial record of a student’s academic history that contains all courses taken at A-B Tech. Unofficial transcripts can be viewed and printed through an active student’s A-B Tech Self-Service account. An unofficial transcript is not stamped and/or marked “Official” and is not enclosed in a sealed envelope. Most colleges require an Official Transcript for transferring credits.
Unsubsidized Loan
A loan for which the borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest regardless of the loan status. Interest on unsubsidized loans accrues from the date of disbursement and continues throughout the life of the loan.
Vehicle Registration
All motor vehicles operated on campus must be registered with the College. All faculty and staff, Curriculum students, and those Continuing Education students taking classes for two weeks or longer are required to register their vehicle and obtain a parking decal.
Verification
The financial aid process used to confirm that the data reported on your FAFSA is accurate. If you’re selected for verification, you’ll receive an e-mail (to your student e-mail account) requesting additional documentation. You’ll need to provide this documentation to the Financial Aid Office in the Bailey Student Services Building as soon as possible, so we can determine your eligibility for financial assistance. We can’t determine your eligibility for financial assistance until all of your requested documentation has been turned in.
Victoria Road Campus
The main A-B Tech campus located at 340 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801.
Wait List
A list of students who meet the admissions requirements for a course that is currently full. Students on a wait list will be offered a seat in a course only if space becomes available in that course. Waitlisted students are notified through their A-B Tech student email account if space opens up in the course for which they’re waitlisted.
Warning (Academic)
Results from failing to maintain a semester GPA of 2.0 during any semester.
WebAdvisor
An A-B Tech online tool where students go to update contact information, view 1098-T forms, and change their academic program. WebAdvisor can be accessed by clicking the "WebAdvisor" link in the "Online Services" menu at the top of A-B Tech’s website, abtech.edu.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
The federal program that provides loans to eligible student and parent borrowers under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Funds are provided by the federal government to eligible borrowers through participating schools.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal from a class is done after the"Drop /Add period," but before the "last day to withdraw." The deadline for withdrawing is listed in the Student Handbook. A grade of W will appear on the transcript, and a withdrawal will not affect GPA, but it will affect overall completion/pass rate, which could also affect financial aid. Refunds are not available when withdrawing from a course. (Do not confusing "Withdrawing" with "Dropping.")
Withdrawal Period
Period of time after the Drop/Add period, but well into the semester, when a student may withdraw from a class. Refer to the Drop and Withdrawal Deadlines article at info.abtech.edu/article.php?id=378 or the Student Handbook for each semester’s first and last day to withdraw. Withdraw dates will differ for classes that meet less than the entire semester. (Do not confusing "Withdrawing" with "Dropping.")
Work Study
A federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school to help pay your education expenses.
Writing Center
An office in the Locke (Library) Building, room 125, that helps Curriculum students with planning, organizing, drafting, and revising papers and reports. The Writing Center is also able to provide online tutoring services.
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