Glossary of Helpful DE Terms

Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar contains official dates and deadlines for the University, including holiday closings and add/drop deadlines.

AskTWU

AskTWU is a knowledgebase that you can type questions in relating to the University and have answers immediately returned. If your question is not in the knowledgebase, you will have the option to direct your question via email to the appropriate department.

Blackboard

Blackboard is the University’s online course management system, where online coursework takes place. You log-in to Blackboard with your Portal Username and Password.

Blended Course

A course that is a distance education course that requires mandatory, face-to-face meetings. However, the majority of it is online.

Bursar’s Office

The Bursar’s Office is where tuition and fee information is disclosed and payments are processed.  Same as Cashier’s Office.

Cashier’s Office

The Cashier’s Office is where tuition and fee information is disclosed and payments are processed.  Same as Bursar’s Office.

Degree Plan

A degree plan is completed by the student and his or her advisor, in order to outline what courses apply to the student’s degree.  A completed degree plan is necessary before applying for graduation.

Distance Education Course

A course is one in which over 50 percent of the instruction is delivered via satellite, compressed video, Internet, or other electronic means. All distance learning courses/programs are subject to the same academic standards as those offered on campus.

Drop

When a student drops a class (or classes) he or she is still enrolled in at least one other class.  Not the same as a withdrawal.

Help Desk

The Help Desk provides technical support by phone, email, or live chat.  

ID Card

ID cards identify students by name, ID number, and picture.  ID cards also serve as library cards, and in the case of an on-campus resident, a meal card.  Same as Pioneer Card.

Office of Lifelong Learning

The Office of Lifelong Learning is made up of two units – Continuing Education and Distance Education. Continuing Education sponsors non-credit workshops and events for people to enhance their skills. Distance Education provides academic support for students who take distance education classes and for the faculty who teach them.

Pioneer Card

Pioneer cards identify students by name, ID number, and picture.  Pioneer cards also serve as library cards, and, in the case of an on-campus resident, a meal card.  Same as ID card.

Pioneer Portal

Pioneer Portal is the University’s official computer system, where student account information is stored.  A variety of student services are available through Pioneer Portal.

Unofficial Transcript

An unofficial transcript is one that is accessible by the student through his or her Pioneer Portal account.  It does not need to be requested through the Registrar’s Office, and does not cost a fee.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal from the University is when a student drops all of his or her classes for that particular semester.  Withdrawals are processed through the Office of Student Life.