Not all schools require a minor, even if they require students to choose a major. Practicum -A course or program that covers a specialized topic in depth. In some cases, this word refers to work-study arrangements that earn college credit. Prerequisite -A preparatory course that students are usually required to complete before they can register for another course. Probation -A formal notice that a student's grade point average or conduct is not acceptable to the school's administration.
Probation usually amounts to a warning-and a request that students raise their academic performance.
Students who fail to do so may eventually be suspended or dismissed from school. Quarter -A term that describes a common length of courses offered by a school. Quarters usually last about 10 weeks. In these schools, courses are offered four times a year, including summer session. Semesters often last about 14 weeks.