Enrolment Glossary

Class

A teaching activity within a course, such as a lecture, tutorial, seminar, workshop, practical, or online activity. Each class is identified by a unique class number, and a component (e.g. lecture, tutorial) may have multiple classes available for enrolment. When enrolling, you select the required class or classes for each course to build your timetable.

Class clash

A timetable conflict that occurs when classes you have selected overlap in time. To resolve the clash, select an alternative class that does not conflict with your other scheduled classes.

Class number

The unique numerical ID assigned to a specific class within a study period. Recording the class numbers from your timetable planner makes it easier to quickly locate and select your preferred classes when enrolment opens. You can use class numbers to enrol, starting with the class number of the enrolment class.

Commencing student

A student starting a program at the University for the first time. Before enrolling, commencing students need to complete extra setup steps, like activating their account and finishing the enrolment checklist. For some purposes (such as scholarships and government forms), you may still be classified as commencing for up to a year after you start.

Common Core

University-wide, interdisciplinary courses that build future-focused capabilities valued by employers and communities. Most undergraduate students complete one Common Core course each year.

Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)

An official notice setting out details of your enrolment, your student contribution or tuition fees, any HELP debt you've taken on, and payments made towards them. You'll receive one if you have a Commonwealth supported place or a HELP loan.

Commonwealth Supported Student

A student in a Commonwealth supported place, where the government contributes towards your course costs. You pay a student contribution amount rather than full tuition fees, plus the student services and amenities fee.

Component

Components are the types of classes that make up a course (e.g. lecture, tutorial, workshop, practical etc).

Computer Practical

A computer practical takes place in a computer pool, and may consist of a brief presentation by the lecturer or tutor followed by students completing exercises on computer. Computer practicals provide opportunities for interaction and discussion with the lecturer or tutor and fellow students.

Conditional CoE

A Confirmation of Enrolment issued with conditions you must still meet (for example, providing further documents) before it becomes unconditional.

Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

An official document Adelaide University issues to international students to confirm their enrolment, as required by the Australian Government for student visa holders. Its cancellation can affect your visa.

Continuing student

A student progressing in a program they're already enrolled in. Continuing students skip the first-time setup steps and can usually enrol as soon as enrolment opens. Someone who is starting after first year of study.

Core Course

A compulsory course that builds the essential knowledge and skills required for your program.

Co-requisite

A course you must complete before or at the same time as another course (unless you've already completed it), because the two are designed to be studied together. Corequisites are listed on the course home page.

Course

An individual subject of study with its own learning outcomes and assessment. Courses combine to make up your program. A course is identified by a course name (e.g. Chemistry 101) and a subject area and catalogue number (e.g. CHEM 1007). Courses are usually 6 units, and a full-time student will usually enrol in four courses per half year of study.

Course outline

A detailed guide to how a course is delivered, including its learning activities, assessment requirements and other expectations for students.

Course page

The webpage for a specific course, showing information such as its content, learning outcomes, prerequisites, assessment and availability, including scheduled classes.

Credit

Credit Precedent

Established when a specific course at another institution has been approved for credit for a course in a specific Adelaide University program. In this case credit can be approved without re-assessment. Providing there are no changes to courses, credit precedents are normally valid for 3 years. 

Credit transfer

If you've studied before (at another institution or in a different Adelaide University program), you may be granted credit for that study, so it counts toward your new program.

Cross-Institutional Study

Approved study of a course at another institution that counts towards your degree. Your Program Director would need to approve this.

Degree

Your qualification, at undergrad or above. AU also offers sub-degree qualifications; sometimes all qualifications offered at AU may be called "programs."

Degree Structure

The section of your degree page that sets out the courses required for your program, including the electives you can choose from. It includes study plans, rules and notes, and enrolment advice.

Directed Study

A directed study is a course in which a student works under the direction of an academic on a subject area relevant to their program, and in which they have a particular interest.

Elective/Selective

A course you choose as part of the flexible component of your program. Depending on your program requirements, this may be a program elective or a university-wide elective.

Enrol by Date

The date you need to enrol by. This is different for each study period. Check the academic calendar for your study period. Enrolments after this date, and up to the census date, will need to be approved by the Course Coordinator and processed by Student Assist.

Enrolment

The process of officially registering in your courses and classes for a study period.

Enrolment advice

Guidance on which courses to take and in what order, found via the Enrolment Advice link in myEnrolment, or in the Enrolment Information section of your degree page.

Enrolment checklist

A set of steps in myEnrolment providing and confirming your personal details. You must complete it before you can enrol, so it's best done before enrolments open. It is completed once per year and ensures the University keeps your personal details up to date.

Enrolment class

An enrolment class is the first class you enrol in for a particular course. There may be multiple enrolment classes to choose between. All other components will be related to the enrolment class and will display once you select your enrolment class.

Enrolment Confirmation Notice (ECN)

A notice confirming the course(s) you're enrolled in, your enrolment load, the census date, your liability status, and any outstanding debt.

Expulsion

Expulsion means the cancellation of enrolment of a student of Adelaide University or a Legacy University and termination of all rights and privileges as a student of Adelaide University including the right to re-enrol as a student and right to enter or to be on Adelaide University grounds or premises.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is completed in an organisation or environment outside the University. The focus is on linking what is learnt in class with what is seen, collected, and tested in the field. Aims of fieldwork may include observing principles learnt in class, applying acquired knowledge in real life situations and collecting information to be used in class.

Full-time load

The standard annual full-time load is 48 units or 1.0 EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Student Load). A student undertaking at least 75% of a full-time load for the academic year will be full-time for that year. A student who is undertaking at least 75% of a full-time load, for either the first half or second half of the year, will be full-time for that half year.

Full-time student

A full-time student is undertaking at least 75% of a full-time load in an academic program. If a student is undertaking at least 75% of a full-time load for either the first half or second half of the year, they will be full-time for that half year. The normal annual full-time load is 36 units.

Leave of Absence

An approved break from your studies for a set period, after which you return to your program.

Lecture

A lecture is a formal presentation by an academic staff member, usually to a large number of students. Opportunities for discussion are generally limited.

Major

A structured sequence of undergraduate courses that develops depth of knowledge and expertise in a particular study area. Majors usually appear on your academic transcript and parchment and show your area of specialisation. Not all degrees offer majors.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

A login security step that requires a second form of verification (via an authenticator app such as Okta Verify) in addition to your password.

myAdelaide / Student Portal

The online student portal where you access University systems and services, including myEnrolment.

myEnrolment

Adelaide University's online enrolment system. You use it to complete your checklist, manage your enrolment, select classes, and view your timetable.

Non-Award

Enrolment in courses that don't count towards a program. Non-award study attracts tuition fees and isn't eligible for Commonwealth support.

Online

A course delivered externally where all communication and access to/distribution of learning resources occurs electronically, usually via the internet.

Override

A request to enrol in a course/class that is not available via the myEnrolment system. The class might be full, clash with your other enrolments or may be restricted to students in a particular program or career.

Part-time student

A part-time student is a student undertaking less than the load specified for full-time status.

Personalised study plan

A study plan tailored to your individual circumstances — for example if you've transitioned from foundation university, have credit, or have received specific advice from your Program Director or Student Assist that requires a new study plan required for you.

Plan

An academic plan is the area of specialisation within an academic program. For example, Applied Geology within the Bachelor of Applied Science, or International Business within a Bachelor of Business.

Practical

A practical is a learning opportunity that involves a brief presentation by the lecturer or tutor, followed by students participating in various exercises or experiments. Practicals provide opportunities for interaction and discussion.

Preclusion

The cancellation of your enrolment in a program, together with a ban on re-enrolling in that same program for two years. Preclusion of a student from a program means cancellation of that student's enrolment and prohibition from re-enrolment in that program for two years.

Prerequisite

A course you must successfully complete before enrolling in another course because it provides required knowledge or skills. Check the course page for prerequisites when planning your classes. Prerequisites are listed on the course home page.

Principal Program

Where your student visa covers more than one program, this is your highest — and usually final — program of study.

Program

The overall set of courses and requirements you are admitted to and complete to earn your qualification, such as a bachelor degree. Your program defines which courses are core, where you have choices, and how many you need to pass.

Program code

A five digit alpha code used to identify an academic program on the University's record system, e.g. BARTS.

Program Director

The academic leader of the program of study who's responsible for the oversight of learning and progress. They may give you specific enrolment advice or a personalised study plan.

Program Elective

A course you choose from a defined list of options approved for your program, major or specialisation.

Quota / Sub-Quotas

A cap on the number of places in a program. Sub-quotas split those places into categories (such as Year 12, higher education, or TAFE) so you compete against applicants with a comparable qualification type.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The process of assessing your relevant prior learning — formal, informal, or non-formal — to determine credit that may be granted towards your Adelaide University award program.

Related Classes

The different class types that make up a single course — for example a lecture and a tutorial — where you select one of each type. In some cases you may be automatically enrolled into a particular related class that is associated with the enrolment class you selected.

Requirement Group

A rule reserving certain class seats for particular groups of students. You may see a message that available seats are reserved, meaning those spaces aren't open to you.

Selective

A course you choose from a specified group of options to meet a particular requirement of your program, major or specialisation.

Seminar

A seminar consists of a small group of students and usually runs for 1-3 hours. A seminar may include a presentation by the lecturer or tutor, or by a group of students. Students are expected to prepare for and participate actively in seminars by giving a paper, answering questions or discussing subject matter in small groups.

Specialisation

A structured sequence of postgraduate courses that develops advanced knowledge and expertise in a particular study area.

Standard study plan

The default study plan that applies to your circumstances (such as part-time study), unless you've been given a personalised plan or specific enrolment advice. Found on your degree page or through myEnrolment.

Student

Anyone enrolled at Adelaide University — in an enabling program, award or non-award study, a research program, or a short course or microcredential.

Student Assist

The University's support service for anything holding up your enrolment — account holds, course clashes, credit transfer, or visa rules affecting your study load. Available Monday to Friday, 8:30am–6:00pm.

Student ID

Your unique University identifier, sent in your Welcome email and used to activate your account and log in to University systems.

Student visa

The visa international students hold to study in Australia. It depends on a valid Confirmation of Enrolment, so changes to your CoE can affect it.

Study load

The total amount of study you are enrolled in for a given study period or year, measured in units. Your study load determines whether you are considered full-time or part-time.

Study period

The time over which a course runs — the umbrella term covering semesters, terms, trimesters, and intensives. You enrol in courses for the study periods that make up your academic year, and select the correct one in myEnrolment. A study period includes reading, preparation, induction and orientation, contact hours (or teaching period) and assessment; it does not necessarily include supplementary or deferred assessment, which may be scheduled outside of the study period.

Study plan

A personalised list of the courses you need to complete for your program, in suggested order. Commencing students can find a standard study plan on their program page; transitioning students should use the personalised study plan they were sent. In myEnrolment, 'My Enrolment Advice' shows your plan so you know what to enrol in for each study period.

Subject area and catalogue number

The subject area and catalogue number is a four letter code plus a number (1-4 digits in length), which identifies an individual course, e.g. BIOL 1033.

Suspension

The cancellation of your enrolment and the pausing of your student rights for a set time, including the right to re-enrol or to be on University premises.

Tax File Number (TFN)

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique number issued to you by the Australian Taxation Office. It works much the same as an ID number. You will need to have a TFN if you intend to apply for Commonwealth assistance (HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP), and also if you wish to work in paid employment. If you are in the process of obtaining your TFN, or you do not have your TFN with you, you can still continue to enrol. If you wish to access HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP you must return to myEnrolment to enter your TFN before the census date. If you are eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP and do not pay your student contribution amount or provide your TFN by the census date, your enrolment will be cancelled.

Term / Semester

Specific types of study period in which courses are taught, enrolment happens, and fees are charged. The exact periods can vary depending on your area of study.

Timetable

The schedule of your classes. After checking your study plan, you plan your timetable by choosing the class times that suit you, then enrol.

Timetable planner

A downloadable tool (PDF or Excel) for building a draft timetable, spotting clashes early, and noting the class numbers you'll need when enrolment opens.

Transitioning student

A student moving across to Adelaide University from the University of Adelaide or UniSA. Transitioning students may follow a personalised study plan and log in to the study plan app with their existing credentials.

Tutorial

A tutorial is a class of between 5-30 students in which students discuss key topics, concepts and ideas with their tutors. Tutorials are closely linked to assessment and often involve small group discussions and group work. All students are expected to prepare for tutorials and participate actively in class discussions. Tutorials often complement lectures and generally run for 1-2 hours.

University wide elective

An open or free elective that allows you to choose from a broad range of courses across the University, provided the course fits your program requirements and you meet any prerequisites, restrictions and other enrolment conditions.

Unsatisfactory Academic Progress

A status applied when you're not passing key parts of your program - for example, failing a course for the second time, or failing 50% or more of your courses in a review period.

Welcome email

The email sent to new students containing the Student ID needed to activate your account.

Withdrawal date

The withdrawal date follows the census date, and is the last day on which you can withdraw from a course and have it recorded as 'withdrawn' (W) on your academic record. The full cost of tuition fees and student contribution amounts are charged for all withdrawals made after the census date, including up to and after the withdrawal date. A 'W' grade does not contribute towards the calculation of your grade point average (GPA).

Withdrawal-fail date

The withdrawal-fail date follows the withdrawal date, and is the last day on which you can withdraw from a course and have it recorded as 'withdrawn-fail' (WF) on your academic record. The full cost of tuition fees and student contribution amounts are charged for all withdrawals made after the census date, including up to and after the withdrawal-fail date. A 'WF' notation contributes a grade point of 1.5 towards the calculation of your grade point average (GPA).

Workshop

A workshop usually involves a short introduction in which a specific problem is identified and presented to students by the lecturer or tutor. This is followed by discussion and activities in which students work collaboratively to investigate, analyse and formulate a solution to the problem. Outcomes may be presented by groups or by individual students at the completion of the workshop.