Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog
Other Common Terms
Major: A major is a program of study that offers both depth and breadth in a particular academic discipline. The requirements and the curriculum for a major are determined by the academic department offering the major.
Minor: A minor is an optional, secondary field of study for a degree seeking student.
Concentration: A concentration, or specialization that is a structured plan of study with a special focus within a major.
Remote Learning: More than 50 % of the class or program is synchronous, although there may be some asynchronous components as well.
Synchronous: Face-to-face instruction is achieved through real-time, two-way audiovisual technology.
Asynchronous: Instruction and coursework takes place at a time that best suits student’ s schedule, as long as student meets assignment deadlines and requirements.
Drop and Withdrawal: Dropping a course removes the course from the student’ s transcript. Withdrawing from a course keeps the course on the student’ s transcript with a“ W” grade.
Title IV / Financial Aid: The Title IV section of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is a legislative document signed into law on November 8, 1965, to provide educational resources to colleges and universities and financial assistance to students attending these institutions.
FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an application that is free of charge and used to establish a financial aid record for a particular aid year. Students who would like to receive Title IV funding must complete the application at studentaid. gov.
Financial Aid Verification: This federal regulatory process requires the Financial Aid Office to validate the income and housing information noted on the FAFSA. During this process, the student must submit various documents to confirm the data noted on the FAFSA. The Financial Aid Office will follow up directly with the student to complete this process.
R2T4( Return to Title IV): This federal regulatory process examines federal aid eligibility, federal aid received at time of withdrawal, withdrawal date, and period of enrollment / payment period to determine what aid a student who withdraws from the University can retain on their student account. During this process, a student’ s aid may be reduced and returned to the federal government in spite of any refunds being previously received by the student.
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