A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Academic Calendar
A schedule of important dates for a college, including the start and end of classes, holidays, and deadlines.
AP4ME
AP4ME offers Maine high school students throughout the state the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in an online-asynchronous format. Students are not awarded University of Maine System credit as a result of AP4ME course participation. For students to receive future college credit via CollegeBoard, students must complete the AP Exam. Learn more on our AP4ME page.
Application Deadline
The last date students can submit a completed application to be considered for a course. Applications received after this date will be marked “Late Application” and the application will not be processed. The application deadline is always 1 week before the start of the session/semester.
Note: An application is only considered complete when all required information and approvals have been submitted. See the Completed Application definition for full details.
Learn more about application requirements and deadlines on our ExplorEC Portal Page.
Application Not Processed – See Notes
The application was not processed by the Early College staff for rationale that is specified in the note section for the student and high school counselor. Learn more on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
Applied
The student has submitted an application to take a course. The next step is for the school counselor to review the application and for a parent/guardian to sign the consent form. Learn more on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
Approved-Pending Registration
The school counselor has approved the application, and it has been sent to the Early College office. The student is not yet registered for the course. Required items— such as prerequisite documentation, parent/guardian consent, and/or the signed student agreement may still be missing. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Learn more on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
Aspirations Program
The Aspirations Program ensures that participating students have opportunities to explore or begin a post-secondary degree or certificate while still in high school. To be eligible, students must be a publicly funded student or a registered home instruction student and meet certain general and academic requirements. The participating institutions must have course space available and may require prerequisite courses for enrollment. The Aspirations Program is funded by the Maine Legislature and authorized under Title 20-A, Chapter 208-A. Learn more about the Aspirations program on the Maine DOE website and our Tuition and Fees Page.
Asynchronous
A course where students complete work on your own schedule (no required live class time), but you are still expected to stay on track and meet all deadlines set by your professor. Learn more about course modalities on our Course Information Page.
B
Bridge Academy
A program that helps students transition from high school to college by building academic and college-readiness skills. Learn more on the Bridge Academy Maine Page (External Site).
Brightspace
An online learning platform where students access your courses materials, assignments, grades, and communicate with your instructor. Learn more about Brightspace the Preparing for Your Course Section in our Step-By-Step Guide for Students.
C
Campus
A physical college location where classes and services are offered.
Cancelled
A course that will not run as scheduled, often due to low enrollment or other circumstances. Learn more on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
College
A school where you can take courses after high school to earn a degree or certificate.
Complete Application
An application that includes all required information and is ready for review by the Early College office.
A completed application includes the following:
- Student signature
- Parent/guardian consent
- School counselor or homeschool parent approval
- Prerequisite documentation (if necessary), which may include:
- Placement test results
- Transcripts (for courses completed outside of the University of Maine System, for first-time homeschooled students applying to certain campuses, or if requested)
- AP exam results
- SAT/ACT scores
- Any other course specific requirements
Learn more about application requirements and deadlines on our ExplorEC Portal Page.
Concurrent Enrollment
A type of dual enrollment where students take a college course at their high school, taught by a college-approved high school teacher, and earn official college credit.
Condensed Session Course
A course taught in a shorter time frame (such as 4–8 weeks) instead of a full semester. Students cover the same material as a 15-week course, but at a faster pace, which requires a higher weekly time commitment. Early College students are not permitted to enroll in 3-week courses.
Typical weekly workload:
- 15-week course: approximately 9–12 hours per week
- 6–7 week course: approximately 18–22 hours per week
Core Course
A required course that is part of a degree or program.
Corequisite
A course you must take at the same time as another course.
Course Catalog
A list of all courses offered by a college, including descriptions and requirements.
Course Evaluation
A survey students complete to give feedback about a course and instructor.
Course Levels
The difficulty level of a course, typically indicated by the course number. Lower-level courses (100-level) are usually introductory and designed for students new to a subject. Mid-level courses (200-level) build on foundational knowledge and may require prior coursework. Higher-level courses (300–400 level) are more advanced and often require prerequisites and a deeper understanding of the subject.
Credit
A unit that shows how much a course is worth toward a degree.
Credit Hour
A standard measurement of course time, usually based on hours spent in class per week.
D
Drop
A student officially stops taking a course by submitting a drop/withdrawal request in ExplorEC on or before the drop deadline. Dropped courses will not appear on the student’s transcript. For students eligible for Aspirations funding, the program will not be billed for the credits, so the course will not count toward the student’s lifetime cap of 18 credits. Self-pay students will not be responsible for payment. Learn more in the Dropping/Withdrawing from Your Course Section in our Step-By-Step Guide for Students and on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
Drop Deadline
The last day that a student can drop a course without the course appearing on their transcript. Learn more in the Dropping/Withdrawing from Your Course Section in our Step-By-Step Guide for Students.
Drop/Withdrawal-Bill
A student officially stops taking a course by submitting a drop/withdraw request in ExplorEC after the drop deadline has passed, but before the withdrawal deadline. The course will appear on the student’s transcript, and the student will receive a W (Withdraw) grade. For students eligible for Aspirations funding, the program will be billed for the credits, which will count toward the student’s lifetime cap of 18 credits. Self-pay students will still be responsible for their bill. If you have billing questions, then contact the host campus for more information. Learn more in the Dropping/Withdrawing from Your Course Section in our Step-By-Step Guide for Students or on on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
Dual Enrollment (Early College)
A program that allows high school students to take college courses and earn both high school and college credit at the same time.
E
Early College (Dual Enrollment)
A program that allows high school students to take college courses and earn both high school and college credit at the same time.
Elective
An elective is a course students choose to take that is not required for a specific program. Most college programs include space for electives, allowing students to explore personal interests, try new subjects, or take courses that support their academic or career goals.
Equivalent Course
A course that is considered the same as another course at a different school. Learn more about transfer equivalency information on our Course Information Page.
ExplorEC
The University of Maine System’s Early College’s (UMS) online application portal is used by high school students to apply for college courses at the University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, University of Maine at Augusta, University of Maine at Presque Isle, University of Maine at Fort Kent, and University of Maine at Farmington. Students use ExplorEC to search for courses, submit applications, track their application status, and request drops or withdrawals.
ExplorEC works together with OnCourse, the Maine Community College System’s (MCCS) application portal, as part of a shared system. The key difference is that students must apply for UMS courses in ExplorEC and MCCS courses in OnCourse, and complete the required student and parent/guardian consent forms in each system. Together, these portals coordinate enrollment and communication between students, high schools, and colleges/universities.
Learn more about ExplorEC on the UMS ExplorEC Portal Page and the ExplorEC Portal Guided Video Tutorials Page.
Learn about OnCourse on the MCCS OnCourse Resources Page.
Use the following links to access the application portals: ExplorEC | OnCourse
F
Faculty/Professor
The instructor who teaches the college course.
Fee
A charge for a service or course, separate from tuition.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
A federal law that protects student privacy as a college student. Once students are registered for an Early College course, the grades and school information belong to them—not their parents. If students want a parent or guardian to have access to their information, they must give permission by completing an optional FERPA release form in ExplorEC. Learn more on our ExplorEC Consent Language Page.
First-Generation College Student
A student whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college degree.
G
Gen Eds or General Education Courses
Courses that cover a wide range of subjects (like math, writing, science) required for most degrees.
Grades
A letter that is used to show how well students performed in a course. Each grade represents a range of achievement and is usually tied to a grade point value. Learn more on the Standard University of Maine System Grading Designations Page & Grades & Course Retake Policy Page.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
A number that represents your average grades for courses taken at a specific college or university. If you take Early College courses at multiple campuses, each campus calculates its own GPA—your GPA is not combined across all campuses. Learn more on our Grades & Course Retake Policy Page.
H
I
J
K
L
Late Application
Course application was submitted and/or completed after the deadline and will not be processed by college/university. Learn more on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
Lecture
A class where the instructor presents information to students.
Liberal Arts
A broad area of study including subjects like humanities, social sciences, and sciences.
M
MaineStreet
MaineStreet is the official secure student information system and portal for the University of Maine System (UMS). It serves as the central hub for students, faculty, and staff to manage academic records, view grades, request transcripts, pay bills, and manage personal data. Learn more about MaineStreet on our Step-By-Step Guide Page.
Major
The main subject that students study once they enroll in college.
Matriculate
To officially enroll in a college as a degree-seeking student.
Midterm
An exam or evaluation given in the middle of a course.
Minor
A secondary area of study in addition to a major that students study once they enroll in college.
Modality
The format of a course (online, in-person, hybrid, etc.). Learn more about course modalities on our Course Information Page.
N
NACEP or National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships
The national accrediting body for concurrent enrollment partnerships, ensuring courses taught in high schools mirror those on college campuses or online. Learn more by reviewing the NACEP National Standards of Quality.
NetTutor
NetTutor is an online tutoring service we provide for FREE to Early College students. You can log on for 1-on-1 video tutoring, submit a simple question, or get a paper reviewed. Available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Learn more on our NetTutor Page.
Not Approved
The school counselor has denied the application. It will not be sent to the college or university for registration. Learn more on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
O
Office Hours
Times when instructors are available to help students outside of class. These are typically listed in the course syllabus, in Brightspace, or on the department or faculty webpage.
Office of Student Records (Registrar’s Office)
The office that manages transcripts, enrollment, and academic records.
OnCourse
The Maine Community College System’s (MCCS) Early College online application portal is used by high school students to apply for college courses at Maine’s Community Colleges. Students use OnCourse to search for courses, submit applications, track their application status, and request drops or withdrawals.
OnCourse works together with ExplorEC, the University of Maine System’s (UMS) application portal, as part of a shared system. The key difference is that students must apply for MCCS courses in OnCourse and UMS courses in ExplorEC, and complete the required student and parent/guardian consent forms in each system. Together, these portals coordinate enrollment and communication between students, high schools, and colleges/universities.
Learn about OnCourse on the MCCS OnCourse Resources Page.
Learn more about ExplorEC on the UMS ExplorEC Portal Page and the ExplorEC Portal Guided Video Tutorials Page.
Use the following links to access the application portals: ExplorEC | OnCourse
Orientation
A program that introduces new students to college systems and expectations.
P
Parental Consent
Permission from a parent or guardian that allows students to take Early College courses. By giving consent, they agree that students can enroll in college classes and understand the expectations, rules, and responsibilities that come with being an Early College student. Learn more on our ExplorEC Consent Language Page.
Pass/Fail Course
A course where students receive a “Pass” or “Fail” instead of a letter grade. Because these courses are not transferable, Early College students cannot take them.
Pathway
A group of college courses designed around a specific career field or area of study. Pathways help students explore their interests, connect courses to future goals, and build a plan with purpose while taking Early College classes. Learn more on our Career Pathways Page.
Placement Test
A test used to determine the correct course level for a student. Most often used for math classes.
Plagiarism
Using someone else’s work or ideas without giving credit. Learn more by reviewing the UMS Academic Integrity Policy.
Postsecondary Education
Education after high school, including college or university.
Prerequisite
A course students must complete before taking another course.
Q
R
Registered
Successfully registered with the college/university. Learn more on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
Registrar (Office of Student Records)
The office that manages transcripts, enrollment, and academic records.
S
Section is Full
Please apply for a new course or contact the host campus for more information. The course has reached its maximum number of students. Learn more on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
Self-Pay
When a student is responsible for paying tuition and fees. The student either does not qualify for the Aspirations Waiver or the student has exceeded their lifetime limit of 18 tuition-free credits. Learn more on our Tuition and Fees Page.
Semester
A term of study, usually lasting about 15–16 weeks.
Student Agreement
A form students sign to confirm that they understand and agree to the expectations of the Early College program. By signing, students agree to follow college rules, take responsibility for their courses, and understand things like grades, deadlines, and how information may be shared. Learn more on our ExplorEC Consent Language Page.
Support Services
Resources like tutoring, advising, and counseling available to students. Learn more on our Campus Specific Resources Page and our NetTutor Page.
Syllabus
A document that outlines course expectations, assignments, and policies.
Synchronous
A course with required live sessions with student attendance online or in-person at specific times. Learn more about course modalities on our Course Information Page.
T
Transcript
An official record of the courses taken and grades earned. Learn more about transcripts and how to request them on our Early College Transcripts Page.
Tuition
The cost of taking a course. Learn more on our Tuition and Fees Page.
Tutor
A person who helps students understand course material. Learn more on our Campus Specific Resources Page and our NetTutor Page.
U
Undergraduate
A student who is enrolled in college and working toward a college degree (such as an associate or bachelor’s degree).
University
A higher education institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.
University of Maine System (UMS) Portal
The portal is a secure, single sign-on platform providing students, faculty, and staff access to essential technology services, including MaineStreet (student records), Brightspace (online learning), and @maine.edu gmail account. Learn more about the UMS Campus Portal on our Step-By-Step Guide Page.
V
W
Waitlisted
The course is currently full and no seats are available. The student has been added to the course waitlist. The student will only be registered if a spot becomes available. Learn more on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
Web/Online
A course completed over the internet. Learn more about course modalities on our Course Information Page.
Withdraw
A student officially stops taking a course by submitting a drop/withdrawal request in ExplorEC after the drop deadline has passed, but before the withdrawal deadline. The course will appear on the student’s transcript, and the student will receive a W (Withdraw) grade. For students eligible for Aspirations funding, the program will not be billed for the credits, so the course will not count toward the student’s lifetime cap of 18 credits. Self-pay students will not be responsible for payment. Learn more in the Dropping/Withdrawing from Your Course Section in our Step-By-Step Guide for Students and on our ExplorEC Status Definitions, Automated Emails, and Consent Language Page.
Withdrawal Deadline
The last day a student can withdraw from a course and get a W (Withdraw) grade on their transcript. Learn more in the Dropping/Withdrawing from Your Course Section in our Step-By-Step Guide for Students.