Common Cobber Lingo

In an attempt to help parents understand the terminology used by Cobbers we created this directory of terms that a student might use while talking to their parents.

Academic Year- The Academic year is divided into four semesters; Fall, Spring, May, and Summer. At Concordia the calendar usually follows this outline: Fall semester takes place from late August-mid December. Spring semester is from Early January-early May. May semester is early May-Early June. The summer semester is from early June- mid July

Academic Probation- A student not meeting the minimum requirements for academic progress set forth in the college catalog may be subject to academic probation. Commonly this requires frequent visits to a tutor and occasional suspension from college if tangible progress is not made.

Baccalaureate degree- More commonly known as the Bachelor's degree is a college degree granted in a specific field of study. At Concordia the most common degree is a Baccalaureate of Arts (B.A. degree) although Concordia does offer Baccalaureate of Music Degrees as well.

Catalog- Concordia produces a yearly catalog that outlines the different majors and minors offered by the college. The catalog also outlines the core curriculum that is required for graduation.

Cobber- A cobber is any Concordia student, alumni, faculty or staff. The name "Cobber" originated from the corn fields that used to surround Concordia's campus.

Core curriculum- The courses you are required to take in order to graduate, regardless of major. Information about the Core can be found in the registrar's office or from your academic advisor.

Credo- An academic honors program offered at Concordia.

Dean's List-Students who excel in their courses are named to an honor roll at the end of each semester. In order to receive this distinction, students must be attending full time, complete a minimum of 3.0 course credits and earn a GPA of 3.7 or above for the semester.

Elective- An elective is a course that a student chooses to take outside of her major field of study. An elective can be in an area of interest to the student or in an area that complements the student's major.

GPA- The grade point average, GPA, is the numerical grading system used by most colleges in the United States. A students GPA determines her eligibility for continued enrollment, financial aid, the Deans List, and honors. At Concordia the system is set up so that:A=4.0 A-=3.7 B+=3.3 B=3.0 B-= 2.7 C+=2.3 C=2.0 C-=1.7 D+= 1.3 D=1.0 D-=0.7 F=0.0

Kernel Cobb- Kernel Cobb is Concordia's fearless mascot. Kernel Cobb can be found at just about any big campus event. Kernel Cobb has also had the privilege of being considered one of the top 10 college mascots by ESPN.

Major- A student's field of specialized study.

May Semester- Concordia College offers May semester courses on campus, and many exploration seminars abroad during this time.

Minor- A collection of courses a student takes in a specific field of study to supplement to the students Major.

Syllabus- A document, usually one or more pages, distributed to students by the professor. Generally it encompasses the professor's expectations and class requirements.

Tri-College University- Tri-College is a credit trading program set up by the three major colleges in the Fargo- Moorhead area. With Tri-College a Cobber can take courses not offered at Concordia at either MSUM or NDSU without having to enroll with that college.

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students