Academics & the Classroom
The Syllabus
The "Contract" for the class. It lists every due date, grading rule, and the professor’s contact info. If it’s not in here, it’s probably not happening.
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Aka The "Money Application." The form you fill out every year to see how much financial help you qualify for.
Student Organization
Any group students create around shared interests—academic, cultural, social, or just for fun.
Counseling Center
Professional support for stress, anxiety, depression, or life transitions.
Meal Plan
It’s the dining plan you choose that loads money or swipes onto your student account so you can eat on campus.
Credit Hour
The "Weight" of a class. Usually, 1 credit = 1 hour in class per week. Most students take 12–15 per semester to stay "Full-Time."
Grant
"Free Money." Financial aid you do not pay back.
Wolfpack Welcome Week
The "First Week Frenzy." A packed schedule of events before classes start designed to help you meet people, learn traditions, and not eat alone your first weekend.
Career Development Center
Help with resumes, internships, career fairs, and job searches.
Study Abroad
A program where you take NC State classes in a different country for a summer, semester, or short trip. You still earn credit toward your degree — you’re just doing it somewhere else in the world.
Office Hours
Dedicated "Drop-in" time. It’s not time the professor is busy in their office; it’s time they are required to sit there and help you. Use it!
Student Loan
Money you borrow for school that you must pay back later, usually with interest.
Greek Life
Fraternities and sororities that focus on friendship, service, and networking (plus social events).
Academic Success Center
A place on campus where you can get free tutoring, study help, or skill workshops.
Hold
A "Red Light" on your account. If you owe $5 or forgot a vaccine shot, the school puts a "Hold" on you, which stops you from picking classes or getting transcripts.
Prereq
A "Gatekeeper" class. You have to pass Class A before they let you sign up for Class B.
Work-Study
Part of your financial aid. You get a job on campus, and the government pays your wages instead of the school.
RA
Your "Live-in Resource." They aren't just there to catch people breaking rules; they are trained to help you fix roommate drama or find a club.
Disability Resource Office
Provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Cost of Attendance
The school’s estimate of what one year really costs—tuition, housing, food, books, and more.
The Registrar
The "Record Keeper." This is the office that handles your official grades, transcripts, and proves to the world that you are actually a student.
FAFSA Verification
Sometimes the government picks a student to prove the numbers on their FAFSA are real. It doesn't mean you did anything wrong.
MyPack Portal
The online system where you register for classes, check your bill, accept financial aid, and handle most official school business.
Pack Assist
The online portal where students can search/apply for scholarships. You fill complete one application, and it matches you to opportunities you might qualify for.
Refund
The "Leftover Money." If your aid is more than your bill, the extra gets sent to you—but it’s meant for school expenses.