For the most part, universities share in the terminology used to describe enrollment, employment, and indeed, all other facets of a university’s activities. However, there are nuances that are peculiar to each. The definitions that are presented here reflect the taxonomy used by the University of Pittsburgh, and as such are referenced here in the Fact Book.
Academic Rank
A categorization which includes: Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Instructor, Lecturer, and Other, with that last category used for faculty who are Librarians, Scholars, and Teachers.
Academic Year
This is the year that begins on September 1 and then ends on August 31. Comprising this twelve-month period is the Fall Term, which runs from late August to December; the Spring Term, which runs from January to April; and the Summer Term, which runs from May to August. Summer Sessions run concurrently with the Summer Term.
Campus
This is one of the five geographic locations of the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to the Pittsburgh Campus, the regional campuses of the University are located in: Johnstown, Greensburg, Titusville, and Bradford.
Certificate Category
Certificate programs are categorized respective to the academic level of the program. As such, they are referred to either as an Undergraduate Certificate or as a Graduate Certificate.
Certificate Program
An academic program whose completion is recognized by conferring upon the student an award referred to as a certificate.
College In High School
A program in which high school students take University of Pittsburgh classes but receive instruction at their high school.
Cooperative Education Program
A program in which students from other colleges and universities may cross-register for classes at the University of Pittsburgh.
Degree Category
A degree classification which includes: Associate, Baccalaureate, Master's, Doctorate-Research/Scholarship, and Doctorate-Professional Practice.
Degree Program
An academic program whose completion is recognized by conferring upon the student an award referred to as a degree.
Degree Type
A specific degree within a degree category, for example: BA, MA, PhD, MD, and so on.
Fiscal Year
The year begins on July 1 and then ends on June 30.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Enrollment
A calculated number derived by adding the number of full-time students to 40 percent of the number of part-time students.
Instructional Faculty
University faculty associated with teaching activities, as defined by the American Association of University Professors.
Level
- Graduate Students: Those students enrolled in programs leading to a graduate degree or certificate. Also included are those students who are enrolled for graduate coursework but who are not seeking a graduate degree or certificate.
- Doctoral students are enrolled in programs that are classified as follows:
Doctorate-Professional Practice: These degree programs are the professional degree programs of the School of Medicine (MD), the School of Dental Medicine (DMD), the School of Pharmacy (PharmD), the School of Law (JD), the School of Nursing (DNP), the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (AUD, DPT, CSCD, OTD), and the School of Education (EdD).
Doctorate-Research/Scholarship: Degree programs in this classification are all doctoral degree programs other than those identified as Doctorate-Professional Practice. - Undergraduate Students: Those students enrolled in programs leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate. Also included are students enrolled for undergraduate coursework but who are not seeking an undergraduate degree or certificate.
Postdoctoral Associate
This is a transitional position and is viewed as preparatory for an academic and or research career. Individuals in this classification are considered employees of the University.
Postdoctoral Scholar
This is a transitional position and is viewed as preparatory for an academic and or research career. Individuals in this position are paid from a University grant that prohibits the individual from being considered an employee, or are paid from a grant whose funding source does not permit collection of a fringe rate, or are being paid a stipend by an agency outside the University.
Race
- For Faculty and Staff: The U.S. Department of Labor classification wherein an individual’s race is reported in terms of the following: Black or African American, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, White, and Two or More Races.
- For Students: The U. S. Department of Education’s classification taxonomy wherein an individual’s race is reported in terms of the following: International, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, White, and Two or More Races.
Research Associate
This is an appointment that involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, is renewable, and is not viewed as preparation for another position. These Individuals are considered employees of the University.
School
This is an academic unit that is responsible for the administration of the institution's academic programs.
Status
- Full-time students: Undergraduate students registered for 12 or more credits in a term. Graduate students and first professional students registered for 9 or more credits in a term.
- Part-time students: Undergraduate students registered for fewer than 12 credits in a term. Graduate students and first professional students registered for fewer than 9 credits in a term.
Tenure
A status accorded to those members of the University’s faculty who have demonstrated high ability and achievement in their dedication to the growth of human knowledge.