Glossary of College Terms

Bookstore–Textbooks are available to buy or rent a few weeks prior to the start of the semester through our bookstore. Visit us online at dccc.edu/bookstore or at our on-campus locations: Downingtown Center and Marple Campus. Our bookstores are open for extended hours during the first 2 weeks of classes.

Brainfuse–An online tutoring service available 24/7 Brainfuse provides students in traditional, online and hybrid learning courses with tutoring assistance anytime, anywhere.

Clubs & Organizations–You are encouraged to get involved with various clubs & organizations on campus. To find out more about active clubs on your campus visit the Student Services menu in delaGATE or contact Campus Life at 610-359-5341.

Course Reference Number (or CRN)—A unique course identifier for credit courses. This number has nothing to do with where the class is located.

Degree Works–A web-based app, found inside the delaGATE portal to monitor your academic progress toward degree completion (i.e., graduation). Degree Works also allows you to plan future academic coursework.

delaGATE–DCCC’s online hub. Check delaGATE regularly for important information such as Emergency Notifications, class cancellations, academic calendar, grades, financial aid information, and campus events. To log on you will need your P# and your birth date in MMDDYY format. If you are unable to log on contact the Helpdesk at 610-359-5211.

DCCC Engage–DCCC Engage is a robust platform for campus community engagement. It is built to be a must-have hub for all happenings and involvement at DCCC. Find out about upcoming events, club & organization meetings, and workshops.

Dual Admission–A transfer agreement (see below) guarantees admission to a four-year college or university after completion of your Associate degree. Dual Admission may also guarantee admission to a particular bachelor’s degree. For more details, see related definitions below.

Dual Enrollment–DCCC’s Dual Enrollment Program gives students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school at a fraction of the cost of standard tuition rates. Dually Enrolled students are offered the same benefits as any other DCCC students.

Financial Aid–Includes free money (grants and scholarships), money you have to pay back (student loans), and money you have to earn (work study). All students should apply early for Financial Aid. For more information about the process, go to https://www.dccc.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/. Find information about your completed application in your delaGATE under Financial Aid.

Grade Point Average (or GPA)–A number that measures student academic achievement. Your GPA will be calculated each semester. Your cumulative GPA calculated in the same manner as the semester GPA, however all of your work at the College is taken into account.

Guaranteed Admission–Students who graduate from DCCC with certain degrees may qualify for guaranteed admission to similar programs at four-year colleges or universities. Visit dccc.edu/transfer for details.

Inclement Weather/ Emergency Closing-Go to your delaGATE account and under “Helpful Links” go to “Update your Emergency Notification settings” to sign up for phone and text alerts.  You can also check dccc.edu or watch Channel 3 for weather related closings or other emergencies.

Learning Commons (also Library, Learning Resource Center)-The Learning Commons is where you can do research for class, borrow books, use classroom textbooks, borrow laptops, use the quiet study area, get tutoring, and more.

Lockers (Marple Campus ONLY)-Available for rent for a $10 onetime fee. Stop by the Student Center (Room 1180) for more details.

Lost & Found-The Lost & Found is located at the Security Office reception desk. Please note that the College is not liable for any loss or theft of personal property on campus.

Mentoring Program-First year & transfer students choosing to participate in this program will be paired with a peer mentor. Mentors help mentees engage in a variety of social and workshop opportunities designed to aid in making a successful transition into college.  For more information call 610-359-5340.

P # (P00……)-Your P# is your student ID number at DCCC and can be found on your photo ID or schedule.

Parking Pass-Parking passes are not required at most DCCC campuses.  Students attending the Pennocks Bridge Campus will need to visit the DCCC Office there to receive a parking pass for their vehicle.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)-PTK is the honor society for two-year colleges. This student group is invitation only, is based on G.P.A., and offers many scholarship opportunities.

Q Time-The space of time from 11:05 am – 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday where there are no classes scheduled, allowing for campus activities to take place and student groups to meet.

Room Numbering System (Marple Campus Only)-The first digit designates the floor.  The second digit designates the building or wing (1, 2, 3 are the Academic Building Wings, 4 is the STEM Building, 5 is Founders Hall).  The last two digits denote the room number.  A room marked with the letter “T” indicates the Advanced Technology Center.

Scholarships-A form of Financial Aid. Applications for college scholarships are typically due in late March/early April. Go to dccc.edu/scholarships to find out more.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)-SEPTA bus service is available at the Marple Campus, & Upper Darby Center. For more information, visit septa.org and click on “Plan My Trip.”

Student Government Association (SGA)-SGA represents students’ concerns, plans activities on campus, and serves the community by sponsoring service projects and encouraging students to get involved.

Student Code of Conduct-A list of student behavioral expectations in and out of the classroom that can be found at https://www.dccc.edu/student-conduct/

Student Email-All students have a DCCC email account. Make sure you check it on a regular basis. This is how your faculty members and the College will be communicating with you.

Student Handbook-All policies related to students can be found in this book. A copy is available on our website (dccc.edu/studenthandbook) and on delaGATE.

Student IDs-Every student should obtain a student ID and maintain its validity by getting a new sticker every semester. Get your sticker at Enrollment Central on Marple Campus and in the Learning Commons at the Branch Campuses.

Testing Center-Students go to the Testing Center to make up a test, take placement exams, etc. A DCCC ID or current state photo ID is required for all testing. Students taking an exam must know the instructor’s name. All tests must be completed 15 minutes before the center closes. Appointments are required for any computer-based test.

Transfer Agreement-Partnerships that DCCC has with 4-year institutions allowing students to seamlessly transfer. There are 3 types of transfer agreements: Dual Admission, Guaranteed Admission, and Core-to Core Articulation. For more information, visit dccc.edu/transfer.