Speaking Mercerian
A Guide to Mercer Linguistics
Welcome!
This page reads like a dictionary for colloquial expressions here at Mercer. Each expression (word or acronymn) is bolded with the definition following. For most entries, a link to a Web page either using the expression or for a program on campus follows in blue. Under each definition is a sentence using the expression. We hope this comes in handy!
10:00 hour: Period between 10:00 a.m. and 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday when no classes are scheduled. Chapel is scheduled weekly during this time on Wednesdays; on Mondays and Fridays, a variety of meetings occur.
I can't come get breakfast, I have to meet with my academic advisor during activity period.
ARC: The Academic Resource Center, located in the bottom floor of the Connell Student Center, provides free academic services for students, including: tutoring, supplemental instruction, individualized assistance, and other academic resources to help students who may be struggling or looking for additional instruction in a course. Visit their Web site here.
Man, I don't get this biology. I'm going to the ARC to get some tutoring!
Bear Necessities Co-Op: A snack bar and convenience store in the Connell Student Center. Visit Dining Services Web site here.
I've got to run by the Co-Op to get some laundry detergent.
Blackboard: A computer program that many professors use to share information, post class notes and powerpoints, and assign homework.
I have to download my homework from blackboard.
BUS Course: A first-year seminar course, sponosored by the Stetson School of Business and Economics. Required of all entering students in the School of Business, and replaces UNV. Learn more about the Stetson School of Business and Economics here.
My BUS class is going to a lecture in Willingham tonight.
Catalog: A document produced by the Registrar's Office. It includes information about degree programs in all colleges and course descriptions. Visit the Registrar here.
I'm not sure what 300 level history classes are offered this semester. Let me check the catalog.
Fresh Food Company (FFC): The dining hall on campus, also referred to as "the Caf," located in the Connell Student Center. All first-year students have ulimited meals for use at the Caf whenever it is open (three meals a day). They also have $200 dining dollars that may be used at the Co-op (see above) or the UC Food Court (see below). Visit Dining Services Web site here for more information.
Meet me at the FFC at 6.
GPA: Grade Point Average
I sure hope grad schools will accept my 2.75 GPA.
Great Books: Students have the opportunity to select this track within the general education program. Classes focus on great texts throughout history as a gateway to understanding the present.
My Great Books class starts in 10. See you later!
Greek: A fraternity or sorority member. Visit Greek Life's Web site here.
The Greeks are hosting an informational session in the student center tonight. I'm totally gonna be there.
GROWL: The GROWL is the Guide to Resources and Orientation to Welcome you to Life at Mercer! We have filled this foldable, pocket-sized resource with vital information to help new students navigate their first few weeks as successfully as possible. Each GROWL has an individualized label providing personalized information regarding orientation. Look for this when you check-in during Move-In Day! View a copy here.
Lair: The student handbook, which contains information on policies and departments. It also comes with a handy weekly calendar for students to use to keep their appointments. Read a copy here.
Before I leave, I have to grab my Lair. It has all my appointments!
MEP: Stands for Mary Erin Porter, the name of a specific residence hall on campus, but MEP typically refers to the residential complex consisting of Porter, Boone, and Dowell Halls. These halls typically house first-year female students. Visit Residence Life's Web site here.
I have to run back to MEP and get my books for class.
Mercerian: A Mercer Student
Welcome New Mercerians to Mercer University!
MerPo: Short for Mercer Police, in reference to either the department or the building in which the department resides. Visit their Web site here.
I have to stop by MerPo and get a parking permit.
MyMercer: The student portal where you'll view your class schedule, financial aid information, and register for classes. Visit my.mercer.edu to learn more!
I need to check how much financial aid I have left in MyMercer.
O-Group (Orientation Group): This is the group of students who go through Bear Beginnings (see above) together. This group is led by a PA (see below), and becomes a UNV or MAPS class.
My O-Group is getting together at Steak and Shake tonight.
OLT (Orientation Leadership Team): Two students who, having previously served as PAs (see below), have stepped up to help lead Orientation.
My PA is applying to be OLT.
PA (Peer Advisor): A student selected and trained by the Office of Academic and Advising Services to assist with summer and fall orientations, as well as to serve as peer mentors and class instructional assistants throughout a UNV or MAPS course.
My PA helped me write that big paper for INT.
Quad: The grassy area consisting of Knight, Ware, Wiggs, Hardman, Ryals, Langdale, Groover, Newton, Willingham, and Administration Halls.
The Quad is a great spot for reading and studying on pretty days.
RA (Resident Assistant): A student that is selected and trained by the Office of Housing and Residence Life to build community in the residence hall. Visit the Office of Residence Life here.
My RA put on this great program about exercises I can do in my room!
Reading Days: Three class days, two before and one during exam week, in which no meetings or social activities may occur.
I spent way too much time working out at the UC. I've got to hit the books during the reading days.
Refractory: A large room behind MEP where many events are held.
My yoga class meets at the Refractory at noon.
Toby: The mascot for Mercer! A big, friendly bear. Visit the Athletic Department's Web site here.
Toby welcomed me to Mercer during my summer orientation session!
UC: The University Center, located in the heart of campus. This large facility includes the basketball arena, Heritage Hall celebrating Mercer's many accomplishments, a workout facility, pool, cafe, and offices for administrative staff. Visit the UC's Web site here.
Meet me at the UC tonight for dinner.
UNV Course: A required first-year seminar course for all entering first-year students, unless enrolled in BUS 101. Some courses are discipline specific, such as for the School of Engineering and the Townsend School of Music, while others are general. These courses are designed to help students navigate their first semester to learn what it takes to be successful in college. Visit the Office of Academic and Advising Service's Web site here.
My UNV course helped me learn how to study more effectively!
