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Glossary: Academic Calendar and Scheduling

Find a list of key Triton Student System (TSS) terms for academic calendar and scheduling, compared with legacy terms and keywords on the same topics.

The same instance of TSS is now used by Main Campus and the Division of Extended Studies (DES). Each area uses the system slightly differently and these variances may have an impact on the terminology and concepts explained here. We've tried to note this when applicable.

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Other TSS glossaries:

Academic calendar and scheduling

TSS glossary of terms for academic calendar and scheduling

Term

Definition

Academic Calendar

Different functional areas (UN, GR, MD, PH, DES, PAE) have a separate calendar to manage time limits and session-based actions effectively.

Academic Scale

The same as the grading scale.

Additional Time Limits

Custom deadlines, such as drop/add deadlines or grading periods, that impact student records and administrative processes.

Appropriation

A budgeted allocation of funds associated with a specific Contract Object Grouping, enabling financial oversight in grants and sponsored programs.

Booking Window

A period of time when a student or student group is allowed to book courses.

Callup Point

A predefined checkpoint within a TSS process where the system performs a rule-based check to determine whether a student’s status or hold should block an action. The system evaluates status indicators (e.g., holds) on a given key date and prevents action if needed. Examples:• Blocking course registration if a student has an unpaid financial hold.• Preventing graduation processing if degree requirements are not met.

Condition Table

A structured table that stores condition records used to determine pricing, fees, or transaction-based values based on predefined criteria. Functionality includes storing attributes (student level, term, program, residency status), retrieving values during transactions, and applying rules. Examples:• Determining tuition based on residency and program.• Assigning discounts or waivers based on eligibility.

Contract Object

A financial element that links an account key to a Contract Object Type, allowing it to be included in broader financial groupings for grants and appropriations.

Contract Object Grouping

A collection of contract objects tied to an appropriation to determine how funds are allocated and managed.

Contract Object Type (COT)

A classification system that categorizes contract objects before grouping for financial tracking and reporting.

COTGrouping

Defines posting rules that control which fee types a grant can pay and the priority of payment. Analogous to the Application Priority field in TSS.

Disbursement

The process of distributing funds (grants, loans, or scholarships) to student accounts to cover tuition, fees and other charges.

Document Type

A classification used to track deposits and control which charges they can be applied to. Example: Housing deposits link to Housing Main Transaction (9100) so payments apply only to housing charges.

Evaluation

Grade.

Externally Managed Grants

Financial aid funds managed through external systems (e.g., ProSAM, FSPT), with disbursements triggered by inbound integrations.

Funding Methods

A feature used to track payments from internal departments (recharges) or third parties and shift liability from the student account. Also, used when payment is expected but not yet received.

Grant Master Record

A central record that controls fund disbursements and documents the funding agreement between a sponsor and the grantee organization.

Instructional Scheduling Assistant (ISA)

This is a central campus tool to assist all academic units, departments, and programs with managing classes, planning class schedules, communicating with instructors, and receiving approval for Summer Session course offerings and instructors.

Internally Managed Grants

Funds configured directly in TSS with disbursement schedules controlled within the system.

Main Transaction

A categorization that links specific charges to designated payment types.

Statuses

Indicators of a student’s standing that provide context but do not impose restrictions. Examples:Registration statuses (e.g., on leave, withdrew).Academic statuses (e.g., good standing, probation).Degree statuses (e.g., graduated).Admission statuses (e.g., pending, approved). Also refers to a group of values stored in the Student File.

Time Limit

A predefined timeframe governing academic and administrative processes.


Examples:
0100 Standard Duration of Quarter
0200 Instruction Period
0300 Course Booking

Schedule of classes

TSS glossary of terms for the schedule of classes

Concept

TSS Object

Purpose

Instruction Type

D (Event Type)

Describes instructional approach (Lecture, Lab, Seminar, etc.)

Delivery Mode

D (Event Type) 

Defines overall delivery (in-person, online, hybrid, etc.)


Meeting Modality

E (Event)

Defined as an event with a schedule. 

EL (Event)

Defined as an event without a schedule (fully remote.)

Meeting Type

Time Slot (E)

Defines purpose of a specific meeting (Final, Midterm, Review, etc.)


Person

P

An instructor or assistant who exists through UCPath.

H

An instructor who is a non-UCPath instructor. Not used by Main Campus.

Academic structure

TSS glossary of terms for academic structure

Object

Name

Purpose

O

Organization

Academic units (schools, departments, colleges)

SC

Program of Study

The student’s academic program (major/program)

CG

Course Grouping

Program components (majors, minors, colleges, specializations)

CQ

Qualification

The credential awarded (degree/certificate)

SM

Module (Course)

Individual courses

 

To suggest an addition or ask questions, email esr-student@ucsd.edu.