Publish or perish in the ivory tower of learning outcomes.
The phenomenon where physicists feel compelled to re-explain concepts to fellow physics-knowledgeable people, because obviously their interpretation of quantum mechanics is the only correct one. It's mansplaining's nerdy cousin, except instead of gender dynamics, it's fueled by an unshakeable belief that their PhD makes them the sole keeper of scientific truth. The accuracy of the original explanation is irrelevant—what matters is asserting intellectual dominance.
An alternative grading system offering only binary outcomes instead of letter grades, reducing pressure while eliminating detailed performance feedback. It's academic minimalism—you either learned enough or you didn't.
The process of evaluating and potentially granting college credit for knowledge gained outside the classroom through work experience, military training, or independent study. One person's life experience is another person's tuition money saved.
A silvery rare earth metal (symbol Pr, atomic number 59) that most people can't pronounce, let alone find a use for in daily life. This malleable element is prized for its magnetic and optical properties in specialized applications like aircraft engines and studio lighting. It's basically the obscure indie band of the periodic table—incredibly valuable to a niche audience.
Abbreviated slang for 'postmodern,' typically used when you can't be bothered to say all four syllables or want to sound effortlessly academic. Perfect for art school critiques and pretentious coffee shop conversations about the meaninglessness of meaning.
The British spelling of 'program' that Americans find unnecessarily fancy, referring to a structured set of activities or a show's broadcast schedule. It's also that pamphlet theaters give you that you'll immediately lose but swear you'll keep for memories. In Commonwealth countries, it's the correct spelling; everywhere else, it's just showing off.
The foundational assumption you build an argument on, which may or may not be complete BS but sounds convincing enough to keep going. In logic, it's one of the propositions in a syllogism that leads to your conclusion; in real estate, it's the property itself (usually plural). Basically, it's your starting point—choose wisely, or watch your entire argument collapse like a house of cards.
An exam determining which level course students should take, theoretically matching them to appropriate rigor but often condemning them to expensive remedial classes. The sorting hat of higher education, but less magical.
A faculty or staff member managing day-to-day operations of an academic program, handling everything from scheduling to student complaints while being paid nothing extra for the privilege. Administrative martyrdom as a service role.