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Relating to activities or subjects pursued outside the regular curriculum of a school or college.
The university offers many extra-curricular programs, including theater and volunteer work.
These programs are not part of the academic coursework but enhance student experience.
Students are encouraged to join extra-curricular clubs to develop leadership skills.
Participation in such clubs is voluntary and complements academic learning.
Often abbreviated as 'EC' in academic contexts. Common in secondary and higher education.
Do not use 'extra-curricular activities' redundantly. 'Extra-curricular' already implies activities, so 'extra-curricular activities' can often be shortened to 'extra-curriculars' in informal contexts.
Always hyphenate 'extra-curricular' when used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., 'extra-curricular program'). Do not hyphenate when it follows the noun (e.g., 'programs are extra curricular').
From Latin 'extra-' (beyond, outside) + 'curriculum' (a running, course, from 'currere' meaning 'to run'). First recorded in English in the early 20th century.
The hyphen in 'extra-curricular' is standard in American English, though British English may omit it. The term emphasizes activities beyond mandatory academic requirements.