English to Spanish Other Certificates, Diplomas, Licenses, CVs University Transcript

I'm confused about the word "department" here, as it doesn't say "departmental" I can't say if this is an adjective.
The transcript reads as follows:

"Prior to Fall 1978, FAU used its own department prefix/number system. Effective Fall 1978, FAU uses the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System..."

Did the FAU have a department that was in charge of numbering courses?

Again, I can translate "Prefix/Number System". My problem is the word "department" here.

Thank you in advance,

Gabriela