Academic Policies and Procedures

Academic Grievance Procedures for Students

Academic Grievance Procedure for Students - USF Policy 10-002
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-002

PURPOSE & INTENT
The purpose of this Policy is to provide all undergraduate and graduate students taking courses within USF an opportunity for objective review of facts and events pertinent to the cause of the academic grievance.

STATEMENT OF POLICY
Review of the facts and events pertinent to the cause of the academic grievance will be accomplished in a collegial, non-judicial atmosphere rather than an adversarial one, and shall allow the parties involved to participate. All parties will be expected to act in a professional and civil manner. These guidelines are meant to govern all colleges (exclusive of the MD and DPT programs within the College of Medicine and the College of Pharmacy to the extent they maintain procedures and processes for issues regarding professionalism). However, USF may have unique titles and specific administrative levels. Accordingly, USF shall determine the appropriate levels and titles for review at the time a student initiates an appeal ensuring that if it is determined the matter is an academic grievance there is at least one committee level review and recommendation to an administrator to accept or reject.

In the case of Academic Integrity violations, the appeal or grievance of a decision or academic action regarding Academic Integrity is contained in Academic Integrity of Students, USF Policy 3.027 (https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3027).

Academic Integrity of Students

Academic Integrity of Students - USF Regulation 3.027
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3027

PURPOSE & INTENT
Academic integrity is the foundation of the University of South Florida’s commitment to the academic honesty and personal integrity of its university community. Academic integrity is grounded in certain fundamental values, which include honesty, respect and fairness. Broadly defined, academic honesty is the completion of all academic endeavors and claims of scholarly knowledge as representative of one’s own efforts. Knowledge and maintenance of the academic standards of honesty and integrity as set forth by the university are the responsibility of the entire academic community, including the instructional faculty, staff and students.

STATEMENT OF REGULATION
This Regulation asserts fairness in that it requires notice to any student accused of a violation of academic integrity and provides a directive for discussion between the instructor and student to seek a fair and equitable resolution. If a fair resolution is not accomplished in this discussion, this Regulation allows the student continued rights of due process. As this Regulation contemplates several levels of administrative or academic review, students are advised to direct emails only to the single designated office identified as responsible for the current level of review. Student’s failure to adhere to this directive or ignoring specific directives provided by an administrator such as the emailing all levels of administration, multiple parties not directly involved, or tangentially involved offices may be interpreted as a waiver of the review/appeal process and a failure to follow university directives.

Academic Integrity Tutorial

The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a requirement for all who enroll as a degree-seeking student at USF, whether they are First Time In College (FTIC) or a Transfer student. The purpose of the tutorial is to prepare each new USF student for their academic work at USF and beyond with basic understanding about the need for integrity in all areas of scholarship and research. It also informs students about the Academic Integrity Policy at USF. Every new USF student and all students must complete the AI Tutorial before classes begin and achieve an 80% passing rate. Students may take it as many times as needed to pass it.

Academic Renewal

PURPOSE & INTENT
Academic renewal is the process whereby degree seeking students may request that previously completed courses not be counted in the calculation of their cumulative USF grade point average (GPA). This process may only occur under certain circumstances, which vary by the level of the student (i.e., undergraduate, graduate, professional or doctoral); Non-Degree students are not eligible for Academic Renewal. Academic Renewal will only be applied to the degree seeking student’s record one time, per degree level, at USF and may affect the student’s financial aid, Tuition Assistance, use of Veterans Educational Benefits, or student visa status. Students returning to the university under Academic Renewal may incur excess hours and associated monetary penalty. This Policy is a general outline of the process; however, all students must refer to the appropriate university catalog for specifics and protocols.

STATEMENT OF POLICY
Academic renewal allows students previously dismissed from the university or former students returning with a USF grade point average (GPA) below 2.00 to renew their pursuit of baccalaureate degrees without having to overcome the entire burden of low grades and low USF GPAs. Students will be required to follow the applicable process outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog. Students who qualify for academic renewal, upon approval from the appropriate Academic Regulations (ARC) Committee, will have some or all of their academic record excluded from calculation of their USF GPAs. To be eligible for academic renewal, the student must select an eligible major in which they will graduate according to the degree progression policy. The student’s entire academic record will continue to be reflected on the official transcripts even though select courses are not counted in the USF GPA. In addition, grades or sanctions assigned as a result of academic integrity violations are not eligible for removal or consideration under this Policy.

The Academic Renewal policy allows students previously dismissed from the university or former students returning with a USF grade point average (GPA) below 2.00 to renew their pursuit of baccalaureate degrees without the responsibility of having to overcome the entire burden of low grades and low grade-point-averages. To facilitate this opportunity, students who qualify for academic renewal may, with the approval of the Academic Regulations (ARC) Committee, have portions of their academic record excluded from calculation of their GPAs.

To be eligible for academic renewal, the student must select a major in which they will graduate according to the degree progression policy. The entire academic record, however, will continue to be reflected on the transcript even though a selected portion will not be counted in the GPA. Academic renewal students are admitted with the same terms of academic probation and dismissal as other undergraduate students. Academic renewal will only be applied to a student’s academic record one time at USF. Students returning to the university under academic renewal may incur excess hours and associated monetary penalty.  For more information, please schedule an appointment with an academic advisor (URL:  https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/students/advising-offices.aspx\) in the major in which you intend to graduate.

Academic Renewal 1 (AR-1)

Students who have been academically dismissed or former students returning with a USF grade point average (GPA) below 2.00 may petition the Academic Regulations Committee (ARC) to return to the university under AR-1. A student will be considered for reinstatement to the university under academic renewal 1 after completing all requirements for the Associate of Arts degree or equivalent (including General Education, State Communication and Computation Requirements) at a two- or four-year college other than USF. Academic Renewal 1 students will enter USF as an upper-level student and their USF GPAs will be calculated from that point forward. While AR-1 is required for students who have earned less than 60 credit hours, it is not restricted to those students. In order to graduate following re-admission under AR-1, all USF and major residency and degree requirements must be met.

Students must:

1. Complete the A.A. degree. Official transcripts must be received by the Office of Admissions.
2. Meet with the academic advisor in the major they intend to pursue upon return and complete the Academic Advising Record for Reinstatement Through Academic Renewal I or II form.
3. Complete the Reinstatement After Academic Dismissal form, and check the box for “AR1.” (Forms are available at https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/academic-processes/academic-regulations-committee/forms.aspx)
4. Write personal statements addressing why they should be considered for reinstatement, how they have overcome specific barriers that previously affected academic success and a clear rationale for pursuit of the selected major.
5. Submit the Reinstatement Petition packet (steps 1 through 4) to the Academic Regulations Committee (ARC) representative in the College of the major they intend to pursue upon return to USF.

Academic Renewal will only be applied to a student’s record one time at USF. Students readmitted under academic renewal may be excluded from admission to specialized admissions programs and will only be considered for University Honors at graduation if they meet the criteria using all attempted grades earned. Students returning to the university under Academic Renewal may incur excess hours and associated monetary penalty. For more information, see https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/excess-hours/.

Academic Renewal II (AR-II)

Academic Renewal II is available to students who were academically dismissed or former students returning with a USF grade point average (GPA) below 2.00 and have 60 or more earned credits from USF or other institutions of higher education. These students will be considered for reinstatement to the university under Academic Renewal II, after a break in USF enrollment for at least three semesters. Students may choose to complete major prerequisites at another institution during this time, but are not required to do so. Students who choose to take courses at another institution should meet with the academic advisor of their intended USF major prior to enrolling in courses elsewhere. Following readmission under Academic Renewal II, students will have their USF GPA calculated from that point forward. In order to graduate following readmission under ARII, all USF and major residency and degree requirements must be met.

1. Official transcripts must be received in the Office of Admissions if student was enrolled at another institution during their year away from USF.
2. Complete the Academic Advising Record for Reinstatement Through Academic Renewal I or II form with the academic advisor in the major they intend to pursue upon return. (Forms are available at https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/academic-processes/academic-regulations-committee/forms.aspx)
3. Complete the Reinstatement After Academic Dismissal form, and check the box for “ARII.”
4. Write personal statements addressing why they should be considered for reinstatement, how they have overcome specific barriers that previously affected academic success and a clear rationale for pursuit of the selected major.
5. Submit the Reinstatement Petition packet (steps 1 through 4) to the Academic Regulations Committee (ARC) representative in the College of the major they intend to pursue upon return to USF.

Academic Renewal will only be applied to a student’s record one time at USF. Students readmitted under academic renewal may be excluded from admission to specialized admissions programs and will only be considered for University Honors at graduation if they meet the criteria using all attempted grades earned. Students returning to the university under Academic Renewal may incur excess hours and associated monetary penalty. For more information, see https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/excess-hours/.

Associate in Arts 

All students must satisfy the General Education Requirements of USF and must satisfy the requirements listed in section 1007.25, Florida Statutes and in State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.030, prior to receiving an Associate in Arts Degree.

1. To receive the Associate in Arts, the student must complete sixty (60) hours of university credit; at least twenty (20) of the last thirty (30) credit hours or a total of thirty-six (36) credit hours must be completed at USF. The minimum grade point average must be 2.0 based on work attempted at USF. In addition, a transfer student must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher when combined with transfer work accepted and evaluated by the USF Office of Admissions. Physical Education and military science credits do not count toward the Associate in Arts Degree. In addition, a transfer student must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher when combined with transfer work accepted and evaluated by the USF Office of Admissions. Physical Education and military science credits do not count toward the Associate in Arts Degree. All students must satisfy the General Education Requirements of USF and must satisfy the requirements listed in section 1007.25, Florida Statutes and in State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.030, prior to receiving an Associate in Arts Degree.
2. Beginning with students initially entering a Florida College System institution or State University System institution in 2014-2015 and thereafter, coursework for an Associate in Arts Degree shall include demonstration in competency in a foreign language pursuant to Florida Statute 1007.262 (Also known as USF’s FLENT requirement).
3. To apply online for an Associate in Arts Degree, please visit the Steps to Graduation website. The deadline to apply for a certificate in each term is stated in the Office of the Registrar’s Important Dates and Deadlines.
4. The Associate in Arts Degree must be awarded prior to the term that the student becomes eligible for the baccalaureate degree.
5. Final processing for the Associate in Arts will be done after grades are processed at the end of the term for which the student applied. All work, including transfer work, taken in that semester will be evaluated with respect to the requirements for the Associate in Arts Degree.
6. Any incomplete grades shown on the permanent record of an Associate in Arts applicant at the time grades are processed will be treated as an “F” in the calculation of grade point average. Transfer students who completed a substantial portion of the Associate in Arts Degree requirements at another institution in the Florida College System will be encouraged to notify that institution of the additional USF credits that may be transferred to that institution towards conferral of that degree. If the former institution will not confer the Associate in Arts Degree with the addition of USF transfer credits, but is eligible for the Associate in Arts Degree at USF, then USF will confer the Associate in Arts Degree.
7. The General Education Requirements will be based on the approved university policy in effect in the catalog year the student chooses according to the university policy regarding the choice of catalog. The consideration of whether or not General Education Requirements are met will be made without consideration of the student’s choice of major at the time they apply.
8. University of South Florida credit hours will be broadly defined to include USF sponsored student exchange programs. The grades from these institutions are recorded on the permanent record at USF, and included in the grade point average calculation, and will be counted in the student’s grade point average as work attempted at USF for the Associate in Arts Degree.
9. An applicant who has not been enrolled at USF for three semesters may be contacted to ascertain whether or not that applicant meets the residency requirements.
10. In approving any application for the Associate in Arts Degree, satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades will be accepted according to the approved university policy in effect during the terms of the student’s enrollment without regard for the student’s declared major. Students must be aware that if they have taken any courses on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis where such grades are not acceptable by the college of the major, the students may be required to repeat particular courses for a traditional letter grade or take additional courses for a traditional letter grade to meet the college requirements.
11. All University of South Florida colleges with undergraduate programs will accept the Associate in Arts from USF. That is, the student will be placed, at least, at the junior level and will be considered to have met the university’s General Education Requirements. The applicability of the courses taken by the student toward their major program will be determined by the college of the student’s major. Similarly, any special requirements for a student’s professional certification (e.g., Education and Engineering) are not necessarily met by the Associate in Arts Degree, but could be included as part of the General Education Requirements. Thus, students should check with their colleges concerning meeting any special requirements in an efficient manner.
12. The awarding of the Associate in Arts Degree is posted on the student’s official transcript, but does not alter the calculation of the grade point average nor does it interrupt the accumulation of the student’s record. A diploma is not issued.
13. Students who follow a baccalaureate degree program as recommended by a college will not necessarily be eligible for the Associate in Arts Degree prior to the completion of ninety (90) credit hours.

Course Attendance at First Class Meeting

Student Registration Changes, Initial, Drop/Add, Withdrawal, and Auditing - USF Policy 10-006
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-006

All instructors teaching undergraduate and graduate courses are required to take attendance on the first day of class and to drop students who do not attend the first day of class. Students who experience extenuating circumstances that are beyond their control and who are unable to attend a first class meeting must notify the instructor via email using the course management system (i.e., Canvas) for that course prior to the first class meeting to request waiver of the first class attendance requirement. Although instructors are authorized to affect the drop, students are fundamentally responsible for knowing their registration status, and the student must ensure that their registration status reflects the drop by the end of the drop/add period. For Saturday only courses or courses that begin on a Saturday, students are expected to contact the Office of the Registrar at AskTheRegistrar@usf.edu to drop the course(s).

Distance learning students must log-in to their course(s)and complete an academic activity by the first day of their online course(s). Students who are unable to log-in to their course(s) due to circumstances beyond their control must notify the instructor or the department prior to the calendar start date of the course to request waiver of the first class attendance requirement.

General Attendance

Students are expected to attend classes. An academic program or individual instructor may require a specified level of attendance as a condition for successfully completing a course. Likewise, instructors may assign a portion of final course grades based on attendance and participation. Faculty must inform students of attendance requirements on syllabi.

Instructors should accommodate excused absences by making arrangements with students ahead of time (when possible) or by providing a reasonable amount of time to make up missed work. Arranging to make up missed work is the responsibility of the student. For graded work that requires participation in situ (e.g., discussions, group activities, and some labs), instructors will attempt to provide reasonable alternatives that accomplish the same learning outcomes. Nevertheless, an instructor may determine that missing a certain amount of participation-dependent activities (whether excused or not) precludes successful accomplishment of learning outcomes. In cases like this, instructors, academic advisors, or academic deans may advise students to withdraw from such courses. In cases where excused absences are anticipated in advance, advice on successful accomplishment of learning outcomes can be given at (or before) the start of a term.

There are two categories of excused absences for which accommodations will be made:

• Scheduled absences involve time conflicts that are known in advance, for which students have notified their instructors. Acceptable reasons for scheduled absences include observation of religious holy days, courtimposed legal obligations (e.g., jury duty and subpoenas), special requirements of other courses and University- sponsored events (e.g., performances, athletic events, judging trips), and requirements of military service. Employment schedules, athletic training and practice schedules, and personal appointments are not valid reasons for scheduled absences.
• Unscheduled absences involve unforeseen emergencies such as illness, injury, hospitalization, deaths in the immediate family, consequences of severe weather, and other crises. Students should contact instructors as soon as possible in these cases. Instructors may require documentation or verification to excuse unscheduled absences.

Care will be given to schedule required classes and examinations in view of customarily observed religious holy days. No student shall be compelled to attend class or sit for an examination at a day or time prohibited by their religious beliefs.

Course Syllabus

A syllabus is an academic agreement that establishes the academic relationship between instructors and students in a course, and is used as the basis for communication and accountability. It communicates course expectations, organizes information, sets the tone for the learning environment, maps the path of student learning, and provides accountability. A carefully constructed syllabus helps clarify course goals and learning objectives, assessment and evaluation standards, grading policies, and expectations for student and faculty behavior.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Criteria for Accreditation require that a syllabus be placed on file in the department for each course taught and that students must be provided written information about the goals and requirements of each course, the nature of the course content, and the methods of evaluation to be employed.

For more information about the components of a course syllabus, visit https://www.usf.edu/innovative-education/citl/syllabus.aspx.

Degree Progression

Degree Progression and Completion Deadlines for Undergraduate Students - USF Policy 10-505
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-505

A. Students who have completed all degree requirements will be required to graduate within four years. If a student does not submit the Online Graduation Application for Degree when academic records indicate all degree requirements for the declared major have been met based on the university degree audit system, the university will initiate the degree certification process without an application.

1. Undergraduates must complete the Online Graduation Application for Degree and the Online Graduating Senior Survey by the official university deadline (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/apply-for-graduation/index.aspx) for the term in which they expect to graduate. Degree application deadlines are available in the Academic Calendar found in the Undergraduate Catalog.
2. If denied for graduation, a student must re-apply for the next applicable term.
3. Students must apply before the graduation deadline for the term in which they expect to graduate.

B. Any curricular or co-curricular work added to a student’s declared primary major must be completed prior to or during the same academic term that the student’s major requirements are completed. Students should be approved to pursue additional curricular and/or co-curricular work only if it can be completed within eight semesters for first time in college (FTIC) students, excluding summer and alternative calendar terms, and without exceeding her/his excess credit hour surcharge (ECHS) threshold. Transfer students should complete in eight semesters accounting for prior postsecondary enrollment, excluding summer and alternative calendar terms. Examples of this work include, but are not limited to: minors, certificates, double majors, concurrent degrees, the Honors program, study abroad experiences, and/or work-based learning (e.g., coops, internships, etc.). Access to the Excess Hour Counter is available on the Office of the Registrar’s website (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/excess-hours/index.aspx).

C. FTIC or transfer students who have 120 earned credit hours or more will not be allowed to enroll in courses that are not required for completion of the declared primary major based on the university degree audit system. Exceptions are provided for students in baccalaureate degree programs with prior approval from the Board of Governors to require more than 120 credit hours for completion. Students in those programs will not be allowed to enroll in courses outside of their major requirements once the approved credit hour threshold for the major has been reached.

D. Advisors and students must follow the guidelines listed below regarding major changes. The final decision to allow a student to change to a new major rests with the college of the new major. Colleges will review student requests to change major by evaluating the student’s degree progression as documented in the university degree audit system. Students will review the expected number of years required for degree completion, with special attention to the likelihood that the change may result in ECHS, with an advisor in the new major. The colleges are expected to restrict those changes such that students graduate within the number of years specified in (A) through (C) above and without incurring or increasing ECHS potential.

E. A student will be reselected (RSL) from the primary declared major by the academic college if it is determined they are not meeting degree progression standards. Examples of degree progression standards include, but are not limited to, requirements specified in this policy, college or major D/F grade policies, course repeat/withdrawal policies and/or requirements for admission into major. Specific progression requirements for individual academic programs are listed in the undergraduate catalog under each academic major (https://catalog.usf.edu/). Any student reselected (RSL) from the officially declared major after 60 earned hours must be reviewed by the student’s current academic advisor for ECHS and degree progression before changing majors. FTIC students will be allowed to change to those majors that can be completed within eight semesters (eight semesters for transfer students accounting for previous postsecondary enrollment), excluding summer and alternative calendar terms, and without incurring ECHS.

F. In the event a student would like to request an exception to any aspect of the above policy, a request must be submitted, in writing, to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies with documentation that provides clear evidence to justify the need to extend enrollment. Only requests submitted prior to the student’s undergraduate application for graduation will be considered. Exceptions will not be granted for students wishing to extend enrollment in order to retake courses where earned grades already meet the minimum graduation requirements or to complete additional coursework for admission to graduate programs.

Disruption of Academic Process

Disruption of Academic Process - USF Regulation 3.025
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3025

PURPOSE & INTENT
Disruptive students in the academic setting hinder the educational process. Although disruptive student conduct is already prohibited by the University of South Florida Student Code of Conduct and any person may make a direct referral regarding student conduct to the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development (SCED) (https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-conduct-ethical-development/ ) at any time for a conduct review and possible university wide sanction. This Academic Disruption Regulation provides the steps an Instructor may take to immediately address a student disrupting a class or academic setting including restricting a student from class, assigning an academic sanction or other immediate sanction. This is considered an Academic process and provides for academic sanctions. An Instructor may/must make additional referrals to SCED for a more comprehensive review and additional conduct sanctions which are considered separate from the Academic process.

STATEMENT OF REGULATION
This Regulation provides a mechanism for the Instructor to ensure a positive academic environment. Although academic discussion may include disagreement with the course Instructor during times when the Instructor permits discussion, it is not in itself disruptive behavior and is not prohibited; the Instructor sets the parameters for classroom interaction. Some disruptive students may have emotional or mental health disorders. Although such students may be considered disabled and are protected under the Rehabilitation Act/ADA, they are held to the same standards of conduct as any student. 

Misconduct occurring on premises of USF which adversely affects the university community and/or the pursuit of its mission is already prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct (https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation60021) and will be handled by those procedures.

Early Notification Requirement for Observed Religious Days

STATEMENT OF POLICY
All students, faculty, and staff within USF have a right to expect reasonable accommodation of their religious observances, practices and beliefs. USF will, at the beginning of each academic term, provide written notice of the class schedule and formal examination periods. USF, through its faculty, will make every attempt to schedule required classes and examinations in view of customarily observed religious holidays of those religious groups or communities comprising USF’s constituency.

Students are expected to attend classes and take examinations as determined by USF. No student shall be compelled to attend class or sit for an examination at a day or time prohibited by their religious beliefs. However, students should review the course requirements and meeting days and times to avoid foreseeable conflicts, as excessive absences in a given term may prevent a student from completing the academic requirements of a specific course.

Students are expected to notify their instructors at the beginning of each academic term if they intend to be absent for a class or announced examination, in accordance with this Policy. Students absent for religious reasons, as noticed to the instructor at the beginning of each academic term, will be given reasonable opportunities to make up any work missed. In the event that a student is absent for religious reasons on a day when the instructor collects work for purposes of grading (homework, pop quiz, etc.), the student shall be given a reasonable opportunity to make up such work or shall not have that work averaged into the student’s grade at the discretion of the instructor.

If a student believes that an instructor or program has not responded reasonably to a timely notice of expected observance of religious days, they may seek review of a complaint through the university’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  at https://www.usf.edu/diversity/.

Final Examinations

Testing and Final Examinations - USF Policy 10-005
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-005

Examinations in academic subjects are, for most courses, an integral part of the learning process and one part of a procedure for evaluating student performance and determining grades. The University of South Florida requires certain standards for the examination process in order to protect the academic integrity of courses and the best interests of both the student and instructor. Although this policy primarily addresses examinations for undergraduate courses, graduate courses with final exams during the examination week should follow the schedule for exams that is provided with the course schedule for that academic term.

Testing in General

In each academic course the student is expected to undergo a meaningful testing and evaluation that will reveal the student’s intellectual growth in the subject matter covered or otherwise reflect the achievement of the course objectives.

The instructor has the responsibility of maintaining a fair and impartial testing and examination procedure, has the right to define and structure the testing process, and shall not be restricted as to form, style, or content of the examination. It is USF policy that all students facing an examination (of any type) shall have equal notice of said examination. USF regards the routine use of all or part of the same formal examination for successive academic terms as unsound policy except when used with adequate safeguards such as a random selection of questions from a large pool.

Test Free Week

For each fall and spring semester, the last full week of classes before final examinations is designated as Test Free Week. The intent of this policy is to establish a one week period of substantial and predictable study time for students.

During the Test Free Week period, regular lectures are expected to continue, including the introduction of new content, as deemed appropriate by the instructor. However, no exams will be given. Quizzes of no more than 10 short answer questions that can be taken in 15 minutes or less are allowable to cover new material introduced during the Test Free Week. Due dates for mandatory graded submissions of any kind (i.e., papers, presentations, projects, and practicums) that fall within Test Free Week must be listed on the syllabus provided at the start of the course. Mandatory final examinations may not be given during the Test Free Week period. Refer to the Office of the Registrar’s website for specific dates and calendars for each academic term (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/calendars/).

Final Course Examinations

The last six (6) days of the Fall and Spring semesters shall be set aside for final examinations and any final examination of a comprehensive nature must be given during this designated period. The length of the final exam will be at the discretion of the instructor, however, no more than two hours shall be allotted for each final examination.

1. Final Exam Matrix: The Final Exam Matrix is designed to facilitate a conflict free schedule for greater student success in the exam process. The Office of the Registrar provides the Matrix and all courses must comply with the Matrix as it is published with no deviations. All makeup exams, either for block exams or the individual exams will be scheduled during the time period allotted for students that require a make-up exam.
2. Conflicts: If a student has a direct conflict of scheduled examinations that are scheduled according to the Final Exam Matrix, the student may petition the appropriate instructor to reschedule one of the student’s examinations. If a student has three or more examinations scheduled on the same day, the student may petition the appropriate instructor to reschedule one of the student’s examinations, or the student may elect to take all exams on the same day. If a make-up exam is requested, it will be scheduled during the make-up exam time as posted on the Final Exam Matrix.

Foreign Language Entrance Requirement (FLENT)

All incoming students must have completed two credits of one foreign language or American Sign Language in high school or the equivalent to eight to ten semester hours in the undergraduate institution(s) attended prior to attending USF or demonstrate equicalent foreign language competence as described in BOG Regulation 6.002 and BOG Regulation 6.004.

Graduation Requirements (Baccalaureate)

Degree Requirements: Baccalaureate/Undergraduate - USF Regulation 3.007
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3007

General Education Requirements

Students must complete 36 hours of general education following state and university requirements. For more information, please visit the General Education Information  section of this catalog. 

Civics Literacy Requirement

All students earning a baccalaureate degree will need to complete the Civics Literacy requirement as stated in Florida Statute 1007.25 (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=1000-1099/1007/Sections/1007.25.html). 

For information on the exact requirement, please visit the USF Civics Literacy website: https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/students/civics-literacy.aspx.

Summer Enrollment Requirement

All students entering USF with fewer than 60 semester hours of credit are required to earn at least nine semester hours of credit prior to graduation by attendance during one or more Summer terms in courses offered by USF or any one of the State University System of Florida institutions. The university may waive the application of this rule in cases of unusual hardship. 

A student who wishes to have the rule waived must complete a Request for Waiver of Mandatory Summer Enrollment Form available in the Office of the Registrar (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/documents/forms_2019/summer_waiver_request_form_2019.pdf). After submission of the form to the Office of the Registrar, the student will receive notification to their USF email of the action taken.

University of South Florida Requirements

In addition to Florida Board of Governors and/or state requirements, USF has the following USF specific minimum requirements that are designed to assure the academic integrity of the degree programs at each System Institution:

1. Successful completion of a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester credit hours through university coursework, acceleration mechanisms, and/or transfer credit, including courses specifically approved as repeatable for credit (e.g. practica, ensembles and field experiences);

2. A minimum adjusted grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 on all course work taken at USF and an overall 2.00 on all college-level work attempted;

3. Satisfactory completion of major requirements in a chosen degree program, including additional requirements set by the college offering the degree, as published in the current Undergraduate Catalog;

4. Successful completion of at least forty-two (42) semester hours in courses numbered 3000 and above;

5. Successful completion of at least 25% of the total credit hours required for the degree program must be in courses offered by USF;

6. Registration and successful completion of at least thirty (30) of the last sixty (60) semester hours must be completed at USF. CLEP credit does not count toward academic residence.  Colleges may have specific academic residency requirements for specified degrees and students are responsible for reviewing the current Undergraduate Catalog to ensure compliance

7. Program and/or College Requirements:  All students must be aware of and satisfactorily complete any additional requirements that may be required by a specific program and/or college from which they are earning the degree as set forth in the current Undergraduate Catalog.

8. General Academic Approval:  Successful completion of academic coursework constituting the student’s program of study, minor, honors thesis, or certification examination does not guarantee award of the baccalaureate degree.  Faculty judgment of the academic performance of the student is inherent in the educational process in determining whether the award of the baccalaureate degree or admission into a higher-level degree program is warranted.

Foreign Language Graduation Requirement (FLEX)

All students pursuing a B.A. degree must meet the foreign language exit requirement which for most students will require completing two semesters of the same foreign language or for some majors sign language. Students who already have knowledge of a foreign language may “place out” of the requirement. The following statements summarize the methods for completing FLEX.

1. Two semesters of the same foreign language ( e.g., SPN 1120 and SPN 1121), or sign language for some majors, with no less than a “D” in the first semester and no less than a “C” in the second semester. “S” or “P” grades may not be substituted.
2. Completion of the second semester or higher of a foreign language with no less than a “C.” (The first semester was not taken because of placement).
3. Successfully passing the USF language placement test by placing into the third course or higher. Visit the placement test site for more information: http://languages.usf.edu/foreign/
4. Subject CLEP credit for two semesters.
5. AP Credit for two semesters.
6. For students with a Native language other than English, they can meet the FLEX requirement if:
   • There is official documentation of the student’s English proficiency requirements as accepted by USF Admissions as an indication of proficiency in another language
   • Student earns passing grades (C- or better) in ENC 1101  and ENC 1102  (or equivalents) demonstrating English language proficiency

The following programs accept American Sign Language Competency for the exit requirement: Africana Studies, Aging Sciences, Anthropology, Chemistry, Communication, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Criminology, Digital Communication and Multimedia Journalism, Economics, English, History, Humanities and Cultural Studies, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Mass Communications, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Sustainability Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies, and all programs in the College of Education and College of Design, Art, and Performance.

Approval is needed by the student’s program/department major.

Students electing to take the examination in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ancient or Modern Greek, or Latin should apply to the Director of the Department of World Languages. Students taking the examination in New Testament Greek or Hebrew should apply to the Chairperson of Religious Studies. Students taking the examination in American Sign Language should apply to the Chairperson of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Medical Amnesty (Student Reporting)

The University of South Florida (USF) supports an inclusive learning environment that promotes the health and safety of all members of the university community. This Medical Amnesty Policy seeks to diminish fear of university-imposed disciplinary or conduct sanctions in emergency situations due to alcohol or other drug use or misuse. Any student who qualifies for amnesty under this policy will not be charged with violations of any of the USF Student Codes of Conduct as those Codes relate to consumption and/or use of alcohol and/or drugs. Under this Policy, students who seek or receive emergency medical assistance for themselves or students who seek assistance for another student experiencing an emergency related to the consumption of alcohol and/or other drug use or misuse may qualify for amnesty. Although students who qualify for amnesty may be exempt from the Student Conduct (https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation60021) process, they may be required to complete educational measures and pay for any incurred cost associated with those requirements.

Mid-Term Grades

Mid-Term Grades Posting - USF Policy 10-504
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-504

PURPOSE & INTENT
The University of South Florida (USF) is committed to student success and providing the necessary information to enable students to manage their academic progress. This Policy is one of many university initiatives directed at assisting students in effectively meeting their academic goals.

STATEMENT OF POLICY
It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of their academic standing and grade status in all courses. In an attempt to assist the student in evaluating academic status mid-term, the university requires instructors to submit midterm grades electronically for each student enrolled in 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses. Instructors are not required to report mid-term grades for alternate calendar courses, study abroad, directed studies, internships, practicum, field experiences, directed research, undergraduate research, independent studies, and other courses that do not follow the normal course schedule for the academic term; however it is expected that instructors will provide feedback to students regarding progress at an appropriate midpoint for the course.

PROCESS STEPS

Midterm grades are submitted after Week 7 or, for summer courses, soon after the midpoint of the time period that the course is conducted. The purpose of the Midterm Grade Report is to provide students in 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses with information on whether they are making sufficient progress toward meeting the course requirements. This information is available to students in Student Self-Service as a progress report for all students in Lower Level and early Upper Level courses. This Early Warning System provides midterm grade information that assists students and their advisors in determining if academic progress is sufficient in the course at a time where the student may be permitted to drop the course (although beyond the drop/add period resulting in fee liability) and receive a “W” for the course. This is an academic action only and does not support any financial refund or adjustment and students will remain responsible for all applicable registration fees for the course(s). The academic action will permit a “W” grade to reflect on the student’s permanent academic record. Students who drop may not continue attending class. Drop deadlines for each semester and summer sessions are listed in the Academic Calendar and are listed on the Office of the Registrar’s Important Dates and Deadlines (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/calendars/index.aspx).

Orientation for New Undergraduate Students

Mandatory Orientation for New Undergraduate Studens - USF Policy 10-035
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-035

Orientation is required for all newly admitted students. All newly admitted students must complete Orientation for the campus to which they are admitted prior to beginning classes.The Orientation experience is designed to meet the requirements of a student’s home campus located in Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota-Manatee. Orientation provides an introduction to the campus communityand facilitates a seamless transition into the academic and social environments unique to the identified home campus and the University of South Florida at large. Primary facilitation of Orientation resides with the designated office(s) at each USF campus.

Posthumous Degrees or Degrees in Memoriam

USF may award a posthumous baccalaureate degree to a student who was in good standing at the university at the time of their death and who had completed all substantive requirements for the degree. USF may award a baccalaureate degree in memoriam to students who were in good academic standing at the time of their death.

To award a non-thesis degree, the student must have completed all courses required for the degree. Courses required for the degree, in which the student was enrolled at the time of death, must have been completed to the satisfaction of the faculty so that passing grades might be posted. All other requirements must have been satisfied as well.

To award a thesis degree, all courses must be completed as described above and the thesis must be sufficiently complete to the satisfaction of the faculty so that certification of completion may be posted to the student’s record.

Procedures for Award of Posthumous Degrees or Degrees in Memoriam

Department chairpersons, or appropriate faculty members, on their own initiative or upon request of a student’s family, may recommend a posthumous, or an in memoriam degree, by forwarding the recommendation to the appropriate college Dean. If approved by the Dean, the request, accompanied by the supporting documentation, will be forwarded to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies respective to the degree type at USF for approval. If the Dean or Chief Academic Officer approves the recommendation, the Office of the Registrar will be notified. Posthumous degrees and in memoriam degrees may also be presented to the student’s family in an appropriate setting, which may include Commencement held in fall and spring.

Diplomas for posthumous degrees will be identical to other degrees awarded in the same colleges and majors. Diplomas for Degrees in Memoriam will be prepared to read “Bachelor of Arts in Memoriam,” “Bachelor of Science in Memoriam,” etc., depending upon the degree the student was pursuing at the time of death. Undergraduate students who have not chosen a major at the time of death will be awarded the “Bachelor of Arts in Memoriam.”

Student Code of Conduct

PURPOSE & INTENT

Student Conduct and Ethical Development (further referred to as “SCED”) supports the goals, mission, values, and visions of the University of South Florida (“University” or “USF”) by promoting responsibility and adherence to the standards of behavior outlined in this Regulation (“Student Code of Conduct” or “Code”). 

SCED collaborates with the USF community to advocate for a safe environment that promotes personal accountability and supports student success. SCED facilitates educational opportunities through meaningful interactions with students to encourage their academic, emotional, and professional development. The goal of SCED is to create environments that empower students to engage as ethical citizens in a diverse global society.

STATEMENT OF REGULATION

The USF President has designated SCED, or designee, to administer and maintain this Regulation (“Student Code of Conduct” or “Code”). The Student Code of Conduct describes standards of behaviors that are counteractive to the goals and mission of the university and the process for how the university will hold students and student organizations accountable to these standards of behavior.

Student’s Choice of Catalog

University of South Florida Catalogs - USF Policy 10-059
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-059

PURPOSE & INTENT
The University of South Florida (USF) publishes undergraduate and graduate catalogs on each campus. Catalogs are not contracts, but are the source of general information including USF, its campuses, community, curricular offerings, degree and admission requirements, academic calendar, and facilities available to students, faculty and staff.

STATEMENT OF POLICY
USF reserves the right to change or modify academic requirements, course information, and curricula as authorized by the USF Board of Trustees, Florida Board of Governors or Florida law. Revisions to catalogs will not alter provisions, terms, fees, or requirements under existing university regulations or policies. 

The catalogs is revised each academic year. The catalogs will be updated without notice as degree programs or curricula changes are approved by the appropriate USF authority, the Florida Board of Governors or Florida law.

In the event of conflict between any provisions in the catalog and any USF regulations or policies, the document most currently revised or adopted by the USF Board of Trustees shall prevail.

A degree-seeking student may choose any USF catalog published during their continuous enrollment. As degree-seeking students will be enrolled over the course of several terms, the catalogs may change. In the event of a conflict, to the extent possible, the university will make every effort to apply the appropriate catalog that protects the interest of the student. However, in the case of policy and program changes, or issues of accreditation and legislative changes, the most current catalog will be applied, if necessary.

Academic Processes

Academic Probation and Dismissal

Note: The information below pertains to academic probation or dismissal. This is different than dismissal or suspension due to academic integrity issues. For information on academic integrity, please see the Academic Integrity section above.

The first time an undergraduate student’s USF grade point average (GPA) falls below a cumulative 2.0, the student will be placed on academic probation. From the beginning of academic probation, the student must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA each term and may not totally withdraw from any semester without cause. Any student who withdraws from all classes after the fifth day of classes while on academic probation will be academically dismissed.

Once on academic probation, academic advising prior to registration is mandatory until the student is removed from probationary status. Students may remain on academic probation indefinitely as long as the student maintains a GPA of 2.0 or greater each semester. If at any time while on academic probation, the student’s semester GPA falls below a 2.0, the student will be academically dismissed from the university. Once academically dismissed, the student may only return under USF’s Academic Renewal policies. If academically dismissed from USF, students may not enroll USF as a non-degree seeking student.

First year, first time in college (FTIC) students may be granted a one-time only academic dismissal deferment, allowing an additional semester of enrollment. Students will work with the Office of Academic Advocacy (https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/academic-advocacy/) to create a plan for academic success in the deferred semester. It should be noted that deferring academic dismissal will not extend financial aid canceled due to poor academic performance.

The determination and notification of probationary status or academic dismissal is made by the Office of the Registrar; academic standing is noted on the student’s transcript. A student who attends another college or university following academic dismissal will be classified as a transfer student and readmission will be based on the total record accumulated from all colleges and universities attended.

Once a student’s semester and USF GPA are at or above 2.0, the academic probation status will be removed.

If a student is academically dismissed or falls below a 2.0 cumulative USF GPA and subsequently receives a baccalaureate degree from another four-year institution, that student, when accepted to the university with the post-baccalaureate status, will have their academic standing restored to good standing.

Reinstatement

Students placed on Academic Dismissal may only return to USF under the university’s Academic Renewal policies. Academic Renewal allows students previously dismissed or former students returning with a USF GPA below 2.00 to renew their pursuit of baccalaureate degrees without the responsibility of having to overcome the entire burden of low grades and low grade-point-averages. To facilitate this opportunity, students who qualify for Academic Renewal may, with the approval of the Academic Regulations Committee and/or the Office of Undergraduate Studies, have portions of their academic record excluded from their grade point averages (GPAs). To be eligible for academic renewal, the student must select a major in which they will graduate according to the degree progression policy. The entire academic record however will continue to be reflected on their transcripts even though a selected portion will not be counted in their GPAs. Academic Renewal students are admitted with the same terms of academic probation and dismissal as all other undergraduate students.

Students petitioning for reinstatement must submit a new application to the Office of Admissions (https://www.usf.edu/admissions/index.aspx).

If academically dismissed from USF a student may not return to USF as a non-degree seeking student.

Academic Regulations Committee

Certain academic regulations for the university are managed by the Academic Regulations Committee (ARC) within each college. For specific information, please see https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/academic-processes/academic-regulations-committee/. Each college’s ARC regularly reviews petitions submitted by undergraduate students. Undergraduate students must petition and secure approval from their college’s ARC to return to the university after having been academically dismissed or to receive special consideration regarding an academic regulation, including late or retroactive drop of a course, late registration or late add of a course, deletion of a course, and withdrawal from a term. The ARC representatives or designees in each college meet with the student, assist with the petition process, and serve on their college’s ARC. Representatives from the college ARC’s also meet formally to review ARC policies and procedures for the university.

Each college’s ARC will reexamine petitions when the student provides new and substantive information directly related to the petition or evidence that an error was made. A final ARC decision may be appealed first through the appropriate college Dean or designee within ten business days of the initial decision. Then the Dean of Undergraduate Studies (or the Designee) may hear an appeal.

Requests made for late adds after the withdrawal deadline for the term, and for a retroactive withdrawal six months after the applicable semester, require an additional review by the university Registrar to ensure compliance with university, State and Federal regulations and policies. Late Adds falling in this category must have circumstances outlining the exceptional reason for the delay and lay out a plan for demonstrating completion of meeting minutes by the conclusion of the term per SACSCOC Federal Requirements 4.9, Definition of a Credit Hour. Late Withdrawals falling into this category must have documentation supporting exceptional circumstances that occurred after the withdrawal deadline.

To petition the committee, completed forms should be submitted to the respective College Advising Office for ARC review. In some cases, a consultation with an ARC representative is required. Students may contact their ARC representative for details regarding their submission. Detailed information and the appropriate forms may be obtained by visiting the ARC’s website (https:/www.usf.edu/undergrad/academic-processes/academic-regulations-committee/). Students will receive notification of the committee’s decision by mail/email.

If a student is requesting consideration for financial reimbursement, the student must also submit a Fee Adjustment Request (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/fee_adjustment.aspx) to the Office of the Registrar within six months of the applicable term’s end date and following final petition decision.

Alternative Academic Process for Seriously Traumatized Students

An alternative academic process is provided for those seriously traumatized students who have received assistance from the Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention (https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/victim-advocacy/index.aspx) or the Counseling Center (https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/counseling-center/) or Student Health & Wellness (https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-health-services/services/index.aspx) when the professionals of those centers have reviewed the personal and confidential information related to the student’s experience to determine appropriate actions for the student. The USF Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention, the Counseling Center and Student Health Services will assist in determining appropriate actions, including waiving certain academic regulations to accommodate the student’s needs. 

Commencement Ceremony

Commencement ceremonies are held at the end of each academic semester. Ceremonies are held three times a year (Spring, Summer and Fall) with multiple ceremonies hosted in a day.

Students register to participate in a Commencement ceremony through the Commencement website, https://www.usf.edu/commencement/. Registration for that term’s ceremony is open on the first day of classes for that term.

Deadline for ceremony registration varies by campus. Registration is open to all undergraduate students.

Remember - Graduation is separate process from the Commencement ceremony.

To participate in the Commencement ceremony:

1. Apply to graduate at the Office of the Registrar; submit your application to graduate to receive your diploma at https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/apply-for-graduation/index.aspx.
2. Register for Commencement ceremony at https://www.usf.edu/commencement/. Information regarding the ceremony will be mailed to students who apply to graduate by the end of the fourth week of the term.

NOTES:

• Students do not receive their diploma at the Commencement ceremony.
• The list of student names published in the Commencement ceremony program is taken from the list of students who applied to graduate by the end of the fourth week of the term. Students who have elected certain levels of privacy on their records will not have their names published in the Commencement ceremony program.
• Commencement is a most dignified ceremony.
• Academic regalia is required and there is a cost of regalia.
• There is no fee to participate in a Commencement ceremony for graduates and their families and guests.

Dean’s List

Full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement during one semester will be honored on a “Dean’s List.” To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must meet the following criteria:

• Complete 12 hours of graded (A-F) USF coursework with no Incomplete, Unsatisfactory and/or W grades during the semester.
• Earn a semester GPA in USF coursework, as designated by the College of their major, as follows:
  • College of Arts and Sciences = 3.9 GPA
  • College of Behavioral and Community Sciences = 3.9 GPA
  • Muma College of Business = 3.9 GPA
  • College of Education = 3.9 GPA
  • College of Engineering = 3.9 GPA
  • College of Nursing = 3.9 GPA
  • College of Public Health = 3.9 GPA
  • College of Design, Art, and Performance = 3.9 GPA
  • Office of Undergraduate Studies = 3.9 GPA

If a student is coded in two undergraduate majors from two different colleges, the student may be honored with Dean’s List from each college, presuming the student meets the required GPA threshold for each individual college.

Dean’s List is determined at the end of the semester, after grades are posted. If an Incomplete or change of grade is processed after grades processing is finalized, the student will not retroactively receive Dean’s List designation.

Students registered in the Student Accessibility Services office whose approved accommodations include a reduced academic load are eligible by meeting the above parameters with at least nine (9) credit hours of graded USF coursework completed in the semester and the recommendation from that office, to be confirmed by the Dean of the college of the student’s major.

The Dean of the College in which the student is majoring or the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, for students currently enrolled in an exploratory curriculum, will recognize this academic honor. Students who are eligible should contact their College Advising Office or Student Accessibility Services for information.

Students are eligible to earn the Dean’s List designation only once for the entire summer and intersession semesters.

Declaration or Change of Major

It is advantageous for students to make early decisions about their major, to be on track and to remain on track toward their degrees and to graduate in a timely manner. With hundreds of options to choose from, USF provides students a considerable amount of choice in their early course decisions. Students are encouraged to declare a major upon entry to the university. If they are unable to select or declare a major formally or a pre-major, they should follow the exploratory curriculum that best matches their interests (https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/programs/ecm/).

First Time in College (FTIC) students must be officially declared in a major or a pre-major before they register for more than 36 credits, including credit earned via Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Dual Enrollment coursework. Students will not be allowed to register for further credits at the university until they have declared a major or pre-major.

Transfer students should declare their majors upon entry to the university. Transfer students with 60 or more semester hours must declare a major and will not be allowed to register for further credits at the university until they have declared a major or a pre-major.

Many resources are made available by the university to assist students in making career decisions and choosing their majors. The process for Changing a Major is the same as Declaring a Major. Students are encouraged to visit with their academic advisor and to visit the Center for Career and Professional Development at https://www.usf.edu/career-services/.

Major changes must be made by the drop/add deadline for the applicable term. Otherwise, they are effective for the subsequent term of emminent.

Early Notification of Instructor Requirement for University Sponsored Activities

The university recognizes the importance of participation in university-sponsored activities such as musical and theatrical performances, athletic competition, and debate. It also recognizes that such participation may result in conflicts with scheduled class times. It is the responsibility of participating students to provide a full list of anticipated conflicting days to instructors by the end of the first week of the term, and directors and advisors of university activity programs have an obligation to assist students with this task. Students are responsible for identifying potential absences specific to a particular class and notifying individual instructors of these conflicts, especially for conflicts with scheduled examinations.

Please note that a general schedule for a team or ensemble does not satisfy this notification requirement. Students should provide instructors with addenda (e.g., end-of-season tournaments, newly scheduled events, or rescheduled events) that result in new conflicts as soon as they are available. Directors and advisors of university activity programs should consult with participating students prior to registration to help them choose courses that do not have excessive anticipated conflicts.

Grade Forgiveness

USF’s grade forgiveness process permits a student to repeat a course and have the repeated grade computed in the cumulative grade point average (GPA) in place of the original grade, providing the repeat grade is posted as “D -” or higher (exception - see Honors at Graduation within this section) and is higher than the first grade. Normally, grade forgiveness may only be applied to a specific course that a student chooses to repeat. Under unusual circumstances, a different but similar course may be used if the substitute course has been previously approved by the College Dean and is on file in the Office of the Registrar.

No course taken on the S/U grade basis may have the grade forgiveness applied. Similarly, the grade forgiveness process cannot apply to any course in which the grade of “FF” has been recorded.

Any undergraduate or non-degree seeking student who wishes to implement grade forgiveness must:

1. Complete a Grade Forgiveness Request form for each course to be repeated (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/documents/forms_2019/grade_forgiveness_request_2019.pdf).
2. Adhere to the following conditions:
   1. A limitation of applying grade forgiveness to three USF courses with no more than one repeat per course.
   2. Once you utilize grade forgiveness, it cannot be rescinded.
   3. With prior approval of the college dean, a course different from a course on the approved list may be substituted in the following cases:
      • The substitute course is a change in prefix, number, hours, or title, but not a substantive change in content from the original course.
      • The substitute course replaces a course no longer offered by the institution.
      • The substitute course was approved by the Director Student Accessibility Services and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies as an appropriate alternative for a student with accommodations.
   4. The repeated course must be taken under the standard grading system (A - F) and the latest grade must be posted as “D -” or higher (grades of S/U are not permitted) and be higher than the first grade.
   5. All grades remain on the transcript. The original course grade will be annotated with “E” to indicate that the course has subsequently been repeated and the original grade is not computed in the GPA.
   6. Individual colleges may have further restrictions; therefore, the student should consult with their college.

This process is applicable to undergraduate and non-degree-seeking students only, and applies to 1000-to-5000-level courses. Once students have been awarded a bachelor’s degree from USF, they may not repeat a course and be forgiven the original grade, taken prior to graduation.

The process applies only to courses taken originally and repeated at USF.

Honors at Graduation

To be considered for honors at graduation, a baccalaureate candidate must have completed at least 40 credits of graded upper level work at USF and have earned a grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher for all graded coursework attempted at USF. For those students in programs requiring multiple clinical experiences (such as Nursing and Education), a baccalaureate candidate must have completed at least 30 hours of graded upper level coursework and have earned a GPA of 3.50 or higher for all graded coursework attempted at USF. In addition, to be eligible for honors, transfer students and USF students who have postsecondary work elsewhere must have an overall GPA of 3.50 or higher counting all USF courses, as well as, all transferable work attempted at other institutions. The forgiveness policy at USF or other institutions and plus/minus grades awarded at other institutions are not applicable in computing the GPA for honors. In addition, students with a record of academic dishonesty appearing on any transcripts may graduate from a degree program after meeting all degree requirements, but will not be eligible for honors at graduation, including the honor of graduating from the Honors College or a departmental honors program.

• Candidates with a USF GPA of 3.50 or higher and an overall GPA of 3.50 but below 3.70 shall receive a diploma designation of cum laude (with honor).
• Candidates with a USF GPA of 3.50 or higher and an overall GPA of 3.70 but below 3.90 shall receive a diploma designation of magna cum laude (with high honor).
• Candidates with a USF GPA of 3.50 or higher and an overall GPA of 3.90 or above shall receive a diploma designation of summa cum laude (with highest honor).

In addition, each Dean has the option to select on the basis of exceptional achievement 1% of the college’s graduates or one student per semester for graduating with distinction.

Undergraduate candidates with an overall GPA of 4.00 are recognized at the commencement ceremony as King O’Neal Scholars. They will be recognized during the ceremony and presented with a certificate and medallion from the Alumni Association.

For purposes of honors recognition at the Commencement ceremony, students must have a 3.50 GPA before the term in which they plan to graduate to have honors recognized publicly at the Commencement ceremony.

The GPA is not rounded up when determining honors at graduation (e.g., 3.69 is not the same as 3.70). The forgiveness policy at USF and other institutions and plus/minus grades awarded at other institutions will not be applicable in computing the GPA for honors. In addition, students with a record of academic dishonesty appearing on any transcript(s) will not be eligible for honors at graduation.

“I” Grade 

An “I” grade indicates incomplete coursework and may be awarded to undergraduate students. Undergraduate rules apply to non-degree-seeking students. An incomplete may be awarded to an undergraduate student only when a small portion of the student’s work is missing and only when the student is otherwise earning a passing grade. The instructor will be required to complete the I-grade contract online when posting the semester grade at the end of the term, identifying the remaining coursework to be completed, the student’s last day of attendance, and the percent of work accomplished to this point. This online contract will be automatically sent to the student’s email and to the Office of the Registrar.

Until removed, the “I” is not computed in the GPA for undergraduate students. The time limit for removing the “I” is to be set by the instructor of the course; this time limit may not exceed two semesters. “I” grades not removed by the end of the time limit will be changed to “IF” or “IU,” whichever is appropriate. If an instructor is willing, they may accept work from a student after an I grade has changed to an IF or IU grade, and assign the student a final grade in the course, unless the student has graduated. Whether or not the student is in residence, any change to “IF” grades will be calculated in the cumulative GPA and, if applicable, the student will be placed on appropriate probation or academically dismissed. Students should not re-register for courses in which they are only completing previous course requirements to change an “I” grade; if a student wants to audit a course for review in order to complete course requirements, full fees must be paid.

Steps for Graduation

The Office the Registrar has complete information regarding graduation requirements (see https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/apply-for-graduation/).

STEP 1: Apply for graduation (receive a diploma) and complete the graduation survey.

• Login into Student Self-Service using MyUSF and then follow these steps: 

  • Enter your Net ID and self-assigned password.
  • Click on “My Resources.”
  • Click on “Student Self-Service.”
  • Click on “Student.”
  • Near the bottom of the list, select “Apply for Graduation.”
  • Please be sure to check the address in Student Self-Service as that is where your diploma will be sent.
• The Office of Decision Support requires all graduation applicants to take a survey; that survey affronts the online graduation application.
• IMPORTANT NOTES:  This does not automatically add the student to the Commencement ceremony.  Please read below for further details to complete that process and see other important information about graduation.
• The student is responsible for checking with your college for any additional graduation requirements and earlier application deadlines they may require. 
• Any student who completes the graduation survey and applies after the published deadline will not be included in the Commencement brochure. Applying late may also possibly prevent the application from being processed in time for the degree to be awarded until the next term, even if all degree requirements are met. In order for a degree statement to appear on your transcript, a graduation survey and application must be submitted whether or not the student attends Commencement.

STEP 2: Clear financial obligations. Financial obligations must be cleared prior to graduation or your diploma will be held upon request of Student Accounting Services. Ensure that all fees are paid to the university in full.  These include parking, library, etc. or a hold will be placed on the student record. This will prevent release of the student’s diploma and transcripts until all fees are collected and the hold is released.

STEP 3: Check grades. It is the student’s responsibility to clear all “I” (incomplete grades)  for courses required for graduation, and to provide official hard copy transcripts of all transferred course work needed for graduation at least one term prior to graduation.

STEP 4: Check current class schedule. You should notify your college of any change or error in their schedule for the current semester, including any adds/drops or withdrawals. Contact the Office of the Registrar if your name does not appear on a class roll for a course in which you believe you are registered.

STEP 5: Check name in student record. Students may designate a name to appear on their diploma. The student must signify on the form if the changed name is to be listed on your diploma instead of the one in your student record. It is critical that upper/lower case letters, accents, and punctuation be clearly indicated on the application.

STEP 6: RSVP for Commencement. Graduation and Commencement require two different processes. See requirements for Commencement at https://www.usf.edu/commencement/.

S/U Grade System

Certain courses have been designated as S/U courses. The “S” and “U” grades are used to indicate the student’s final grade. These S/U only courses are identified with (S/U only) after the course definition in this catalog.

Mechanism for Assigning S/U Grades

“S” and “U” grades are not computed in the student’s GPA. The method by which a student receives an “S” or “U” grade in an option course will consist of the following:

• A written agreement signed by both instructor and student shall be filed with such offices as may be designated by the college. The college shall set the deadline (no later than the last day of classes for the term) for the student to decide if they wish to take the course on an S/U basis.

• The instructor shall assign final letter grades A, B, C, D, F, or I, but will transmit to the Office of the Registrar “S” or “U” consistent with the following:

• Letter grade, A, B, C, or C- shall be equivalent to a letter grade of “S.”

• Letter grades D or F shall be equivalent to a letter grade of “U.”