Dec 07, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

General Information


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Office of the Registrar

Website: https://www.usf.edu/registrar
E-mail: asktheregistrar@usf.edu
Phone: 813-974-2000

For convenience, offices are located on all three campuses. Check the website for current lobby and phone services hours, as well as holiday closing dates.

Tampa campus
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Student Services Building - SVC 1034, Tampa, FL 33620

St. Petersburg campus
140 7th Avenue South, Bayboro Hall 102, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Sarasota-Manatee campus
8350 N. Tamiami Trail,  C107, Manatee, FL 34243

 

The Office of the Registrar leads the maintenance of student records in all formats as the University’s chief student record custodian. The Registrar team provides accessible registration services that facilitate continuous enrollment and student success. Additional roles consist of leading graduation processes; and creating and maintaining academic programs, courses, and the schedule of classes in the student information system. The Office of the Registrar provides information and services to students in the University’s Student Self-Service. Using their Net ID and password, students can register and drop/add courses, update contact information, access registration appointment time and hold information, view their grades and order transcripts and proof of enrollment. The Registrar team ensures institutional compliance of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) including students’ rights to inspect, request amendments, and limit access to their student records.

Registration Information

Register 

To register for classes, students must first login to the MyUSF portal using their Net Id and password (https://netid.usf.edu) and choose Student Self-Service. Note that some courses may require permits from the department/school for registration. For step-by-step registration instructions visit usf.edu/registrar.

Late Registration 

Degree-seeking students who do not register prior to the first day of classes may register late the first week of classes. A late registration fee is charged during this week (refer to the Important Dates and Deadlines page for specific dates). To avoid cancellation of registration, fees and tuition are due and payable for all registered courses of record on the fifth day of classes (end of drop/add period). Students are responsible for verifying the accuracy of their course registration before the end of the drop/add period (i.e. by the fifth day of classes for the given semester). In the event there are courses incorrectly listed or missing on the record, students will need to follow the graduate petition process. Course registration by the end of the fifth day of classes will result in liability of tuition and fees. 

Medical Requirements for Registration

Immunization Policy: University Immunization Policy, USF Regulation 33-002: https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy33-002

Forms: http://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-health-services/immunizations/index.aspx

Per USF Policy 33-002, it is mandatory for USF students to submit all required immunization documentation and/or the completed Medical History Form prior to course registration. Course registration will be restricted until you have fulfilled this requirement. 

 

  1. Measles & Rubella Immunity (Required)
    • Submit proof of 2 MMRs given after 1st birthday, or
    • IgG quantitative lab report (performed within last 5 years). Lab report must include the results and reference range.
  2. Hepatitis B Immunity (Recommended):
    • Submit proof of immunity to Hepatitis B by providing 3 vaccine dates or
    • Quantitative lab report or
    • Waive this recommended vaccine through your student Student Self-Service or MyBullsPath account (for Tip Sheet: click here) or on the USF Medical History form.
    • For important information on Hepatitis B from the CDC click here.
  3. Meningitis Immunity (Recommended):
    • Submit proof of Meningitis vaccination administered after 16th birthday or
    • Waive this recommended vaccine through your student Student Self-Service account or MyBullsPath (for Tip Sheet: click here) or on the USF Medical History form.
    • For important information on Meningitis from the CDC click here.
  4. TB Screening: Per USF Policy 33-003, Tuberculosis Screening is required for all students who use an international address at the time of application. Screening must be done within 6 months prior to the 1st semester you physically attend classes on any of the USF campuses. See this example of Tuberculosis screening document.

 

Click here to review an Immunization Guide


If you are missing any vaccine and/ or labs, please contact your current healthcare provider or schedule an Immunization Compliance Appointment by clicking here

Please visit our webpage for the latest information and instructions for registration. 

Document Upload (vaccination records, minor consent forms)  

Contact US or 813-974-4056 

 

Administrative Holds

A student may be placed on administrative hold for failure to meet obligations to the University. When a student is placed on administrative hold, the student may not be allowed to register, receive a diploma, or receive a transcript.  A list of current holds and how to resolve them is available on the Office of the Registrar’s website (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/holds.aspx)

Cancellation of Registration for Non-Payment

USF Regulation USF4.010, https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation4010

Reasons for Cancellation:

  1. Current Term: A USF student’s current term registration may be cancelled for nonpayment of tuition and fees, and for returned checks in payment of tuition and fees, or if a tuition payment deferment for financial aid or VA benefits was not received for the term.
  2. Prior Term: A USF student’s prior term registration may be cancelled for nonpayment of tuition and fees or for returned checks in payment of tuition and fees, or if a tuition payment deferment for financial aid or VA benefits was not received for that prior term.
  3. Future Term: A USF student’s future term registration may be cancelled if the student has an outstanding balance from a prior term.
     

Students who do not have a tuition deferment and fail to pay by the end of add/drop week (first week of classes) will be considered overdue and will be assessed a $100 Late Payment Fee. Students have until the deadlines listed on the website https://www.usf.edu/registrar/calendars/index.aspx to pay all tuition and fees or they will be cancelled from classes.

If cancelled, students are removed from class rosters, lose Canvas access and a Late Registration Fee of $100 will be assessed. Students who have a Financial Aid Tuition Deferment, Veteran’s deferment, Florida Prepaid Plan, or a graduate assistant tuition waiver will not be subject to cancellation.

More information on the re-add process is available on the Office of the Registrar’s website.
 

Semester System

USF operates on a semester system. Semesters begin in August and January with Summer Sessions beginning in May and June. See Academic Calendar   for appropriate dates. 

Academic Load

See Enrollment Requirements  in the Academic Policies Section

Student Information

Academic Standing

Class Standing - A student’s class standing is determined by the number of credits the student has earned without relation to the student’s GPA.

Classification of Students

6M - Graduate student admitted to a major in a Master’s Degree Program
6A - Graduate student admitted to a major in a Specialist Degree Program
6D - Graduate student admitted to a major in a Doctoral Degree Program (not eligible to register for dissertation hours)
6C - Graduate student admitted to Doctoral Candidacy (eligible to register for dissertation hours)
7A-7D 1st-4th year professional Degree Program (M.D.) or post-doctoral status

Also see “In good standing ” in the Academic Policies Section

Student Definitions

Degree Seeking Students:
Students who have been accepted into a major within a degree program

Graduate Certificate Seeking Students:
Students who have been accepted into a Graduate Certificate, who are not also enrolled in a degree seeking program.  They are classified as non-degree seeking students.  Students who are admitted to a Graduate Certificate may register during the same registration period as Graduate Degree-Seeking Students. For more information about Graduate Certificates and specific requirements, refer to Graduate Certificates .

Non-Degree-Seeking Students:
Students who have not been accepted into a major within a degree program or Graduate Certificate. Non-Degree-Seeking students may enroll and enter classes on a space available basis. Non-Degree-Seeking students must meet all prerequisites for courses in which they wish to enroll and should obtain appropriate approval from the academic unit in which the courses of interest are offered. Certain classes are available only to degree-seeking students and may not be available for Non-Degree-Seeking students.

Should a student be accepted into a graduate degree major, refer to the Application of USF credit policy for information on what credits may be applied to satisfy graduate degree requirements. Prior to completing twelve (12) hours in a specific major, it is strongly recommended that a Non-Degree-Seeking student apply for admission and be accepted into the specific major to continue taking courses. Majors may have additional requirements, so check with the major of interest for more information.

Inactive Students:                 

Inactive students are graduate students who have lost graduate student status at the University. They may not enroll in classes or have access to university services. Graduate students are inactivated for not meeting continuous enrollment requirements, for voluntarily withdrawing from a major, or being academically dismissed, or after graduating with no additional active credential in progress.  Inactive graduate students must apply for reinstatement or admission to have their graduate student status restored.

Visiting Graduate Students

Graduate students enrolled at another college or university who want to complete coursework at USF are considered Non-Degree Seeking students and should follow the process for Non-Degree Seeking Student Admission (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/non-degree-admission/index.aspx).  Students should consult their home institution for transfer of credit eligibility of USF courses toward their degrees at that institution.  

Graduate students enrolled at USF who want to complete coursework at another college or university should consult that institution’s policies for how to enroll and should also receive confirmation in advance from their USF department to confirm transfer of credit eligibility.  Refer to the Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.

GA/RA/TA Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships (GA), Research Assistantships (RA), and Teaching Assistantships (TA): Graduate Assistantships are intended to recruit quality students to graduate study at USF and to enhance the graduate learning experience. Graduate assistantships exist within academic departments or other university offices on campus. Graduate assistants may teach, conduct research, or perform other tasks that contribute to the student’s professional development. Graduate students may be classified as Graduate Assistants (GAs), Graduate Teaching Assistants/Associates (GTAs), Graduate Instructional Assistants (GIAs), and/or Graduate Research Assistants/Associates (GRAs). All graduate assistants at USF work under a contract negotiated by the Graduate Assistants United (GAU) and the USF Board of Trustees. The GAU is the labor union certified as the exclusive bargaining agent for graduate assistants at USF. To receive an assistantship, the graduate student must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Accepted in a graduate major;
  • Maintain an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) and major GPA of 3.00;
  • Enrolled full-time during the semester(s) appointed as a graduate assistant;
  • For teaching assistantships, demonstrate proficiency in spoken English (if student is not from an English-Speaking country).
  • Maintain a satisfactory work performance evaluation for all previous work performed as a Graduate Assistant.

For the purposes of graduate assistantships only, full-time enrollment is considered nine (9) graduate credit hours in the fall/spring semesters and six (6) graduate credit hours in the summer.  If a graduate assistant is enrolled in the last semester of his/her program of study, the number of registered semester hours may be less than the full-time requirement. Graduate assistants must comply with all Office of Graduate Studies enrollment requirements to retain their assistantship as stated in the Graduate Catalog.

For specifics regarding Graduate Assistantship requirements, guidelines, and policies, refer to the Graduate Assistantships Resource Center online at: http://www.grad.usf.edu/assistantships.php, the Graduate Catalog Academic Policies Section, and also the Graduate Assistants Policies and Guidelines Handbook.

Student Identification Card (USFCard and ID Badge) Policy

Policy Reference: USF 0-517 - https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy0-517 

University policy requires all students must obtain and carry the USFCard while on campus.

The USFCard is the official identification card of the University of South Florida. The USFCard is a multi-functional card with digitized photo and electronic identification and validation for departments needing to verify student and/or employee status. The USFCard was designed as a platform for a multitude of services and functions (e.g., library access, passes for sporting and theatrical events, etc.).

Cardholder Responsibilities

  • Use of the USFCard by anyone other than the person to whom it was issued is strictly prohibited.
  • The cardholder is subject to disciplinary actions or other penalties for improper use of the card.
  • The cardholder is responsible for any and all losses associated with the card.
  • Punching holes, marking on the card, adding stickers or altering the card in any way is strictly prohibited.
  • View the official USFCard Policy. https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy0-517

For information on the process for requesting a USFCard and current payment information, refer to the website: 

For the issuance of a family card, the student (with their USFCard) must accompany the family member(s) who must also provide legal identification. All privileges extended to the family(s) are discontinued when the Sponsor is no longer a student. Use of the USFCard by anyone other than the person to whom it was issued is strictly prohibited. The cardholder is responsible for any and all losses associated with their card.  Refer to the fee schedule for costs for new and replacement cards. Financial services, long distance telephone services, and other features are options available at the user’s discretion. USFCards are the property of the University of South Florida and must be returned on request.

Locations:

Tampa Campus
Student Services Building (SVC) 1032
help@usf.edu
(813) 974-HELP (4357) 

Sarasota Campus
8350 N. Tamiami Trail in B116
(941) 359-4220


USF St. Petersburg
Bayboro Hall, BAY 134
stp-idcard@usf.edu
(727) 873-4408
 

 

Student Records - Regulation

USF Regulation 2.0021 - https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation20021

The policies and procedures outlined in this Regulation are designed to implement the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA,” 20 U. S. C. s.1232g) and Sections 1002.225 and 1006.52, Florida Statutes pursuant to which the University of South Florida is obligated to inform students of their rights to review and inspect education records, to challenge and seek to amend education records, to control disclosure of education records, and to contact the Student Privacy Policy Office of the U.S. Department of Education for concerns regarding alleged violations of FERPA or to the appropriate court for violations of privacy if applicable. USF has placed the responsibility for administration of this regulation with the University Registrar.
The student’s USF education record shall not be changed after the student has graduated.

Students are not permitted to share their usernames or passwords to USF-assigned accounts. This ensures that a student’s online identity remains both protected and authenticated. 

Student Record

Upon enrollment at USF, students become responsible for all actions taken on their student records. All changes to a student’s record must be made by the student via request from their USF email or in writing. Students are not permitted to share their usernames or passwords to USF-assigned accounts. This ensures that a student’s online identity remains both protected and authenticated. 

Students are required to notify the Office of the Registrar when there are record changes involving preferred or legal name, social security number, addresses, telephone numbers, and external email addresses, even after leaving USF. The best way to update information is in Student Self-Service. If a student needs help making an update, students should send the request to RegistrarUpdates@usf.edu from their USF email address.

Release of Student Information

STUDENT PRIVACY RIGHTS

In the interest of openness and building trust with our students, USF affords students the right to limit data usage and sharing of their information, without having to request non-disclosure of directory information under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Pursuant to the requirements of FERPA, the following types of information designated by law as “directory information” can be released, if the student has not requested privacy or non-disclosure:

  • The student’s name
  • The student’s major field of study
  • The student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  • The weight and height of members of athletic teams
  • The student’s dates of attendance, part-time or full-time status, and degrees and awards received
  • The student’s photographic image independent of any additional personal identifiers

All other student data is protected. For more information, see https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation20021.
Students may update their privacy setting in Archivum to limit the sharing of additional information, such as:

  1. Include their information and other designated elements in the online student directory.
  2. Release directory information about themselves to any third party.

Such updates must be made no later than the end of the second week of classes of the academic term or the student will be deemed to have waived their right of refusal until the next academic term. More information on Student Privacy Rights is available at https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/privacy.aspx.

If a student wants to provide ongoing access for a parent, spouse, or other third party to review your student record information may do so in Student Self-Service.  Direct questions to Privacy@usf.edu.


STUDENT INFORMATION CHANGES

Notifications regarding changes to legal name, residency, and citizenship should be filed promptly using the appropriate form(s) accompanied by verifiable supporting legal documentation with the Office of the Registrar (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/).  If a student needs help making an update, students should contact RegistrarUpdates@usf.edu from their USF email address.
Change of local, permanent, and emergency contact addresses, telephone numbers, and external email addresses; preferred name; and other information affecting the student’s permanent academic record may be completed in Student Self-Service. 

 

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST

For ordering options visit: https://www.usf.edu/registrar/resources/transcript.aspx.  NOTE: All holds preventing release of a transcript must be resolved within 30 days of the request, or the order will be cancelled.


Official transcripts for students who previously attended New College of Florida or participated in the M.D. program of the College of Medicine must be requested directly from those institutions:

New College of Florida
Office of Records and Registration
5800 Bay Shore Road, Building D-115
Sarasota, FL 34243-2109
USF College of Medicine and Taneja College of Pharmacy
560 Channelside Drive, MDD32
Tampa, FL 33602

  

Exclusions

Members or former members of the faculty who hold or have held the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor are not eligible to be granted degrees from USF, except upon prior authorization of the Office of Graduate Studies and the Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee.

In cases where a member of the immediate family of a faculty member is enrolled in a graduate major, the faculty member may not serve on any advisory or examination committee or be involved in any determination of academic or financial status of that individual.

Course Information

Academic Credit hours

Reference – USF Policy 10-065 - https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-065 

Academic credit provides the basis for quantifying the amount of engaged learning time expected of a typical student enrolled in traditional classroom settings, laboratories, studios, internships, other forms of experiential learning, and distance and correspondence education.

This Policy is intended to ensure that all credit-bearing courses and programs offered by the University of South Florida (USF) meet the requirements of the Federal definition of a credit hour and the Credit Hours Policy Statement issued by the SACSCOC.

Statement of Policy

Credit hours are a measure of learning, and support a wide range of activities, including the transfer of students from one institution to another, awarding financial aid, and credentialing for employment. Because of the significance of awarding credit hours, an institution is obligated to ensure that credit hours for courses and majors conform to the commonly accepted standards of higher education, as stated in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Policy Statement on Credit Hours and Principles of Accreditation 10.7 (Policies for Awarding Credit, 10.89 Evaluating and Awarding Acdemic Credit), and 10.9 (Cooperative Academic Arrangements) .

Federal Definition of a Credit Hour: A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates the following: (1) not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time, or (2) at least an equivalent amount of work as required in item (1) above for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, cooperative education, practica, studio work, independent research, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

In determining the maximum number of credits that may be assigned to a course, the following guidelines apply.

  • For courses taught in a “traditional” classroom format in a 15-week semester, the maximum number of credits to be assigned is limited to the weekly number of 50-minute contact periods (or their equivalent) with the instructor. Underlying this statement is an assumption that each 50-minute contact period requires a minimum additional two hours of student work outside of the class involving reading, exercises, etc. Where this assumption does not hold true (as may be the case with some laboratories, for example), then the maximum number of credits may be significantly less than the weekly number of 50-minute contact periods.
    • For a lecture class, one unit is considered to be one hour of lecture class time and two hours per week of homework. For the typical three-unit class, a student spends three hours per week in class and should do six hours per week of homework. The total number of class contact hours per semester equals the credit hours multiplied by 15 weeks.
    • For a laboratory class, the hours per week are considered to be all in class with no outside assignments. Thus, one unit is three hours per week of laboratory time.
    • Where a course includes “by arrangement lab hours,” these generally take the place of the hours assigned to homework, since the student is required to use supervised college facilities to do assignments related to homework. An example might be a 3-unit lecture course which requires the student also to work two hours per week in the computer lab. There would be only four hours per week of additional homework required.
  • In all cases, but particularly in cases such as online learning where seat time is non-verifiable, credit hours are awarded on the basis of documented student learning outcomes that reflect the amount of academically engaged time for a typical student in a traditional format, and on the basis of documentation of the amount and type of work a typical student is expected to complete within a specified period of academically engaged time. The number of credit hours awarded is based on the number and/or rigor of student learning outcomes, with the higher number of credit hours awarded yielding greater number and/or rigor of outcomes.

Availability of Courses

USF does not commit itself to offer all the courses, majors, and graduate certificates listed in this catalog unless there is sufficient demand to justify them. Some courses may be offered only in alternate semesters or years, or even less frequently if there is little demand.

Mandatory First-Day Attendance Policy

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 AskTheRegistrar@usf.edu to drop the course(s), unless the course was dropped prior to the drop/add deadline.

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.
Reference: USF 10.006 https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-006 and USF 4.0101, https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation40101

Attendance Policy for the Observance of Religious Days by Students

In accordance with Sections 1006.53 and 1001.74(10) (g) Florida Statutes and Board of Governors Regulation 6C-6.0115, the University of South Florida (USF) has established the following policy regarding religious observances: https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy10-045

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 his or her religious belief. 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 (including final examinations), 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. If a student is absent for religious reasons on a day when the instructor collects work for purposes of grading (homework, pop quiz, finals, 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.

Any student who believes that he or she has been treated unfairly with regard to the above may seek review of a complaint through established USF Academic Grievance Procedures or USF Policy 0-007 Diversity and Equal Opportunity Discrmination and Harrassment.

Cross-listing 4000/6000 Courses

It is expected that the 4000 and 6000 courses will have distinct syllabi demonstrating different depth and breadth of the subject matter as reflected in the course requirements. The courses presuppose different audiences, and the intention is to offer them at distinct levels.

Course Currency

All courses, except for those approved for transfer of credit, should meet the time limit specified for the degree and be academically relevant as determined by the faculty in the graduate major. Courses used for the graduate degree requirements can be no more than ten years old at the time the degree is conferred.  Reference: Course Currency Form https://usf.app.box.com/file/401434802676?v=graduate-course-currency

Course Descriptions

For a listing of the most current, approved course descriptions effective with the next Catalog, refer to the USF Course Inventory Database available online at https://cloud.usf.edu/academic-programs/course-inventory For a listing of course descriptions in effect for this academic year, refer the course description listing in the Graduate Catalog. Courses scheduled to be offered in the upcoming semester(s) are available in the online Student Schedule Search.

Course Syllabi Policy

Refer to USF Policy 11-008

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.

Adds

After a student has completed registration on the date assigned, the student may add more courses until the fifth day of the term, otherwise known as the end of drop/add period outlined in the Office of the Registrar’s Important Dates and Deadlines (https://www.usf.edu/registrar/calendars/index.aspx)  

Graduate students wishing to add a course after the drop/add period must use the Graduate Studies petition process. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain, complete and submit all documentation required by this process. Incomplete petitions will not be considered. Courses may be added with instructor approval and verification up to the last day to withdraw without academic penalty (see deadlines: https://www.usf.edu/registrar/calendars/index.aspx). The process and forms are on the Graduate Studies website:  https://www.usf.edu/graduate-studies/forms.aspx.

Drops

A student may drop courses during the drop/add period (first five days of classes) without penalty.   No tuition or fees will be assessed and the course(s) will not appear on the transcript. After the drop/add period, courses will only be dropped from a student’s record in cases of university administrative error confirmed through the Graduate Studies Petition process and verified by the University Registrar.  
 
Students with holds preventing registration may contact AskTheRegistrar@usf.edu to request to drop a course. It is the student’s sole responsibility to ensure they drop to avoid fee liability.

Withdrawal (Course Withdrawal)

A student may withdraw from courses after the first week of the semester. Prior to week ten, students may withdraw from course through Student Self-Service. Tuition and fees are still assessed, and the courses will appear on the transcript. Students who withdraw may not continue to attend classes.

After week ten a Graduate Studies Petition is required. Petitions must address extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control and cannot be used to avoid academic or fee liability. Written documentation or explanation on letterhead verifying the circumstances associated with the withdrawal is required.  Once a semester is completed and final grades are posted, the student will only be able to withdraw from all coursework in that previous semester and not just a single course. Petitions for withdrawals must made within six months of the end of the course.  See USF Policy 10.006 for all requirements and see the Office of the Registrar’s website for deadlines.

Military Withdrawal

Any student enrolled in a college credit course shall not incur academic or financial penalties by virtue of performing military service on behalf of their country. Contact the Office of Veterans Success for assistance with this process.

Fee Adjustment Options

Students who withdraw from a course during the second through tenth week of classes are liable for tuition and fees.  Under specific conditions, consideration for refund of tuition and fees may be requested if a Fee Adjustment Request form accompanied by verifiable supporting documentation is submitted to the Office of the Registrar within six (6) months from the end of the semester to which any refund would be applicable. The Office of the Registrar will determine if a fee/tuition refund is applicable.

Retroactive Actions

Requests for retroactive actions are not considered/approved. Also see Academic Record.

Auditing Privileges and Fees

A student who wishes to sit in on a class to review the course material may do so as a registered auditor; however, the student is not allowed to take exams, earn grades, or receive credit. The student’s status for that class is an audit and his/her presence in the classroom is as a listener. Audit status must be obtained by submitting a Course Audit Form by the fifth day of the term.  Audit forms should be submitted to AskTheRegistrar@usf.edu. In-State fees are assessed for all audit courses. 

Voluntary Withdrawal (from the Major)

A student may voluntarily withdraw from their graduate major. The effective date of the withdrawal will be entered into the student’s record by the Office of the Registrar as the last day of the last class that the student attended.  Students who wish to withdraw must submit a Voluntary Withdrawal Form, available from the Office of Graduate Studies:  https://www.usf.edu/graduate-studies/forms.aspx

Once processed, the student’s status will be changed from Graduate Degree Seeking to inactive. A change to inactive status could adversely impact financial aid. Withdrawals can impact financial aid and questions regarding this should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid. For convenience, offices are located on all three campuses:

Tampa Campus: (813) 974-4700
St. Petersburg Campus: (727) 873-4128
Sarasota Campus: (941)359-4459.
 
The student will remain financially and academically responsible for any course(s) for which they have registered for the semester in which they withdraw from the Major.  If the student meets the requirements for a Fee Adjustment, they can withdraw from the course(s) and file a Fee Adjustment Request

Academic Dismissal

Students may be academically dismissed from their graduate major for a variety of reasons. Once processed, the student’s status will be changed from Graduate Degree Seeking to inactive. A change to inactive status could adversely impact financial aid. Dismissal cannot be retroactive. The effective date will be the last day of the term in which the student is academically dismissed, except in cases of academic dismissal due to academic dishonesty or disruption of academic process. Some of the reasons for academic dismissal include*:

  • Failure to successfully satisfy requirements to meet Conditional Admission by the deadline established by the major.
  • Receiving an “FF” grade
  • Failure to maintain “good standing”
  • Failure to make satisfactory progress
  • Failure to satisfy clinical or professional standards

*students may be dismissed for other reasons, such as violations of student conduct. Refer to the USF Policy – 6.0021 Code of Student Conduct USF (https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation60021) for more information.

Students dismissed for lack of academic progress may be considered for readmission to the original Major or any other Major offered.  To be readmitted, the student will need to reapply for admission, meeting the admission criteria in place at the time. Approval of readmission is contingent on Department approval and availability.  Graduate students who are assigned an “FF” grade or dismissed for failure to satisfy clinical or professional standards will be academically dismissed from the University and will not be eligible to apply to any graduate major at USF.

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