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

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

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

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 

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

Disruption of Academic Process

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

Early Notification Requirement for Observed Religious Days

Any student who believes they have 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 Equal Opportunity-Discrimination and Harassment.

Final Examinations

Testing and Final Examinations - USF Policy 3.011
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3011

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)

Mid-Term Grades

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

Orientation for New Undergraduate Students

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

Posthumous Degrees or Degrees in Memoriam

Student Code of Conduct

Student’s Choice of Catalog

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

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 opens one week after the deadline for the degree application and the deadline to register for the ceremony is three weeks prior to Commencement weekend. Registration is open to all undergraduate students.

Registering for Commencement is a separate process from applying for a degree and may not always align with degree application. Students can participate in Commencement one semester prior or up to one year after earning their degree. Students should apply for their degree in Student Self Service in the term in which their degree requirements will be met.

1. To apply to graduate through the Office of the Registrar and receive your diploma: https://www.usf.edu/registrar/services/apply-for-graduation/index.aspx.
2. To register for the Commencement ceremony: https://www.usf.edu/commencement/.

NOTES:

• Students who apply to graduate, by the deadline, will receive information regarding Commencement registration. Those interested in participating in Commencement but who are not graduating in that semester, should refer to the Commencement website.
• Students do not receive their diploma at the Commencement ceremony.
• The online Commencement program will only list the names of students who are earning their degree in that term. A student participating in a ceremony outside of their graduating term will not find their name in the program. 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, their families, and their 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.”