Registration

The Office of the Registrar maintains the official academic records of all students and course registrations for currently enrolled students. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar with questions concerning academic policies and procedures of their current registrations or academic records.

REGISTRATION DEFINITION
Registration is defined as consisting of three major components:

  1. Application - Students provide information requested by the University for purposes of establishing and administering academic and financial relationships that exist between the University and its students.
  2. Initiation of Registration - Students provide course and schedule information needed to assess fees and tuition.
  3. Completion of Registration - Students must pay all assessed registration and tuition fees and satisfy all due and/or delinquent amounts payable to the University.

LATE REGISTRATION
Registration should be initiated prior to the first day of classes for any given semester to avoid the late registration fee. Students who do not register by the close of business the last day of registration, or who do not pay fees by the last date of fee payment, will be assessed a nonrefundable late fee of $50.

CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT
Continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in the University without a non-enrollment period of three or more semesters (summer semester included).

Credits earned at other institutions during any semester, while not registered at UWF, will not constitute continuous enrollment at UWF.

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS
The classification of a student is based upon the number of semester hours earned. The classifications are:

FRESHMAN:
Through 29 semester hours
SOPHOMORE:
30-59 semester hours
JUNIOR:
60-89 semester hours
SENIOR:
90 semester hours or more, including a minimum of 20 semester hours of course work at the 3000/4000 level.
GRADUATE:
A student admitted to a graduate program and completing work at the graduate level.
SPECIALIST:
A student admitted to a specialist program and completing work at the specialist level.
DOCTORAL:
A student admitted to the doctoral program and completing work at the doctoral level.
NON DEGREE-SEEKING STUDENT:
A student who currently is not a candidate for a degree or diploma.

DEADLINE DATES
Each student should be aware of the deadline dates in the current official academic calendar as published in the Catalog and as revised and published each semester in the Course Planning Guide. The academic calendar contains deadline dates for admission applications, changes in residency status, class registrations, fee payments, grade forgiveness options, pass/fail options, course scheduling changes (drop/add), course withdrawals, standardized test registrations, thesis and dissertation submissions, and graduation applications.

Graduate students also should obtain from their colleges and departments a detailed list of deadlines for the programs in which they are enrolled.

REGISTRATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Course Planning Guide provides a list of courses offered at both on- and off-campus locations. Students should obtain a copy of the schedule for registration instructions. Course offering information is also available via the World Wide Web UWF:

http://uwf.edu/registrar

Degree-seeking students are responsible for arranging appointments with their assigned academic advisors prior to registration. Degree-seeking students must have their advisor's signature on the registration form. Appointments can be made through the advising centers, academic departments, or for off-campus students through the staff of the Fort Walton Beach Campus and Eglin Center. Degree-seeking students have priority for registration and enrollment.

Proof of measles (rubella and rubeola) immunization must be on file in the Health Center before students can register for classes.

The Nautilus Card is required for students registering for the Pensacola campus courses.

Registration Holds
A registration hold will be placed on the student record for one or more of the following reasons: academic suspension, incomplete admissions documents, financial obligations (parking tickets, library fines, etc.), administrative discipline, failure to comply with the immunization requirements, or academic advising.

Students are able to view their grades, schedules, HOLD's, and Financial Aid information on the World Wide Web via COMPASS (COMPuterized Access to Student Services) at https://nautical.uwf.edu/compass.

Students with a financial obligation to the University of $100 or less (and debt is not more than 120 days past due) will be permitted to register for classes and participate in the drop/add process. Students who are allowed to register with outstanding charges will be responsible for the payment of all charges, along with payment or authorized deferral of their current term fee assessment, by the fee payment deadline for that semester. Students who register with outstanding charges will be given a statement of outstanding charges at the time of registration.

Students should contact the appropriate office and arrange for removal of the registration hold to register for classes, receive official transcripts, grades, and diplomas.

Course Load/Maximum Hours Taken Per Semester
UNDERGRADUATE
A normal enrollment for undergraduates is defined as 15 semester hours per semester. To enroll for more than 20 semester hours in a semester, a student must have the written permission of the academic advisor and the chairperson of the student's major department. For certification of enrollment, 12 semester hours is considered full-time for a fall or spring semester; nine semester hours, for a summer semester.

GRADUATE
Graduate students may not enroll for more than 12 semester hours in a semester without the written permission of the academic advisor and the chairperson of the graduate program. For certification of enrollment, nine semester hours is considered full-time for a fall or spring semester; six semester hours, for a summer semester.

DOCTORAL PROGRAM
For full-time status, the University requires a doctoral student to register for a minimum of nine graduate semester hours for fall and spring semesters and six graduate semester hours for summer semesters. Full-time status for students in the dissertation phase of the doctoral program requires six dissertation semester hours. The maximum number of hours for which a doctoral student may register in any given semester without special permission is twelve. To register for more than twelve hours, students must complete an "Ed.D. Student Petition" form. Approval from the committee chair and the College of Education Graduate Office is required.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites
Many courses require prerequisites and/or corequisites. These requirements are included in the specific course descriptions. A prerequisite is a course in which credit must be earned prior to enrollment in a specific course. A corequisite is a course which must be taken concurrently with or prior to a specific course. Students must have completed the required prerequisites and register for, or have completed, corequisites prior to registration for the specific course. It is the student's responsibility to review prerequisite/corequisite information as stated in the course description.

Effective Fall 1996, common degree program prerequisites will be offered and accepted by all SUS universities and Florida community colleges, except in cases approved by the Board of Regents.

Preparatory Courses
Entering freshmen who have scored below State determined minimums on the E-ACT or R-SAT exams or the College Placement Test (CPT) are required to take preparatory courses at a community college in the appropriate areas before they may register at UWF for courses in those areas. Students must complete preparatory courses prior to or during their first 12 semester hours. Students scoring below the following minima will be required to take preparatory courses:

Test Math Prep Writing Prep Reading Prep
E-ACT Math . . . 16 English Usage . . . 16 Reading . . . 16
SAT Math . . . 400 Verbal . . . 340
R-SAT Math . . . 440 Verbal . . . 420
CPT Math . . . 72 English . . . 83 Reading . . . 83

R-SAT is the recentered SAT (effective April 1995) and E-ACT is the Enhanced ACT. CPT is the College Placement Test.

The student is notified of this requirement by mail prior to orientation and registration. It is important for students taking preparatory courses to realize that, although the courses are required, the preparatory courses carry no college credit and do not count either toward the 60 semester hours required for upper division status or toward the 120 semester hours required for graduation. The Office of Admissions must be provided proof of a student's successful completion of a preparatory course before the student can continue enrollment beyond 12 semester hours at UWF.

Interdisciplinary Programs
For course registration, students enrolled in interdisciplinary programs shall be considered majors in the designated disciplines of the degree plan. These students shall be subject to the same prerequisites as other students.

Courses Outside Degree Programs
Unless otherwise stipulated by external accreditation agreements, students whose academic programs require courses in other disciplines shall be given the same access to those courses as students in those majors.

Directed Independent Study
Students who wish to study or do research under the direction of a faculty member for topics or areas not detailed in regularly scheduled courses may make arrangements for such study as a directed independent study. Credit hours and requirements are determined by the director of the study. Registration requires the approval of the faculty member who will supervise the study and the student's advisor. In the College of Business, all directed independent studies also require the approval of the appropriate department chair.

Directed studies are available for approved subject area prefixes and levels and are designated by the last three digits of the course number. Example: ARH 4905 designates a senior level directed independent study in art history.

Undergraduates Enrolling in Graduate Courses
Courses at the 5000 level may apply to either a graduate or undergraduate degree program; however, a student may not receive both graduate and undergraduate credit for the same course.

Juniors and seniors may enroll for 5000-level courses with the understanding that the courses will be included in their undergraduate program if they indicate this designation at the time of registration. Except in unusual cases, undergraduate students are restricted to 5000-level courses. Only undergraduate students who have maintained a "B" average in courses numbered 3000 and above are permitted to enroll in graduate courses. For specific course requirements, students should contact the major department and refer to graduate course requirements in the Catalog.

A 6000-level course may not be included in an undergraduate program.

Undergraduate students who are within 30 semester hours of completing requirements for a bachelor's degree may enroll for 6000-level courses with the permission of their advisors and course instructors, provided their records indicate they have applied for graduate programs. Undergraduate students may register for up to 10 semester hours in graduate courses for graduate credit; permission must be granted in writing from the appropriate college dean.

Graduate level fees are assessed for all graduate level courses regardless of the student's classification.

Non Degree-Seeking Students/Graduate Level Courses
Non degree-seeking students may enroll in a 5000-6000 level course. Many advanced courses require that the instructor grant permission to each enrolled student, including non degree-seeking students. Non degree-seeking students have the responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate preparation for the courses.

Pass/Fail Option
UNDERGRADUATE
At the time of initial enrollment for each semester (including the drop/add period), degree-seeking undergraduate or non degree-seeking students may elect to take a course on the pass/fail basis with the approval of the faculty advisor.

  1. The pass/fail option may not be used for any University or departmentally required course. Students should see their advisors for approval of courses to be taken on the pass/fail basis.
  2. No course taken to fulfill General Studies requirements, other University requirements, or which may fulfill the student's intended major may be taken on the pass/fail basis. The foreign language admission requirement may be taken on the pass/fail option. The foreign language requirement for Core Curriculum may not be taken by pass/fail (see General Education requirements).
  3. No more than six semester hours or two courses (whichever is greater in credit) per degree program curriculum may be taken on the pass/fail basis. A failed course taken on the pass/fail basis counts as part of the maximum six semester hours and is computed in the GPA. Students who student teach or enroll in courses graded only on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory basis may enroll for an additional six semester hours on the pass/fail basis.
  4. To be eligible for the pass/fail option, a student must be in good academic standing.
  5. Students may change from the pass/fail system in any course to the conventional letter grade system before the end of the tenth week of a fall or spring semester (see academic calendar for summer semester and short term dates). Courses changed from the pass/fail grading system to the conventional letter grade system prior to the published deadline do not count as part of the six semester hours or two courses permitted to be taken on the pass/fail basis.

GRADUATE
Graduate students may not elect the pass/fail option.

Audit Grading Option
Students who have been admitted to the University may choose to audit a course at the time of registration.

Students may register for a course as an audit before the end of the drop/add period. Students may change from the audit to the conventional letter grade system on or before the end of the tenth week of a fall or spring semester (see academic calendar for summer semester and short term dates).

Out-of-State fees are not assessed for audit courses. Out-of-State students changing from audit to the conventional letter grade system will be assessed out-of-state fees.

No credit is earned for an audit course.

Drop/Add-Schedule Changes
Class schedule changes may be processed during the registration period and the scheduled drop/add period. Students may choose to change their class schedules by completing "Drop/Add" forms and submitting them to the Office of the Registrar. Advisors' signatures are required for degree-seeking students adding courses. If the drop/add results in a change of fees, the student must pay the additional fees or initiate a refund for fees in the Cashier's Office prior to the last day of fee payment (see current academic calendar for deadlines).

HONORS PROGRAM
The Honors Program at UWF is designed to provide creative ways for students to explore their academic talents. Students admitted to the Program are required to enroll in honors courses within major disciplines. Faculty from across UWF's four colleges work with Honors students affording them opportunities to contribute to serious research, scholarship, and creative productions under the supervision of recognized experts in their fields.

To qualify for UWF's Honors Program, entering high school graduates (or early/dual enrolled students) must meet two of the following entrance requirements: rank in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class or have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and have an E-ACT composite score of 26 or higher or a combined score of 1170 or higher on the R-SAT.

Some benefits for participation in the Program include early registration, small classes (average of 15 students), Honors Speakers Series, social and cultural activities, a certificate of completion when Program requirements are met, annotation on the UWF transcript of Honors courses taken, participation in an Honors Commencement Ceremony for recognition of Program graduates held prior to graduation, and individual recognition by UWF's President during Commencement exercises.

Interested students should contact the Honors Office for more information.

EXCESS HOURS FOR DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Florida Legislature may require each university in the State University System to implement an increased matriculation fee for students who take credit hours in excess of those required to complete the baccalaureate degree.

First-time-in-college students may be subject to increased matriculation fees of 50% for course work in excess of 115% of their baccalaureate degree requirements.

Transfer students may be subject to increased matriculation fees of 50% for course work in excess of 115% of the hours remaining to be completed for earning the baccalaureate degree.

Credit hours attempted or earned while attending UWF will be included in the calculation. However, hours earned in the following exception categories may be excluded from hours subject to increased charges:

  1. Accelerated evaluations and course work: departmental examinations, AP (Advanced Placement Program), IB (International Baccalaureate), CLEP (College-Level Examination Programs), dual enrollment, etc.;
  2. Military: Hours for active military personnel and hours in military science;
  3. Personal Hardship/Disability: ADA students, documented learning disabled students, medical withdrawals, and approved personal hardship; and
  4. Experiences That Increase Value of Baccalaureate Degree: Internship hours, co-op hours, hours to achieve dual major, study abroad hours, student exchange program hours, honors and related programs, and hours to achieve teacher certification which are not credited toward the first bachelor's degree.

REPEAT COURSE SURCHARGE
By act of the 1997 Florida Legislature (H.B. 1545), each university of the State University System is required to implement a repeat course surcharge for students who take a State-funded undergraduate course for the third time.

Starting with the Fall Semester 1997, students who take the same course for the third time at UWF will be subject to increased matriculation fee of 100% of the cost of instruction. However, exceptions may be made for individualized study, courses that are repeated as a requirement of a major, and courses that are intended as continuing over multiple semesters. The repeat of coursework more than two times to increase grade point average or meet minimum course grade requirements is subject to the surcharge (see Tuition and Registration Fees).

WITHDRAWAL
From a Course
A student may withdraw from a course while remaining in other course(s) before the end of the ninth week of instruction of any fall or spring semester (see calendar dates for summer semester and short term dates). A grade of "W" will be assigned during this period. The "Withdrawal Request" form is available in the Office of the Registrar, Fort Walton Beach Campus, and Eglin Center. Individual course withdrawals may not be processed after the published deadline. Students who do not complete the course requirements or officially withdraw will be assigned a standard letter grade. Students are encouraged to consult with their advisors prior to withdrawing from classes and to contact the Cashier's Office for questions regarding fee liability or financial aid awards.

Doctoral students who have an excessive number of class withdrawals will be reviewed by the College of Education Graduate Office.

From All Courses in a Term (University Withdrawal)
Forms for withdrawing from all courses in a term are available in the Office of the Registrar. Students withdrawing from all courses prior to the end of the 4th week of any semester will receive a grade of "WR" (partial refund). A grade of "WR" is not computed in the UWF GPA.

Students who are first-time attendees at this University who withdraw from all courses for the semester are eligible for prorated refunds during the first 60 percent of the academic semester. This special refund provision applies to the first semester of attendance only at this institution. See section on Refund of Fees.

Students withdrawing from all courses beginning with the 5th week through the end of the 9th week of any fall or spring semester will receive a grade of "W" in each course (see calendar for summer semester and short term dates). Students withdrawing after the designated automatic "W" deadline through the last day of instruction will be assigned a grade of "W" or "WF" at the discretion of the course instructor(s). Grades of "WF" are computed in the UWF GPA. Withdrawal from all courses does not prevent registration for future terms. Students are not required to apply for readmission unless they have not enrolled at UWF for three or more academic semesters (including summers). Students are encouraged to consult with their advisors before withdrawing from classes.

If a doctoral student withdraws from all courses within a semester, the semester will not be counted as a semester to fulfill the residency requirement.

Students may be allowed to withdraw from a course or the University (all courses) with a full refund of tuition fees for the following situations (documentation required):

  1. Involuntary call to active military duty (copy of official orders or letter signed by commanding officer on official military letterhead required);
  2. Death of the student or death in the immediate family (parent, spouse, child, sibling-copy of obituary notice or death certificate required); or
  3. Student's illness of such duration and severity, as confirmed in writing by a physician, that completion of the term is precluded.

Withdrawal from the University does not automatically relieve the student from fee payment liability in the case of deferred payment status such as VA notes, tuition loan notes, and financial aid pending status. Students in a deferred status should consult the Cashier's Office regarding fee liability.

CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION
Students may cancel registration prior to the last day of drop/add by notifying the Office of the Registrar. Students who cancel their registration within this time frame are not liable for tuition. Students should request a full refund of fees from the Cashier's Office.

After the last day of drop/add, students must apply for withdrawal from the University by completing the appropriate forms in the Office of the Registrar. Withdrawals are not automatic (see section on Withdrawals). Standard letter grades will be assigned if a student discontinues attending classes without officially withdrawing.

The University will cancel the registration of a student whose fees are not paid or who has not received authorized deferred payment status as of the close of the fee payment period. Students whose registrations are so canceled may apply for reinstatement but must do so before the end of the tenth week of classes. See section on Payment of Fees.

REINSTATEMENT
Reinstatement during the first ten weeks or proportionate period of time for shorter terms requires the following:

  1. payment of all registration fees for the identical classes for which registration was previously canceled and the $50 late registration and $50 late payment fees; and
  2. payment of all delinquent liabilities.

Reinstatement after the deadline will require approval of the University Fee Appeals Committee and payment of all delinquent liabilities, course fees, late registration fee, and late payment fee. In addition, the student must submit a written request to the Committee outlining the reason for the request for reinstatement, including an explanation of why fees were not paid prior to the close of the fee payment period.

DEAD WEEK
To provide students time to prepare for final examinations and other end-of-course assignments, the University maintains the following dead week policy.

There is a designated period each semester during which no written examination, test, or quiz will be given. For fall and spring semesters, this period is the last five scheduled days of classes. For the summer semester, no examination other than a final examination is to be given during the last seven days of classes. For shorter terms, proportional periods are established.

Laboratory components of courses will be excluded, and the last regularly scheduled day of such classes may be used for final examinations. Oral presentations and other non-written activities will be permitted. Examinations rescheduled for the benefit of individual students will be allowed.

Instructors who believe their ability to evaluate students adequately in a particular course is jeopardized or impaired by this rule may petition, in writing, their respective college dean for an exception for the particular course. All exceptions shall be reported to the academic vice president, who will make a summary report each semester to the Faculty Senate for their information.

No intercollegiate athletic events may be added after midterm to the schedule during dead week, with the exception of tournament-type play for which a berth has been earned by a team or individual player as a result of earlier competition.

FINAL COURSE EXAMINATIONS
Final course examinations consist of 150 minutes for courses taught in Term A. Exams are scheduled during the week of final exams of the fall and spring semesters and during the last week of classes of the summer semester (see the academic calendar). Final exams are listed on students' registration schedules. Final examinations may be scheduled on Saturday.

MAILING OF GRADES
Grades are mailed first class to the student's local address by the Office of the Registrar as soon as possible after the close of each semester. Grades will not be issued for students who have outstanding financial obligations to the University.

Students are able to view their grades, schedules, HOLD's, and Financial Aid information on the World Wide Web via COMPASS (COMPuterized Access to Student Services) at https://nautical.uwf.edu/compass.

TRANSCRIPTS
UWF transcripts include all course work taken at UWF, degrees awarded, and transfer credit (institutions, courses, and grades). UWF transcripts only list UWF's grade point averages. In order to process a request for a transcript, students should submit the request in writing (student signature is required to release academic records) to the Registrar's Office. The request should include student name, student number (in most instances this is the social security number), number of transcripts requested, names and addresses of recipients, and any special instructions (hold for degree posting, place in a sealed envelope, etc.). Transcripts that are sent directly to the student will be stamped "issued to student" and may not be considered official by some recipients.

Students may also elect to suppress specific information that is normally reflected on the academic transcript. Beginning in Fall, 1993, the University began listing all transfer courses on the UWF transcript. Students may elect to suppress their date of birth, transfer work, or a combination of both from appearing on the UWF transcript. The student must indicate this "option" at the time a transcript is requested. Summary information (the number of hours transferred) will remain on all the transcripts. Each time students request transcripts they must indicate on the request the information which should be suppressed. The following statement will appear at the end of the transcript for students who select the option of suppressing transfer credit: "This student has requested that this transcript includes only course work taken at UWF."

Transcript request forms are available in the Registrar's Office or on line through the Registrar's home page located at http://uwf.edu/registrar/Welcome.html This form can printed and mailed at the student's convenience.

Options for suppression of information are available only for hard copy transcripts and are not available for electronic (FASTER formatted) transcripts used in the State of Florida.

At no cost to the student, the University automatically provides one transcript to each student with their diploma at the time of graduation. The charge for all other academic transcripts is $5.00 per transcript issued, and the fee is due prior to the issuance of the transcript. Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order. At this time, credit card payments are not accepted by the University. All financial obligations to the University must be cleared prior to the release of a transcript. Transcript requests are normally processed within 24 hours of receipt.

DISTANCE LEARNING
The University of West Florida's distance learning goal is to use emerging technology and distance learning capabilities to provide its citizens with enhanced learning opportunities and improved access by making learning available at times and in formats best suited to their needs. The initial focus is to provide courses and workshops using two-way interactive video, the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW), public access television, and CD-ROM distribution. Courses and workshops are currently being offered in the Escambia County School District via two-way interactive video. Two-way interactive courses are being delivered to and from the Fort Walton Beach campus. A number of courses are offered via the internet/WWW. Courses offered each semester are listed in the Course Planning Guide or on the UWF Home Page.

STATE EMPLOYEES
Employees of the State of Florida who are classified as permanent full-time employees may be allowed to register on a space-available basis at the University for six semester hours of tuition-free courses. Admission, readmission, and registration information may be obtained by contacting either the Office of Admissions or the Registrar. Registration and tuition waiver forms should be completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the end of the late registration period. Registrations will be processed on the last day of registration. Waivers may not be used for directed studies, internships, theses, and dissertations. State employees attending the Pensacola campus are required to purchase a Nautilus Card and parking decal.

State employee waiver forms must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar by the close of the drop/add period. It is the responsibility of the employee to insure that the waiver form matches the courses for which a waiver is sought. When necessary, the student must contact the employing agency for a corrected or a supplemental waiver form for courses not included on the original waiver form. It is suggested that alternate courses be included on the original waiver form in case an employee may not be able to register for one or more requested courses. State employees using the state waiver benefit may not preregister for courses for which fees are to be waived.

If a state employee preregisters for courses applicable to the waiver, the right to state employee waiver will be forfeited. State employees using the State Employee Waiver whose waiver form does not match the fees remaining on the student schedule at the close of the drop/add-fee payment period will be assessed a late payment fee for late submission of an approved waiver form that matches the student's course schedule.

FLORIDA RESIDENTS SENIOR CITIZENS
Students 60 years or older who meet residency requirements may enroll on a space-available basis without payment of the registration fees. Course work is noncredit. Registration information may be obtained by contacting the Registrar's Office. Students must submit the tuition waiver form, registration form, and other pertinent documents to the Registrar's Office by the end of the late registration period. Senior citizen students enrolled in courses on the Pensacola campus are required to purchase a Nautilus Card and parking decal.

DUAL ENROLLMENT
Dual enrollment is a program in which academically talented students receive permission from the high school to take one or more college courses while taking the majority of course work at the high school. Eligibility for participation is determined by written agreement between each school district and the University. Students are not required to pay tuition; however, they must pay for a Nautilus Card, parking decal, and textbooks.

For further information on dual enrollment, consult the Office of Admissions.

TRANSIENT STUDENT STATUS
Students enrolled in a degree program at another institution may register for courses at UWF as transient, non degree-seeking students. Students registering as transient students are encouraged to submit a "Transient Student" form initiated at the parent institution indicating approval of course work to be taken at UWF. "Transient Student" forms from other Florida public universities will be used by UWF in lieu of the "Non-Degree Student Classification" form and as a registration form. It is the student's responsibility to request official transcripts to be sent to the parent institution. For further information, contact the Office of Admissions.

ACADEMIC COMMON MARKET
The Academic Common Market is an interstate agreement among southern states for sharing academic programs. Participating states enable their residents who qualify for admission to enroll in specific graduate programs in other states on an instate tuition basis. Arrangements traditionally are limited to unusual programs or programs not offered within the state of residence. To enroll as an Academic Common Market student, an applicant must obtain certification from the common market coordinator in the student's home state.

The Academic Common Market serves residents of the following 14 southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Students must be admitted to the appropriate degree program by the Office of Admissions, and the letter of certification must be received in the Office of the Registrar before the first day of classes for the effective term. For information on the state's authorization of programs or on the identity of the coordinator for a particular state, contact the Graduate Studies Office.

The following UWF programs are affiliated with the Academic Common Market:

Psychology, M.A.
Biology/Coastal Zone Studies, M.S.
Computer Science/Software Systems, M.S.
History/Historical Archaeology, M.A.

SOUTHERN REGIONAL ELECTRONIC CAMPUS (SREC)
The University of West Florida is a participating member of the Southern Regional Electronic Campus (SREC), which is a marketplace for courses and programs offered by colleges and universities through electronic methods. Nearly 50 colleges and universities offer courses through SREC, enabling students across the South to take courses without leaving their hometowns. All courses are offered by accredited colleges and universities in the Southern Regional Education Board states and meet the Principles of Good Practice developed by the SREC. Students may access the SREC through the Internet at www.srec.sred.orga.

SREC's member states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

TRAVELING SCHOLAR PROGRAM
The University participates in a traveling scholar program which enables graduate students to take advantage of special resources available on another campus but not available on the home campus. Examples are special course offerings, research opportunities, unique laboratories, and library collections.

A traveling scholar's graduate advisor will approach an appropriate faculty member at the proposed host institution and recommend the scholar for a visiting arrangement. After agreement by the student's advisor and the faculty member at the host institution, graduate deans of both institutions will be fully informed by the advisor and have the power to approve or disapprove. A student will register at the host institution and will pay tuition and/or registration fees according to fee schedules established at that institution. Credit for the work taken will be recorded at the home university.

Each university retains its full right to accept or reject any student who wishes to study under its auspices. A traveling scholar will normally be limited to one term on the campus of the host institution. A traveling scholar accepted by the host institution will be regarded as being registered at that institution for the period.

A traveling scholar is not entitled to displacement allowance, mileage, or per diem payments. The home university, however, may at its option continue its financial support of the traveling scholar in the form of a fellowship or graduate assistantship with any work obligation to be discharged either at the home or at the host institution.

STUDENT RECORDS
Change of Student Information
Change of local, permanent, and emergency contact addresses; name; or other information affecting the student's permanent academic record may be requested in the Office of the Registrar.

Death of a Student
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the University of West Florida's policy regarding the disposition of records held pertaining to a deceased student state that the privacy interests of an individual expire with that individual's death.

Confidentiality of Student Records
The disclosure or publication of student information is governed by the policies of The University of West Florida and the Board of Regents of the State University System (SUS) of Florida within the framework of State and Federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The written consent of the student is required for the disclosure or publication of any information which is (a) personally identifiable of the student and (b) a part of the educational record. However, certain exceptions to that generality, both in types of information which can be disclosed and in access to that information, are allowed within the regulations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as described below:

  1. Right of Privacy - Every student shall have a right of privacy with respect to the educational records. Personally identifiable records or reports of a student, and any personal information contained therein, are confidential and exempt from the provisions of Florida Statutes. The University of West Florida will not permit the release of such records, reports, or information without the written consent of the student's parent or guardian, or of the student if the student is qualified as provided in this subsection, to any individual, agency, or organization. These exemptions are subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act in accordance with Florida Statutes. However, personally identifiable records or reports of a student may be released without the consent of the student or the parent to (or for):
    1. officials of the University with a legitimate educational interest,
    2. certain government agencies,
    3. accrediting organizations,
    4. certain financial aid matters,
    5. certain research circumstances,
    6. health and safety emergencies,
    7. a court pursuant to subpoena, and
    8. as otherwise provided by law.
  2. Subject to statutory conditions and limitations, prior consent of the student is not required for disclosure of certain types of information for:
    1. portions of the educational record for which the student has signed a waiver;
    2. portions of the educational record which are exempted by law, including records of law enforcement agencies of the University; employment records of the student within the University personal records of instructional, supervisory or administrative personnel; and alumni records related to that student; and
    3. records transmitted to another school or school system in which the student seeks or intends to enroll, since the University generally forwards these on request.
    More specific information regarding such exempted information can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. For the complete text of the applicable statutes, refer to Florida Statutes,
  3. Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act, students have the right to withhold disclosure of the information listed below. These items are designated as "Directory Information" and may be released by this university to noninstitutional persons or organizations.
    Requests to withhold directory information will be honored and must be directed to the Registrar's Office. The university will not assume responsibility to contact students for subsequent permission for release of these items. The university assumes no liability for honoring requests that such information be withheld.
    The information listed below may be released or published by the University without prior written consent of the student unless exception is made in writing by the student.
    1. Options for printed and/or verbal release prohibited (does not include Electronic Directory Release):
      Category I
      Name, address, telephone number, dates of attendance, e-mail address.
      Category II
      Most recent previous institution attended, major field of study, awards, honors (includes Deans' list), degrees conferred (including dates).
      Category III
      Past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, physical factors (height, weight of athletes) date and place of birth.
      Category IV
      Commencement Program (name and degree at time of graduation).
      Category V
      News releases (at time of graduation).
    2. Students may choose to restrict all or a portion of their directory information from the electronic directory by checking:
      1. no restrictions
      2. suppress all information
      3. suppress home address only
      4. suppress home phone only
      5. suppress home address and phone.
      Students who wish to have the privacy flag removed from their permanent academic record must contact the Registrar's Office in writing. NOTE that electronic release of information is separate from other printed and verbal release.
  4. Request to prevent publication of directory information: Students may inform the University in writing of their desire to prevent publication of such directory information or release of such information except as required by law. Appropriate forms for such action are made available in the Office of the Registrar. Students having questions regarding the confidentiality of records or specific requests concerning their records should contact the Office of the Registrar.
  5. Rights of Parent, Guardian, or Student: The parent or guardian of any student who attends or has attended any public institution of higher education in the SUS shall have the rights noted below with respect to any records or reports created, maintained, and used by any public educational institution in the State. When a student has attained 18 years of age or is attending an institution of postsecondary education, the permission or consent required of, and the rights accorded to, the parents of the student shall thereafter be required of and accorded to the student only, unless the student is a dependent student of such parents as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. The State Board of Education shall formulate, adopt, and promulgate rules whereby parents, guardians, or students may exercise these rights:
    1. Right of access:
      1. Such parent, guardian, or student shall have the right, upon request directed to the appropriate official, to be provided with a list of types of records and reports, directly related to students, as maintained by the institution which the student attends or has attended.
      2. Such parent, guardian, or student shall have the right, upon request, to be shown any record or report relating to such student maintained by any public educational institution.
      3. Copies of any list, record or report requested under the provisions of this paragraph shall be furnished to the parent, guardian, or student upon request. However, access to any report or record requested under these provisions shall be granted within 30 days after receipt of such request by the institution.
    2. Right of waiver of access to confidential letters or statements: Such parent, guardian, or student shall have the right to waive the right of access to letters or statements of recommendation or evaluation, except that such waiver shall apply to recommendations or evaluations only if:
      1. The parent, guardian, or student is, upon request, notified of the names of all persons submitting confidential letters or statements; and
      2. Such recommendations or evaluations are used solely for the purpose for which they were specifically intended.
      Such waivers may not be required as a condition for admission to, receipt of financial aid from, or receipt of any other services or benefits from, any public agency or public educational institution in this State.
    3. Right to challenge and hearing: Such parent, guardian, or student shall have the right to challenge the content of any record or report to which such person is granted access under paragraph (1), to ensure that the record or report is not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student and to provide an opportunity for the correction, deletion, or expunction of any inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data or material contained therein.

STUDENT RIGHT-TO-KNOW INFORMATION
In compliance with the Student-Right-To-Know legislation, data is available in the Office of Student Affairs, (850) 474-2384.

DIRECTORY/ STUDENTS, STAFF, FACULTY
The University publishes an annual Campus Directory which includes a campus locator and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and departmental affiliation for faculty, staff, and students. Copies are provided for distribution to the student body, faculty, and staff. Additional copies may be obtained at the Information Center, UWF Bookstore, Ticket Office, Cashier's Office, Registrar's Office, and Nautilus Card Office.

Students may inform the University in writing if they choose to prevent publication of directory information. Privacy forms should be completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the end of the fall semester's drop/add period for information to be withheld from the Directory (see Confidentiality of Student Records).

FLORIDA RESIDENCY FOR TUITION PURPOSES
To qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes, the student (dependent or independent) must be a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident alien, or a legal alien granted indefinite stay by U.S. Immigration, and must have established legal residence in Florida for a least one year. Students who do not meet this basic criteria cannot be classified as residents for tuition purposes. Questions regarding residency status upon initial application to UWF should be directed to the Office of Admissions. Questions regarding a change in residency status after enrollment should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.

Change of Residency Status
A student who has been classified as a "non-Florida resident for tuition purposes" at the time of application, and wishes to be considered for reclassification as a "Florida resident for tuition purposes," should file with the Office of the Registrar a "Request for Change of Residency" form, with copies of full documentation attached. The request and documentation must be submitted prior to the first day of classes for any given semester.

This request for reclassification is also required for students who are active duty or discharged members of the Armed Forces who wish to change from non-Florida or temporary Florida resident to Florida resident status.

Living in or attending school in Florida will not, in itself, establish legal residence; i.e., full-time students working part-time jobs may have difficulty in establishing residency. Residency in Florida must be for the purpose of establishing a permanent home and not merely incidental to enrollment at an institution of higher education. The burden of proof of permanent residence lies with the student.

Students who depend on out-of-State parent(s) or guardian(s) for support are presumed to be legal residents of the same state as their parents or guardians. These students will not be reclassified as Florida residents for tuition purposes.

Residency Documentation
In addition to being a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legal alien granted indefinite stay by INS, a student must provide the following documentation prior to the first day of classes for any given semester:

  1. Documentation of independent status according to the Federal Income Tax Code (petitioners under the age of 24 will be required to submit a copy of their parents' current IRS return to establish they are not claimed as dependents),
    or
    Documentation of dependent status according to the Federal Income Tax Code and documentation that your parent, legal guardian (court appointed), or adult relative (resided with for 5 years), has resided in the state of Florida for the previous 12 months with the intent of establishing a permanent home (requires copy of current IRS return from parent, legal guardian or adult relative and the residency statement and supporting documentation submitted will be that of the parent, etc.),
    or
    Documentation of being the spouse of someone who has resided in the state of Florida for the previous 12 months with the intent of establishing a permanent home (requires the marriage certificate, the residency statement and supporting documentation of the spouse, plus a photo copy of the student's Florida driver's license, voter registration, or vehicle registration);
    and
  2. Documentation establishing legal residence in Florida (must be dated at least one year prior to the first day of classes of the semester for which resident status is sought):
    1. Proof of purchase of a permanent home in Florida in which the student has resided for at least one year prior to the first day of classes,
      or
    2. Proof that the student has maintained residence in Florida for the preceding year (e.g., rent receipts, canceled checks or notarized statement from a landlord);
      and
  3. Documentation establishing bona fide domicile in Florida which is not temporary or merely incidental to enrollment in a Florida institution of higher education. The following documents will be considered evidence of domicile even though no single criteria will be considered as conclusive evidence of domicile:
    1. Florida voter registration,
    2. Florida driver's license,
    3. Florida vehicle registration,
    4. proof of real property ownership in Florida (e.g., deed, tax receipts),
    5. Florida occupational license,
    6. Declaration of Domicile,
    7. letter on company letterhead from an employer verifying permanent employment in Florida for the 12 consecutive months before classes begin,
    8. proof of membership in or affiliation with community or State organizations or significant connections to the State,
    9. proof of reliance upon Florida sources of support, or
    10. any other factors peculiar to the individual which tend to establish the necessary intent to make Florida a permanent home and that the individual is a bona fide Florida resident, including the age and general circumstances of the individual.
  4. No contrary evidence establishing residence elsewhere.

Special Categories for Temporary Florida Residency

  1. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty stationed in Florida and their spouse and dependents.
  2. Full-time instructional or administrative employees of Florida public schools, community colleges, or institutions of higher education and their spouse and dependents.

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July 1999