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 Registrar's Office with questions concerning academic policies and procedures of their current registration, enrollment, or academic records. Registration dates are published in the Academic Calendar.
The faculty, administration, and staff share a responsibility to provide accurate information and effective advice. The Division of Enrollment Management is responsible for providing students, faculty, and other advising staff with accurate information in the Catalog, Navigation Guide, and other publications.
The academic advisors in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Professional Studies, and the University Advising Center are responsible for acting as a resource to provide students with timely and accurate information on University-wide requirements, policies, procedures, and referrals to appropriate services.
The dean of each college and chairperson of each department ultimately are responsible for ensuring that academic advice is available and accessible to all students within the college or department.
Students ultimately are responsible for knowing and fulfilling all University, college, and major requirements for graduation. Students should use the SASS audit, Catalog, and other resources for information.
UWF prepares students for current and future business and life applications using basic technology. Each UWF student is expected to do the following:
Student use of UWF information technology resources is governed by the Computing Resources Usage Agreement and the Student Communications Policy. See “My ArgoNet” tab in ARGUS. The University uses e-mail for both formal and informal communication with students. Each student, upon enrolling, is issued a UWF e-mail account. Students are expected to regularly check their UWF e-mail account (UWF Gmail) for University business and official University communications. UWF accounts remain the property of the University of West Florida. Students should expect that instructors may request assignments be completed on a computer and/or be turned in via e-mail rather than printed. Instructors should ensure that basic assignments can be completed using software packages currently available in the ArgoNet labs or virtual lab “eDesktop” environment.
ARGUS is the University’s secure, single entry point for fast and easy access to web-based services. Students may register, withdraw, drop and add classes, view the account balance, view grades, and more through ARGUS. Upon enrollment (once a student is registered in a class), each UWF student automatically receives an ArgoNet account. To access ARGUS, students must activate their “new user” ArgoNet account from argus.uwf.edu. Students manage their ArgoNet account and services from the “My ArgoNet” tab in ARGUS. Students are responsible for information and actions taken through ARGUS and should not share their password or account information.
Each student should be aware of the deadline dates in the current official Academic Calendar as published on the UWF Registrar's website. 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, and graduation applications.
Enrollment is defined as consisting of three major components:
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.
Registration: Students register for courses and provide information needed to assess fees and tuition.
Payment of Fees: Students must pay all assessed tuition and other special fees and satisfy all due and/or delinquent amounts payable to the University.
Students who withdraw will be considered no longer enrolled at the time of withdrawal.
The classification of a degree-seeking student is based upon the number of semester hours earned. The classifications are the following five:
| Year | Hours |
|---|---|
| Freshman | 0-29 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 |
| Non-Degree Student | A student who currently is not a candidate for a degree |
The following criteria must be completed to achieve upper-division status: admission to the University, 60 semester hours of academic credits, declaration of a major, General Studies requirements, Gordon Rule requirements, and foreign language requirement.
The non-degree classification is used only by those students who will not be working toward a degree at UWF. Non-degree students are not assigned an academic advisor. Successful completion of courses in this classification does not provide a basis for admission to degree status. Students who are later admitted as an undergraduate may petition their departments and colleges to accept a maximum of 15 semester hours of non-degree course work to apply toward the degree. Non-degree students are expected to have the appropriate academic background to complete college level course work.
Non-degree students are subject to the student policies stated in the catalog and Student Handbook and Planner. Non-degree students should review the Student Educational Records section to understand privacy information. Course work completed as a non-degree student will be included in the undergraduate or graduate UWF GPA, as determined by the level of the course. International students in F-1 status should consult with the Director of the International Student Office regarding enrollment as a Non-Degree Student.
All Pensacola campus students are required to purchase a Nautilus Card. Parking a vehicle on campus requires a parking decal which may be purchased at the Cashier’s Office. Compliance with the immunization policy is required prior to registration. Contact the Division of Student Affairs for information. To be considered for degree status, students must contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and complete the required application. Returning non-degree students must file a new non-degree student application in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The non-degree student registration period begins approximately two weeks prior to the first day of classes for the semester - see Academic Calendar for specific dates.
Once a student is granted undergraduate degree-seeking status, change to non-degree status is not permitted until the baccalaureate degree is earned.
The UWF Honors Program offers unique living and learning opportunities for students in all majors. In addition to their regular coursework, Honors scholars enroll in special interdisciplinary seminars led by the university's most accomplished faculty. Honors scholars also undertake, in their senior year, a rigorous thesis project in which they explore a topic of lasting scholarly significance while working closely with a faculty advisor.
Benefits for participation in the program include early registration, small classes (average of 15 students), the option to live in Honors campus housing, admission to the Honors Seminar Series, social and cultural activities, opportunities for study abroad, annotation on the UWF transcript of Honors courses taken, participation in the Honors Commencement Ceremony, and individual recognition by UWF’s President during Commencement exercises. Most importantly, Honors scholars are part of the University's most vibrant living and learning community that fosters lifelong friendships and intellectual camaraderie among students and faculty alike. Admission to Honors Program is highly competitive.
To qualify, entering high school graduates (or early admitted and dual enrolled students) must meet both of the following entrance requirements:
Transfer students must have a minimum transfer GPA of 3.25 and submit a letter of recommendation from their previous institution’s Honor Director or faculty member. For more information, email honors@uwf.edu.
See Freshman Admissions section.
Students are considered in good academic standing if they are currently enrolled or eligible to re-enroll at UWF.
The intent of academic probation is to serve formal notice that a student may not be making satisfactory progress. It gives students an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to meet the University’s academic expectations. Students whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) for University of West Florida course work is below the minimum listed below will be placed on academic probation by the student’s college. Calculation of the GPA is described in the grading system section of this catalog.
Minimum GPA required for academic standing:
In addition to satisfying the GPA requirements set forth by the University, students are also responsible for observing the additional academic standards specified by their department or college. Students on probation may apply for a change of major; however, approval is granted by the chairperson of the prospective department. Students should contact the chairperson for guidance.
Normally, students are not placed on academic suspension without first being placed on probation for at least one semester. The decision to suspend a student for academic reasons is made by the student’s college. Notification to the student and the Office of the Registrar is the responsibility of the student’s college. Students under academic suspension may not enroll at UWF.
Students suspended from UWF who subsequently receive an A.A. degree from a Florida public college or state university may be readmitted to UWF upon application for readmission, with earned credit accepted in accordance with University’s policies. See A.A. Degree Forgiveness Policy in the Grades and Academic Credit Policies secton.
Students placed on academic suspension may request reinstatement after being away from the University one semester. The request for reinstatement must be directed to the dean of the college that suspended the student at least two weeks in advance of the first day of classes of the semester for which reinstatement is requested. In addition, students not attending UWF the previous three semesters must file an application for readmission with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students reinstated from suspension may apply for a change of major. Approval is granted by the chairperson of the prospective department.
Non-degree students are subject to the same academic standards and review procedures as students admitted to undergraduate degree programs. See the probation and suspension policies, based on the level of the courses being taken.
Undergraduate students, including lower-division students, must submit a Major Change request in Argus to enter a different major. Program approval is determined by the appropriate department chairperson. Students who change majors have a choice of meeting the major degree requirements listed in the University’s catalog that are in effect at the time of the student’s change of major or at graduation. Students should be aware of admission requirements for limited access and restricted programs. Students on probation and students returning from suspension may request a change of major; however, approval of the change of major is granted by the chairperson of the prospective department. Students should contact the chairperson for guidance.
To graduate with a dual major, students must declare a major in each department and college (as applicable) and be assigned an advisor in each discipline. Upon departmental acceptance, students must complete a Dual Major Designation form. When a dual major is requested, the catalog year for both majors will be the current catalog year. A dual major does not require a minimum number of hours beyond those necessary for completing each degree requirement (minimum 120 sh). Requirements for both majors must be completed prior to the degree’s being awarded. After successful completion of all requirements for both majors, students will be awarded one degree (for example, one B.A. or one B.S.) with both majors listed on the diploma and transcript. Students should contact the University Advising Center for eligible dual listed degree programs or for additional information.
A student may declare a minor by submitting the "Declaration of Minor" form available on the Office of the Registrar website. Students seeking a minor must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate major. Undergraduate students may qualify for a minor by meeting specific departmental and/or college requirements. Specific requirements for the minor will be those listed in the academic programs section catalog that is in effect at the time the minor is declared. Students should consult the minor department for questions concerning course requirements. A minimum of 12 semester hours of upper-division work must be completed in the minor, of which nine semester hours must be courses taken at UWF. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all UWF courses used in the minor.
Neither diplomas nor certificates are issued for completion of the minor. Minors are awarded in conjunction with the receipt of a baccalaureate degree and are recorded only on the academic transcript. Students must submit a “Completion of Minor” form to the Office of the Registrar with the approval of the minor department for the semester of graduation. The “Application for Graduation” for the bachelor’s degree must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar before the “Application for Completion of a Minor” will be processed. Forms for graduation may be found at the graduation section of the Registrar's Office website.
The University offers a variety of certificate programs to pursue as a stand alone certificate, to complete in conjunction with a bachelor's degree, or to take for professional development. Requirements are determined by the academic department offering the certificate. Upon approval and notification to the Registrar's Office from the academic department, awarding of a certificate is listed on the transcript. Actual certificates of recognition may or may not be issued by the academic department. Contact the academic department offering the certificate program for more information, including application procedures. Click here for the listing of certificate programs in this catalog.
The catalog year for an undergraduate student’s program (General Studies and major curriculum) will be the catalog year in effect at the time of initial enrollment as a degree-seeking student. Those students who do not change their major and who maintain continuous enrollment in the University have the option of following the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment as degree-seeking students or the catalog in effect at the time of graduation. Students who elect to change their major have the option of following the catalog in effect at the time of the major change or the catalog in effect at the time of graduation.
Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment and who are readmitted to the University after non-enrollment of three consecutive semesters have the option of following the degree program outlined in the catalog in effect at the time of re-enrollment as degree-seeking students or the catalog in effect at the time of graduation.
Students holding the A.A. or certification of the completion of General Studies requirements from a Florida public college or university may elect to complete the degree requirements of UWF that were in effect at the time the student first entered the Florida public college university as a degree-seeking student. Students electing this option must be enrolled at UWF as a degree-seeking student within three years of the date of initial enrollment in the college or university. The transcript of the student granted this option must demonstrate that a four-year plan was made by the inclusion of the appropriate lower-division courses. Students should contact their major department for additional information regarding requirements for their degree program. A combination of catalogs may not be used to fulfill major degree requirements.
The University expects students to take full responsibility for their academic work and academic progress. To progress satisfactorily, students must meet the requirements of each course for which they are registered. Successful work depends to a large extent on regular class attendance.
Class attendance is regarded as an academic matter. Each faculty member will provide a written attendance policy to each class within the first week of classes. It is the responsibility of students to know the attendance policy of each course they are taking. Students must inform their instructor(s) of absences from classes prior to or as soon as possible after the absence. Instructors have the right to request verification for all excused absences. Students are held accountable for all assignments in each course, whether or not the assignments were announced during an absence. Faculty members are encouraged to provide opportunities for students to make up examinations and other work missed because of an excused absence.
The use of attendance records in grading and handling of any excuses for absences is left to the discretion of the faculty member responsible for the course, subject to the guidelines given below:
To fulfill a reservist or National Guard military obligation of no more than two weeks concurrent with a normal academic semester at UWF, students must receive written permission for such absences from the instructors and departmental chairpersons for each course in which they are enrolled. The approval is not automatic, but is discretionary with the instructors and departmental chairpersons.
Continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in the University without a non-enrollment period of three or more consecutive semesters (summer semester included). Credits earned at other institutions during any semester, while not registered at UWF, will not constitute continuous enrollment at UWF.
The University of West Florida complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Florida Statute related to the release of student educational records. Student educational records comprise any written information or recorded data maintained by the University, or by an entity acting on behalf of the University, which is directly related to a student who has applied for admission or who is or has been in attendance.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of categories of educational records along with the University custodian who maintains the records:
The following are some categories of records which FERPA defines as not constituting student educational records (for a complete list see 20 U.S.C. s 1232g). These categories of records are not subject to FERPA and UWF regulations:
FERPA provides certain rights to university students concerning their student educational records. Students are notified annually of their rights in association with the student education records (see Annual Notification of Student Records and Directory Information below).
Change of local, permanent, and emergency contact addresses; name; or other information affecting the student’s permanent academic record may be completed by currently enrolled students through ARGUS at argus.uwf.edu. Forms are also available through the Office of the Registrar.
Student photos are provided to faculty on electronic class rosters to assist in identifying students, personalizing the class experience, verification of attendance, and other class related issues. Photos are used strictly for educational reasons, are confidential and may not be published or released in any other context.
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 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.
The disclosure or publication of student information is governed by the policies of the University of West Florida and the Board of Education within the framework of State and Federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:
The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. A student should submit to the registrar, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to ask the University to amend a record should write the University Official responsible for the record, clearly identifying the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, the University will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. The University discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel, health staff, and student workers); a person or company with whom the University has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using University employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the University. Upon request, the University also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
The university may release records without consent, under the following exceptions:
Directory information will be released for public records requests, the Campus Directory, and for other requests, unless otherwise specified by the student. The online campus directory is available only internally through ARGUS.
Under the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students have the right to withhold disclosure of directory information. The information listed below has been designated by the University as directory information and will be released or published by the University unless the student has submitted a request for “non-release” to the University in writing or via ARGUS.
Students may choose to restrict all or a portion of their directory information release through the Privacy link in their ARGUS account. Students who wish to have the privacy flag removed from their permanent academic record must contact the Office of the Registrar in writing or may submit the change on line through ARGUS.
In compliance with the Student-Right-To-Know legislation, data is available in the Office of Student Affairs, (850) 474-2384.
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 Welcome Center, UWF Bookstore, Ticket Office, Cashier’s Office, the Office of the Registrar, and Nautilus Card Office. The electronic directory is available internally through ARGUS for University students, faculty, and staff. Students who are also listed as employees of the University will have work related directory information included in the employee directory regardless of their student privacy status. Students may inform the University in writing if they choose to prevent publication of directory information. Students must indicate privacy through ARGUS or complete and submit a privacy form to the Office of the Registrar by the end of the fall semester’s drop/add period for information to be withheld from the published Directory (see Annual Notification of Student Records and Directory Information).
This policy is available on the UWF web sites at uwf.edu/osrr. Students should contact the Dean of Students Office, Building 21, (850) 474-2383 for more information.
Forms of Academic Misconduct
Violations by a student of any of the following actions that constitutes an offense will result in disciplinary action. Fraudulent or deceptive action involving academic matters, including the following:
The Student Grievance System is in the Student Handbook and Planner and available on the University of West Florida web site at uwf.edu/osrr.
Students should contact the Dean of Students Office, Building 21, (850) 474-2383 for more information.
Students, who wish to make a grievance, including grade appeals, should review the Student Grievance System in the Rights & Regulations section of the Student Handbook and Planner. The process of handling student non-academic grievances is also detailed in the current issue of the Student Handbook and Planner.
An appeal may be filed by a student to request an exception or waiver to a University academic requirement, policy, procedure, or deadline. There are several different levels and types of appeals. All academic appeals should be submitted within six months of the close of academic semester of the appeal.
Academic Appeals
The student must make a reasonable effort to contact the instructor, the department head and the academic dean in an effort to resolve differences before filing an appeal. Listed below are the various types of academic appeals.
Department Level (Academic Department)
Department level academic appeals include requirements for program admission, such as limited access and teacher certification, course substitutions or waivers for department requirements, course pre-requisites, and other department level decisions. Students should contact their academic advisor and department chairperson for information on the appeal process. The final appeal is determined by the College Dean.
College Level (Academic College)
College level academic appeals include decisions on probation and suspension actions, waivers or substitutions of college core courses, etc. Students should contact their academic advisor and the college dean for information on this process and required documents.
University Level (University Registrar)
Most academic appeals fall under this category as this applies to those policies that are at the University level, or apply to all students regardless of major or college.
Examples of University academic appeals include (but are not limited to):
The Academic Appeals Committee hears appeals from students who believe they have an exceptional circumstance or situation that warrants an exception or waiver. The Committee serves on behalf of the Provost to provide a University wide forum and decision making body for academic appeals. The Academic Appeals Committee normally meets biweekly. Appeals must be in writing on the appropriate forms and signed by the academic advisor, department chairperson, and college dean. Forms can be found on the Registrar website, uwf.edu/registrar. Appeals should include any and all appropriate documentation to support the appeal. Students will be notified by e-mail of the outcome of the appeal.
Students with documented visual impairments, hearing impairments, motor impairments, or specific learning disabilities may petition for substitution of degree requirements provided such substitutions do not significantly alter the nature of the program in which the student is enrolled. For more information about the University's degree requirement substitution policy, contact the college dean of the program for major requirements; for General Studies, Gordon Rule, and other graduation requirements, contact the Dean's Office, College of Arts and Sciences.
The General Studies Committee hears requests for waivers and substitutions of general studies, Gordon Rule, multicultural requirement, or Associate degree requirements. In addition, the General Studies Committee hears all requests for academic waivers or substitutions based on disabilities. Contact: General Studies Committee, attention: Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences.
The Registrar's Office reviews appeals related to grade forgiveness, late registration, and schedule adjustments (drop/add). Contact: University Registrar, Building 18.
Other types of appeals may be addressed by various committees or areas as listed below:
