Admission and Registration Overview Admission to Graduate Programs Admission to the University Application Deadlines International Students Registration

Overview

The Office of Graduate Studies coordinates the admission process with program coordinators and the deans of the colleges to admit prospective students to graduate study. Graduate Studies also admits students who are applying as nondegree students. To apply online or review program information, visit the Office of Graduate Studies website at www.graduate.ucf.edu. This section also includes registration information.

Admission to Graduate Programs

In order to be considered for admission to a graduate program, the following documents must be submitted and on Filename in the Office of Graduate Studies: application forms, residency forms, and any required supporting documents specified by the program. These documents become part of UCF’s Filenames and will not be returned to the applicant.

For specific program information, refer to the appropriate department descriptions in the graduate program sections of this catalog. Program application deadlines are listed under “Application Deadlines” in this catalog.

NOTE: All programs require all admission documents (application form, residency form, recommendations, essay/personal statement, resume) to be submitted online simultaneously. Official transcripts should be sealed in an envelope by the registrar of the former institution and sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies, University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 160112, Orlando, FL 32816-0112.

Applying to a Graduate Program

Application for admission to a graduate program should be submitted electronically via the Internet. In order to apply online, go to the graduate studies website, at www.graduate.ucf.edu, and click on the highlighted “Apply Online” sign. Those without web access may request an application form by mail or e-mail (graduate@mail.ucf.edu). U.S. citizens and resident aliens in the United States must submit the following application materials:

• Graduate Application for Admission form (signed by the applicant)
• $20 application fee (not required if you have previously attended UCF or have applied within the past year)
• Residency Classification form
• One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended
• GRE (or GMAT, if required by the program) scores sent directly to UCF
• TOEFL scores sent directly to UCF, if an applicant is from a country where English is not the official language or if an applicant’s bachelor’s degree is from an accredited non-U.S. institution
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if financial support is desired
• Recommendations, if required by the program
• Essays or statements, if required by the program
• Professional resume, if required by the program
• Health Form, including immunization record and health history* (Distance learners do not need to fill out the Health Form.)

Some programs may require interviews, portfolios, or other materials.

* To expedite processing of materials, download and print this form from the online application. Send the completed form to the address specified on the form. This form is not used in making an admission decision. However, you will not be allowed to enroll at UCF without submitting the Health Form.

Applying as an International Student

Application for admission to a graduate program should be submitted electronically via the Internet. In order to apply online, go to the graduate studies website, at www.graduate.ucf.edu, and click on the highlighted “Apply Online” sign. Those without web access may request an application form by mail or e-mail (graduate@mail.ucf.edu). If you are not a U.S. citizen or resident alien, you must submit the following application materials:

• Graduate Application for International Admission (signed by the applicant)
•  An unofficial transcript showing a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
•  $20 application fee (not required if you have previously attended UCF or have applied within the past year)

Once these documents have been received, additional forms will be sent to the applicant for completion.

• Residency Classification form
• Financial Statement with a letter indicating commitment (from your parents, government, etc.) to financially support your education
• One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.*
• Transcript Evaluation (see “Transcript Evaluation” under “International Students” in this section of the catalog)
• GRE (or GMAT, if required by the program) scores sent directly to UCF. UCF cannot accept international students without official copies of the GRE or GMAT. Please make arrangements to take these exams before submitting this application.
• TOEFL scores sent directly to UCF, except those who are from countries where English is the only official language or those who have earned a degree from an accredited American college or university. UCF cannot accept international students without an official copy of the TOEFL. Please make arrangements to take this exam before submitting this application.
• Recommendations, if required by the program
• Essays or statements, if required by the program
• Professional resume, if required by the program
• Health Form, including immunization record and health history** (Distance learners do not need to fill out the Health Form.)

Some programs require interviews, portfolios, or other materials.

* Official transcripts are required. If time is a factor in issuing the I-20, you may receive special permission from your UCF program coordinator to submit unofficial transcripts now and bring official transcripts with you when you arrive at UCF. However, failure to produce official transcripts on arrival will result in immediate deportation at the applicant’s expense.

** To expedite processing of materials, return this completed form with the rest of your application. This form is not used in making an admission decision. However, you will not be allowed to enroll at UCF without submitting the Health Form. The form can be found at http://www.shs.ucf.edu/

Applying as a Nondegree Student

If you are interested in taking graduate courses at UCF for personal or professional enhancement or to prepare for possible admission to a graduate program, you may enroll as a nondegree-seeking student. In order to apply online, go to the graduate studies website, at http://www.graduate.ucf.edu, and click on the highlighted “Apply Online” sign. Then complete and submit the online application for the graduate nondegree-seeking program and the residency classification form. If you have not previously attended UCF or applied within the last year, a $20.00 application fee must be received before the application can be processed. Also required are official transcripts showing an earned bachelor’s degree. Prior to registration, a health form must be submitted to Student Health Services. The form can be downloaded from the online application site.

Please note that nondegree admission or admission to a graduate certificate program at UCF does not guarantee admission to graduate status in a degree program. International students are not eligible for nondegree status unless they hold an eligible visa status.

Applying as a Transient Student

Students attending UCF for a term from another institution where they are receiving their degree are classified as transient students. Transient students can apply online as a nondegree-seeking student. In order to apply online, go to the graduate studies website, at www.graduate.ucf.edu, and click on the highlighted “Apply Online” sign. Required documents for transient students are:

• Graduate application for nondegree-seeking status (signed by the applicant)
• $20 application fee (not required if you have previously attended UCF, are a State University System [SUS] transient student, or have applied within the past year)
• Health Form required if you are not an SUS transient student
• A letter from your home institution stating that you are in good academic standing and that the institution will accept the transfer of the hours

Applying to a Certificate Program

If you are interested in taking graduate courses at UCF in a specialized or interdisciplinary area, you may enroll in one of our many graduate certificate programs. In order to apply to a certificate program, go to the graduate studies website, at www.graduate.ucf.edu, click on the highlighted “Apply Online” sign, and complete the online application for the graduate nondegree-seeking program. The following application materials are required:

• Graduate application for nondegree-seeking status (signed by the applicant)
• $20 application fee (not required if you have previously attended UCF or have applied within the past year)
• Residency Classification form
• Health Form*
• Official transcript showing an earned bachelor’s degree

If you are a regular graduate student in a graduate degree program and wish to supplement your degree with a graduate certificate, you may do so by completing a Nondegree Application form indicating the certificate program. In order to complete a graduate certificate program, a student must apply and be admitted to a specific graduate certificate program.

* To expedite processing of materials, return this completed form with the rest of your application. This form is not used in making an admission decision. However, you will not be allowed to enroll at UCF without submitting the Health Form. The form can be found at http://www.shs.ucf.edu/

Accreditation

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. For the purposes of this catalog, “accredited institutions” means those institutions accredited by one of the six U.S. regional associations. The six regional associations are:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher Schools, Commission on Higher Schools
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities and Accrediting Commission for Junior Colleges

An applicant must have obtained a baccalaureate or higher degree, prior to the start of the term for which the student is admitted, from one of the above accreditation agencies or from a recognized foreign institution.

Recognized institution: An institution in a country outside of the United States that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority, as a post-secondary, academic-degree-granting institution.

Applications

Applications for admission to the university for degree-seeking or nondegree-seeking graduate study may be obtained from the graduate studies website at www.graduate.ucf.edu. Students are strongly encouraged to apply online. Online applications are processed more quickly, making it possible for programs to make earlier admission decisions. Those without web access may request an application form by mail or e-mail (graduate@mail.ucf.edu). An application fee is not required for students that have previously attended UCF or applied within the past one year.

Official Transcripts

To be granted admission to UCF in graduate or nondegree status, all applicants must request official transcripts from the previous institution showing a baccalaureate degree and the grades for the last 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of attempted undergraduate work. Transcripts must be mailed directly from the previous institution to the Office of Graduate Studies at UCF. If grades were transferred from other schools in the last 60 semester hours, official transcripts from those schools also must be obtained and included. If applying to the Business, Social Work, or Psychology programs, all transcripts from all colleges attended are required. Final acceptance into degree-seeking graduate status is not granted unless an applicant’s official transcripts and necessary test scores are on Filename so that they can be evaluated for admission.

Graduate Examinations

The Board of Education (BOE) of the State of Florida requires that every student take either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) before the student can be accepted into graduate student status. Some programs may also require the GRE subject test before admission into graduate student status. Official copies must be mailed directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the Office of Graduate Studies and be on Filename before graduate student status can be granted. UCF recommends that any individual contemplating class work beyond the bachelor’s degree take the GRE or GMAT at the earliest possible date to avoid problems associated with a delay of acceptance into a graduate program. The GMAT exam is computerized and is available at Sylvan Learning Centers (407-671-2332). The GRE is also available in a computerized format at Sylvan and test scores are usually available in four to six weeks. Preparatory courses are offered through UCF’s Division of Continuing Education (407- 882-0260).

Educational Testing Service’s policy, effective with the October 1985 GRE test, is to report scores only until September 30 following the fifth anniversary of the test date. If ETS cannot provide an official copy, students will need to repeat the GRE or GMAT and have an official score reported to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Deadline for Supporting Documents

If the program has a specific deadline, all supporting documents are due by that deadline (see the “Application Deadlines” list elsewhere in this catalog). For all other programs and nondegree applicants, all supporting admissions documents should be received by the Office of Graduate Studies no later than July 15 (fall admission), December 1 (spring admission), or April 15 (summer admission). In some cases, applicants may be allowed to register on a temporary basis (without all records), assuming it can be determined from available records or consultation with the students that they appear admissible. Failure to submit records in the first semester will result in registration holds for all succeeding terms. Transcripts should be sealed in an envelope by the registrar of the former institution and mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Validity of Submitted Documents

If the university finds that an applicant has made a false or fraudulent statement or a deliberate omission on the application, residency affidavit, health report, or any accompanying document or statement, that applicant may be denied admission. If the student is enrolled when such fraud is discovered, the student may be immediately withdrawn (with no refund), further enrollment denied, and credit earned and any degree based on such credit invalidated. Actions for this type of offense are handled administratively by the Student Development and Enrollment Services office after notification to the alleged violator and hearing by that office.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The procedures for protecting the confidentiality of student records are based on state regulations and the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 30 days of the day the University receives a written request for access. Students should submit to the University Registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they desire 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;



2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
   
   The student may ask the University to amend a record that he or she believes is inaccurate or misleading. The student should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record to be changed, and specify why the current record is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her 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;



3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is 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 and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (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 responsibility;



4. The right to Filename a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by a State 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, 20202-4605.

Directory Information

FERPA authorizes the University to classify certain information concerning students as “directory information,” which means that it may be released to anyone upon request. In accordance with Florida Statutes Section 228.093, the University is required to release student directory information to independent vendors upon request. Directory information at UCF includes

• name,
• current mailing address,
• telephone number,
• e-mail address,
• date of birth,
• major field of study,
• dates of attendance,
• enrollment status,
• degrees and awards received,
• participation in officially registered activities and sports; and,
• athletes’ height and weight.

All other student information will be released in accordance with FERPA; in most cases this requires the student’s prior written and signed consent. The University extends to students the opportunity to withhold any or all information, including “directory information.” To do this, students must complete the appropriate form in the Registrar’s Office (MH 161), requesting that this information be withheld. The Golden Rule outlines the University procedures for confidentiality. For additional information describing FERPA policy, enter the Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office website at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OM/fpco/.

Higher Education Act

Lists, descriptions, and sources of information required for disclosure under the Higher Education Act may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office (MH 161) or from http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~enrsrvc/registrar/HEA.html.

Medical History Report

All new students must furnish medical history reports on the approved university health form before registration will be allowed. The Health Form is available from the office of Student Health Services and at http://www.shs.ucf.edu/. This form should be completed and mailed to the address on the form. Those students who will take courses solely on the web, and never come to UCF or an area campus, are not required to fill out the Health Form. Immunizations and diagnostic procedures may be required of students by the university prior to any registration. University requirements for vaccinations or immunizations may be waived upon receipt of appropriate documentation from the student that the waiver is requested on the basis of religious grounds or on the recommendation of a university physician.

Where physician examinations or certificates are required, they must be signed by a doctor of medicine or by a doctor of osteopathy. The university reserves the right to refuse registration to any student whose health record or report of medical examination indicates the existence of a condition that may be harmful to members of the university community.

Reactivating a Prior Application

A student who has submitted an application for admission to the University of Central Florida, but never attended, may reactivate the original application within a year of the original application. Reactivation is the process by which the original application can be reactivated and considered for admission without having to resubmit all application materials and with no additional application fee. Admission is not guaranteed by completing a reactivation form. After a year, student application Filenames are destroyed. An application fee is required if a student applies again after the one-year period. When reactivating an application, please check program deadlines and requirements to ensure that all requirements are met. Complete a reactivation form or fax (407-823-6442) or e-mail (graduate@mail.ucf.edu) the Office of Graduate Studies indicating your name, Social Security Number, and date desired for admission.

Admission to the University

The admission process begins with the receipt of the Graduate Application for Admission online. As soon as the application is received, Graduate Studies will send you an e-mail notifying you of its receipt. Actual processing of the application, however, is not initiated until the application fee and other required materials are received in the Office of Graduate Studies. Providing Graduate Studies with all the required information in a timely manner expedites the admission process.

After all application information has been received, it is reviewed by the appropriate degree program in order to make an admission decision. Acceptance into a graduate degree program will be granted by the academic program.

Nondegree-seeking applicants will receive notice of acceptance to the university and registration information from the Office of Graduate Studies. Admission as a nondegree student does not constitute admission to a graduate program.

Readmission to the University

A regularly admitted student who has not been registered for two major semesters (spring/fall) must apply for readmission to the graduate program through the Office of Graduate Studies. Students can complete the readmission application online at www.graduate.ucf.edu. Please refer to the Application Deadlines for your program.

Continuous Attendance

Graduate students should be aware of three policies regarding continuous attendance at the university. The first may affect continuing status as a graduate student. The second requires thesis and dissertation students to be enrolled continuously. The third affects the student’s option to fulfill degree requirements under any UCF catalog in force during the student’s most recent period of continuous attendance.

• Students may not be guaranteed continuing graduate status if they do not enroll in the university for a period of two major semesters (spring/fall). When students apply for readmission, after having been out two or more semesters, the program will review the students’ records to determine if they will be continued in graduate status or be reverted to nondegree status.
• Students taking thesis or dissertation hours are required to be continuously enrolled until the thesis or dissertation is completed.
• Graduation policy allows a student to fulfill degree requirements as listed in their official program of study on Filename in the office of their major. The program of study should use the catalog associated with the entry term into graduate status of the student. Continuous attendance is interrupted when a student drops out of school for any term other than the summer term. Because students must occasionally interrupt their attendance for a brief period, a student will be considered to have interrupted continuous attendance only if the interruption is for two or more consecutive terms (spring/fall). Under these circumstances, a student may lose the option of fulfilling the degree requirements originally listed in their official program of study already on Filename, and will graduate using the latest graduate catalog.

Admission to a Graduate Program

After receiving copies of all transcripts, standardized test information, and other documents required by the department from the Office of Graduate Studies, the degree program coordinator will admit the applicant as a degree-seeking graduate student or deny the applicant. Admission to graduate status can be in one of four categories: regular, conditional, provisional, or restricted status. Applicants should contact the department directly for admission decision information.

Appeals Procedure for Admissions

Students who are not accepted by a program but who meet the SUS minimum standards for admission to graduate status are allowed under Rule 6C-6.003 to appeal that decision. The appeal procedure consists of the student writing a letter within thirty days of the date of denial to the program coordinator indicating the desire to appeal and the reasons for the appeal. The program coordinator may ask the department or program graduate committee to examine the necessary information and recommend a response to the appeal. The program coordinator will recommend an admission action to the department chair.

Should the department chair deny the appeal, and there are new circumstances, facts, or other matters that the student feels warrants consideration, the student may request further consideration from the college by writing a letter to the graduate coordinator of the college indicating the desire to appeal further and the reasons why an appeal is sought. The graduate coordinator may ask the college graduate committee to examine the necessary information and recommend a response to the appeal. The graduate coordinator will recommend an admission action to the college dean.

Should the college dean deny the appeal, and there are new circumstances, facts, or other matters that the student feels warrants consideration, the student may request further consideration from the university by writing a letter to the Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies indicating the desire to appeal further and the reasons why an appeal is sought. The Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies may ask the Graduate Council to examine the necessary information and recommend a response to the appeal.

Admission Classifications

Graduate Status—Regular

All students who wish degree-seeking status must submit an official GRE General Test score (or an official GMAT score as required). Some programs also require the GRE Subject Test. The minimum systemwide requirements of the Board of Education (BOE) for admission to regular graduate status are listed below. Individual degree programs may specify additional requirements. Programs may require a minimum GRE General Test score more stringent than the BOE requirement.

• A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited university and GPA of 3.0 or more (on a 4.0 maximum) while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student (normally based on the last sixty attempted semester hours); OR, a total score of 1000 or higher on the General Test (quantitative and verbal sections) of the Graduate Record Examination (or a GMAT score of 450 or higher as needed) or an equivalent score on an equivalent measure approved by the Board of Education; OR, a previous graduate degree and official GRE or GMAT score. Even though an applicant may qualify for minimum admission on the basis of the undergraduate grade point average or having a previous graduate degree, an official GRE or GMAT score must be on Filename before admission to graduate status.
• A student must be accepted by the program coordinator and the dean of the college offering the particular degree program sought. Programs are encouraged to have more restrictive admission requirements than the BOE requirements. Program requirements may be based on other factors such as work experience, research interests of the prospective student, evidence of extracurricular or community work, personal interviews, or other factors specified by the program.
• International students must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. International students, except those who are from countries where English is the only official language or those who have earned a degree from an accredited American college or university, are required to submit a score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) before they can be admitted to the university. A computer-based TOEFL score of 220 (or equivalent score on the paper-based test) is required unless otherwise specified by the program.

Graduate Status—Conditional

A student who meets the Board of Education (BOE) criteria for admission but has not submitted all required documents may be admitted conditionally into a graduate program. Conditions must be met by midterm of the first semester in order to register for future semester classes.

Graduate Status—Provisional

A student who does not fulfill the minimum BOE requirements for regular admission may be admitted provisionally upon recommendation of the dean of the college to which admission is sought.

Provisional admissions may at no time exceed 10 percent of the graduate students admitted for any academic year in any single degree program. Provisional students may be admitted to regular status following satisfactory completion of nine semester hours and upon recommendation by the program coordinator and college dean.

If a student does not maintain a 3.0 GPA in the graduate program of study, he or she will be placed on academic provisional status for nine semester hours, then reverted to nondegree status if the GPA is still unsatisfactory. A student, with regular or provisional status, whose overall GPA falls below 2.0 will be reverted immediately to nondegree status. (See “Appeals” under “University Graduate Regulations.”)

Graduate Status—Restricted

Even though BOE minimum requirements are met, a program may attach restrictions to the admission of an applicant, such as higher GRE or GPA requirements, completing certain prerequisite courses, retaking the GRE, maintaining a certain GPA in the first few hours of a graduate program, etc. Students may be denied admission to regular graduate status if the conditions are not met.

Nondegree Status

Students are generally placed in this category at their request. International students are not eligible for nondegree status unless they hold an eligible visa status.

A student may elect to remain in nondegree status for various reasons (e.g., requirements in a graduate program at another institution, personal improvement, meeting job requirements, and removing academic deficiencies). While in nondegree status, students are allowed to take graduate courses, in some departments, on a space-available basis. Nondegree students may also enroll in specific graduate certificate programs. Not all departments accept nondegree students and the procedures for enrollment into graduate-level classes vary with each department. Students should check with the individual departments or colleges before attempting to register.

All students who take graduate-level course work while in nondegree status should be aware of the limit of 9 semester hours of graduate-level course work that can be transferred into a graduate degree program if a student is given graduate status. Students who take nine credit hours in nondegree seeking status will be placed on hold until they have signed and submitted a Nine-Hour Hold Release form. In general, at the discretion of the program, students accepted into graduate programs may transfer all the hours from a graduate certificate program into a graduate program.

Second Master’s Degree

Individuals seeking a second master’s degree must Filename a separate application for that program and complete the normal UCF master’s degree requirements for the second degree.

Up to nine semester hours from a completed master’s program at UCF or any other institution may be transferred into a second master’s program if the courses are not more than seven years old when the second degree is completed.

Transcript Requests from UCF

For UCF students applying to UCF graduate programs: You do not need to request transcripts of your UCF course work. The Office of Graduate Studies will request those transcripts internally.

For students requesting UCF transcripts for other purposes: Transcripts of a student’s UCF academic record may be requested by the student through the Registrar’s Office. A student’s academic record can be released only upon written authorization by the student. Information and a transcript request form is available at www.registrar.ucf.edu. When requesting a transcript, be sure to include your full name and social security number and indicate the names and complete addresses to which transcripts are to be sent. If grades or degree statements for the current term are needed, indicate that the transcript request is to be held until the final semester reports are posted. There is a charge for requested transcripts of $5.00 each. The check or money order should be made payable to UCF. Cash payments can be accepted only by the Cashier’s Office (Monday 8:30-6:30; Tuesday-Friday 8:30-4:00). Students requesting transcripts may do so in person or by writing to: Transcript Request, Office of the Registrar, University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 160114, Orlando, FL 32816-0114.

International Students

UCF adheres to the principle that the university is primarily a community of scholars, both national and international, in pursuit of knowledge, and active in teaching, studying, and doing research. The presence of international students on the campus contributes substantially to the quality of the educational experience for everyone. It can bring to the classroom learning environment unique viewpoints and perceptions that would otherwise be lost to the U.S. students. Effective personal contact across cultures can reduce errors in understanding one another’s problems and foster a climate of international peace and cooperation among people of the world today.

Financial Statement for International Students

The Financial Statement must be satisfactorily completed before immigration forms will be issued. Please complete both sides of the Financial Statement. Part 2 of the form must be completed (unless a government or employer is your sponsor) confirming the ability of your parent or sponsor to cover your educational expenses. We also require a letter indicating a commitment (from your parents, government, etc.) to financially support your education. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact the UCF Office of International Student and Scholar Services (iss@mail.ucf.edu or 407-823-2337).

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are required. To be official, transcripts and certificates must bear the original seal or signature of the school's registrar or of the appropriate school official or office. If time is a factor in issuing the I-20, then you may receive special permission from your UCF program coordinator to submit unofficial transcripts now and bring official transcripts with you when you arrive at UCF. However, failure to produce official transcripts upon arrival will result in immediate deportation at the applicant’s expense.

Transcript Evaluation

In addition to your official transcripts, a transcript evaluation is required of all students who attended a college/university outside the United States AND scored below 1000 on the GRE (or 450 on the GMAT). Some programs require a transcript evaluation regardless of GRE (or GMAT) score for those who have attended a college/graduate program outside the United States. Please check with the college or graduate program to determine if this is required. If transfer credits are desired from previous work at an international institution, then a transcript will be required. An admission decision may be delayed by the failure to produce a transcript evaluation. Effective for those students applying for the Fall 2003 semester or later, no outside evaluation of international credentials will be required.

UCF accepts transcript evaluations from the following agencies:

World Education Services, Inc.
PO Box 01-5060, Miami, FL 33101
E-mail: SOUTH@WES.ORG
Telephone: 305-358-6688
Fax: 305-358-4411

Josef Silny and Assocs., Inc.
International Education Consultants
PO Box 248233, Coral Gables, FL 33124
Website: http://www.jsilny.com
Telephone: 305-666-0233
Fax: 305-666-4133

International Application Deadlines

Complete applications (all required documents) for all graduate programs must be received by the date listed below to be considered for admission for that semester. Failure to meet these deadlines may prevent admission as a regular graduate student for the term. The following dates are university application deadlines for international students.

Fall admission: March 1

Spring admission: August 1

Summer admission: December 1

In addition, students who wish to be considered for fellowships or assistantships must apply by February 15 (or the designated Fall Priority date for their program). Please refer to the Application Deadlines in this catalog for programs that have other deadlines for international applicants.

Test of English as a Foreign Language

International students, except those who are from countries where English is the only official language or those who have earned a degree from an accredited American college or university, are required to submit a score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) before they can be admitted to the university. When the official test score is received in the Office of Graduate Studies, a copy will be sent to the graduate program coordinator, who evaluates the student’s record and determines admission or denial to the program. Students who are offered graduate teaching assistant positions must also take and pass the Test of Spoken English before they will be allowed to teach.

A TOEFL computer-based score of 220 (or equivalent score on the paper-based test) is required unless otherwise specified by the program. The list below includes programs that have determined a minimum required TOEFL score higher than the university requirement.

International Student Mandatory Health and Accident Insurance

Each international student accepted for admission must, prior to registration, submit proof of compliance with the Board of Education’s mandatory health and accident insurance (effective fall semester 1992). There are no exceptions made for submitting this proof. Written proof of insurance, must be provided to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services and must be valid at all times. Cancellation of the policy or stoppage of the premium will result in administrative withdrawal from all classes.

If an insurance carrier from outside of the United States issues the insurance, a notarized statement, in English, must be provided attesting to meeting the minimum coverage mandated by the state of Florida.

Registration

During each academic semester, registration is held for all new, currently enrolled, degree-seeking, and nondegree-seeking students for the following term. There are two registration sessions for each term:

• Registration and Add/Drop
• Late Registration and Add/Drop

Spring Registration is held following midterm for the fall semester. Summer and fall Registrations are held concurrently immediately following the midterm of the spring semester. The dates and times of each of these registration periods are listed in the Schedule Web Guide.

Online Registration

Registration is available online on the Web through the POLARIS system. To access the system (https://connect.ucf.edu), you will need to enter your Personal IDentification number (PID) and password.

PID (Personal IDentification Number)

Students obtain the Personal IDentification Number (PID) on their first login to POLARIS. The initial login will use a Default Password. Following instructions, students choose a new Password and reminder clue.

Online Registration Information and Course Schedules

Registration information and course schedules are available online for both new and continuing students at https://connect.ucf.edu.

Schedule Web Guide

The Schedule Web Guide is published once for summer and fall terms and once for spring term by the Registrar’s Office and is available online (see http://registrar.ucf.edu) as well as in print. The guide includes instructions for registration by POLARIS as well as other essential information for new and continuing students.

New Graduate Students

All new first-term graduate students must have health forms completed before they are allowed to register at UCF. Holds placed on registration will be removed once the forms are received. Forms may be obtained on the Web at http://www.shs.ucf.edu/.

Continuing Graduate Students

Continuing graduate students register through POLARIS on or after the assigned appointment day and time, which can be found in POLARIS. All continuing students should register early to ensure that courses will be offered. For graduate students with fellowships or assistantships, failure to register early may result in delays in receiving assistantship paychecks and sometimes result in the loss of tuition waivers. Continuing graduate students registering for internship, independent study, thesis or dissertation hours, or research report hours must fill out a Registration Agreement form obtained from their adviser or department office. The college graduate office will normally register students into these courses.

Nondegree-seeking Students

Before registering, all nondegree-seeking students should check with the departments where they want to take courses in order to learn what is required for registration by that department. Certain classes are restricted, and it is best to find this out first. In the College of Education, nondegree-seeking students can ONLY register for 5000- and 6000-level classes. In the College of Business Administration, nondegree-seeking students cannot register for graduate courses. The College of Engineering and Computer Science will only allow nondegree-seeking students to register with special approval from the program coordinator. Nondegree-seeking students who want to register for College of Arts and Sciences or College of Health and Public Affairs courses should check with the individual programs for more detailed information.

Nondegree-seeking students must be registered for 12 hours to be considered full-time. Nondegree-seeking students who already have certification elsewhere (i.e., from a College of Education in another state) are not eligible to receive financial aid. In general, nondegree-seeking students are not eligible for financial aid, assistantships, fellowships, or tuition support, although it is best to check with the Office of Student Financial Assistance for specific details.

Only up to nine hours taken in nondegree-seeking status may be used toward a graduate degree. Students who have completed nine credit hours in nondegree-seeking status will be placed on hold until they have signed and submitted a Nine-Hour Hold Release form.

Holds

A hold (negative service indicator) may be placed on students’ records, transcripts, grades, diplomas, or registration due to financial or other obligations to the university. Satisfaction and clearance of the hold is required before a release can be given. Students may check for holds on the POLARIS system at https://connect.ucf.edu. To obtain an immediate release for financial holds, payment to the Cashier’s Office (Millican 111) must be made in cash, credit card, cashier’s check, or money order in U.S. currency.

To release Graduate Studies holds, the students must provide the documents to complete their records; or if the hold is labeled “denied,” they must stop by the Office of Graduate Studies (Millican Hall 230) and switch to nondegree status.

Those students who are placed on nine-hour holds must sign a Nine-Hour Hold Release form provided by Graduate Studies in order to release the registration hold. This is to ensure that students are aware of the UCF policy that no more than 9 credit hours taken in postbaccalaureate, nondegree-seeking status are allowed in a graduate program of study should they be admitted in the future.

Audit Registration

Audit students are those who desire to attend classes without receiving academic credit. Regular tuition and fees are assessed for audit registration. See “Tuition and Fees” for more information about the cost of auditing classes at UCF. Audit registration is on a space-available basis at the prescribed time of Registration, or at any time during Add/Drop when Late Registration fees will apply. Audit requests for students who register prior to this time will be denied. Students may not change to audit status after Add/Drop, but must remain in the course or withdraw through normal withdrawal procedures. New students must be accepted for admission. Audit forms, available on the Registrar’s website and in the Registrar’s and college advising offices, must be signed by the instructor and presented to the Registrar’s Office at the time of registration.

Senior Citizen Audit

Senior citizens (60 years of age or older) who have been residents of the State of Florida for at least one year as of the first day of classes may enroll tuition free as audit students (i.e., no academic credit) on a space-available basis. Forms to be completed include the “Residency Affidavit,” the “Student Health History,” and the “Senior Citizen Audit Application.” and “Senior Citizen Audit Registration Form” These forms are available in the Registrar’s Office (MH 161) or at the Registrar’s website:http://registrar.ucf.edu http://registrar.ucf.edu. It is necessary to complete the required forms during the last hours of registration as noted in the “Academic Calendar” of the Schedule Web Guide. Direct student expenses after the completion of registration include the campus ID card, vehicle registration, and textbooks.

State Employee Registration

During fiscal year 2001-2002 state employees will not register for classes on the last day of registration, as they had previously. Effective through June 30, 2002, state employees will be assigned appointment days and times according to the total number of earned credit hours and grade point average. This appointment may be obtained through POLARIS at https://connect.ucf.edu. As of this publication's press date, policy regarding state employee registration and tuition vouchers beyond June 30 had not been determined. Check the Registrar's Office website at http://registrar.ucf.edu for state employee registration updates. Check the Office of Human Resources website at http://www.hr.ucf.edu/ for current tuition voucher information.

State Tuition Exemption Program (STEP) (National Guard) Registration

State of Florida employees and State Tuition Exemption Program (STEP-National Guard) students register during registration. These registrations are on a space-available basis only. State employees are required to submit the “Employee Tuition Fee Waiver Form,” which may be obtained from Human Resources. Registration before the time specified in the “Academic Calendar” of the Schedule Web Guide will result in the student being assessed regular fees. The tuition fee waiver cannot be used for courses that require increased costs, including, but not limited to courses offered through the Center for Continuing Education, independent study, supervised research, supervised teaching labs, thesis hours, dissertation, internships, co-ops, practicums, or applied, individualized instruction in music, art, or dance. Eligible members of the active Florida National Guard may receive a waiver of 50 percent of tuition and material and supply fees. Registration is on a space-available basis during the last hours of registration as noted in the “Academic Calendar” of the Schedule Web Guide. STEP students must present a “Certification” letter to the Student Accounts Office (MH 107) to receive waiver of eligible fees.

Fee Payments

All graduate students must pay their tuition and fees by the published fee payment deadline. If a department or college has not recorded tuition support by then, students must pay all tuition and fees. If a department or college has waived partial tuition and it is recorded, then students must pay the remainder of the tuition owed and all of the fees by the published deadline. It is important for graduate students to register early to provide the department or college enough time to record tuition support.

Fee Invoices

You are not assured of being registered for any class until you print out your Fee Invoice/Schedule. Your fee invoice lists your fees and the classes in which you are registered. Please print a new invoice if you drop or add classes so that the invoice will reflect changes in your fees. If you wish to pay your fees by credit card, press the “ePay fees” button, which will take you to the UCF online credit card payment system. Be sure to have your current address on Filename (see “Address Changes,” below).

Fee Invoices are available on POLARIS and in these offices: Arts and Sciences, FA 202; Business Administration, BA 240; Education, ED 109; Engineering and Computer Science, ENGR 281; and Health and Public Affairs, HPB 201.

Mandatory Health Information

In order for a student to register, the State University System of Florida requires:

• All students born AFTER 1956 to present documented proof of immunity to measles (rubeola).
• All students UNDER the age of 40 to present documented proof of immunity to rubella (German measles).
• All students (REGARDLESS OF AGE) to submit a signed medical history form. Distance learning students are only required to submit the medical history form.

Students are not allowed to register without proper health information documentation. Please refer to the immunization form for specific details of requirements and acceptable documentation. If you have questions, contact the Immunization Coordinator, Student Health Services (phone: 407-823-3707; fax: 407-823-3135; e-mail:tgcooper@mail.ucf.edu. Office hours for Student Health Services are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Holiday hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Visit the Student Health Services website www.shs.ucf.edu for additional information

Name Changes

“Official Name Change” forms, available in the Registrar’s Office (MH 161) or the Registrar’s website (http://registrar.ucf.edu), must be submitted to change the legal name maintained on the student record. Obtain a notary public seal and attach copies of legal name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.). Submit the completed form and all documents to the Registrar’s Office (MH 161).

Address and E-Mail Changes

In order to communicate with students, the university uses the address given in the student’s application for admission or readmission. If the student’s address changes, it is the student’s responsibility to make the appropriate changes to the address. “Address Change” forms may be obtained from the Registrar’s website (http://registrar.ucf.edu), college advising office, from the Registrar’s Office (MH 161), from the Office of Graduate Studies (MH 230), or from the Graduate Studies website (http://www.graduate.ucf.edu). Address and e-mail changes can be made in the Registrar’s Office, on POLARIS (https://connect.ucf.edu), or at any of the kiosks located on campus. Address and e-mail changes also can be made by writing the Registrar’s Office, P.O. Box 160114, Orlando, FL 32816-0114 or fax to 407-648-5022. Written requests must be signed and the student number provided. Address changes can also be made by writing the Office of Graduate Studies, University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 160112, Orlando, FL 32816-0112 or fax to 407-823-6442.

Transcript Requests

Requests for official transcripts are made through the Registrar’s Office (in person, by mail, or by fax). “Transcript Request Forms” are also available on the Registrar’s website, http://registrar.ucf.edu. A student’s academic record can be released only upon written authorization signed by the student. Telephone and e-mail requests are not accepted. Transcripts cannot be released if the student is on hold due to a financial obligation to the University. Transcript requests must include the student’s signature, full name, identification number, and the name and complete address of the person(s) or organizations to whom transcripts are to be sent. If final grades or degree statement are needed, indicate that the transcript request is to be held until all requested data are posted.

Effective Summer 2002, a $5 per transcript charge will be assessed for each transcript request. Payment for official transcripts is required at the time of request and may be satisfied by cash, check (made payable to UCF), money order, or UCF Card. Requests received by mail must be accompanied by a check or money order. Cash payments can be accepted only by the Cashier’s Office during that office’s regular business hours. The UCF Card payment option is available only at the main Orlando campus and must be made in person at the Registrar’s Office (MH 161). Mail written requests for transcripts to: Registrar’s Office, Attn: Transcripts, P. O. Box 160114, Orlando, FL 32816-0114. For fax request information and payment procedures, refer to http://registrar.ucf.edu/ or call 407-823-3100. Transcripts may be sent electronically to other Florida public institutions.

Unofficial transcripts and grades are available from all UCF kiosks and POLARIS at https://connect.ucf.edu.

Enrollment Certifications

To confirm enrollment in the University, students should obtain the form from the Registrar’s website or the Registrar’s Office (MH 161). Picture identification is required. Enrollment certifications will be generated only for current and/or future semesters. The Registrar’s Office will process requests after the close of “Late Registration and Add/Drop” for the semester that you have requested enrollment certification. Enrollment status is determined as described in the following tables.

Enrollment Status for Fall and Spring Terms

Enrollment Status for Summer Term

* LTHT = Less Than Half Time

** 4.5 hours applies only to College of Business Administration credit hours.

For students receiving university fellowships, assistantships, and tuition support, full-time graduate status is defined as 9 hours of course work during the fall and spring terms and 6 hours during the summer term. However, there are two exceptions to this policy:

• Students in their last semester who need less than 9 hours to complete their program, unless they are receiving federal loans. These students are considered full time if they enroll in the hours required for program completion. This is a one-time only exception.
• Doctoral students who have finished all of their course work and passed their candidacy exam. These students are considered full time if they enroll in 3 hours of dissertation research (XXX 7980) for each term until degree requirements are completed, unless they are receiving federal loans.

Students taking thesis or dissertation hours are required to be continuously enrolled until the thesis or dissertation is completed. One hour of thesis does not constitute full-time status unless the student is in the final semester and this is the only remaining requirement as above.

Federal loan recipients must take one half of the definition of full time in order to keep the loan, at least 5 hours** in the fall and spring terms and 3 hours in the summer term.

Veterans must take at least 9 hours per semester during the fall and spring terms (6 hours during the summer term) to be considered full time.

Students on family insurance policies that require full-time status must take at least 9 hours per semester in the fall and spring terms (6 hours in the summer term) to be considered full time. Students classified as nondegree-seeking must enroll in at least 12 hours of course work in order to be considered full time.

Student Records

Student records submitted to the university become the property of the university and cannot be returned to the student or released to a third party. Copies of student records will be released only upon receipt of a written request signed by the student. Student records are stored in paper form or are digitally scanned. Once the student has been absent from the university for three academic years, all records are transferred to optical disk storage and the paper copies destroyed.

Withdrawal Policy

Withdrawal for each term begins after "Late Registration and Add/Drop" ends. Students may withdraw from a class and receive the notation of "W" until the date noted in the "Academic Calendar" of the Schedule Web Guide. A student may withdraw from courses using POLARIS at https://connect.ucf.edu, or by visiting the Registrar's Office (MH 161), certain college advising offices, or an area campus records office. Students may withdraw by fax at 407-823-5652. Faxed requests must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the last day to withdraw and must include the student's identification number, the course(s) to be dropped, and the student’s signature. Students also may send a written request to the Registrar's Office by mail (to P.O. Box 160114, Orlando, FL 32816-0114). This letter must be time-stamped or postmarked before the published withdrawal deadline and must include the student's identification number, the course(s) to be dropped, and the student’s signature. Students seeking to withdraw in person must sign the request and must provide photo identification. The official date of withdrawal is the date the university receives the withdrawal request. Requests received by mail are processed using the postmark as the official date of withdrawal.

A student is not automatically withdrawn from a class for not attending, nor can an instructor withdraw a student from a class. Upon request the instructor will provide the student with an assessment of the student's performance in the course prior to the last day of withdrawal.

No withdrawal is permitted after the deadline except in extraordinary circumstances such as serious medical problems. Unsatisfactory academic performance is not an acceptable reason for withdrawal after the deadline. Students seeking to petition for a late withdrawal should consult Academic Services (MH 210). At the time of the request, Academic Services will ascertain from the instructor whether the student was passing or failing the course. If the student was passing, a "WP" will be recorded on the student's permanent record; if failing, a "WF" will be entered. Medical and late withdrawals normally are for all courses taken in the semester.

Students who seek late withdrawal because they are ill must apply for the withdrawal within six months of the term from which the withdrawal is sought. Students seeking a late withdrawal because of medical conditions must follow the medical withdrawal procedure. The student's physician provides the university with the appropriate medical information, using the forms available in the Office of Academic Services. A medical withdrawal must be for all classes in the term.

If a medical withdrawal is approved, a "WM" will be recorded for each course. Students who receive a medical withdrawal may be placed on hold until the university can determine that the student is ready to return. If a medical withdrawal is not approved, the request may be approved as a late withdrawal and grades of "WP" or "WF" will be recorded. A grade of "WF" will affect the calculation of the student's grade point average.

If a student withdraws from a course while an alleged academically dishonest act is under consideration, and the case is not subsequently resolved in favor of the student, the university reserves the right to assign the appropriate grade for the course.

Financial Support

Graduate students who will be supported on assistantships must contact their program coordinator to see that their employment contract form is filled out and to request tuition support. Paychecks are delayed when these arrangements are not made prior to the beginning of the semester. All graduate students who are receiving fellowships should register as early as possible so that payment arrangements can be made by the Office of Graduate Studies.

Student Responsibility to Inform Offices

All graduate students who have financial aid, or who need financial support in order to attend UCF, should be sure to inform all appropriate offices of all changes in financial status. Remember to inform the departmental office, the Office of Student Financial Assistance, and the Office of Graduate Studies of all changes related to enrollment, graduate status, or financial support.

Parking

All vehicles parked on campus, including evening students’ vehicles, must be registered with the Parking Services Office and display the appropriate permit or decal. Parking Services offers assistance to motorists, including battery jump-starts and unlocking car doors.

Visitor Information Center

To park on campus without a permit, purchase a daily permit at the Visitor Information Center across from Millican Hall or from the pay-and-display machines on campus. Daily permits are valid only in student lots. Meters are also available in selected locations.