Graduate Catalog

GRADUATE STUDENTS | GRADUATE CATALOG | DIVISION OF GRADUATE STUDIES

GRADUATE STUDENTS: GRADUATE CATALOG : Admission And Registration


	Overview

	U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens

	International Students

	Information for All Applicants

	Registration

	Records

Admission and Registration

Overview

UCF Graduate Studies coordinates the admission process with program directors and the deans of the colleges to admit prospective students to graduate study. Graduate Studies also admits students who are applying as Nondegree-seeking students.

In order to enroll in graduate classes, students must have obtained a baccalaureate or higher degree, prior to the start of the term for which the student is admitted, from a regionally accredited institution or from a recognized foreign institution. Students without a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent) are not admitted to graduate degree programs, graduate certificate programs, or graduate nondegree status. The College of Business Administration requires that all degrees must have been earned from regionally accredited institutions.

Admission to the University

The admission process begins with the receipt of the Graduate Application for Admission online. In order to be considered for admission to a graduate program, the following information must be submitted and on file in UCF Graduate Studies by the stated deadline: application, residency, and any required supporting documents specified by the program. These documents become part of UCF's files and will not be returned to or copied for the applicant.

For specific program information, refer to the appropriate department descriptions in the Academic Programs section of this catalog. Program application deadlines are listed for each academic program. Some programs require pre-application and may require additional documents as part of this process.

To apply online, check online for application status or review program information, visit www.graduate.ucf.edu. This website also includes registration information.

NOTE: All programs require that all admission documents (application form, residency form, recommendations, essay/personal statement, resume) be submitted online simultaneously by the stated application deadline. Official test scores must be sent directly from ETS to UCF Graduate Studies (institution code 5233). Official transcripts should be sealed in an envelope by the registrar of the former institution and sent directly to UCF Graduate Studies, University of Central Florida, 230 Millican Hall, P.O. Box 160112, Orlando, FL 32816-0112.

Once the online application (www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp) 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 UCF Graduate Studies. The College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Optics and Photonics require pre-application to their programs prior to beginning the university application process. Please refer to the program admissions information in order to become familiar with the procedures specific to each program.

When all application information has been received by the stated deadline, the appropriate degree program reviews it 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 UCF 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 three major semesters must apply for readmission to the same graduate program through UCF Graduate Studies. Students can complete the admission application online (www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp). An application fee is required. Please refer to the Application Deadlines for your program. Readmissions are not guaranteed.

U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens

The application for admission to a graduate program is submitted electronically through the online application (www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp). The College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Optics and Photonics require pre-application to their programs prior to beginning the university application process. The College of Engineering and Computer Science pre-application is located at www.graduate.cecs.ucf.edu, and the College of Optics and Photonics pre-application is located at http://www.creol.ucf.edu/academics/prospective/application/PreApplication.asp.

U.S. citizens and resident aliens in the United States must submit the following application materials directly to the Division of Graduate Studies:

Graduate Application for Admission form (electronically signed and submitted by the applicant)
A $30 non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants for each application submitted. No application fee is required for the pre-application form required by the College of Engineering and Computer Science or the College of Optics and Photonics.
Residency Classification form
One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended. For UCF students applying to UCF graduate programs: You do not need to request transcripts of your UCF course work. UCF Graduate Studies will request those transcripts internally.
Official GRE (or GMAT, if required by the program) scores sent directly to UCF Graduate Studies by ETS (institution code 5233)
Official TOEFL scores sent directly to UCF Graduate Studies by ETS, 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 (institution code 5233)
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if financial support is desired
Recommendations, if required by the program
Essays and/or statements, if required by the program
Professional resume, if required by the program
Immunization Form*

Some programs may require interviews, portfolios, or other material. Official application materials should not be submitted directly to the graduate programs. All official application materials must be submitted online or mailed directly to UCF Graduate Studies.

UCF Graduate Studies must receive the application and all supporting documents by the stated application deadline.

* To expedite processing of materials, download and print the Immunization 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 Immunization Form.

Nondegree-seeking Students

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. An online application (www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp) must be submitted. If you are applying as a nondegree student, you must submit the following application materials:

Graduate Application for Admission (electronically signed and submitted by the applicant)
Residency Classification form
A $30 non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants for each application submitted.
Official transcripts showing an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Immunization Form*

UCF Graduate Studies must receive the application and all supporting documents by the stated application deadline.

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. Students taking online courses from their home country are eligible to be Nondegree-seeking since they do not require a visa.

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 (http://finaid.ucf.edu) for specific details.

Transient Students

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. An online application (www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp) must be submitted. Required documents for transient students are:

Graduate Application for Admission form (electronically signed and submitted by the applicant)(Select "Nondegree - Post Bac")
A $30 non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants for each application submitted.
Residency Classification form
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.
Immunization Form*

UCF Graduate Studies must receive the application and all supporting documents by the stated application deadline.

Certificate Students

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, complete the online application (www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp). The following application materials are required:

Graduate Application for Admission (electronically signed and submitted by the applicant)
A $30 non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants for each application submitted.
Residency Classification form
Official transcript showing an earned bachelor's degree
Immunization Form*

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 the online application 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. International students on an F-1 visa will not be accepted solely into a certificate program unless they are concurrently enrolled in the Intensive English Language Program at UCF or are attending UCF as a transient student and hold an I-20 from an approved institution.

Students who choose to pursue both a degree and a professional certificate must sustain normal academic progress toward the degree program.

International Students

The application for admission to a graduate program is submitted electronically through the online application (www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp). The College of Engineering and Computer Science (pre-application) and the College of Optics and Photonics (pre-application) require that you fill out a pre-application form before you complete the university application for graduate admission. If you are not a U.S. citizen or resident alien, you must submit the following application materials:

Graduate Application for Admission (electronically signed and submitted by the applicant by the stated application deadline)
A $30 non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants for each application submitted. No application fee is required for the pre-application form required by the College of Engineering and Computer Science or the College of Optics and Photonics.
Residency Classification form
One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) showing a bachelor's degree earned at a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an Internationally recognized institution, accompanied by an official diploma/ degree certificate, with date awarded. If a student has attended more than one college or university, separate transcripts must be submitted.
For College of Business Administration and Rosen College of Hospitality Management applicants only: Official Transcript Evaluation sent directly from the evaluating agency to UCF Graduate Studies (see "Transcript Evaluation" under "International Students" in this section of the catalog)
Official GRE (or GMAT, if required by the program) scores sent directly to UCF Graduate Studies by ETS. UCF cannot accept international students without official copies of the GRE or GMAT. Official test scores must be received by the application deadline date. (Institution Code 5233)
Official TOEFL scores sent directly to UCF Graduate Studies by ETS. UCF cannot accept international students without TOEFL scores unless the student is from a country where English is the only official language or the student has earned a degree from an accredited American college or university. Official test scores must be received by the application deadline date. (Institution Code 5233)
Recommendations, if required by the program
Essays and/or statements, if required by the program
Professional resume, if required by the program
Immunization Form*

Some programs require interviews, portfolios, or other materials. Official application materials should not be submitted directly to the graduate programs.

The application and all supporting documents must be received by UCF Graduate Studies by the stated application deadline.

The university conducts a complete assessment of all required credentials (official transcript[s] and official diploma/ degree certificate[s]) submitted by the student, including the record of all academic course work. Except in the case of applicants to the College of Business Administration and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, the university will evaluate all credentials for international students who have received their degree at a college or university outside of the United States. Additional information is available in the Transcript Evaluation section below.

International Student Policies

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. 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.

Only students with a complete application package will receive e-mail updates and consideration from UCF Graduate Studies. To expedite the application process, international applicants should submit all documents (application, test scores, letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.) under the same name, preferably the name as it is listed on the official passport. Upon receiving an application, UCF Graduate Studies assigns a student identification number (for example, 828-XX-XXXX). This number should be included whenever possible in all correspondence.

International students are not eligible for nondegree status unless they hold an eligible visa. Additional information regarding immigration processes and transition to the UCF community is available from the International Services Center (www.intl.ucf.edu).

International applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early. Also, international applicants should ensure all supporting documents, including those required to issue an I-20, are received by the stated application deadline. Only official documentation is accepted and it is the student's responsibility to submit all documents by the application deadline. The application status available online at my.ucf.edu is the most current and accurate information available.

Official Transcripts

All applicants for graduate admission must provide one official transcript (in a sealed envelope) showing a bachelor's degree earned at a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an internationally recognized institution and an official diploma/ degree certificate, with date awarded. If a student has attended more than one college or university, separate transcripts must be submitted for each institution. To be official, transcripts and diploma/ degree certificate must bear the original seal or signature of the school's registrar or of the appropriate school official or office. To ensure the timely evaluation of academic credentials, applicants should submit all transcripts, accompanied by diploma/ degree certificate, at the time of application and by the stated application deadline.

Transcript Evaluation

Evaluation Policy

The university conducts a complete assessment of all required credentials (official transcript[s] and official diploma/ degree certificate[s]) submitted by the student, including the record of all academic course work. Except in the case of applicants to the College of Business Administration and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, the university will evaluate all credentials for international students who have received their degree at a college or university outside of the United States. Additional information regarding specific application requirements and credentials processing by the College of Business Administration and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management is given below.

The university does not consider documents certified by a notary public or commissioner of oaths to be official.

Photocopies of certified documents are not acceptable. Course work completed at one institution but listed on the record of a second institution is not acceptable. A separate copy of the record from the first institution is required.

If these documents are written in a language other than English, a certified translation in English must be provided together with the original language records. Any translated record should be a literal and not an interpretive translation. Acceptable English translations may be provided by sworn court-approved translators, qualified translators working within university foreign language departments, and from reputable translation agencies. We recommend the services of University Language Services (ULS) (www.universitylanguage.com) and Joseph Silny and Associates, Inc. (www.jsilny.com).

If a student is missing any documentation, or other required information, an evaluator will contact the student by e-mail to request a additional documentation/information. In the case that a student is missing documentation/information, the evaluation process will be placed on hold until the university has received all necessary documentation. All students are advised to submit all required documentation as early as possible so as to not delay the evaluation process.

In the event that the university receives documentation that is questionable, or suspicious in any way, the university will verify authenticity with the issuing institution. If an institution must be contacted for verification, the evaluation process will be placed on hold until the university has received all necessary information.

Applicants to the College of Business Administration:

A course-by-course Transcript Evaluation is required of all students who attended a college/university outside the United States. Transcript evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only. Students who have their transcripts evaluated by one of these services, and are accepted and attend any University of Central Florida, College of Business Administration graduate program, can request a reimbursement of the charges for their transcript evaluation (up to $150 US). Requests must be made to the College of Business Administration Graduate Programs Office (BA1 240) within one month of beginning the program, and refunds will be made based on availability of funds. For additional information concerning the requirement for transcript evaluations, please contact the College of Business Administration (www.bus.ucf.edu).

Applicants to the Rosen College of Hospitality Management:

Resources for International Transcript Evaluations:

UCF accepts transcript evaluations from the following two agencies:

World Education Services, Inc.
PO Box 01-5060, Miami, FL 33101
Telephone: 306-358-6688
Fax: 305-358-4411
www.wes.org

Josef Silny and Associates, Inc.
International Education Consultants
PO Box 248233, Coral Gables, FL 33124
Telephone: 305-273-1616
Fax: 305-273-1338
www.jsilny.com

Documents Needed to Issue an I-20

Refer to the International Services Center (ISC) (www.intl.ucf.edu) website for information on policies and documents needed to issue an I-20. All documents needed to issue an I-20 must be received by the stated application deadline.

For additional questions about documents required for I-20 issuance, you may contact the UCF International Services Center by email(isc@mail.ucf.edu) or by telephone (407-823-2337).

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. Please refer to Application Deadlines in this catalog for programs that have earlier deadlines for international applicants. The following dates are university application deadlines for international students (students from abroad).

Fall admission: January 15
Spring admission: July 1
Summer admission: November 1

The following dates are university application deadlines for international transfer students (transfers from U.S. schools).

Fall admission: March 1
Spring admission: Septemeber 1
Summer admission: December 15

In addition, students who wish to be considered for fellowships or assistantships must have a complete application package by January 15 (or the designated Fall Priority date for their program).

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. Students who are non-native speakers of English (and do not have a degree from a U.S. institution) must pass the SPEAK exam administered by the UCF Center for Multilingual Multicultural Studies before they will be permitted to teach as a Graduate Teaching Associate or Graduate Teaching Assistant.

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.

Program TOEFL
(Paper) TOEFL
(Computer)

College of Arts and Sciences

   Biology 573 230

   English 577 233

   History 577 233

College of Business Administration 577 233

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. There are no exceptions made for submitting this proof. Written proof of insurance must be provided to the Student Health Services Center 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.

For additional information regarding student health insurance, contact Student Health Services (www.shs.ucf.edu)

Tax Obligations

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the U.S. government institution that oversees the withholding and filing of taxes. International students are not always exempt from income taxes in the United States. To determine your tax obligations, students should visit the IRS website (www.irs.gov).

Upon arrival at UCF, international students will be required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and provide this number to the Registrar's Office at UCF. The International Services Center will help international students complete the paperwork required for their visa and SSN or ITIN.

International students who will have graduate assistantships will not be allowed to begin work until the department or program submits the valid SSN and assistantship paperwork to UCF Human Resources.

International students who are to receive tuition support or fellowships must provide a valid SSN to the Registrar's Office before payment processing can occur. Those with fellowships must also complete additional paperwork with the UCF Finance and Accounting Office. Deferments for tuition and fellowship awards will be placed on the student's account, but payment cannot occur until all required paperwork is completed and the valid SSN has been provided to the Registrar's Office.

Employment of International Students

International students must have their I-20 authorized by the International Services Center for any on-campus or off-campus employment. Approved on-campus employment must be validated by presenting all immigration documents and Social Security Number to the UCF Human Resources (HR) Department. International students are not allowed to start employment until they present receipt of Social Security Card application or Social Security Number issued to them by the Social Security Administration.

For detailed information on employment and taxation, visit the websites of UCF Human Resources (www.hr.ucf.edu/web/index.shtml) and UCF Finance and Accounting (www.fa.ucf.edu).

Information for All Applicants

Application Forms

The application for admission to a graduate program is submitted electronically through the online application (www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp). A non-refundable application fee is required of each applicant for each application submitted.

Reactivation

A student who has submitted an application for admission to UCF Graduate Studies, 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. An application fee is required. Admission is not guaranteed by completing a reactivation form. If a student applies and does not attend, application files are destroyed after one year. When reactivating an application, please check program deadlines and requirements to ensure that all requirements are met. To reactivate your file or apply for readmission, complete the online application (www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp) by the stated application deadline for your program.

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 UCF Graduate Studies. For UCF students applying to UCF graduate programs: You do not need to request transcripts of your UCF course work. UCF Graduate Studies will produce those transcripts internally. 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 Business, Social Work, or Psychology, 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 official test scores are on file 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 forwarded directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to UCF Graduate Studies (Institution Code 5233) and be on file by the stated application deadline. 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 Prometric Testing Centers (407-671-2332). The GRE is also available in a computerized format at Prometric 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, www.ce.ucf.edu).

Educational Testing Service's policy is to report scores only until September 30 following the fifth anniversary of the test date. In other words, test scores are only valid for five years. If ETS cannot provide an official copy, students will need to repeat the GRE or GMAT and have an official score reported to UCF Graduate Studies. TOEFL scores are only valid for two years.

Medical History Report

All new students must furnish medical history reports on the approved university health form before registration will be allowed. The Immunization Form is available from the UCF Student Health Services and at www.shs.ucf.edu/. This form should be completed and mailed to the address on the 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.

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 will 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. International students may face deportation. Actions for this type of offense are handled administratively by the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services (www.sdes.ucf.edu) after notification to the alleged violator and hearing by that office.

Deadline for Supporting Documents

If the program has a specific deadline, the application and all supporting documents are due by that deadline (see the Application Deadlines section in this catalog). For all other programs and nondegree applicants, the application and all supporting admissions documents should be received by UCF Graduate Studies no later than July 15 (fall admission), December 1 (spring admission), or April 15 (summer admission). For international applicants, all supporting application documents should be received by UCF Graduate Studies and all documents required to issue an I-20 be received by the International Service Center no later than January 15 for Fall and July 1 for Spring. 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 by mid-term of 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 UCF Graduate Studies.

Change of Major

When students wish to change their major or college, after having applied to a graduate program, they must file a new (online application (www.graduate.ucf.edu/gradonlineapp/) for their intended new program at UCF Graduate Studies and pay the application fee. The program coordinator of the new program will then decide whether to admit the student.

Second Master's Degree

Individuals seeking a second master's degree must file a separate application and application fee 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.

Admission Decisions

After receiving all official transcripts, standardized test information, and other documents required by the program, the degree program will make an admission decision. Admission to graduate status can be in one of four categories: regular, conditional, provisional, or restricted status. Applicants should contact the program directly for admission decision information.

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 system-wide 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 be considered admissible on the basis of the undergraduate grade point average or having a previous graduate degree, an official GRE or GMAT score must be on file before admission to graduate status.
A student must be accepted by the program director 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. Conditions must be met by mid-term of the first semester or the student will be prevented from registering 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 director 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 Academic Grievance Procedure under "Policies.")

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-seeking 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 submitting an application and 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 granted graduate status. Students who take 9 credit hours in nondegree seeking status will be placed on hold until they have signed and submitted a Nine-Hour Hold Release Form. Please visit UCF Graduate Studies (Millican Hall 230) or your college/graduate program office to sign a Nine-Hour Hold Release Form.

Graduate Certificate Status

Nondegree-seeking students or regular graduate students in a graduate degree program may enroll in one of UCF's graduate certificate programs. In all cases, certificate students must have earned a baccalaureate or higher degree, or equivalent, from a regionally accredited university. Unless they are also enrolled in a regular degree program, graduate certificate students are treated as nondegree-seeking students. Students who pursue both a degree and a professional certificate must sustain normal academic progress toward the degree program. International students on an F-1 visa are not accepted solely into a certificate program unless they are concurrently enrolled in the Intensive English Language Program at UCF or are attending UCF as a transient student and hold an I-20 from an approved institution.

Nondegree to Regular Graduate Status

Nondegree students wishing to apply to a degree program must also file an application and application fee for that degree program. Students who have been admitted in provisional status in a degree program must file a new application if they wish to be accepted by a graduate program different from the program to which they were provisionally admitted.

Appeals

Students who are not accepted by a program but who meet the SUS minimum standards for admission to graduate status are allowed under Florida Statutes 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 director indicating the desire to appeal and the reasons for the appeal. The program director may ask the department or program graduate committee to examine the necessary information and recommend a response to the appeal. The program director 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.

Registration

UCF has instituted a new registration option that allows students to enroll for the entire upcoming academic year. This improves a student's ability to plan for upcoming terms and allows students more opportunity to make any necessary adjustments to registration. It is important for students to register for courses they plan to complete and fulfill requirements within their degree plan. Students are not required to register for all three terms during your initial appointment but the upcoming academic year will be available. For additional information regarding Multiple Term Registration (MTR), please visit the Registrar's Office webpage (http://registrar.ucf.edu).

During each academic semester, registration is held for all new, currently enrolled, degree-seeking, and nondegree-seeking students for the following term. Registration sessions consist of Registration and Late Registration (held during the first week of classes each term).

Spring registration begins following midterm for the fall semester. Summer and fall registrations begin following the midterm of the spring semester. Class listings are available only online through the POLARIS Class Schedule Search at my.ucf.edu. The dates and times for each registration period are included in the Academic Calendar.

Online Registration

Registration is available over the web using the POLARIS system at my.ucf.edu, and in the college advising offices.

PID (Personal Identification Number)

Students obtain the Personal IDentification Number (PID) on their first login to POLARIS at my.ucf.edu. The initial login will use a default password. Following instructions, students choose a new password and reminder clue.

Schedule Web Guide

The Schedule Web Guide is published online twice each year; the Summer/Fall edition and the Spring edition. The Schedule Web Guide provides the official "Academic Calendar" and describes the policies and procedures governing registration each term. The Schedule Web Guide is available on the Registrar's Office website (http://registrar.ucf.edu).

Immunization Form

All new first-term graduate students must have Immunization 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 UCF Student Health Services website (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 are being 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.

International Students

International students are required to seek advisement from International Services Center (ISC) (www.intl.ucf.edu) to ensure that their enrollment status meets full-time status in compliance with USCIS regulations. Students must obtain advisement from ISC before dropping or withdrawing from courses that would affect their enrollment status.

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 without prior approval. The College of Engineering and Computer Science will only allow Nondegree-seeking students to register with special approval from the program director. Nondegree-seeking students who want to register for College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health and Public Affairs, College of Optics and Photonics, or Rosen College of Hospitality Management, 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 (http://finaid.ucf.edu) for specific details.

Only up to nine hours taken in Nondegree-seeking status may be used toward a graduate degree and only upon approval from the academic advisor. 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 a student's 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 my.ucf.edu. To obtain an immediate release for financial holds, payment to the Cashier's Office must be made either in cash, credit card, cashier's check, or money order.

To release Graduate Studies holds, the students must provide the outstanding document(s) to complete their records.

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.

Please visit UCF Graduate Studies (Millican Hall 230) or your college/graduate program office to sign a Nine-Hour Hold Release Form.

Audit Registration

Audit students are those who desire to attend class(es) 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 assigned time of Registration, or at any time during Late Registration and 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 Late Registration and 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 Office website (http://registrar.ucf.edu) 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 (Millican Hall 161) or at the Registrar's Office website (http://registrar.ucf.edu). It is necessary to complete the required forms during the last hours of registration as noted in the "Academic Calendar" online at online at www.ucf.edu/toplinks/academic_calendar.html. Direct student expenses after the completion of registration include the campus ID card, vehicle registration, and textbooks.

State Employee Registration

State of Florida employee enrollment into courses for which the employee will seek a tuition waiver will occur on a space-available only basis on the last day of Registration each term at the time specified on the "Academic Calendar," online at www.ucf.edu/toplinks/academic_calendar.html. For waiver eligibility and application information, see the "Tuition Support" section.

UCF Employee Registration

UCF employee enrollment into courses for which the employee will seek a tuition waiver will occur on a space-available only basis on the last day of Registration each term at the time specified on the "Academic Calendar," online at www.ucf.edu/toplinks/academic_calendar.html. For waiver eligibility and application information, see the "Tuition Support" section.

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

State Tuition Exemption Program (STEP-National Guard) students register on a space-available basis only. Registration is on a space-available basis during the last hours of registration as noted in the "Academic Calendar" online at www.ucf.edu/toplinks/academic_calendar.html. STEP students must present a "Certification" letter to the Student Accounts Office (MH 107) to receive waiver of eligible fees. Registration before the time specified in the "Academic Calendar" online at www.ucf.edu/toplinks/academic_calendar.html 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 Division of 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% of tuition and material and supply 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

The "Fee Invoice" is your verification of registration. 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. Newly admitted students should review their Fee Invoice carefully. If a "non-resident" rate is added to your bill and you believe this is in error, please contact UCF Graduate Studies as soon as possible. For information on Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes please visit the "Financial Information" section of this catalog. 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 file (see "Address and E-mail Changes," below).

You may print your "Fee Invoice" through POLARIS at my.ucf.edu under the Student Accounts menu or at UCF Kiosks.

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 who will never come to UCF or an area campus 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, UCF Student Health Services (phone: 1-800-613-8544; fax: 407-823-3135; e-mail: pwagner@mail.ucf.edu. Office hours for UCF 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 UCF Student Health Services website for additional information.

Name Changes

To change the legal name maintained on the student's official UCF record, the student must submit a completed "Change of Name" form and supporting documentation to the appropriate UCF office. Attach to the form a copy of a legal name change document (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.). Undergraduate students must submit the form to the Registrar's Office (Millican Hall 161). Graduate students must submit the form to UCF Graduate Studies (Millican Hall 230). Current UCF employees and students who have been UCF employees within twelve months of the date the name change is requested must submit the form to the Human Resources Office (12565 Research Parkway). The "Change of Name" form is available from the Registrar's Office website or in Millican Hall 161 .

Address and E-Mail Changes

To communicate in a more expedient manner, UCF uses e-mail as the primary means of notifying students of important university business and information dealing with registration, deadlines, financial assistance, scholarships, tuition and fees, etc., as described in Student Responsibility for University Communication in this catalog.

If the student's address changes, it is the student's responsibility to make the appropriate changes to the address through POLARIS at my.ucf.edu or at any of the kiosks located on campus. Address and e-mail changes also can be made by submitting a Change of Address form or 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 Division of Graduate Studies, University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 160112, Orlando, FL 32816-0112 or fax to 407-823-6442.

Transcript Requests

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

Requests for official UCF 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 Office 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.

A $5 per transcript charge is assessed for each transcript request. Payment for official transcripts is required at the time of request and may be satisfied by cash, check or money order (made payable to UCF), credit card, or UCF Card. Requests received by mail must be accompanied by a check, money order, or credit card information (i.e., card type, card number, 3-digit Security Number, expiration date, and the name to which the card is registered.) 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 the Registrar's Office website (http://registrar.ucf.edu) or call 407-823-3100. Transcripts may be sent electronically to other Florida public institutions. Transcripts not claimed with 30 days of printing will be discarded and must be reordered. A$5.00 per reordered transcript fee must be submitted with the reorder request. Grades are available from POLARIS at https://my.ucf.edu.

Enrollment Certifications

Students may obtain their enrollment online through POLARIS (https://my.ucf.edu). Enrollment certification is free to currently enrolled students. Parents, employers, background checking firms, and other third party agencies may