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Resources Overview

Student Resources

The resources below are designed to help students navigate academic expectations, university policies, and support services while enrolled in UF online graduate programs. Many services are managed centrally by the University of Florida and are linked directly to their official sources.

Questions about the information on this page?

For program-specific questions related to policies, procedures, or graduation requirements, email VM-DistanceEducation@ad.ufl.edu.

Enrollment, Grades & Academic Policies

Registration

Students in our program do not register through One.UF. Every term, enrolled students will receive an email to their UF email address with registration instructions.

Dropping & Withdrawing from Courses

Before the published drop/add deadline:

  • Students may drop a course without fee liability
  • Tuition and fees are refunded
  • The course will not appear on the student’s transcript

Course drops must be completed in ONE.UF / Student Self-Service:
→ ONE.UF (Student Self-Service)

After the drop/add deadline, a request to leave a course is considered a withdrawal.

  • Students remain financially liable for course tuition and fees
  • A grade of W (Withdrawal) will appear on the transcript

To request a withdrawal, students must email VM-DistanceEducation@ad.ufl.edu and will receive instructions on next steps.

Important Notes

  • Course instructors cannot drop or withdraw students from a course
  • Failure to log into your course(s) in Canvas does not automatically drop you from the course.

For official university policy on dropping and withdrawing from courses, see the University of Florida Drop/Add and Withdrawal Policies:
→ Dropping Courses and Withdrawals < University of Florida 

Grades & Academic Standing

Students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic performance in accordance with University of Florida policy.

  • Course Grades
    Only courses completed with a grade of C or higher may be counted toward a master’s degree or graduate certificate.
  • Grade Point Average (GPA)
    Students are expected to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing.

For official grading definitions and policies, see the University of Florida Grading Policies:
→ University of Florida Grading Policies

Incomplete Grades

An Incomplete (I) grade may be granted only at the discretion of the course instructor and is not guaranteed. Instructors determine whether an Incomplete is warranted based on university policy and the specific circumstances of the request.

To be considered for an Incomplete, students must have completed a substantial portion of the course with a passing grade. Requests may be made after the drop/add deadline and at any point during the semester, subject to instructor approval.

If an Incomplete is approved, students should not re-register for the course. Instead, they must work directly with the instructor to complete the remaining requirements within the timeframe set by the instructor. Unresolved Incomplete grades may affect GPA, financial aid, and graduation eligibility, and in some cases may convert to a failing grade if not resolved within the required period (often up to one year).

Transfer Credit

  • Master of Science (MS) students may be eligible to transfer up to 9 credits of graduate-level coursework completed at an institution approved by the UF Graduate School.
  • Only courses completed with a letter grade of B or higher may be considered for transfer.
  • Requests to transfer credit must be initiated by the student as soon as they are admitted to the program.

UF Coursework Applied to the MS Degree

Courses completed at UF within this program, with a grade of B or higher, may be applied toward the MS degree, subject to approval by the college and Graduate School, as follows:

  • Up to 6 credits completed as a nondegree-seeking student
  • Up to 15 credits completed as a graduate certificate student

Certificate Programs

  • Courses completed at outside institutions cannot be transferred into a graduate certificate program.
  • Up to 6 credits completed as a nondegree-seeking student can be counted towards a certificate. There is no official transfer credit process for this. 

Enrollment Verification

Enrollment verifications provide a student’s enrollment history at the university, often required by loan companies or employers. 

To order an official enrollment verification:
→ Enrollment Verification – Office of the University Registrar 

Graduation & Commencement

Applying to Graduate 

All students must submit a degree application in Student Self-Service by the deadline listed on the Critical Dates page. Graduation is not automatic.

For more information and instructions on applying to graduate, visit
→ Degree Application – Office of the University Registrar

Qualifying to Graduate

To be eligible for graduation, students must meet all university and program requirements, including:

  • Completion of all required coursework and any required electives
  • A grade of C or higher in all courses counted toward the degree
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • A minimum major GPA of 3.0

Students with an Incomplete (I) in any course must work directly with their instructor to ensure all requirements are completed by the applicable deadline.

Commencement Ceremony

The University of Florida commencement ceremony is held for Master of Science (MS) graduates. Online students are welcome and encouraged to participate if they choose.

Commencement details, schedules, and guest information are published by the University of Florida Commencement:
→ Commencement – University of Florida

Diplomas and Certificates

The University of Florida Registrar mails diplomas and certificates to the permanent address on file approximately 8–10 weeks after graduation.

Diplomas and Certificates  issued by the University of Florida do not indicate program modality (e.g., online). Online and on-campus graduates receive the same diploma.

For official diploma policies and timelines, visit:
→ Diplomas – Office of the University Registrar

Transcripts

Official and unofficial transcripts can be ordered through the Office of the University Registrar.
→ Transcripts – Office of the University Registrar

Student Services & Support Resources

Library Access

Access UF Libraries’ online databases, journals, and course reserves, including off-campus access.
 → Health Science Center Library Resources for Distance Learning Students 

Graduate School Student Handbook

All students are required to be aware of official Graduate School Policies.
→ Handbook.pdf

University Student Services

Technology & Systems

Online learning relies on UF-managed systems, including Canvas, email, VPN, and approved software tools.

Support & Contacts

Knowing who to contact can save time and prevent delays.