Academic & Advising

FAQs

1. How do I declare my major?

The appropriate forms to declare your major are found in the CBCS Forms webpage.
Completed forms may be turned in to MHC 1143.

2. What do I need to bring to an advising appointment?

Just yourself! Your current audit will be printed for you.

3. I'm a new transfer student, how do I proceed?

Be sure to declare the major through on-line transfer student orientation and follow the instructions. Prior to making an appointment with an advisor, new Aging Sciences and Long-Term Care Administrative transfer students are required to:

  • Review the on-line PowerPoint presentation.
  • Attend an information session. Check out the Transfer Resources website for additional information.

4. How do I find out my NetID and USF ID?

5. I'm a Senior, any advice?

It is extremely important that you request from your advisor a "Major Check" of required courses in the semester before you expect to graduate. If you wait until you are already enrolled in your final semester and expecting to graduate, it will be too late to offset requirements that you may have overlooked.

6. What other type of assistance is available to students?

  • The Counseling Center provides a variety of psychological services for all currently registered students on the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida. The Counseling Center main office is located in the Student Services Building (SVC), Suite 2124.
  • Student Accessibility Services work with students to provide accessible education for students. The office of Student Accessibility Services is located in the Student Services Building (SVC), Suite 1133.
  • Information Technology provides technology services and support for students. Information Technology is located in the Student Services Building (SVC), Suite 4010.
  • Center for Victim Advocacy provides free and confidential services for USF students who have experienced or are experiencing crime, violence, and/or abuse. The Center for Victim Advocacy is located in the Student Services Building (SVC), Suite 2057.
  • Career Services provides students with information on selecting a major (or picking a new one), information about career options, how to secure an internship, and resources for your job search. Career Services is located in the Student Services Building (SVC), Suite 2088.
  • Office of the Registrar gives students information on exam schedules, waitlists, applying for graduation, fee adjustments, etc. The Office of the Registrar is located in the Student Services Building (SVC), Suite 1034.
  • Student Health Services (SHS) provides students with high-quality health care. To contact Student Health Services, click here.
  • Student Conduct and Ethical Development (SCED) provides students with the knowledge and resources regarding alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Student Rights & Responsibilities is located in the John & Grace Allen Building (ALN), Room 109.
  • Library Learning Commons provides students with computer workstations, printers/scanner/copier, and wheelchair accessible machines. The Library Learning Commons is located in the University’s Library, room LIB 113.

7. What if I need an Academic Plan (for ARC petitions)?

Academic plans for students who have been academically dismissed will be handled by a face-to-face advising appointment. Our advisor will only advise academically dismissed students for one semester at a time. The student must make an advising appointment before registering each semester.

8. What if I need a form signed?

Not all forms require an Advisor's signature. Forms may be obtained online or in the School of Aging Studies. Some forms may be obtained on the Registrar's Office website.

  • Cross enrollment/Transient Student Forms
    If you are taking any lower-level course (2000 level or lower) at another school this course must be approved by USF the process begins at https://www.floridashines.org
  • Applying for graduation can be done through Oasis.
  • ARC petitions for late drop/add. Please call (813) 974-9740 or email at cbcs-sas-undergrad@usf.edu for further directions to get the departmental stamp. Completed ARC petitions along with the Instructor's Documentation Form should be turned in at MHC 1143.
  • Time conflict - Obtain a signature from both instructors involved in the time conflict and leave the form in MHC1143.

9. If I just have a question, can I get an answer over the phone?

Absolutely! Please call Lu “Lucy” Norstrand at (813) 974-9740 to have your question routed to the best person to answer it.

10. I just need a permit for class. Do I need to see an advisor? contact us bcs-sas-undergrad@usf.edu 

 

11. What if I need a certain class and it is not appearing on the class schedule search?

There are two reasons that a class would not appear on the schedule search:

  • The class is closed.
  • The class is not being offered that semester, i.e. GEY 4401 Research Methods in Gerontology is only offered fall semester.

12. What if a class that I need is closed?

If a class that you need is closed, you can periodically check on the OASIS class schedule search for an open seat. Someone is always dropping out for various reasons. If that doesn't work you can always go to that class on the first day and try to get a seat. As first day attendance is mandatory for undergraduates, anyone not attending will automatically be dropped from the class rolls. Please discuss with the course instructor if you still would like a seat.

Reach out to your academic advisor for other course recommendations.

13. I have a hold on my registration. What does this mean and how do I get it removed?

For common registration holds and general instructions related to the hold,  click here.

14. What if I need to drop or withdraw from a class?

For information on withdrawing and dropping a course, please check USF’s catalog.

15. I'm not getting the grade I want and the mid-term is approaching. Should I drop this course?

If you are failing or not getting the grade you need by mid-term, generally speaking, you should withdraw before the mid-semester drop deadline. Otherwise, you will not be able to withdraw without approval from the Academic Regulations Committee (ARC), a faculty committee designed to review student requests for waivers of University Academic Rules and Procedures.

16. What if I want to take more than 18 credit hours per semester?

To take more than 18 credit hours during a semester, you need to get approval by filling out an overload form and submitting it to MHC 1143. If you have a GPA below 3.0. Please call (813) 974-2414 for more information about getting the form signed before you submit it. The Request for Overload Approval form can be found here.

17. How do I "cross-enroll" or apply as a "transient student"?

Cross-enrollment means that you are simultaneously enrolled in at least 6 hours at USF and any number of hours at another institution. Transient study means you are attending another institution besides USF for an entire semester (you are not enrolled in any USF courses while at the other institution). These forms may be found at the Office of the Registrar.

18. How do I apply for graduation?

You apply for graduation by filling out the Bachelor's Degree Application form in Oasis.

19. I've applied for graduation. Now what do I do?

Successfully complete your last semester! Be sure to check the USF Commencement website for instructions on where and when the ceremony will be held, how to purchase your cap and gown, etc. 

Congratulations!