Frequently Asked Questions
Who is my academic advisor?
You can find out who your academic advisor is by visiting the Transitional Academic Center (TRAC) in the Student Services Building, SVC Room 2011 or by calling 813-974-2645.
When can I meet with an academic advisor?
To meet with your academic advisor for discussion about your major, course scheduling, Summer Sessions or other topics, Schedule an Appointment (Link to Scheduler). It is recommended that you meet with your advisor at least once per semester.
What is the summer course requirement? Where can I take courses during the summer?
All students entering USF with fewer than 60 credits are required to earn at least 9 hours of credit during one or more summers. This requirement can be fulfilled only by attending one of the 4-year state universities in Florida.
What courses count as Gen Ed courses? How many do I need?
A list of courses that count for General Education credit can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog. (link to appropriate section of catalog)
Can one course fill the requirement for two Gen Ed areas?
No. A course can fulfill General Education requirements in only one category. For instance, the History of Visual Arts course may count toward the Fine Arts category or the Historical Perspectives category, but not both. However, a single course may fulfill the requirements for a General Education category and count as a Gordon course and/or be a pre-requisite for your major.
What is ALAMEA?
ALAMEA is an acronym for "African, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Asian". USF students are required to take at least 3 hours of coursework in an approved course dealing with topics in these geographical areas as part of the General Education requirements. See the Undergraduate Catalog for a list of approved ALAMEA courses (link to appropriate section in catalog).
I am having trouble registering in OASIS, what can I do?
Carefully read your account information in OASIS to determine if you have a hold on your account. If a hold has been placed on your account, contact the office that placed the hold to find out what you must do to have it lifted. If a hold has not been placed on your account, see your academic advisor for assistance. You may also contact the Registrar's Office Registration Hotline at 813-974-3853 or asktheregistrar@usf.edu.
When do I register for classes?
Check your account in OASIS to learn when you have access to registration. You will be assigned a specific date and time for registration each semester.
What courses will be offered next semester?
You can check next semester's schedule online through the Course Schedule Search (link). The schedule can also be accessed through your OASIS account. Course schedules are generally posted about a month before registration starts.
What is a typical course load?
To be considered "full-time" at USF, a student should take 12 credit hours per semester. A typical load consists of five, three hour courses taken over a semester. Due to work and other considerations, a student may want to take a lighter load. A student may not take more than 18 credits per semester without special permission from your Academic Advisor.
How do I get into a closed class?
Academic Advisors are not able to add you to courses that are already full. It is recommended that you continue to check the schedule on a regular basis to see if spaces become available. Students are allowed to add and drop courses continuously through the first week of classes. Keep checking! Another strategy is attending the closed course on the first day of the semester. Anyone who is registered for the course, but does not attend the first class meeting, will be automatically dropped from the class. This opens up spaces as well. You can add courses to your schedule up to the last day of the first week of classes.
How many elective courses do I need to take?
Electives are specific to each major and most majors limit the number of electives a student may apply toward the degree. There is no "bank" of electives to deposit courses that do not count in any particular area. It is therefore prudent for a student to work closely with an advisor to develop and track his/her educational plan.
How do I declare my major?
All students must be officially declared in a major or pre-major before they register for more than 36 credits. Transfer students must declare a major or pre-major before completing 75 credits of college coursework. To declare a major in the College of Arts and Sciences, go to www.cas.usf.edu/declare and follow the steps provided. To declare a major in other colleges, contact the appropriate advising office. (list colleges/advising contacts here)
What is a minor? How do I declare a minor?
While minors are not required, many departments offer an academic minor that requires approximately one-half of the upper-level credits required for a major. Students interested in a particular minor should obtain the specific requirements from the department that offers the minor.
What is the CLAST? Do I have to take the CLAST?
CLAST is an acronym that stands for "College Level Academic Skills Test". The CLAST is a state-mandated achievement test that measures attainment of communication and mathematics skills expected of students completing their sophomore year in college. Minimum SAT/ACT scores or GPA in specific English and math classes may qualify you for an exemption. Discuss your status with an academic advisor to find out if you have to take the CLAST.
How do I drop a class? Should I drop my class?
You can drop a class through OASIS. If you drop a class after the first week of school and before the drop deadline for the semester, you'll get a grade of "W" for the class. This grade stands for "Withdrew" and does not affect your GPA, so it is generally better than a "D" or an "F." If you drop the class after the drop deadline, however, you will get a "WF," which counts in your GPA just like an "F." You should discuss dropping a course with your academic advisor.
Who answers questions about Financial Aid?
The Financial Aid Office provides information on Federal and State tuition assistance, the work study program, and student loans, scholarships, and grants. Questions regarding Financial Aid are best answered by the Financial Aid Office located in SVC 1102 and http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/.
How do I find out about my Bright Futures scholarship?
The Financial Aid Office provides information on Bright Futures and other scholarships, as well as other assistance, the work study program, and student loans, and grants. Questions regarding Financial Aid are best answered by the Financial Aid Office located in SVC 1102 and in http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/.
Who assists students with career planning?
The USF Career Center (link to Career Center webpage) assists students in focusing on the different aspects of career planning and decision-making, as well as the job search process. The Career Center is located in SVC 2088. Some of the services provided include individual career counseling appointments, workshops, job fairs, and on-campus interviews.
Do I need to take a Foreign Language at USF?
In addition to the foreign language entrance requirement (usually completed in high school) many majors require additional foreign language courses at the college level. Students applying for a Bachelor of Arts degree from USF must demonstrate competency in a foreign language. To demonstrate this competency, students may take either two semesters of a beginning college-level foreign language or one semester of a higher-level course and earn a letter grade of "C" (no "S" grades) or above in the appropriate level course or demonstrate equivalent competency by passing an examination
How do I get an Associate of Arts (AA) at USF?
Students must apply for the AA, it is not automatically awarded. The application for an Associate of Arts Certificate can be obtained from the Transitional Advising Center prior to the application deadline. The deadline to apply for a degree/certificate in each semester is stated in the Academic Calendar in the catalog. To receive the Associate of Arts at USF, a student must complete 60 semester hours of university credit; at least 20 of the last 30 semester hours counted must be completed in residence at USF; the minimum grade point average must be 2.00 based on work attempted at the USF; in addition, a transfer student must have a GPA of 2.00 or higher when combined with transfer work accepted and evaluated by the USF Office of Admissions; and the General Education Requirements of USF must be satisfied. Physical Education and military science credits do not count within the 60 semester hours toward the Associate of Arts. In addition the student must complete the CLAST requirement and fulfill the Gordon writing and computation course requirements prior to receiving the Associate of Arts Certificate.
What is the Academic Regulations Committee (ARC)?
The ARC meets regularly to review petitions submitted by undergraduate students to waive University academic regulations. Students must petition and secure approval of the committee to return to the University after having been academically dismissed or to waive academic deadlines, which includes late add/drop of courses. To petition the committee, a student must secure the appropriate form from the Office of the Registrar and consult with the ARC representative from his/her college prior to submitting the petition form. Completed forms should be returned to the Office of the Registrar no later than the preceding Thursday, to be reviewed at the next week's meeting. Students will receive notification of the committee's action the following week.
What is an Exit requirement and when can I take these courses?
Exit requirement courses provide students with an opportunity during their junior and senior years at USF to integrate their knowledge within the context of liberal arts. Courses that satisfy the exit requirements usually incorporate values and ethics, international and environmental perspectives, race and ethnicity, and gender issues. By their junior and senior years, students will have a foundation in liberal arts and be better able to reflect upon ethical issues in a constructive way. These courses should not be taken until a student reaches 60 semester hours. In addition to courses in the Major Works/Major Issues (6 credits) and Literature and Writing (3 credits), most majors require at least one exit course to be taken outside of the major.
How can I get my SASS audit?
A student can access his/her SASS degree audit through an academic advisor and FACTS (Florida Academic Counseling & Tracking for Students) Network. FACTS can be accessed through http://www.facts.org. Follow these steps:
- Go to www.facts.org
- Click College Advising Tools
- Choose Institutional Degree Program Audit
- Select University of South Florida from the Select your Home Institution
- Enter your university ID number
- Enter your OASIS pin number
- Click next
- Select Print
What majors are available at USF?
To view a list of all Undergraduate degrees offered at the University refer to the Undergraduate catalog or use the following link to access a complete list: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/catalogs/0607/acamajor.htm
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