Student Handbook - Undergraduate Student Affairs (2025)

First Year engineering students are advised in the Center for Student Excellence in room 270 of the Herbert Wertheim Laboratory for Engineering Excellence (WERT). Students are assigned an advisor in their first semester, and will work with that advisor throughout their first academic year. Students who are on track at the end of their first year, will be transitioned to departmental advising.

All Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering students are required to meet with their Academic Advisors at least once each semester. Most students see their advisors more frequently, as they are the best resource for assisting students in understanding college policies and expectations. In the Center for Student Excellence, our advisors also provide support and resources for effective professional development. Advisors are available in every department, as well as in 270 WERT.

The Center for Student Excellence provides additional services for all engineering students. College level advisors manage college petitions, and can provide Interviewing Officer statements for university level petitions.

Students can adjust their schedules through the regular registration system during advance registration periods and during the drop/add period at the start of each semester. Drop/add dates are posted on the undergraduates dates and deadlines page. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of deadlines. The drop/add period in the summer term is shorter than in the fall and spring terms.

ADD A CLASS AFTER THE DROP/ADD DEADLINE
In some circumstances, a class can be added to a student’s schedule after the official drop/add deadline. This can only be done by meeting with your academic advisor. Do NOT use the online system to request to add a class.

There are several credit-by-examination programs that earn credit toward a UF degree.

AWARD OF INCOMING CREDITS

Credit will be awarded only once for the same course, whether from credit by examination, dual enrollment, transfer credit or UF course credit.
UF course credit takes precedence over all other forms of credit for the same course.
Credit awarded for acceptable dual enrollment or transfer courses takes precedence over credit by examination.
If duplicate credit exists among AICE, AP, CLEP or IB, the exam yielding the most credit will be awarded.

Guidelines for Credit Awarded by AICE, AP, CLEP, DLPT, DSST, IB or UEXCEL Examinations

A maximum of 45 semester hours may be granted by combining all types of test credit.
Students beginning in the fall or spring term must have taken the exams (AICE, AP, IB, CLEP) and have their scores reported before the end of the first term of enrollment at UF.
Students who begin in the summer A term must have taken the exam(s) and had the scores reported before the end of their first Summer B/C term.
Students who begin in the Summer B term must have taken the exam(s) and had their scores reported to the university before the end of their first fall term.
If a student submits appropriate scores, UF will grant credit and post the UF course equivalencies to a student’s transcript for the UF course(s) that most closely match the content of the exam as determined by the state of Florida. The transcript will reflect the course(s) with grades of P (for Pass). “P” grades will not be calculated into a student’s GPA.
Equivalent courses earned by examination generally fulfill the same requirements that the UF course fulfills.

Visit the University of Florida website,for a full list of all accepted credit types.

CHANGING TO AN ENGINEERING MAJOR
Students who want to pursue a major offered through the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering should meet with an Academic Advisor to determine eligibility for their intended program of study. Students are required to be “on-track” for the prospective major. Biomedical Engineering requires a separate application.

First Year students should see an Academic Advisor in the Center for Student Excellence in 270 WERT to discuss eligibility. Students who are in their second year or beyond should meet with an Academic Advisor in the major department.

GUIDELINES FOR ENGINEERING MAJORS

Students are required to successfully complete all critical tracking courses by the end of their fifth semester.
Students are expected to graduate in eight Fall/Spring semesters
Exceptions to the eight semester timeline to graduate can be made for study abroad and internships taken during the regular academic year.

CHANGING TO A MAJOR OUTSIDE OF ENGINEERING
Students currently classified as engineering majors who plan to change to a major outside of engineering should meet with an Academic Advisor in their intended program. Students who are in good academic standing but who do not meet the requirements for their new major may be allowed one semester of courtesy registration to get on-track for their new major. In this situation, the student must meet with his/her engineering Academic Advisor for approval. In certain cases, a college petition may be required.

Engineering students should be prepared to declare a major by the end of their third semester at the university. It is not unusual for students to change majors in their first year, whether they choose to pursue a different engineering discipline or change to an entirely different field of study. It can take time to discover your interests, passions and aptitudes. Academic advisors and college life coaches work with each student to help them identify their goals.

Resources for exploring engineering majors

EGS 1006 Introduction to Engineering: This 1-credit seminar style class is offered in summer B, fall and spring. It takes students through each of the engineering majors offered at UF and provides information on the kinds of research and industry opportunities available to graduates.

Review the course plans: Understanding the curriculum can go a long way to helping students choose a major. Visit the departmental web sites, too, for an overview of what each engineering discipline does. Keep in mind that engineering is interdisciplinary, so there is always overlap among programs.

Competition teams and student organizations: Getting involved in engineering related organizations can provide hands-one experience and industry contacts. Students can attend the New Student Welcome in the fall to see all of our student organizations and their activities.

Research: Conducting research under the supervision of a university faculty member provides insights into cutting edge applications of classroom concepts. Research opportunities are available to students at all levels, including freshmen. The Center for Undergraduate Research offers assistance in finding research projects. Students can also conduct their own research projects through the University Scholars Program.

Career Connections Center: The Career Connections Center offers multiple resources for exploring a wide range of majors, including a career interest inventory called CHOMP.

Peer Advisors: Engineering Peer Advisors are happy to talk with you about their experiences in engineering majors, their goals, and how they determined the best fit major for them.

COMBINED BACHELOR’S/MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS
Undergraduate students who wish to enroll in graduate-level courses for a master’s degree have an opportunity to do so through UF’s combined-degree program. Students, with approval, can apply up to 12 credit hours of graduate course work toward the completion of their undergraduate degree. The combined-degree program reduces the cost of both degrees and may enhance the student’s marketability for career advancement.

Students who meet the combined-degree application requirements can enroll in up to 12 credits of graduate courses during their junior and senior years. These credits will satisfy the undergraduate degree requirements and, if the student is admitted to graduate school at UF, the credits also will satisfy graduate degree requirements. Students must also meet the admission requirements to the corresponding graduate program and be admitted into the program – admission is not guaranteed.

Aerospace Engineering – BS/ME or BS/MS
Admission Criteria: 3.3 upper division GPA; completed EGM 3520 and EGM 3401 with grades of C or better in both courses
Contact: Combined BS/MS Degree Program Website
Overlapping Credits: 9

Agricultural and Biological Engineering – BS/ME
Admission Criteria: 4EG; 3.3 upper division GPA; completed pre-engineering courses and 20 hours of the Engineering Agricultural and Biological Engineering core
Contact: Combination Degree Program Website

Chemical Engineering – BS/MS
Admission Criteria: 3.3 upper division GPA, 3.2 GPA in chemical engineering courses; 6 ECH-prefixed core courses
Contact: Combination BS/MS Degree Program, Dr. Spyros Svoronos (352) 392-0881, svoronos@ufl.edu
Overlapping Credits: 12

Civil Engineering – BS/ME or BS/MS
Admission Criteria: 3.3 upper division GPA
Contact: Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program website
Overlapping Credits: 9

Computer Science – BS/MS
Admission Criteria: 3.3 cumulative GPA; complete 3 of the following courses with a minimum 3.3 GPA: COP 3504C (or COP 3502C and COP 3503C), COT 3100, CDA 3101, COP 3530
Contact: Combined Bachelors/Masters Program, CISE Academic Advisors, (352) 392-1090
Overlapping Credits: 12

Biomedical Engineering – BS/MS
Admission Criteria: 3.3 cumulative GPA, completion of all critical tracking courses
Contact: undergrad@bme.ufl.edu
Overlapping Credits: 12

Digital Arts and Sciences – BS/MS
Admission Criteria: 3.3 cumulative GPA; complete 3 of the following courses with a minimum 3.3 GPA: COP 3504C (or COP 3502C and COP 3503C), COT 3100, CDA 3101, COP 3530
Contact: Combined Bachelors/Masters Program, CISE Academic Advisors, (352) 392-1090
Overlapping Credits: 12

Electrical and Computer Engineering – BS/MS
Admission Criteria: 3.3 GPA, EE students must have completed at least seven EEL-prefixed core courses and 2 EE labs, CpE students must have completed at least seven core courses with four of them being EEL-prefixed courses
Contact: Combined Degree Program, office@graduate.ece.ufl.edu
Overlapping Credits: 6-12, depending on undergraduate GPA

Credits from AP, IB or Dual Enrollment do not count toward your first 60 hour drop unless you have been admitted as a transfer student. This has special implications for HS/AA students. See your Academic Advisor for clarification.

You should always discuss the implications of dropping a course with your advisor. You will still be fee liable for dropped courses, and it is YOUR responsibility to know the requirements of any scholarships you have, including Bright Futures. Most course drops require repayment to Bright Futures and may require repayment to other programs. Please check with Financial Aid if you have concerns.

EXTRA DROPS
Students may be eligible for additional drops under certain circumstances. If documentable extenuating circumstances have impeded your academic progress, the College can approve an extra drop if you have departmental support for your request; Do not take a failing grade simply because you have used your drops. If you have a legitimate reason for an extra drop, your Academic Advisor can assist you in submitting a college petition to request an exception to the drop policy.

DROPPING A COURSE AFTER THE DROP DEADLINE
Under some circumstances that are beyond a student’s control, it may be possible to drop a a course after the deadline in fall and spring semesters only. These drops can only be approved with the support of your department. Please meet with your advisor to discuss extenuating circumstances.

FULL SEMESTER WITHDRAWAL
Any UF student can choose to withdraw from all classes in a current semester at any time before the drop deadline. College policy allows up to two full semester withdrawals before the drop deadline. Students who need more than two full semester withdrawals must meet with their Academic Advisor to create a semester by semester plan toward graduation.

Our team of dedicated professional advisors is supported by 20+ certified Engineering Peer Advisors, who staff our office Monday through Friday. They are available to provide information, support and resources to all engineering students. They also host information sessions for prospective Gator Engineers.

Students who have completed their first year of engineering course work can apply to become Engineering Peer Advisors where they will gain leadership, communication, and service skills.

Bachelor’s degree-earning students in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering are eligible for cum laude (with honors), magna cum laude (with high honors), and summa cum laude (with highest honors) graduation.

Both an upper division GPA minimum and a thesis, research project, or some other approved body of creative work are required for magna cum laude or summa cum laude. Each academic program in Engineering oversees the process for their own students. Students seeking the magna or summa designation must submit a thesis, project, or creative work to the faculty of their academic unit, according to that unit’s rules and policies, for evaluation.

The requirement for cum laude is based solely on upper division grade point average. Thus, students who meet the GPA requirement for magna or summa but who do not submit a thesis, project, or creative work will be awarded cum laude.

Interested students should:

Review the GPA requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog: https://catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/academic-advising/academic-honors/#graduatingwithhonorstext
Meet with a professional academic advisor or faculty coordinator in their major department to discuss research opportunities, departmental paperwork and policies, and the general timeline
Review the UF Libraries’ guide for electronic undergraduate theses: https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/c.php?g=966329&p=7028773

Students who wish to pursue a minor must complete an application, which is available in the Office of the University Registrar or in the Engineering Student Services Center.

Minors available:

Biomechanics
Computer & Information Science & Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Studies
Materials

COLLEGE LEVEL PETITIONS
Students may submit a petition to the college for any of the reasons listed below. The College Petition form can be completed and submitted online. Instructions are included on the form. Petitions are reviewed weekly, and students will be notified by email of decisions. Incomplete petitions will not be reviewed. Complete petitions that are submitted by 5:00PM on Monday will be reviewed on Thursday. Petitions requesting an additional drop, dropping a class after the deadline and/or withdrawing from all classes after the deadline must be submitted by noon on the last day of classes of the current semester.

Requesting an additional drop
Dropping a class after the deadline*
Withdrawing from all classes after the deadline
Increasing maximum allowed credits
Dual enrolling at another institution
Waiving the 30 hour residency requirement
Course equivalencies

*Petitions to drop a class after the deadline will be considered ONLY if the student has not taken the final exam.

INNOVATION ACADEMY: Fall Course Petitions
Innovation Academy students who wish to take on-campus Engineering courses in the fall should not use the College Petition form above. Instead, please use this form. Consult your assigned academic advisor if you have questions.

MEDICAL PETITIONS
Petitions based on documented medical issues are heard by the Medical Petitions Committee housed in the Dean of Students Office (DSO) in Criser Hall. Your engineering advisor can provide guidance on how to submit these petitions, or you can work directly with DSO.

SUMMER REQUIREMENT WAIVER PETITIONS
The summer hours requirement may be waived for students who complete an internship, research or study abroad program in the summer term. the requirement may also be waived for military service, documented financial hardship, or other extenuating circumstances. This is a short-form petition. It does require documentation and your major department’s support.

Do not submit the petition until you have completed your internship, research or study abroad.

OTHER STUDENT PETITIONS
Petitions that do not fall under the purview of college or medical petitions are heard by the University Student Petitions Committee. The committee meets every Tuesday, and reviews complete petitions that are submitted by the previous Friday. Please talk with your Academic Advisor if you have an extenuating circumstance that might warrant a petition.

These petitions require an Interviewing Officer Statement from your academic advisor. Completed petition packets should be submitted to the advisor to forward to the committee.

PRE-HEALTH
The Pre-Health Advising Office offers resources and information to students from all UF majors who intend to pursue a graduate program in the health professions, such as medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, physician assistant, optometry, physical therapy, and/or occupational therapy school. Pre-health students may choose almost any major they are interested in pursuing. Pre-health students should review the detailed information on the pre-health advising website to explore and keep track of necessary steps to take throughout their time at UF in order to become competitive applicants for the professional programs to which they plan to apply.

All pre-health students are encouraged to enroll in Pre-Health Essentials, a free, non-graded Canvas course offered by the Pre-Health Advising Office. Pre-Health Essentials offers workshops and resources for pre-health students to explore and prepare for a healthcare profession.

PRE-LAW
UF’s pre-law advisors offer students assistance as they explore their interest in law and provide guidance during the law school application process. Students are encouraged to utilize UF’s pre-law resources:

Pre-law Website: Review pre-law tips, timelines and resources at www.advising.ufl.edu/prelaw.
Pre-law Listserv: Join the listserv to receive pre-law announcements and stay connected with UF’s abundant pre-law activities. Instructions are available at: www.advising.ufl.edu/pre-law/pre-law-listserv/.
Pre-law Advising: Pre-law advisors are located in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Advising Center in Farrior Hall. Students may call to make an appointment (352.392.1521) or come in as a walk-in. In addition, students may reach the pre-law advisors at prelaw@advising.ufl.edu.

FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 (FERPA)

How UF Ensures Confidentiality
The university ensures the confidentiality of student records in accordance with the provisions of various federal, state, and university regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, also known as the Buckley Amendment. The statutes and regulations also provide certain rights to students concerning their education records.

All student records including but not limited to academic records, counseling records, and disciplinary records are confidential and cannot be released without the student’s consent except directory information that may be released without the consent of the student.

The Office of the University Registrar routinely releases directory information to the public. Currently enrolled students must contact the Office of the University Registrar in 222 Criser Hall if they wish to restrict release of directory information. Directory information may also be released by other university departments and/or employees.

Students who do not want their addresses or phone numbers published on the Web should update their directory profile. Please note that this is not the same as restricting release of directory information (Privacy Hold).

A student who wishes to restrict release of their directory information must contact the office of the University Registrar to do so.

Student educational records may be released without consent to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in accessing the records.

The university also may disclose information from a student’s record without the student’s consent to individuals or entities permitted such access under applicable federal and state law.

A student has the right to review their own educational records for information and to determine accuracy. A photo I.D., other equivalent documentation or personal recognition by the custodian of record will be required before access is granted. Parents of dependent students, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, have these same rights upon presentation of proof of their dependent status.

Students that believe their educational record contains information that is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of their rights may ask the institution to amend the record. The UF Student Guide outlines the procedures for challenging the content of a student record, as well as the policies governing access to and maintenance of student records.

FERPA requires institutions to provide students with annual notification of their rights under the statute. UF provides this annual notification in the undergraduate and graduate catalogs. Students who suspect that a FERPA violation has occurred should contact the Vice President for Student Affairs (155 Tigert Hall; 352-392-1265), or the University Privacy Office (3007 SW Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32608; 352-294-8720) or they can contact the Family Policy Compliance Office within the U.S. Department of Education.

What is an Educational Record?
An education record is any record directly related to a student that is maintained by an educational agency or institution, or by a party acting for the agency or institution.

Examples of an education records include, but are not limited to:

Biographical information including date and place of birth, gender, nationality, information about race and ethnicity, and identification photographs
Grades, test scores, evaluations, courses taken, academic specialization and activities, and official communications regarding your status
Coursework including papers and exams, class schedules, as well as written email or recorded communications that are part of the academic process
Disciplinary records
Financial aid and financial aid records
Internship program records

Education records do not include:

Sole possession records that are used only as memory aids and not shared with others
Law enforcement unit records
Employment records, unless the employment is dependent on the employee’s status as a student (such as evaluations of graduate assistants)
Medical records
Records that only contain information about an individual after he or she is no longer a student at that agency or institution.

S-U Grade option
All courses taken at the university to satisfy engineering degree requirements, general education and writing requirements must be taken for a letter grade, unless the course if offered on on a satisfactory-unsatisfactory (S-U) basis. Nontechnical electives may be taken S-U with departmental approval.

The University of Florida encourages students to participate in the study abroad experience and considers it a valuable part of your college career. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA) and the UF International Center Study Abroad Services work together to coordinate the financial aspect of student participation in overseas programs.

Through the Study Abroad | International Center at the University of Florida, Study Abroad Services offers a full range of opportunities and programs from which to choose. They help students through every part of the process, from advising to application, to assisting students while abroad, and helping them when they return.

Many freshmen excelled in high school with relative ease. As a result, they may expect that the study habits that they used In high school will allow them to succeed in college. In fact, they may need to make significant adjustments to studying in order to succeed in university level courses.

Engineering students should expect to spend 10-12 hours per week outside the classroom on each math, science, and engineering course. Students are encouraged to treat their academic programs like a full time job. With planning, there is plenty of time for studying, involvement, and fun. Study skills workshops are offered each semester to assist students in developing an effective study plan.

Time management is a key factor in mastering concepts and recognizing how to apply them both in exams and in projects. It is important to study in a way that allows the student to fully grasp underlying concepts, rather than cramming before exams. Last minute studying does does not promote retention of learning which can cause problems later in courses where success depends upon mastery of material in foundation classes. Grades matter, but mastery matters more.

The State of Florida requires that undergraduate students complete 9 hours of summer credit at a Florida state university. Summer hours at a state or community college do not count toward this requirement. Please review the official university policy in the catalog.

Engineering students who complete a full-time engineering summer internship, summer research, or 6 credit hours of summer study abroad can petition to waive some or all of the 9 credit hour requirement once they have completed at least 76 credit hours. Documentation is required.

The summer requirement can also be waived for military obligations, financial hardship, or other extenuating circumstances.

Students should see their academic advisors for a supporting statement prior to submitting the petition.

Critical tracking (CT) courses provide the foundation for success in upper division engineering courses. CT courses include calculus, physics and chemistry for all engineering majors. Some majors have additional CT courses. CT courses are identified in boldface type in the University of Florida catalog.

To remain in good standing in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in CT courses. Some majors have higher critical tracking GPA requirements. Students are also expected to complete the CT course work within 5 semesters (not counting summer terms for regular students or not counting fall terms for Innovation Academy students).

Students are allowed two attempts at CT courses. If a course is repeated, the college will use the higher grade in calculating the CT GPA. Any student who needs to repeat multiple CT courses must work closely with an academic advisor to develop a plan for moving forward, whether in engineering or in another program of study. Students who must repeat critical tracking courses will be placed on probation. Students who need to repeat more than two critical tracking courses may not be allowed to continue in an engineering major.

When you take classes at another school you are considered to be a transient student who will stay for one term and then transfer your course credit back to your home institution. You may only be a transient student for one term before returning to continue course work at UF. Please discuss all plans for transient work with your academic advisor in advance of registration.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER TAKING TRANSIENT COURSES?
Engineering students can use this opportunity to get “on track,” or take courses that will advance their academic program. You should only take transient courses when you have a well-defined academic plan. There can be challenges associated with splitting math and science sequences across institutions. Discuss this with your academic advisor so that you can be sure to make the best decision about taking courses elsewhere.

Engineering students are cautioned not to “get all their Gen-Eds” out of the way as transient students. General education courses provide balance and diversity. Most engineering programs allow them to be completed throughout the curriculum.

HOW DO I GET APPROVAL TO TAKE TRANSIENT COURSES?

Meet with your academic advisor to discuss transient courses. All transient course work should be approved before you enroll in courses at another institutions.
If you are taking courses at a private or out of state school, follow the guidelines for course equivalency approval.
If you are taking courses another Florida public college or university:
1. Complete a transient student form at http://www.floridashines.org
2. Make sure you enter your major correctly. ALL FIRST YEAR ENGINEERING STUDENTS SHOULD ENTER “EXPLORATORY ENGINEERING” AS THEIR MAJOR. Your form may not be processed if you do not follow these instructions.
3. Your advisor will act on your form once you have discussed your plan. It is to your benefit to complete the Transient Student form prior to meeting with your advisor, so that it can be approved during your regular advising meeting.

HOW DO MY TRANSIENT CREDITS GET POSTED TO MY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA TRANSCRIPT?

You must request that your transient institution send transcripts to the University of Florida.
It is required that all transient course work be reported to the University of Florida.

HOW WILL TRANSIENT COURSE WORK AFFECT MY GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)?

Transient course work will not be reflected in your University of Florida GPA.
Grades for critical tracking courses taken at another institution will be calculated into your Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering critical tracking GPA.
Bright Futures may accept transient work toward your Bright Futures GPA. Please check with Student Financial Aid for additional information on Bright Futures and transient course work.

ACADEMIC TUTORING CENTER
Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) has developed an Academic Tutoring Center (ATC), which is centered on peer tutoring in the department’s major courses and all programming languages taught by the department.

UF OFFICE OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Offers tutoring to individuals, one-on-one and in small groups.

THE TEE
The Tutoring for Engineering Excellence Program is dedicated to providing supplementary educational aid for people interested in becoming future engineers. The program accomplishes this by providing unrestricted access to video lectures and downloadable study guides covering critical topics in general engineering courses. A list of study guides and a link to the TEE YouTube Channel are provided in the important links section below. It is our hope that the TEE program will not only provide participants with the problem solving techniques used in engineering courses, but will also provide an understanding of the context in which these techniques are used to emulate how engineers solve real world problems.

TEACHING CENTER
The mission of the Teaching Center at the University of Florida is to empower students to become successful lifelong learners. Through a variety of services and instructional approaches, the CLAS Teaching Center seeks to help students enrolled in College of Liberal of the Arts and Sciences courses master effective ways of learning for different disciplines.

Located inside Broward residence hall.

Student Handbook - Undergraduate Student Affairs (2025)

Resources for exploring engineering majors

FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 (FERPA)

References