Orientation FAQ

How do I get to USF and where is my Orientation located?

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is located across from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport at 8350 North Tamiami Trail. Once on campus, proceed to the Selby Auditorium. You can refer to our campus map for more detailed directions.

What will occur during my Orientation session?

The sessions usually last about two hours. Conclusion time will vary depending on your particular advising needs. At Orientation, you will:

• Meet other new USF Bulls
• Be educated on how to realistically and effectively transition to life at USF
• Learn about essential academic resources
• Prepare to become involved
• Meet with an advisor so you can register for your first classes at USF!

Remember that Orientation is required by the State of Florida and attendance for the duration of the program is mandatory. Attendance will be taken at check-in for the Orientation program as well as afterwards by way of your signed Orientation Pass.

Can families and guests attend Orientation?

The Transfer student program is designed specifically for students. It is not essential for family members to attend the Orientation session with students. Due to facility size, we ask that if necessary a maximum of one guest attend.

I registered for Orientation at the Tampa Campus. Can I attend that orientation instead?

You must attend New Student Orientation on your Home Campus.

I registered for Orientation at the Tampa Campus by mistake, how should I change my reservation?

You will need to contact the Tampa New Student Orientation Office at (813) 974-3060 to cancel your reservation and ask for a refund. You will then need to fill out a reservation form on the USF Sarasota-Manatee Orientation webpage.

What if I can no longer attend the session for which I registered? How do I change my Orientation session?

If an emergency situation occurs, please contact the Office of Student Services. Orientation sessions cannot be changed online. Please note that if you are switching from the online version to the face-to-face session that space is limited and we cannot always guarantee a slot.

What if I can't attend any of the Orientation sessions?

Orientation is State and University mandated, but if you cannot attend the face-to-face session, we also offer an online version. If, by chance, your Admissions does not go through until the first week of classes, please contact your Academic Advisor immediately for further assistance.

I'm a student who needs special accommodations. When do I request them?

Please call Students with Disabilities Services (941-359-4714) at least 5 days prior to your Orientation session.

Registration FAQ

How do I change my home campus if it does not state "Sarasota-Manatee?"

It's simple! Just complete an Update form, fill in the Change of Campus information and submit it to the Office of Admissions.

What is the difference between dropping and withdrawing?

If you wish to drop ALL of your courses for a semester, you should withdraw rather than drop. If you are only registered for one course and wish to drop it, you must withdraw. The Withdrawal Application form is available for download through the Office of the Registrar at http://www.registrar.usf.edu.

What if I need to change my major?

You will need to speak with your Academic Advisor in order to affect this change.

What are prerequisites?

Prerequisites are courses or test scores recorded as satisfactorily completed to indicate you are academically prepared to comprehend and complete subsequent course materials. When registering for a future term, OASIS may allow you to add subsequent courses while currently enrolled in their prerequisites; however, if your completion of those prerequisites is not recorded as satisfactory, you will be dropped prior to the start of that future term.

What is a course reference number (CRN)?

That is a five-digit identifier unique to each course section that changes each term. The correct reference number for each course section you request is critical to the registration process.

What is a permit and how do I get one?

Permit request Form: http://www.sarasota.usf.edu/permit Many college/department courses require students to meet specific eligibility criteria or to secure individual permits from them prior to registration. Courses requiring special permission, either individual permits or certain eligibility criteria, are noted in our printed schedule immediately below the course information line, but should decisions to require permits be made by college/departments post publication, the online Schedule Search is your best resource. Permits are secured from the college/department offering the course, and are issued electronically to affect your individual permission granted to register upon satisfying college/departmental criteria for eligibility to take their course. Permits are either for a specific course section or for any section of a particular course, as long as space is available. Some courses require specific eligibility criteria, such as student status or test scores. Criteria may include: student standing (junior, senior, etc.), declared major and/or college, scores on placement or admission tests, or admission to a doctoral candidacy. When your USF computerized record matches the status/test score criteria, you are automatically eligible to register for the course. If you do not meet the criteria, you may request a electronic override from the college/department. If your request is granted you may register via OASIS, providing space is available. You can view permits or overrides that you have been given in OASIS by clicking on the Registration Menu, then selecting "View My Registration Status".

What is an Administrative Hold?

If you have an obligation to a University office, you may have an "Administrative Hold" placed on your registration. In order to register, you must satisfy these obligations and secure clearance from the office(s) placing the hold(s). To view your holds, enter OASIS and click on the Registration Menu, then click on "Check Your Registration Status".

How do I know if new course sections are available if the one I want is closed or cancelled?

Use the online Schedule Search by clicking on the Class Schedule link on the main OASIS homepage's Secured Access Menu.

How do I drop a class?

To drop classes, log in to OASIS and click on the Registration Menu, then select Registration/Add/Drop Classes. Click the Action pull-down menu next to the reference number of the course you wish to drop, select drop, then click Submit Changes. Make sure you have gone all the way to the last entry in order to complete the drop process!

How do I find my registration appointment time?

Appointment times are assigned by total number of hours completed and other criteria. Current term credit hours are excluded. You can register any time on or after your scheduled time. To find your individual appointment, log in to OASIS and click on the Registration Menu, then click on Check Your Registration Status.

How do I get a printout of my schedule?

If you have a printer at home, you may log in to OASIS, click on the Registration Menu, then print either your Student Detail Schedule or your Schedule by Day & Time. If you cannot print, you may bring a photo ID to the Registrar's Office to request a printout of your schedule.

How do I find what tuition and fees I owe?

Schedule/Fee Statements are not mailed to students. To confirm the total amount due, log in to OASIS, click on Registration Menu, then select View Fee Assessment.

How do I pay for my classes?

To avoid the $100 late payment fee, you should make full payment by the 5th day of the term. Payment by check, cash or money order can be made at the Cashier's Office. Payment by debit/credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discovery) are made through the OASIS system.

Advising FAQ

For more information on Academic Advising, please refer to the Academic Advising Webpage.

Admissions FAQ

When should I apply?

Applications are accepted up to one year prior to the term for which you plan to enroll.

What do I do if the program I am interested in is not listed on the online application?

This may be because USF Sarasota-Manatee does not offer this program or it may not be offered for the selected term. However, your program may be offered through another USF campus.

What credits will transfer to USF Sarasota-Manatee?

USF Sarasota-Manatee will accept transfer credit from regionally accredited colleges and schools. Some courses from non-regionally accredited institutions will transfer to a public college or university if they participate in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System. For a listing of all non-regionally accredited institution courses with transfer level, see the Courses at Non-regionally Accredited Institutions report in the “Latest News” section of the SCNS homepage (http://scns.fldoe.org/). Vocational courses and remedial courses will not transfer.

What documents do I need to send with my application?

Submit official transcripts from all institutions you attended, as well as documentation of any additional credits earned through AICE, AP, IB, Dual Enrollment or CLEP. Additionally, send your final high school transcript, if you completed the foreign language requirement in high school.

Do I need to send transcripts from all institutions attended if my coursework is listed on another transcript?

Yes, each institution determines what courses are acceptable for transfer. USF Sarasota-Manatee evaluates all transfer work in order to make an admission decision.

How do I check my application status?

Students can monitor their admissions status online using OASIS.

Why am I classified as a non-Florida resident?

Florida residency statutes require at least two documents, dated 12 months prior to the first day of class for the entry term sought, to validate a claim for Florida residency for tuition purposes. Dependent class=GramE>Freshman and Transfer applicants should have a parent/legal guardian complete the residency affidavit.

How do I appeal an admission decision?

A student who is denied admission to USF Sarasota-Manatee for academic reasons only has a right to appeal that decision. If they choose to appeal, the student must submit a letter of appeal, clearly stating the reasons why they believe they should be admitted to the university.

What are the medical/immunization requirements to attend USF?

For the medical and immunization requirements of the University, please refer to the Student Health Services website. The Medical/Immunization History forms are due before you will be allowed to register for classes. Please call (813) 974-4056 for more information.

Financial Aid FAQ

What are the different types of financial aid?

Grants, loans, scholarships and work-study.

What is my first step in the financial aid application process?

The first step in the process is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the FAFSA website. This application has to be submitted every year to apply.

How is financial need determined?

The process of analyzing a student's financial need, known as need analysis, focuses on determining how much the family reasonably can be expected to contribute towards the student's education. Traditionally, determination of an applicant's need is achieved by collecting information about the family's income, assets, and living expenses. For the federal student aid programs, the law specifies a need analysis formula that produces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC and the college's cost of attendance are used by the postsecondary school to establish the student's need as well as to award grants, campus-based aid, and subsidized loans. The college might ask you to complete other paperwork to determine your need for non-federal aid.

How can I view what Financial Aid I have received?

Your personalized Financial Aid status (and more information on Financial Aid) can be found in OASIS under "Financial Aid". You will need your NetID and password to login.

FAFSA

When can I renew my FAFSA?

After January 1st of each calendar year.

When is the priority processing deadline for the FAFSA?

March 1st of each year.

Scholarships

How do I apply for scholarships?

Please visit our USF Sarasota Manatee Scholarships webpage.

What are USF Sarasota Manatee Based Scholarships?

These scholarships are only designated for USF Sarasota-Manatee students.

How are USF Sarasota Manatee Based Scholarships awarded?

They are awarded every Fall term. Students are required to meet specific guidelines.

What are the deadlines for the Undergraduate Admissions Transfer scholarships?

The deadline for Summer/Fall is March 1st and the deadline for Spring is October 1st.

If I receive an outside scholarship, should I disclose this information to the Office of Financial Aid?

Yes. To avoid being over awarded please complete an Additional Resources Form located by going to the Financial Aid Forms website and selecting your aid year.

Loans

How do I apply for a Stafford loan?

You will need to complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please visit the FAFSA website.

What is the process of receiving a Stafford loan?

Submit a FAFSA application, accept loans in OASIS, complete Entrance Interview (required for all first time borrowers Actively enrolled with at least half time status), meet Satisfactory Academic Progress, and complete Master Promissory Note.

Is there a deadline to accept my loans?

Loans must be accepted and outstanding requirements completed no later than four weeks before the end of the term.

What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan?

A subsidized loan is based on financial need. On a subsidized loan, interest is paid on your behalf by the government while you are enrolled at least half-time and during grace or deferment periods. An unsubsidized loan is not based on financial need. On this loan, interest accrues within sixty days of disbursement and can be paid while you are in school, or deferred until you begin repayment. Interest is capitalized and added to the principal amount outstanding, if you choose the deferred option.

Financial Aid Forms

Where can I find Financial Aid forms?

All current Financial Aid Forms can be located on the Financial Aid Forms website. From here, please select the year in which you wish to receive aid and a list of forms will appear.

Where should I drop off completed Financial Aid forms?

Please submit forms to the USF Sarasota Manatee Financial Aid Office, SMC-C107.

How do I find what tuition and fees I owe?

Schedule/Fee Statements are not mailed to students. To confirm the total amount due, log in to OASIS, click on Registration Menu, then select View Fee Assessment.

For more information or to speak directly with a Financial Aid representative:

Financial Aid Office | finaid@sar.usf.edu | 941.359.4459

Students with Disabilities Services FAQ

For more information on Students with Disabilities Services, please refer to the Students with Disabilities Webpage.

OASIS, Blackboard, and Distance Learning FAQ

I'm taking an online course, what will I need?

You will need a USF Net ID, which requires obtaining a USFCard photo ID prior to the start of classes. Photo ID cards are generated at the Cashiers Office at a cost of $10.

How do I reset my password for my NetID?

On the Blackboard log in page at learn.usf.edu, click on the link that says "Reset your password." This will take you to a screen that will ask you for some information so that you can change your password. Be sure to have your NetID, USF ID#, or Card ID# on hand.

How can I access my student email?

Go to learn.usf.edu and log into Blackboard. On the Learn.USF tab, you will see an envelope that says “Google Mail” beneath it. Click on the envelope to access your student email through Gmail.

How do I forward my USF student email to my normal email address?

Log in to your student email through Blackboard. In the upper right hand corner of the screen, click on the gear wheel and select “Mail settings” from the drop down list. Click on “Forwarding and POP/ IMAP.” From there, select “Forward a copy of incoming mail to…” and type in the email address you’d like your mail forwarded to.

Who can I contact for support after hours (after 5 pm)?

Call the Tampa Help Desk at 813-974-1222 or Toll Free 866-974-1222 for 24/7 support. You can find more information about the Tampa Help Desk at http://www.it.usf.edu/help.

I am having trouble viewing Blackboard. What could be wrong?

What web browser are you using? Mozilla Firefox works best with Blackboard. When using Internet Explorer 9, Blackboard may not display certain content properly.

Blackboard is not displaying the menu bar that is usually on the left side of the screen. Where did it go?

This is a common and easily solved problem. Occasionally, Blackboard will open without the course menu, or the user will accidentally click on the arrow that hides it. All you have to do is click on the gray arrow along the left side of the screen and the course menu will show again.

How do I set up Elluminate?

First Time users of Elluminate: Go to Elluminate.com and click “Support” or http://www.blackboard.com/Platforms/Collaborate/Support/Support-for-Blackboard-Collaborate.aspx This will show you exactly how to get into an Elluminate Session, how to setup your microphone and headset, and how to install Java.

How do I create a blog or website?

Blogs and Webspace are available to all USF students, faculty, and staff with a valid NetID. Copy this link into your url bar to set up your blog: http://YOURNETID.blog.usf.edu/. Make sure to type in your NetID where it says “YOURNETID” in the link. Go to http://it.usf.edu/services/blogs to find out more about starting your own blog or creating your own webpage.

What is Atomic Learning?

Atomic Learning is a website that offers how-to videos to help you learn about different software applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Facebook, and much more. All USF students have access to Atomic Learning through Blackboard. Log into Blackboard and go to the Learn.USF tab on the upper right of the screen. From there, select the Academics tab and scroll down to find the Atomic Learning logo in the center of the page. Click on the logo and once you’re on the Atomic Learning site, browse through the available tutorials in the drop down list of applications.

What is apps.usf.edu?

The USF Application Portal allows students to access software that was previously only available at the computer labs on campus or at the USF Computer Store for purchase. Students can log in using their NetID to access over 80 different software applications from any computer with a web browser at any time. Available programs include the Adobe Master Collection CS5, AutoCAD 2010, ArcGIS 9.3.1, MATLAB 2010a, and more!

Where can I get security software for my computer?

Security software is free for current USF students, faculty, and staff--you will need your NetID to download at http://it.usf.edu/purchasing/security.

How do I access the on campus wireless service?

The wireless service is provided free of charge to USF students, faculty and staff. To access the wireless, you must have a valid USF NetId and you must have a wireless card in your computer (these are typically already built into laptops). For more information, go to http://www.it.usf.edu/itc/wireless.

Student Affairs FAQ

For more information on Student Affairs, please refer to the Student Affairs Webpage.

Career Services FAQ

For more information on Career Services, please refer to the Career Services Webpage.