Advising

Frequently Asked Questions

Majors & Minors

How Do I Declare My Major?

To declare a major in the Chemistry Department (BMS/MET/CHM/CHS/INS) please visit the Declare a CAS Major page.

I Want to Change my Major, What Do I Do?

It is NOT required that you make an appointment or see a chemistry advisor before declaring your new major. To change your major within the College of Arts and Sciences or to add a second major within the College of Arts and Science, go to the Declare a CAS Major page.

Please keep in mind that you will want to make an appointment with the department that houses the new major you are declaring. (Example: If you are switching from Biomedical Sciences to Biology, you will make an appointment with a Biology advisor for questions about the new major.)

Should I Choose 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. Sometimes minors help students when they need additional upper-level hours that are not science courses to balance their schedule.

Minors that require a declaration/application:

Languages - World Languages Department
Business - College of Business
Fine Arts Theatre minor, Dance minor, Art History minor - College of Visual and Performing Arts
Mass Communication - Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications
Criminology - Department of Criminology

Minors that are popular with Pre-health professions students:

Public Health -
Business - College of Business
Psychology - Department of Psychology
Behavioral Healthcare - Department of Mental Health Law & Policy

*Note: You cannot major and minor in the same department, i.e., it is not possible to major in BMS and minor in Chemistry.

How Do I Declare A Double Major Or Dual Degree

If you are interested in double majoring between two Colleges (i.e. Chemical Engineering & Mathematics or Accounting & Public Relations, etc.), please speak to an advisor. A student at ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵmay receive two baccalaureate degrees provided he/she meets University graduation requirements for both degrees. In addition to the minimum 120 semester hours that apply toward the first degree and include at least 60 semester hours from a baccalaureate institution, the student must also earn at least a minimum of 30 semester hours in on-campus ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵundergraduate courses that will apply toward the second degree. The student must also meet the requirements of the college awarding the degree and the residency requirement. Visit the Office of Academic Advocacy for more information.

Can I Double Major In Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry?

Unfortunately, because of too much overlap in chemistry courses, students are not able to double major within the Chemistry Department.

Can I Double Major in Biology and Chemistry?

Students are permitted to double major with Biology and certain Chemistry majors: Chemistry B.S, Chemistry B.A., and Chemistry B.A. Biochemistry Emphasis. Students may NOT double major in Biology and Biomedical Sciences or Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences because there is too much overlap between the two degrees.

Who Advises Me For My Major and Minor?

The Chemistry Advisors are located in the Science Center (SCA 203) and we advise all students who are declared or intending to declare majors in Biomedical Sciences, Medical Technology, Interdisciplinary Sciences, and Chemistry. We also advise students who are pursuing a minor in Chemistry. Please see the Chemistry & Pre-Health Professions Academic Advising section for more information.

Who do I contact for information regarding ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵChemistry Department Graduate Degrees?

Email

General ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵStudent Information

How Do I Apply For Graduation?

You apply for graduation by logging into Student Self-Service using your Net ID and self-assigned password, then you click on the Student menu and select Apply for Graduation. For more information, please visit the Registrar Graduation application page.

How Do I Register For the Graduation Ceremony/Commencement?

You can register for Commencement here: Tampa Commencement. Please keep in mind that you are not required to participate in the Commencement ceremony. However, if you do plan to attend, you must register for the ceremony separately from applying for graduation.

How Do I Contact A Professor?

If you know the professor's name, you can use the e-mail search. You can find the e-mail search by going to the ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵhomepage and clicking on the link to the which is located in the top, right hand corner of the page. Contact information for Chemistry faculty members can be found on our Chemistry Faculty Directory.

How Do I Use Grade Forgiveness

You must retake the same course at ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵin order to use grade forgiveness. Once you complete the course for the second time, and the grade has posted, you can submit a Grade Forgiveness Form to the Registrar's Office in SVC 1034 for processing. Once it has been processed, the original grade will show as a forgiven grade, and the new grade will calculate into your ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵGPA. Please keep in mind that while grade forgiveness will impact your ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵGPA, both grades will show on your transcript and be calculated into your Overall GPA. It is highly recommended that you meet with an advisor before you decide to use grade forgiveness to make sure it is in your best interest. For the official ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵpolicy on grade forgiveness, please visit the page.

How Many Times Can I Use Grade Forgiveness

You only have 3 opportunities at ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵto use grade forgiveness with no more than one repeat per course.

If I Take The Same Course At Another School, Can I Use Grade Forgiveness?

In order to be eligible to use grade forgiveness at USF, you must have taken and repeated the course at USF. You cannot re-take the course at another institution and use USF grade forgiveness.

How Do I Join The Honors College?

First Year Students

Students applying to ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵwith at least a two-part SAT score of 1330, or ACT score of 30, and weighted HS GPA of 4.0 are automatically invited to join the Honors College. Notification of acceptance is sent via mail at least one week after the ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵAdmissions letter, or after receipt of scores meeting these criteria.

Students applying to ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵwith at least a two-part SAT score of 1300, or ACT score of 29, and weighted HS GPA of 3.8 are invited to apply for admission to the Honors College. Students will be notified via email, which will include application instructions. 

Transfer/Continuing Students

Students entering the Honors College as transfer/continuing students must present:

  • 3.5 cumulative and (if appropriate) ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵGPA
  • Two full semesters of coursework at a college or university
  • 30 earned college or university-level credits (does not include AP/IB credits)
  • Minimum of three semesters remaining prior to intended graduation date

Chemistry & Health Professions Academic Advising

For more links and student resources particular to Chemistry Department majors, please visit your major page on CANVAS. If you are not a member of your major page on CANVAS, please email chemadvise@usf.edu to request to be added. Be sure to include your full ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵemail address and your U# in the email. You can also join our Facebook page: and our Twitter page: .

What Is The Difference Between A Chemistry Advisor And A Health Professions Advisor?

Your Chemistry major advisor is specifically assigned based on your major and will help ensure that you are satisfying your degree requirements, staying on track for graduation and help you navigate university policies and procedures. Your Chemistry advisor can help with basic pre-health course planning to show you how the prerequisite courses for your pre-health goals may fit into your major requirements. The advisors in the Division of Health Professions Advising meet with any student with a pre-health intent and will help you build a competitive application. Health Professions Advisors will discuss your pre-health timeline, answer questions about health profession programs and provide recommendations for building a competitive application. Remember: if you are planning to go to a health profession program after your Bachelor's, you should be meeting with both your Chemistry major advisor and a health professions advisor every semester. Visit the Division of Health Professions for more information.

Who Are My Chemistry Department Advisors?

If you are majoring in Chemistry (CHM/CHS) or Biomedical Sciences (BMS), your advisors are: Ashley Sowell, Adelia Douglas, Durand Capers, Megan Stowe, and Lauren Harris. If you are majoring in Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences (INS) or Medical Technology (MET), your advisor is: Ashley Sowell. For more information visit CAS Advisors, or send an Email.

Who Are My Health Professions Advisors?

If you are a declared a major within the Department of Chemistry major and interested in pursuing a health profession after graduation you may choose to meet with the following pre-health advisors: Dr. Melvin James, Anthony Iannelli Jr, or Renea Forde.

How Can I Make An Appointment To See My Chemistry Advisor?

If you are a current ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵstudent, please use the online scheduling system, . If you are a former or prospective student interested in one of our majors (Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Technology, or Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences), you can on this page.

Do I Have To Be Declared In The Chemistry Department In Order To Meet With A Chemistry Advisor?

No, if you are still officially declared in another department, but you intend to change your major to CHS/CHM, BMS, INS, or MET, you may make a 30 minute appointment with a Chemistry advisor via the .

How Can I Change My Advising Appointment?

You must first cancel, and then reschedule, your appointment via the .

When Is It Recommended That I Meet With A Chemistry Department Advisor?

It is recommended that you meet with your advisor at least once per semester, prior to registration for the following semester in order to ensure that you are completing major requirements. The Chemistry Department serves approximately 3,500 majors; therefore, it is imperative that you plan ahead if you wish to schedule an appointment!

What Do I Need To Do To Prepare Before Meeting With A Chemistry Department Advisor

It may be beneficial to review your Degreeworks audit before your meeting. Also, use the schedule search for the upcoming semester to start selecting courses that you may want to take.

I Am Not Yet Admitted to USF. Can I Meet With A Chemistry Department Advisor?

Yes, prospective students are able to meet with a Chemistry Advisor. Please keep in mind that the months of October-November and March-April are peak registration times and advisors are at our busiest advising current students.  .

What Do I Do If I Receive An Error Message When Trying To Schedule An Appointment Online?

If you are blocked due to cancellations or missed appointments, please send an email to (from your ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵemail address) stating the reason(s) you were unable to attend your appointments. Please be sure to include your full name, U#, and major in the email.

What If My Major Is Not Within The Chemistry Department? Who Should I Contact For Advising?

Follow the links below to find the contact information for your major

Biology Department Advisors

Mary Cuthbertson, Jessica Davis, Tarin Haydt, and Jessica Hoffman
Email

Science & Health Professions Honors Students

Reginald Lucien, Arnaldo Mejias, Amanda Cutchens, and Carter Harbert
Honors College

Non-Science Majors with Pre-health Professions Track

Dr. Melvin James, Anthony Iannelli, Jr., and Renea Forde

College of Arts & Sciences Advising



College of Education Advising
College of Behavioral and Community Services Advising

Taking Courses Away From USF

What Is A Course Evaluation and How Do I Know If I Need One?

A course evaluation is needed to determine if a course from an out-of-state or private institution transfers as equivalent credit for a specific ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵcourse. A course syllabus with a detailed description of the content covered is required for a course evaluation to be completed.

For detailed instructions regarding the Department of Chemistry's course evaluation process and to submit a Course Evaluation Request form, please visit our website: Course Evaluations.

For detailed instructions regarding the Department of Biology's course evaluation process and to submit a Course Evaluation Request form, please visit the following site: .

For detailed instructions regarding the Math Department's course evaluation process and to submit a Course Evaluation Request, please visit the following site and follow the instructions for submitting a course evaluation: .

For detailed instructions regarding the Physics Department's course evaluation process and to submit a Course Evaluation Request, please visit the following site and follow the instructions for submitting a course evaluation: .

How Do I Take Courses At Another Institution While Attending USF?

Under certain circumstances, students may be approved to take courses at another institution while attending USF. Students doing this are considered "transient" students. To receive approval and confirmation of how those courses will transfer back to USF, you will need to complete the prior to registering for courses at another institution. Students should use the comment section of the online form to explain the purpose of taking coursework at another institution. To be eligible for approval, the courses you are requesting to take at another institution must meet the following criteria:

  1. Course(s) must be necessary for graduation in current declared major. This can include courses which are prerequisite courses necessary to take other major required courses. -and-
  2. Either:
    • Course(s) are not available at ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵand are necessary to be taken this semester. This can include courses not offered at ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵthis semester, courses which are full at USF this semester, or courses which overlap with another required course. -or-
    • Student has an uncontrollable, necessary, and documentable reason which prevents the student from being available to take courses at USF.

Transient Procedure

  1. Login to and complete the Transient Request, which is under the Transfer Students tab Transient Student Admission Application.
  2. Your academic college office will receive notification that there is a transient request awaiting their attention.
  3. The academic college office signs-in to to authorize or not authorize your enrollment request, and electronically submits the request to the Regional Records Office for certification.
  4. If you indicate that you would like to receive aid for the course, if eligible, the college office forwards your request on to the Office of Financial Aid for their review.
  5. The Records Office certifies your status and forwards the transient request electronically to the attending institution.
  6. You are then sent an email detailing if your request was approved or not.
  7. The institution you are attending as a transient student will contact you with further steps from that point on.
  8. You are able to log into your Florida Shines account to monitor the progress of your request at all times throughout the process.

Does My Financial Aid Cover Courses At Another School

Due to recent changes in policy, students are no longer eligible to receive Financial Aid from ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵto be paid at another institution unless certain, specific criteria are met. You should consult with your financial aid counselor to determine if your courses are eligible for financial aid. With regard to ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵscholarships, you must check with your scholarship administrator directly to make sure they will accept the credits

I Want To take The Second Course In A Sequence At USF. Do I Need A Permit

Due to Chemistry, Biology and Math Department policies, if you take pre-requisite courses at another institution, you will have to wait until you have earned a final grade in these courses before you can be issued a permit for the next course in the sequence. For more information on Department of Chemistry courses, please visit our permit website: . For Department of Biology permits, please visit the following website: . For Department of Math permits, please visit the following website: .

For the Department of Physics, students currently enrolled in pre-requisite courses at another institution may request preliminary permits based on their current registration. However, in order to take your seat in the course, you must provide proof of a successful final grade. For Department of Physics permits, please visit the following website: .


Closed Classes, Schedule Search & Registration Issues

I am confused about the General Chemistry course listing! Do I have to go to the class all of those times?

Example:

General Chemistry course listingThe General Chemistry sequence is comprised of two distinctive course meeting times:
Lecture – this meets 3 times/week and you are expected to attend each time. For example: MWF 8:35 AM – 9:25 AM.
Exams – these are approximately 4 times per semester and you only attend at this time on exam days. For example: W 7:35 PM – 9:45 PM.

I am confused about the Organic Chemistry course listing! Do I have to go to the class all of those times?

Example:

Organic Chemistry course listingThe Organic Chemistry sequence is comprised of three distinctive course meeting times:
Lecture – this meets 3 times/week and you are expected to attend each time. For example: MWF 10:45 AM – 11:35 AM.
Discussion – this is once per week and you are expected to attend each time. For example: T 8:00 AM – 8:50 AM.
Exams – these are approximately 4 times per semester and you only attend at this time on exam days. For example: M 7:35 PM – 9:45 PM.

I am confused about the Organic Chemistry Lab listing! Why are there two times listed and two different places?

Example: 

Organic Chemistry lab course listing The Organic Chemistry Lab sequence is comprised of two distinctive course meeting times:
Lab Lecture – this meets once a week in a lecture hall, and you are expected to attend each time. For example: T 12:30 PM – 1:20 PM.
Lab – this meets once per week for three hours and fifty minutes in one of the organic chemistry laboratories, and you are expected to attend each time. For example: M 12:55 PM – 4:45 PM.

What If A Class That I Need Is Not Appearing On The Class Schedule Search?

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

  1. The class is closed.
  2. The class is not being offered that semester.

Examples: CHM 2045, 2046, 2210, and 2211 and their respective labs are generally offered each semester (although the number of available lectures and labs will vary from semester to semester). CHM 3120C and CHM 3610 & 3610L are offered predominantly during the fall and spring semesters, but may also be offered in the summer semester if resources allow. BCH 4033, CHM 4130C and CHM 4410 are only offered in the fall semester. BCH 4034, CHM 4131C, CHM 4411, and CHM 4611 are only offered in the spring semester.

How Do I Get Into A Closed Class?

Academic Advisors and ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵprofessors are not able to add you to courses that are already full. It is recommended that you continue to check the Student Self-Service schedule search 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. Alternatively, students who are registered for courses but do not attend the first class meeting, are likely to be dropped due to the mandatory first day attendance policy. You want to continually be checking the Student Self-Service schedule search throughout the week for spaces to open up. If you secure a seat in a course after the first class meeting, make sure that you e-mail the professor to let them know that you just added the class and that you plan to be in attendance for the next class meeting. Communication is key and this can help avoid you being dropped due to lack of first day attendance. Communication is key!

What Is A Permit And How Do I Know If I Need One?

A permit is an electronic approval that indicates to Student Self-Service that a student may register for a course. When the computer cannot recognize a pre-requisite (such as a course from an out-of-state or 2-year institution) on a student's record, he/she cannot register for those courses. The permit will allow the student to register for those courses.
Permit information can be found here: Course Permits.

What If I Want To Take More Than 18 Credit Hours Per Semester?

To take more than 18 credit hours during a Fall/Spring semester or 14 credits in the Summer semester, you need to get approval by filling out the . Students must be in good academic standing for their petition to be considered. Students with GPAs below 3.0 are less likely to be granted an Overload Request.

What Do I Do If There Is A Time Conflict With Two Courses I Want To Take?

Sometimes courses may have times that overlap and Student Self-Service will not let you register for them. Only in rare circumstances will ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵpermit students to register for courses that are scheduled to meet at the same time or overlapping times. Examples can include:

  • 2 courses required for graduation, last semester for student, and one starts at the same time as the other one ends
  • 1 course has a required common exam time which students only need to attend 4 or less times throughout the semester

To request a time conflict exception, you will need to complete the . Time Conflict forms must be submitted during the registration window. Time Conflict requests must be processed through the college with professor approval. Response time to your request will vary based on availability of faculty member. If you have not received a response in 1 week (5 business days), then it is recommended that you follow up with the faculty members for their feedback

Holds on Student Self-Service

There Is A hold Noted On My Student Self-Service Account. What Does This Mean?

Please see the Holds Page for all of your questions regarding AA, AP, AR, CC, IM/MH, or MJ holds: Hold Information.

Academic Advising (AA) Holds

First year students will have an AA hold placed on their account before they can register for their 2nd and 3rd semesters. To have the hold removed, the student must see an academic advisor to discuss an academic plan. For more information on this hold, please visit the AA Holds page.

Academic Probation (AP) Holds

The first time an undergraduate student's ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵgrade point average (GPA) falls below a cumulative 2.00, the student will be placed on Academic Probation (AP). From the beginning of academic probation, the student must maintain at least a 2.00 GPA each term, and may not totally withdraw from any semester without cause.

Once on , an AP hold is placed on the student's account, and academic advising prior to registration is mandatory until the student is removed from probationary status. The student may remain on Academic Probation indefinitely as long as he/she maintains a GPA of 2.00 or greater each semester. If at any time while on Academic Probation, the student's semester GPA falls below a 2.00, or the student withdraws from all classes after the fifth day, the student will be academically dismissed from the University. Once academically dismissed, a student may only return to ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵunder the . If academically dismissed from USF, a student may not return to ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵas a non-degree seeking student.

Academic Regulations Committee (ARC)

How Do I Properly Submit An ARC Petition?

Your completed Academic Regulation Committee (ARC) petition must be submitted, in person, to the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in BEH 201. The personnel in the CAS office will scan your petition and return the original copy to you. Please retain your original for your records.

The College of Arts and Sciences will not accept incomplete petitions – you should have all supporting documentation sent directly to you and include it when you submit your petition. Remember that submitting a petition does not guarantee approval and you may be required to see a college representative before your petition can be presented to the committee.

What If I Need To Withdraw From A Course And It Is After The Add/Drop Deadling?

A student may withdraw from a course between the second and tenth week of the semester (except for Summer sessions - see the Summer Schedule of Classes for dates. However tuition and fees will be assessed for any course withdrawn by the student after the first week. The student's academic record will reflect a "W" grade for any course(s) withdrawal between the second and tenth week of the semester.

Effective Fall 2011, all undergraduate students will be limited to a total of five course withdrawals while enrolled as a degree-seeking or a non-degree seeking undergraduate student at USF. The five course withdrawals will be limited to three course withdrawals for students with less than 60 semester credit hours, and two course withdrawals for students with more than or equal to 60 semester credit hours. Please see the for more information.

Please contact your academic advisor and financial aid counselor before withdrawing from any course.

Waht If I Need To Add A Course And It Is After The Add/Drop Deadling?

Please complete and submit all of the following forms to the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in BEH 201 (full submission direction are below):

  1. Completed ARC Petition form.
  2. Personal statement explaining why you would like to add your class or classes and supporting documentation for your reasons.
  3. Instructor Documentation form for each class.

The forms can be found on the Registrar's Website:

  • ARC Petition Form
  • ARC Instructor's Documentation Form

Remember, submitting a petition does not guarantee approval, and you may be required to see a college representative before your petition can be presented to the committee.

What If I Need To Withdraw From A Course And It Is After The Withdrawal Deadline?

Please complete and submit all of the following forms to the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in BEH 201 (full submission direction are below):

  1. Completed ARC Petition form.
  2. Personal statement explaining why you would like to withdraw from your class or classes and supporting documentation for your reasons.
  3. Instructor Documentation form for each class.
  4. Medical documentation as appropriate.

The forms can be found on the Registrar's website:

  • ARC Petition Form
  • ARC Instructor's Documentation Form
  • ARC Medical Form

Reasons a late withdrawal would NOT be approved:

  • I changed my major and don't need the course.
  • I thought I would do better in the course, but now that it is the end of the semester, I realize I will not pass the course.
  • Completing this course will hurt my GPA.
  • I am trying to improve my GPA.

For more information regarding the Academic Regulation Committee Petition Process, please visit the Guide to Academic Regulations Committee (ARC) Petition Process.

What If I Have Been Academically Dismissed?

Beginning in the Fall 2011 semester, students must meet one of the following criteria in order to be eligible for readmission following academic dismissal:

Academic Renewal I - Students academically dismissed with less than 60 hours (or greater than 60 hours in extenuating circumstances) will be considered for reinstatement to the University if they complete an AA degree. If reinstated, the student's GPA is calculated from the re-admission point forward. Students must complete at least 30 hours at ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵfollowing re-admission in order to graduate. Students must complete the Reinstatement After Academic Dismissal form, and check the box for "ARI". In addition, the student is required to complete the Academic Advising Record for Reinstatement Through Academic Renewal I or II form.

Academic Renewal II - Students academically dismissed from ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵwith greater than 60 hours may return to the university through Academic Renewal II, only with approval from the University Academic Reinstatement Committee. Generally such students will have been engaged in successful non-academic activities such as work or military service for at least one year, or demonstrated recent academic success of a minimum of 12 semester hours with 2.00 GPA, no grades lower than C, and no withdrawals. Upon return to USF, students must complete a minimum of 15 credits at ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵfrom point of re-admission, have a minimum of 30 ¹ú²ú¶ÌÊÓƵhours of C or higher grades, and have a 2.00 overall GPA in order to graduate. The GPA for students returning under Academic Renewal II will be reset to 2.00 following reinstatement. Students must complete the Reinstatement After Academic Dismissal form, and check the box for "ARII". In addition, the student is required to complete the Academic Advising Record for Reinstatement Through Academic Renewal I or II form.

Academic Renewal, I or II, can be used only ONE time; applications for a second Academic Renewal will NOT be considered.

Submitting a petition does not guarantee approval and you may be required to see a college representative before your petition will be reviewed by the committee.

If you meet one of the above criteria for readmission, you will need to submit all of the following forms to the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in BEH 201, plus a personal statement explaining why you should be readmitted and supporting documentation for your reasons:

  1. Completed Reinstatement After Academic Dismissal Petition Form
  2. Academic Advising Record for Reinstatement Through Academic Renewal I or II form.

All students petitioning for readmission are required to meet with an academic advisor in the degree program they plan to pursue. The best way to take care of this is to set a 30-minute appointment to see an advisor. Appointments can be scheduled online using the .

For questions regarding ARC petitions, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences Graduate and Undergraduate Studies Office at (813)974-6957.

For more information regarding the Academic Regulation Committee Petition Process, please visit the Guide to Academic Regulations Committee (ARC) Petition Process.

Grievance Procedures

Academic grievances are clearly defined by the University's policy Student Academic Grievance Procedures. It is not, for example, any general student complaint. The complaint must be academic in nature. More specifically, "a claim that a specific academic decision or action that affects the student's academic record or status has violated published policy and procedures, or has been applied to the grievant in a manner different from that used for other students." The "burden of proof" will be on the student when challenging the decision, action or grade assigned. Additionally, the student has the burden of supplying documentation that proves that the instructor's decision was incorrect. All parties are expected to act in a professional and civil manner. Please be sure to review your class syllabus, as this will be evaluated during the academic grievance process. In addition, please note that the academic grievance process is not one that will occur immediately, as each step in the process can take up to approximately three weeks to complete.

Overview Of The Academic Grievance Process:

  1. The student should first meet with the class instructor to discuss the grievance. The traditional relationship between student and faculty member is the primary means of settling disputes that may arise.
  2. If a resolution cannot be reached and the student intends to pursue the matter, the student should prepare a letter to the Department Chair detailing his or her complaint and the outcome of attempts to resolve the issue. Upon receipt of this document the Department Chair will meet with the student. The letter must include information pertaining to how, in your opinion, University policies or procedures were violated. More specifically, that "a claim that a specific academic decision or action that affects the student's academic record or status has violated published policy and procedures, or has been applied to the grievant in a manner different from that used for other students." If indicated, a meeting with the Department Chair, Instructor and student will be scheduled through the department office.
  3. If, after the Chair, Instructor and student have met, a resolution is not reached, the student should request that the Department Chair notify the Associate Dean for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies for the College of Arts and Sciences that a resolution could not be reached. This request should be in writing and should contain the same documentation presented to the instructor and Department Chair regarding the nature of the grievance and description of attempts to resolve the issue at the departmental level. The Associate Dean will consult with the student, the instructor and Chair and may schedule one or more meetings which may require their presence.
  4. If resolution is still not reached, the Associate Dean (or his or her designee) will convene a committee to evaluate the grievance. The committee will hear the complaint and the responses, review any evidence that may be presented, and make a written recommendation to the Dean. The Dean will provide a decision in writing to all parties within three weeks of receiving the committee's recommendation.
  5. A student or the instructor may appeal the decision of the College Dean to the University level only if the decision of the College Dean is contrary to the recommendation of the committee, or if there is a procedural violation of the Student Academic Grievance Procedures. Please refer to the University's Student Academic Grievance Procedures policy for more information about this process.

Biochemistry Changes

How do the changes in the course offerings of Biochemistry affect me? What is the difference between the old Biochemistry courses and the new Biochemistry courses?

You will want to follow up with your advisor to learn how the changes affect you. You can view more information on the .