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Student Services F.A.Q.

For more information or to speak directly with a Student Services representative:
Students Webpage | jselph@sar.usf.edu | 941.359.4430

Can families and guests attend Orientation?

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

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.

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 before you drop your class!

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 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 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 get to USF and where is my Orientation located?

Once on campus, proceed to the Selby Auditorium. http://www.sarasota.usf.edu/Students/campusmap.pdf

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 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.

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’ll then need to fill out a reservation form for USF Sarasota Manatee.

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

You must attend New Student Orientation at your Home Campus.

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

Please call Disabillity Student Services at least 1 day prior to your Orientation session.

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 are the medical requirements to attend USF?

For the medical and immunization requirements of the University, please go to http://www.shs.usf.edu/ for the updated Immunization policy for all incoming students. The Medical/Immunization History forms are due before you will be allowed to register for classes. Please call (813) 974-4056 for more information.

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.

What if I forget my PIN?

If PIN is forgotten, student should provide their student U number and then click on “Forgot PIN” button. The student-created security question will then be called up. When this is answered correctly, the PIN will automatically reset and request student to enter a new six-digit PIN.

What if I need to change my major?

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

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. Course 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, providing space is available. Some courses require specific eligibility criteria, such as student status or test scores. Criteria includes 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’ve been given using OASIS web. Enter OASIS, click on Registration Menu, then select 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

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.

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.

What will occur during my Orientation session?

The sssions 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.

Financial Aid F.A.Q.

For more information or to speak directly with a Financial Aid representative:
Financial Aid Office | finaid@sar.usf.edu | 941.359.4459

How are USF Sarasota-Manatee Based Scholarships awarded?

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

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 www.fafsa.ed.gov.

How do I apply for scholarships?

Please visit http://www.sarasota.usf.edu/Students/FinancialAid/apply.html

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.

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 found at http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/forms_0910.html

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 are USF Sarasota-Manatee Based Scholarships?

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

What are the deadlines for the Undergraduate Admissions Transfer scholarships?

The deadline for Summer/Fall is April 1st and the deadline for Spring is November 15th.

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) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This application has to be submitted every year to apply.

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.

What is the process of receiving a Stafford loan?

Submit a FAFSA application, Accept loans in OASIS, Select a lender, Complete Entrance Interview- required for all first time borrows Actively enrolled with at least half time status, Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress, Complete Master Promissory Note

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.

Where can I find the Financial Aid forms?

Forms can be located at http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/forms.html

Where can I take the forms when I complete them?

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