The Dean of Undergraduate Studies is responsible for implementing and monitoring all university-wide requirements for undergraduate students, including the core program in Liberal Studies which is required of all students, and for compliance with legislative requirements such as FAC 6A-10.30 (the "Gordon Rule") and the College Level Academic Skills Program (CLASP). The Dean supervises the academic programs of all freshmen and sophomores, with the exception of those in the School of Music and the Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in theatre and dance. The Dean heads the Division of Undergraduate Studies which is responsible for all university-wide academic support offices.
The Division of Undergraduate Studies includes in addition to the Office of the Dean, the Office of Undergraduate Studies, the Undergraduate Advising Center, the Honors and Scholars Program, College Achievement Programs and the Center for Retention and Academic Support as well as the offices of Admissions, the Registrar and Financial Aid.
The Office of Undergraduate Studies, under the supervision of the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, administers the academic and advisement programs for first and second year students at the University, with the exception of those accepted into the School of Music and the Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in theatre and dance. This office establishes and maintains academic records for all students enrolled in Undergraduate Studies, monitors students' progress, and coordinates the assignment of academic advisors. In addition, this office evaluates transfer credit as applicable to the Liberal Studies Program and advises all students seeking to take courses at other colleges and universities.
The Undergraduate Advising Center coordinates undergraduate advising throughout the University and is responsible for advising all undecided students as well as all students who have been referred to the Center. The Center operates and maintains the computerized SASS (Student Academic Support System) degree audit/advising program available in all departments. The Center offers study skills assistance and places special emphasis on students who have not yet decided on a major or who are encountering academic problems of any kind. The Center coordinates workshops and training for faculty advisers and publishes the Academic Adviser's Handbook;, the Academic Program Planning Guide, and the student academic handbook It's All Academic.
Honors and Scholars Program
The Honors and Scholars Program Director oversees the Honors and Scholars Program, the Liberal Studies Honors Program and Honors in the Major; each of these programs provides specially designed intellectual opportunities to academically talented students.
College Achievement Programs
College Achievement Programs include several summer "bridge" programs designed to prepare economically and culturally disadvantaged students for college and to encourage their attendance. College Quest brings minority high school students to campus for up to three successive summers to strengthen their academic background. University Experience, aimed at students entering the senior year of high school, provides for minority students an intensive one- week introduction to college. The Summer Enrichment Program offers new college freshmen an opportunity to begin their college experience in an environment of intensive academic and social support.
Center for Retention and Academic Support
The Center for Retention and Academic Support includes the offices of the Director of Retention Studies and the Director of the Academic Support/Acceptance Program (ASAP). The Center focuses on the improvement of University retention and graduation rates through research as well as through identification and monitoring of at risk students and the coordination of appropriate academic assistance.
Admissions
The Office of Admissions administers the policies of the University and the Board of Regents in the admission of all students, both graduate and undergraduate, to all divisions, schools and colleges of the University. In addition, this office coordinates the recruitment of all undergraduate students and awards university-wide undergraduate scholarships. Articulation with secondary schools throughout the state is coordinated by the Office of Admissions.
Registrar, Office of the
The Office of the Registrar develops, implements and operates all programs relating to course scheduling, registration, current and permanent academic records, graduation, enrollment planning and reporting, academic record preparation, and certification of student academic standing and graduation. The Registrar publishes the General Bulletin, the Graduate Bulletin and the Directory of Classes.
Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid; administers financial aid programs by publicizing the availability of financial aid, processing applications, counseling students on financial aid matters, and authorizing the disbursement of funds. The office includes a Scholarship Officer who serves all University-wide scholarship holders and the STAR (Student Aid Resource) Center, a multi-media informational center offering financial planning and scholarship searches.