A Message from Our Dean
We welcome you to explore the many offerings of our graduate programs at the University of Florida. The reputation of a research university is, in large part, measured not only by the excellence of its graduate faculty and graduate students but, importantly, by the quality of its academic graduate programs. Through its chosen graduate faculty members, the University of Florida offers graduate programs of the highest quality.
Our catalog is intended to provide information and resources to those interested in graduate education programs at the University of Florida. Our catalog is for our current students as well to assist them to make the best decisions for maintaining and continuing their academic progress while on the way to their professional and personal goals.
Nicole Stedman, PhD
Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
Research and Academic Offerings
The University of Florida Graduate School offers research opportunities in a variety of fields. In collaboration with UF’s Office of Research, our many colleges and departments offer numerous majors, alongside the various Centers, Institutes, and Other Research Facilities and interdisciplinary offerings available to the graduate students here at UF. Explore the many services provided to our graduate students by the Graduate School and other student-oriented service units by visiting the Student Services section of this catalog. Additionally, the University of Florida Libraries and the University Press of Florida offer extensive collections to guide your research. For information on these services and UF’s state-of-the-art computer facilities, art galleries, performing arts centers, museums, and other student offerings, such as UF’s Office of Research, see the Research Facilities and Other Campus Resources section of the catalog.
Accreditation
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
UF's Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusive Excellence
The University of Florida celebrates differences in identities, thoughts, and abilities, and seeks to provide equitable access to opportunity.
Excellence is only possible by including people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our growing diversity enhances discovery and innovation. It is reliant on freedom and civility. It enriches the UF community. It is rooted in stewardship. It is the connective tissue for all of our Core Values.
Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Invasion of Privacy Policies
(1) The University shall actively promote equal opportunity policies and practices conforming to laws against discrimination. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. This commitment applies in all areas to students, Academic Personnel (AP), Technical, Executive, Administrative, and Managerial Support (TEAMS) staff, University Support Personnel System (USPS) personnel, and Other Personnel Services (OPS) employees. This commitment intends to reflect the University’s belief that educational and employment decisions and access to University activities should be based on individuals’ abilities and qualifications and not on irrelevant factors, as well as that the University values broad diversity within our community and is committed to diversity and eliminating discrimination.
(2) It is the policy of the University that each employee and student be allowed to work and study in an environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment as defined in University regulations or law.
(a) Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of l964. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, or requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
1. Submission to such conduct or request is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic status.
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct or request by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual, or
3. Such conduct or request has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile work-related or academic environment.
(b) Sexual misconduct is a form of sex discrimination. Sexual misconduct is defined as physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent. For the purposes of this regulation sexual misconduct includes sexual violence, sexual exploitation, non-consensual sexual contact and non-consensual sexual intercourse. Sexual violence includes rape, sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion.
(c) Disciplinary Action.
1. Any employee or student of the University who is found to have harassed or discriminated against another employee or applicant for employment or student, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal or expulsion.
2. Any employee or student in a supervisory capacity who has actual knowledge by direct observation or by receipt of a complaint of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct involving any of those employees he or she supervises or over whomever he or she has managerial authority, and who does not investigate, and, if appropriate, take corrective action or report the matter directly to the Director of Employee and Labor Relations, shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal or expulsion.
(3) Complaints and Appeal Procedures. Any employee or student who believes that he or she is a victim of discrimination or harassment, including without limitation sexual harassment and sexual misconduct as defined above or retaliation for filing a claim of discrimination, may pursue informal resolution of the complaint or may file a formal written complaint in accordance with University of Florida Regulations 1.0063 and 4.012. Employees and students may contact the Director of Employee and Labor Relations to seek assistance in informally resolving the complaint or in filing a formal complaint or grievance.
(4) Invasion of Privacy. The University prohibits making, using, disclosing or distributing a recording of a person in a location or situation in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy and is unaware of the recording or does not consent to it; and any other conduct that constitutes an invasion of privacy of another person under applicable law or University regulations. Any employee or student of the University who is found to have so invaded the privacy of another person, shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal or expulsion. It shall not be a violation of this provision to make a recording authorized by the Florida Sunshine Law, any other law or University regulation or policy. Any making, use, disclosure, or distribution of an authorized recording must comply with the requirements of the applicable authorization, law and/or University regulation or policy, including without limitation obtaining any required notice or consent. University policies may provide further information and requirements concerning making, using, disclosing and distributing recordings. Refer to University websites for policies on recording and on privacy. Recording is defined as any recording, visual (for example and without limitation, photographs, videos), audio or both, in any medium, using any technology.
*As protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act
*Authority: BOG Regulation 1.001.