v2012-2013
General Psychology Graduate Student
Handbook
Welcome!
Dear Student:
Welcome to the Master of Science in General Psychology (MSGP) program. Beginning any new
endeavor may be daunting at times, and the start of your graduate education is no exception. It
is our hope that this handbook and the orientation process will help guide you through the
exciting challenges that lie ahead.
This manual serves as a supplement to the UNF Graduate School Student Handbook and
graduate catalogue. Please keep in mind that university policies change and it is important that
you continue to keep yourself informed of any changes during your tenure at UNF by reviewing
updated information at http://www.unf.edu/graduateschool/. It is also possible that some
departmental policies and university policies may not coincide perfectly. The university
provides minimum standards, which may be exceeded by departmental standards. Therefore,
the more rigorous of any conflicting policies should guide your decisions and judgments in the
MSGP program.
This MSGP student handbook contains important information you need to succeed in the
program, but the manual is only helpful if you carefully review the content. So please take the
opportunity to read the manual and note any questions or concerns you may have.
The faculty and staff of the Department of Psychology program are eager to help you. Please do
not hesitate to contact the Program Director or Graduate Secretary if you need additional
clarification or support. Again, welcome to the MSGP program.
Sincerely,
Tracy Packiam Alloway, Ph.D.
Director, MSGP program
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Faculty Contact Information
Name
Position
Email
Ext.
Dr. Lori Lange
Departmental Chair
l.lange@unf.edu
1624
Dr. Tracy Alloway
Director of the MSGP
t.alloway@unf.edu
1614
Alicia Crystalus
Graduate Secretary
alicia.crystalus@unf.edu
2807
For a complete listing of departmental faculty and advisors, click here.
1. Getting Started
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1.1 Academic Advising
1.2 MSGP Faculty
2. Degree Requirements
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2.1 Mission Statement
2.2 Expected Learning Outcomes
2.3 Master of Science in General Psychology Degree Requirements
2.4 Capstone Experience Assessment Strategy
2.5 Thesis Requirements
2.6 Graduation
2.7 Sample Timeline for MSGP Students
2.8 Course Listings/Descriptions
3. Financial Support
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3.1 In-state vs. Out-of-state Designations
4. Policies & Procedures
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4.1 Academic Integrity and Professionalism
4.2 Good Academic Standing
4.3 Probation/Suspension/Removal
4.4 Drop-add, Withdrawals, and Incomplete Grades
4.5 Transfer Hours
4.6 Course Content
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4.7 Time Limits
4.8 Academic Appeals
4.9 Policies that cannot be Waived by Petition
4.10 University Appeals Process
5. Resources
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5.1 Bookstore
5.2 Career Services
5.3 Information Technology Services
5.4 One Stop Student Services
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Psychology Graduate Program Student
Handbook
1. Getting Started


1.1 Academic Advising
1.2 MSGP Faculty
1.1 Academic Advising
All graduate students are advised either by their Graduate Program Director or, in some cases by the
college’s academic advising office. Your advisor can and should assist you in developing a course of
study and selecting courses to fit your academic goals.
The Director of the MSGP program is Dr. Tracy Alloway. She can be contacted during her office hours in
Bldg. 51/3436. She can also be contacted by email at magp@unf.edu or by phone at (904) 6201614. Dr. Alloway is assisted by a MSGP Committee consisting of Psychology Graduate Faculty.
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1.2 MSGP Faculty
The UNF Department of Psychology strives to maintain a faculty that is diverse in interests, expertise,
and backgrounds. MSGP students should try to meet all the faculty; to this end, the Department offers
colloquia as well as various social and professional functions. All faculty are (or in the case of new
faculty, soon will be) members of the UNF Graduate Faculty. As such, they are qualified to serve as
advisors for graduate students and to teach graduate courses. The full-time faculty and their areas of
professional interest can be found on the department website:
https://www.unf.edu/coas/psychology/Faculty.aspx
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Psychology Graduate Program Student
Handbook
2. Degree Requirements
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2.1 Mission Statement
2.2 Expected Learning Outcomes
2.3 Master of Science in General Psychology Degree Requirements
2.4 Capstone Experience Assessment Strategy
2.5 Thesis Requirements
2.6 Graduation
2.7 Sample Timeline for MSGP Students
2.8 Course Listings/Descriptions
Master of Science in General Psychology (MSGP)
The Master of Science in General Psychology (MSGP) is designed to develop a broad base of knowledge
and critical thinking skills. This program also provides a unique opportunity for research development
and mentorship. Faculty interests cover a broad range of areas including Developmental Psychology,
Behavior Analysis, Clinical Research, Social Psychology, Cognitive Science, and Human Factors.
This program provides a strong foundation for those interested in:
1) Pursing further graduate work such as Ph.D. in psychology; or
2) Employment in areas of applied psychology in government, community agencies, and industry
2.1 Mission Statement
The mission of the Masters of Science in General Psychology program is to maintain the highest
standards of graduate education in the field of general psychology by: (a) maintaining excellence in
teaching, (b) offering innovative academic opportunities both in the classroom and the community, (c)
instilling the ethical standards of the profession, and (d) offering research, applied, and other
professional opportunities to students through a dedicated faculty and community support. Moreover,
our goal is to instill in our students the knowledge, values, and skills that are required of an educated
and responsible citizen in our global and multicultural society. The highest personal, professional, and
academic accountability is expected of both the faculty and students in the MSGP program.
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2.2 Expected Learning Outcomes
1.
MSGP students will be able to communicate effectively in written formats.
2.
MSGP students will be able to communicate effectively orally.
3. MSGP students will be knowledgeable in the use of electronic resources and be proficient in
incorporating them into their studies and research. Student will also be aware of the hazards and
shortcomings of this relatively new medium.
4.
MSGP students will understand and apply ethical principles pertaining to the social sciences.
5.
MSGP students will be able to work independently in developing and carrying out original research.
6. MSGP students will possess the knowledge and skills required for either further academic
advancement or employment at the masters level in psychology-related fields.
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2.3 Master of Science in General Psychology Degree Requirements
The MSGP program consists of a minimum 39 credit hours of course work, which most students
complete within two years of admission. While courses and sequencing may change, the following
constitutes the current program of study.
Degree Requirements
Grades of “B” or better are required in all graduate courses.
- Core requirements: 39 credits of graduate Psychology coursework
- Supervised Research: 3 credits
- Thesis hours: 4-9 credits (see subsection below regarding additional thesis information)
- Capstone experience consisting of a master's thesis and oral defense
Degree Evaluation
Major: General Psychology
Degree: Master of Science
Core Requirements (39 hrs)
Grades of "B" or better are required in all graduate courses.
Students must apply to graduate by the published deadline during their final semester.

DEP6055 3 Human Development
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EXP6506 3 Learning and Cognition
PPE6466 3 Advanced Personality Theories
PSY6217 4 Research Design and Analysis
SOP6069 3 Advanced Social Psychology
PSY6937 1 Colloquium in Psychological Research (take twice)
STA5126 3 Stat Methods/Social Sciences
PSY6932 3 St: Psychological Sci Seminar
PSB6031 3 Advanced Biopsychology
PSY6910 3 Supervised Research
PSY6971 3 Thesis A
PSY6972 1 -6 Thesis B
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2.4 Capstone Experience Assessment Strategy
A capstone experience consisting of a masters thesis and oral defense is required of every student. The
psychology faculty uses this experience as a basis for assessing the degree to which program objectives
1- 5 have been met. Objective 6 is measured through success in obtaining acceptance into doctorallevel programs and/or in occupational pursuits.
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2.5 Thesis Requirements
The master’s thesis should constitute a justifiable contribution to the discipline of psychology. The
contribution may involve either an original study or the development of a theoretical model for which
the student provides empirical justification through his/her own research. By the second semester,
each MSGP student must choose a faculty member from the Psychology Department to serve as his/her
advisor for Supervised Research. The same faculty member may continue to serve as the student’s
Thesis Advisor. However, the student’s initial choice of faculty advisor should not automatically be
considered permanent. If either the student or the faculty member decides that a change is needed, the
student will identify a different faculty member as his/her Thesis Advisor. It is extremely rare, however,
for a student to change his/her thesis committee once the thesis project has begun. A decision to
change advisors at any point during the student’s program of studies must be reported to the Program
Director. A change in faculty supervisors will not, in any way, adversely affect the student’s standing in
the Program.
A student undertaking the master’s thesis should follow the procedure outlined below.
Departmental Requirements
1.
The student asks a member of the psychology faculty to serve as his/her Thesis Advisor
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2.
The student selects a thesis topic. Topic selection should be in conjunction with a thorough
review of the literature. This both assures the originality of the research and clarifies the focus of the
study. Because of time constraints, thesis planning and literature review should begin during the
second semester, often in conjunction with Supervised Research, and be continued over the summer.
3.
With the approval of the Thesis Advisor, the student asks another member of the Graduate
faculty or a qualified professional with expertise in the area of the thesis research to serve as second
reader and submits a Thesis or Dissertation Committee Membership form to the Graduate School. The
student’s thesis committee must include, at a minimum, a thesis advisor and a second
reader. Additional faculty members from within the Department may be added to the committee at the
student’s discretion. The inclusion of any non-Graduate Faculty member (e.g., committee member from
outside the department, or who is not a member of the UNF Graduate Faculty, or who does not hold a
terminal degree in his or her field) must be approved by the Program Director. If your committee
consists of a Non-Graduate Faculty member, you will need to submit a Request for Non-Graduate
Faculty Thesis/Dissertation Committee Member form with your Thesis or Dissertation Committee
Membership Form. If there are any changes in your committee, updated forms must be submitted to
the Graduate School.
4.
The student enrolls sequentially in Thesis A and B. Research Design and Analysis (PSY 6217) and
Supervised Research (PSY 6910) are prerequisites for both thesis courses and Thesis A is a prerequisite
for Thesis B. That is, Thesis A and B cannot be taken concurrently. Both Thesis A and B (3 hours and 1
hour) require the signature of the Program Director. For Thesis A, the student will fill out a “Thesis
Tracking Form,” which is placed in the student’s file, and a “Class or Thesis Permission” form. The forms
are given to the Program Director, who will ascertain that all requirements have been met and sign the
“Class or Thesis Permission” form. Please note that only the Program Director can permit a student to
take a thesis course. For Thesis B (3 hours and 1 hour), only a signed “Class or Thesis Permission” form is
required.
5.
Students are required to meet with the thesis committee at least once before the thesis defense.
It is recommended that the initial meeting occur during the second semester, in conjunction with
Supervised Research. For the first meeting of the thesis committee (which all committee members must
attend), the student should already have completed a thorough review of the literature and have a
preliminary research question to present to the committee. The initial committee meeting is not the
place to come up with research ideas. At this meeting the student’s research plan is fully vetted by the
thesis committee, who may ask for modifications and revisions they feel are appropriate.
6.
If the committee accepts the proposed thesis project, the student must take the following steps
before beginning thesis work:
- Complete the CITI course sponsored through the IRB.
- Submit his/her research proposal to the IRB for approval.
- Read the Graduate School procedures for completing a thesis or dissertation.
These can be found at:
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http://www.unf.edu/graduateschool/student_resources/Thesis_and_Dissertation_Procedures.aspx
7.
Once the thesis project has begun, the student is expected to meet with his/her thesis adviser at
least once a month. While the thesis advisor and the student typically work together closely on the
thesis, the second reader and other committee members must, at a minimum, be present at the initial
meeting and the thesis defense. The second reader and other committee members must also review
and comment upon the final drafts of the thesis and provide input at other agreed upon points in the
process.
8.
The final draft of the thesis should be presented to the thesis advisor and the second reader at
least two weeks before the date of the oral defense. Consult the library’s requirements as described at
the following website: http://www.unf.edu/graduateschool/student_resources/thesis_step_two.aspx
Library policy takes precedence over APA format.
9.
The student must present the findings of the thesis to faculty, students, and interested outside
parties in an oral defense. A public announcements providing the day, time, and location of the defense
must be posted conspicuously on the Psychology Department bulletin board at least five days prior to
the defense.
10.
The student incorporates any changes requested during the defense into the thesis, after which
the thesis director, other committee members, and student sign the signature page, which becomes a
formal part of the thesis document. (Please note that the Program Director does not sign this document
unless he/she is on the thesis committee or is the Department Chair.)
11.
The thesis is then submitted to the Department Chair, who has two weeks to read and comment
and to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, who has three weeks to read and comment. The
student will make any final changes requested by the Chair and Dean (or their representatives), then
send it on to the Graduate School for final approval. The thesis must arrive at the Graduate School no
later than one week following graduation.
12.
If at any point in the thesis process (including reviews that take place after the thesis defense) a
member of the faculty or administration believes the writing quality does not meet thesis standards, the
student will be asked to employ the services of a copy editor, at his/her expense. The Graduate School
can direct you to several it recommends.
13.
It is the student’s responsibility to submit to the Graduate School a Non-Exclusive License
Agreement form with a full copy of the thesis and signature page. More detailed information can be
accessed at the webpage:
http://www.unf.edu/graduateschool/student_resources/thesis_step_six.aspx
14.
If the student is unable to finish the thesis by the end of the spring semester of the second year,
he/she can complete it over the summer. However, this will require the student to re-apply for summer
graduation. If the thesis is still not finished by the end of the summer term, then: (a) the student must
sign up (and pay) for 1 hour of Thesis B, up to three hours total until the thesis is completed, and (b)
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these additional hours must be taken across consecutive semesters.
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2.6 Graduation
Students must submit a formal graduation application to the Registrar's Office by the deadline date
listed in the Academic Calendar at http://www.unf.edu/registrar/academiccalendar.html. All work
required for the degree must be completed and certification of completion posted in the UNF student
record system prior to graduation.
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2.7 Sample Timeline for MSGP Students
The MSGP program consists of a minimum 39 credit hours of course work, which students complete
within two years of admission. While courses and sequencing may change, the following constitutes the
current program of study:
Year 1
Fall- First Semester
Spring- Second Semester
Summer- Third Semester
- STA 5126 Stat Methods in the
Social Sciences 3hrs
- PSY 6217 Research, Design &
Analysis 4hrs
No MSGP courses are currently
offered.
- SOP 6069 Adv Soc Psych 3hrs
- PSY 6910 Supervised
Researchb 3hrs
However, the student may take an
elective and should continue the
thesis process.
- PSY 6910 Supervised
Researchb 3hrs
- PSY 6937 Colloquium 1hr
Semester Total: 10 credit hours
- PSY 6932 Seminar: Psych Sci 3hrs
Semester Total: 10 credit hours
Year 2
Fall- Fourth Semester
Spring- Fifth Semester
- DEP 6055 Adv Human Development 3hrs
- EXP 6506 Learning & Cognition
3hrs
- PSY 6972 Thesis B 3hrs
- PSY 6971 Thesis A 3hrs
- PPE 6466 Adv Personality Theories 3hrs
-PSB 6031 Adv Biopsych 3hrs
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- PSY 6937 Colloquium 1hr
Semester Total: 10 credit hours
Semester Total: 9 credit hours
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2.8 Course Listings/Descriptions
Click here for the current graduate catalog's course listings and descriptions
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Psychology Graduate Program Student
Handbook
3. Financial Support

3.1 In-state vs. Out-of-state Designations
3.1 In-state vs. Out-of-state Designations
Tuition for out-of-state students is significantly more expensive than for in-state students. Thus, it is a
great idea for students entering the program to apply for in-state residency as soon as possible. The
department pays the additional fee for out-of-state students, but this will only be guaranteed for a
single year. If funds are available we will gladly pick up subsequent years as well, but funds are seldom
available (and the competition for the limited out-of-state tuition waivers is increasing).
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4. Policies & Procedures
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4.1 Academic Integrity and Professionalism
4.2 Good Academic Standing
4.3 Probation/Suspension/Removal
4.4 Drop-add, Withdrawals, and Incomplete Grades
4.5 Transfer Hours
4.6 Course Content
4.7 Time Limits
4.8 Academic Appeals
4.9 Policies that cannot be Waived by Petition
4.10 University Appeals Process
Information concerning most University resources and policies can be found online. Online information
is constantly updated and provides the most recent modifications in rules and procedures. The student
is therefore urged to visit the UNF website first whenever questions of University resources or policy
arise. However, several areas of specific interest are included in this handbook for the student’s
convenience. In addition, many student questions can be answered by the Graduate Secretary,
particularly when they pertain to University policy and procedures.
For problems that arise within the MSGP program, the student should proceed as follows:
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If there is a classroom problem, such as a dispute over a grade or an assignment, the student
should first discuss the situation with the instructor.
If a problem cannot be resolved between student and instructor, if the student for any reason
feels uncomfortable discussing the problem with an instructor, or if the problem is of a more
general nature, he/she should bring the problem to the Program Director, who will attempt to
resolve it – with the assistance of the MSGP Committee, if needed.
Should the problem remain unresolved, the student can then take his or her concern up the
“chain of command.” The usual order is: (a) Department Chair, (b) Dean of the College of Arts
and Sciences (or his/her representative), the Graduate School Dean (or his/her representative),
and (c) the Office of the Provost (or his/her representative).
All student concerns will be handled expeditiously and with the greatest confidentiality possible. The
student should document the problem, as well as all communications with faculty and staff. Bringing a
concern forward will never, of itself, adversely affect the student’s standing in the MSGP program.
4.1 Academic Integrity and Professionalism
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The Free and Open Pursuit of Knowledge
The University of North Florida encourages the free and open pursuit of knowledge, which it considers
to be a fundamental principle and strength of a democratic people. To this end the University of North
Florida expects its students, its faculty, its administrators, and its staff to uphold the highest standards of
academic integrity. The University of North Florida expects all members of the university community to
both honor and protect one another’s individual and collective rights.
Plagiarism
Each student is honor-bound to submit under his or her name or personal signature only his or her own
work; to fully acknowledge his or her use of any information, ideas, or other matter belonging to
someone else and to properly document the source in question; and to offer for credit only that work
which he or she has completed in relation to the current course.
Violations of Academic Integrity
Under this heading the University of North Florida Student Handbook identifies several types of
violations, which include but are not limited to: cheating; fabricating and falsifying information or
citations; submitting the same work for credit in more than one course; plagiarizing; providing another
student with access to one’s own work to submit under this person’s name or signature; destroying,
stealing, or making inaccessible library or other academic resource material; and helping or attempting
to help another person commit an act of academic dishonesty. The University of North Florida
authorizes any instructor who finds evidence of cheating, plagiarism, or other wrongful behavior that
violates the University of North Florida Academic Integrity Code to take appropriate action and so
inform the student. Possible action includes but is not limited to failing the person on the work in
question, failing the person for the course, notifying the appropriate academic Dean or Vice President
for Student Affairs, and requesting additional action be taken. The consequences of a breach of
academic integrity may result in an F, which is non-forgivable, regardless of withdrawal status.
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4.2 Good Academic Standing
Students are expected to earn an A or B grade in all graduate courses. The first C grade will be referred
to the Program Director, who will meet with the student to discuss his/her progress in the program. A
second C grade, or any grade lower than a C, will lead to immediate suspension. The student will be
allowed to continue in the program only after he/she has retaken and earned an A or B grade in one of
the two courses in which C grades were earned – or in any course in which a D or F grade was
earned. The grade must normally be made up within one calendar year.c A third C grade or lower is
considered grounds for dismissal from the program.
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When a course is offered every other year, or only occasionally, the student may in some cases
negotiate with the instructor who issued the unsatisfactory grade the possibility of taking an alternative
course.
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4.3 Probation/Suspension/Removal
Students may be dismissed from the program for:

Academic reasons, such as unsatisfactory grades or written/oral communication problems.

Violations of the American Psychological Association Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code
of Conduct, including plagiarism – either verbal or written.

Other offenses that are documented in writing by (a) the faculty member initiating the move for
dismissal and/or (b) the Program Director.
When the issue of dismissal arises, the Program Director will review the situation and in most cases
decide its outcome. However, at the request of the student, the Program Director, or other involved
parties, the matter may be sent to the entire MSGP Committee for further review. The student may
request the opportunity to present his or her case before the MSGP Committee. The student has the
right to appeal the decision of the MSGP Committee through the “chain of command,” as described in
the previous section.
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4.4 Drop-add, Withdrawals, and Incomplete Grades
A course may be dropped or added during the designated “drop-add” period, usually the first week of
the semester. The drop-add procedure is the same as normal registration, and may be done
online. There are no penalties for dropping a course, nothing appears on the student’s transcript, and
there is a 100% tuition refund.
Withdrawing from a course is done after the drop-add period. A “W” will appear on the student’s
transcript and there is only a partial tuition refund.
When circumstances preclude the completion of all course requirements by the end of the term, a
student may receive a grade of “Incomplete.” The student must have completed a majority of the
course work with a passing grade and must finish the course within the time limit set by the instructor,
not to exceed one calendar year. If the Incomplete is not removed by the end of the time limit, the
grade automatically becomes an "F." It should also be noted that not all instructors allow students to
take an Incomplete in their classes.
If a student does not officially drop or withdraw from a course, an “F” grade will be assigned even
though the student may never have attended class.
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Please note that some of these policies can have a serious effect on a student’s financial aid status. If
his or her schedule is altered after reporting occurs, there may be repayment implications for the
student.
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4.5 Transfer Hours
Students may apply no more than nine (9) semester hours from other institutions or ten (10) semester
hours of post-baccalaureate credit toward their MSGP degree. These hours are NOT included in the
student’s graduate GPA. A minimum of twenty-four (24) graduate credit hours must be completed at
UNF.
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4.6 Course Content
A course may deal with subjects, issues, or perspectives to which some people might object. Such
objections will not exempt a graduate student from course requirements. The University of North
Florida stands behind the right of its instructors to include material that is challenging in any number of
ways. The Graduate Faculty would urge students to discuss any concerns they might have concerning
the content of their courses with their instructors.
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4.7 Time Limits
Students who do not take classes for three consecutive terms are officially dropped from the program
and must reapply for admission through the Graduate School. Any course work completed at UNF or
elsewhere between five and ten years prior to graduation must be validated either by the instructor
teaching the course or by an instructor teaching in the content area. If a course is not validated,
additional course work will be required, possibly adding to the student’s program of study. This may
include, but is not limited to, taking exams, retaking the course, completing selected assignments,
and/or being interviewed and approved by the professor who originally taught the course. No course
completed ten or more years prior to graduation can be included in the program of study. Students
should make every effort to complete their degree within the program’s two year time frame.
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4.8 Academic Appeals
The University of North Florida operates on the commitment that all members of its community should
be treated fairly in regard to their rights and responsibilities and in accordance with the UNF
constitution as well as The Florida and U.S. Constitutions and the United Faculty of Florida/Florida Board
of Regents Contract. These documents uphold a faculty member's right to control the content of the
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syllabus and reading material, to determine the content of examinations, and right to free speech. These
rights constitute the faculty member's guarantee of academic freedom.
Therefore, the following procedures have been developed to provide an impartial arena for resolution
of conflicts that cannot be resolved successfully between the primary parties involved. Students may
petition grades {See (2) and (4)} they believe have been assigned (a) arbitrarily or capriciously; (b)
contrary to the criteria announced in the course; or (c) for constitutionally and/or legally impermissible
reasons.
1. Students may appeal a penalty for academic misconduct {See (3)}. They also may petition {See (4)} for
variances from University academic policies with regard to withdrawal, late enrollment, credit hour
limits, probation, dismissal, reinstatement, and all other academic policies with exception of admission.
Requests not reconciled at lower levels may be appealed to the University Appeals Committee. The
Appeals appealed to the University Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee shall confine itself to
appeals enumerated in this document and Article V. Section 3 of the UNF Constitution.
2. As specified in the University's Academic Catalog, student appeals relating to Individual course grades
shall be limited to a period of one (1) year from the date of awarding the grade(s) (all grades except
"Incomplete") for the course(s) in question. If, however, the student wishes to change a grade, which is
more than one year old, the student must FIRST petition to extend the one-year appeals deadline. If
approved he or she can the petition to have the grade changed.
3. Appealing a penalty for academic misconduct: (See Academic Integrity Code, for definitions)
a. The student first appeals to the faculty member involved. The student must make the appeal in
writing within five (5) school daysg from the time she/he is informed of the penalty.
b. A written response from the faculty member involved must be made within ten school days.
If there is no resolution...
c. The student should appeal in writing to the chairperson of the department through which the
course is offered within ten (10) school days after receiving a response from the faculty member. A
copy of this appeal must be sent to any involved faculty.
d. A written response from the chairperson to the student and any involved faculty must be made
within twenty (20) school days.
If there is no resolution...
e. The student should appeal in writing to the dean of the college through which the course is
offered within ten (10) school days after receiving a response from the chairperson. A copy of this
appeal must be sent to any involved faculty member.
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f. A written response from the dean to the student and any involved faculty must be made within
(20) school days
If this response is viewed as unsatisfactory by any parties involved...
g. A written appeal may be made within ten (10) school days to the University Appeals
Committee, the structure of which is defined in the University of North Florida Constitution. All
involved parties also must receive a copy of this request for appeal.
- The presiding Officer of the University Appeals Committee will promptly review the
appeal, determine whether a hearing is warranted and advise all involved parties within
five (5) school days of the review.
- In the event a hearing is warranted, the appealing party is entitled to a prompt hearing
before the University Appeals Committee.
- The University will mail written notice to affected parties (and in the case of alleged
academic misconduct, explanation of the specific charges being brought against the
student) at least seven (7) calendar days in advance of the hearing, including date, time
and location. This notice will be mailed to University officials involved in the appeal by
campus or by personal delivery on campus. The student's notice will be mailed to the
official address listed in the UNF Office of Records and Registration.
- In the event the hearing must be rescheduled by request of either party, the hearing
shall be rescheduled for a date and time as soon as practicable.
- The complaining party shall be entitled to two (2) school days written notice in
advanced of the date, time and place of the reschedule hearing.
- The hearing normally will be closed and confidential. An open hearing may be held, at
the discretion of the presiding officer, if requested by the appealing party in her/his
correspondence initiating the Appeals Committee hearing.
- The appealing party is entitled to inspect all documentary evidence which will be
presented during the hearing.
- If the appealing party should fail to appear at the hearing, the hearing may proceed in
her/his absence.
- Each involved party may bring an advisor of her/his choice to be present at the hearing.
The advisor only has the right to talk to the advisee and may not question or crossexamine witnesses or members of the panel.
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- Each involved party is entitled to hear and question witnesses.
- Each involved party may present physical evidence on her/his own behalf. The burden
of proof in these matters rests on the appealing party.
- The decision made by the Appeals Committee shall be based solely on the evidence
presented at the hearing.
h. The recommendation made by the Appeals Committee will be forwarded to the Academic Vice
President in writing within ten (ten) school days following the hearing. (Recommendations made by
the UNF Appeals Committee may include such actions as: granting the appeal, expulsion.
suspension. reprimand. temporary or permanent loss of privilege or use of a University facility,
warning, or academic action considered appropriate (including reduction of a grade in a course).
i. The decision of the Academic Vice President or designee will be forwarded to all involved parties
in writing within twenty (20) school days of the hearing.
j. Any parties involved may appeal the decision in writing to the President or his designee within
five (5) school days after receipt of the written decision. At the conclusion of the appeals process,
the written decision of the President shall be final, and will be forwarded to all involved parties.
4. All other academic appeals (except those relating to admission to the University) are to be made as
follows:
a. If a faculty member is involved, the student must first make a written appeal to the involved
faculty member within one (1) year from the time she/he is informed of the decision in question. If
applicable, the student must also complete a Request for Waiver of University Policy or Extension of
Deadline form.
If there is no resolution – Follow steps outlined in 3 (b) - (g)
b. If no faculty member is involved, then the student must complete a Request for Waiver of
University Policy or Extension of Deadline form within (1) year from the time s/he is informed of the
decision in question.
c. A University decision concerning the petition must be made within thirty (30) school days from
the time the form is received and the student will be sent notification of that decision within and
addition ten (10) school days.
d. the student has not received a response within forty-five (45) school days or the response is not
acceptable to the student then:
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e. Follow steps outlined in 3 (g).
School days" are defined as days when classes are in session, except Saturdays.
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4.9 Policies that cannot be Waived by Petition
- A student may not drop a course(s) after the drop/add deadline date. The student is fee liable and
must withdraw.
-
A student may not request to withdraw from a course after grades are posted.
-
A student may not add a course(s) beyond 2 weeks after the end of the drop/add deadline.
- A student may not receive a W after the withdrawal deadline. After the withdrawal deadline, a WP
or WF will be assigned.
- A student may not request to reinstate into classes from which the student has been removed due
to non-payment of fees after the third week of classes.
- A student may not request to change from audit to credit or credit to audit after the drop/add
deadline.
- A student may not request to extend a grade change deadline beyond 90 days from the end of the
term the grade was assigned.
- A student may not request grade forgiveness or term forgiveness be removed or exchanged once
applied.
- A student may not request to apply a previous attempt of a repeated course toward graduation
requirements. The students’ last attempt of a course will be the one used to determine degree
completion.
- A student may not request that original and/or repeated grades be excluded from GPA calculations
without using grade forgiveness.
- A student may not request that calculations for Latin Honors Distinction exclude forgiveness
attempts at courses. GPA calculations for Latin Honors are based on all credits earned at UNF.
- A student may not request to receive a designation of Latin Honors for which the student does not
meet the qualifications.
- A student may not request release from suspension without approval from the appropriate
academic officers. Reinstatement procedures vary by college.
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- A student may not request that academic probationary status be removed from an academic record
for any given term in which the student was placed in that status.
- A student may not petition grades and/or grade-related penalties. These are to be appealed under
either the University’s policy for Appealing Academic Misconduct Decisions or for Appealing Academic
Grades Unrelated to Academic Misconduct.
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4.10 University Appeals Process
All members of the University community are entitled to fair and equitable treatment and have the right
to appeal. A student who believes that a University policy imposes an undue hardship may submit
through the Registrar's Office a petition requesting a waiver of the specific policy. The student will be
informed in writing of the results of the appeal. Guidelines for grade appeals are in the Registrar's
Office. Members of the community who feel that they have not been accorded rights under the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 may submit inquiries to the
director of equal opportunity programs, Room 2515, Daniel Hall, 620-2507.
The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs is committed to promoting a working and learning
environment free of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, veteran’s status,
disability, age, marital status or gender. To this end, the Office is responsible for ensuring the
University’s compliance with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination requirements. This Office
provides leadership and support toward developing a comprehensive and institution-wide approach to
achieving and sustaining a diverse and pluralistic community of students, faculty and staff.
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Psychology Graduate Program Student
Handbook
5. Resources
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5.1 Bookstore
5.2 Career Services
5.3 Information Technology Services
5.4 One Stop Student Services
5.1 Bookstore
The UNF bookstore provides an on-campus source for academic supplies, textbooks, course
materials, an expanded selection of general books and magazines, Hallmark cards, plus UNF
clothing and gift items. The bookstore is authorized to sell select Dell Computer laptop and
desktop models at discounted prices to the UNF community. More than 6,000 computer
software programs are available at educational prices with discounts of up to 85% offered to
students, faculty and staff. The bookstore also provides check cashing, continuous book buyback, special ordering of books and supplies, graduation paraphernalia and employment
opportunities. The bookstore’s normal hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 7:45
a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours are
extended at the beginning of each term to accommodate customers needs. For more
information, call 620-2665 and for online services: http://www.efollett.com.
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5.2 Career Services
What can you do with a graduate degree in Psychology?
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5.3 Information Technology Services
Information Technology Services (ITS), located in the John E. Mathews, Jr., Computer and
Information Sciences Building, provides computer, networking, information systems, and
telecommunications support to the academic and administrative communities of UNF.
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A full-service Support Center is located on the second floor of the Mathews Building. It provides
a variety of services for students, faculty, and staff including assistance with network and email
accounts, audio-visual equipment requests for classrooms, and help with hardware and
software problems. These services are accessible in a variety of ways; walk-in (15/2106), email
(its-support@unf.edu), and phone (620-HELP). A general-purpose computer lab is located on
the second floor of the Mathews Building. ITS supports two computer classrooms on the first
floor of the Mathews Building and technology-equipped classrooms in various buildings across
campus.
Every currently enrolled student is provided with an e-mail account at no cost to the student.
Instructions for accessing and using a UNF e-mail account are available at Information
Technology Services’ website: http://www.unf.edu/dept/its/email/student-email.htm. For
detailed information on the facilities and services provided by Information Technology Services,
consult the department’s website: http://www.unf.edu/dept/its.
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5.4 One Stop Student Services
One Stop Student Services and the Office of Admissions are located to first floor of UNF Hall,
bldg 53. UNF Hall is on Kernan Blvd across from Alumni Hall, approximately ¼ mile north of the
intersection of Kernan Blvd. and Alumni Drive. One Stop assists current students with a wide
range of policy and procedural issues related to financial aid, admissions, academic records,
veterans affairs, and registration. The office provides a central point of communication and
contact for all of Enrollment Services and coordinates many procedural functions that
previously would have required students to travel from office to office. One Stop also provides
access to self-service computer kiosks and a pay-for-print multi-purpose machine for
photocopying and printing documents. The overarching goal of the One Stop is to provide
excellent service to students and streamline procedures while helping to maintain the integrity
of the institution. Please note that the One Stop does not advise students regarding course
selections or substitutions. Those functions rest with the academic advisors. One Stop Student
Services may be contacted at (904) 620-5555 or via email at OneStop@unf.edu.
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