UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
INTERNATIONAL
CENTER’S
J EXCHANGE VISITOR’S
PROGRAM
For Professors, Research Scholars
and Short Term Scholars
EXCHANGE VISITOR SERVICES
(EVS)
http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/evs.html
EVS Staff
Lyn Straka
EVS Director and Exchange Coordinator
(352) 273-1510
lstraka@ufic.ufl.edu
Michael Smith
Adam Greenfield
Program Assistant – ARO
Assistant Director - ARO
(352)-273-1511
(352) 273-1513
msmith@ufic.ufl.edu
agreen@ufic.ufl.edu
Scott Davis
Program Assistant – ARO
(352)-273-1527
sdavis@ufic.ufl.edu
Michal Katz
EVS Clerk
(352) 273-1511
mkatz@ufic.ufl.edu
University of Florida International Center
190 Hub, Gainesville, FL 32611 352.392.5323
J-1 PROGRAM FOR PROFESSORS,
RESEARCH SCHOLARS, & SHORT-TERM
SCHOLARS
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The primary purpose of the J-1 exchange visitor program under law is to
foster an exchange of ideas between Americans and foreign nationals and
to stimulate international collaborative teaching and research efforts. The
exchange of research scholars and professors promotes interchange,
mutual enrichment, and linkages between research and educational
institutions in the U.S. and those of other countries. For more information
on
the
J
Exchange
Visitor
status
please
visit:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html
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The University of Florida is an official Program Sponsor designated by the
Department of State to administer J-1 Exchange Visitor programs at UF.
The International Center is charged with the responsibility to administer
these programs.
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The EVS section of the International Center has the responsibility to
provide accurate and complete information, to the extent lawfully
permitted, to the Department of State regarding their exchange visitor
program and exchange visitors.
The Three Categories
• The University of Florida sponsors three categories for research
and teaching activities:
• Professor : An individual primarily engaged in teaching, lecturing,
observing, or consulting. A professor may also conduct research.
The exchange visitor cannot be a candidate for a tenure-accruing
position. Program period up to five years.
• Research Scholar: An individual primarily conducting research,
observing, or consulting in connection with a research program. A
research scholar may also teach or lecture. Program period up to
five years.
• Short-term Scholar: An individual engaged in conducting
research, observing, consulting, teaching, training, or lecturing for
a period of six months or less.
National Security Entry-Exit
Registration System (NSEERS)
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Non-immigrants from certain countries, as well as other individuals whom the Attorney
General or the Department of State (DOS) designate on a discretionary basis, are registered
upon entry to the United States under "special registration" procedures, as part of the National
Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). Please refer to the link above for more
information on the NSEERS registration requirements.
An individual who has been registered in NSEERS at the port of entry upon admission to the
United States must:
Provide information requested by the immigration inspectors, and be fingerprinted and
photographed;
Inform Department of Homeland Security (DHS) within 10 days of any change of address,
change of employer or change of school, on Form AR -11SR;
Depart the United States from an officially-designated port of departure only, and report to a
DHS officer at such airport prior to departure, on the day of departure; and
Respond to any notice received from DHS that instructs the individual to report to DHS for an
interview (these notices are sent only on an individual, case-by-case basis).
Individuals subject to Special Registration should be given:
An I-94 with an FIN (Fingerprint Identification Number) recorded on it; and
A Walk away Materials packet at the POE, explaining their obligations under Special
Registration, and listing the ports of departure that must be used when departing the United
States.
Program Termination,
Compliance and Regulation
• Exchange visitors who fail to comply with the J-1 regulations are
subject to termination from their J-1 program. Termination removes
the exchange visitor from a valid nonimmigrant status and subjects the
visitor to deportation regulations. Termination events can include:
• Failure to conduct the activities posted on the DS-2019;
• Violation of the regulations of the exchange visitor program and/or
rules of the University of Florida;
• Willful failure to maintain the mandatory exchange visitor and
dependent (if applicable) insurance coverage requirements, and;
• Engagement in unauthorized employment.
• *Exchange visitors who are terminated are ineligible for
an extension of stay or in-country change of status.*
Maintaining Status
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Exchange visitors maintain their J-1 status by:
Obtaining validation of the SEVIS record after check-in is completed (must check in
immediately after arriving );
Retaining required documentation at all times:
Valid DS-2019
Valid Passport
I-94 card marked “D/S” – Duration of Status – refers to program period listed under item 3 on
DS-2019;
Engaging only in appropriate activities permitted under their program and category –
specifically, the activity described in Section 4 on the DS2019. If the exchange visitor
completes or ceases this activity, he/she should leave the U.S. within 30 days;
Refraining from unauthorized employment (any employment activity that is not included in
Part 4 on the DS-2019 must be approved in writing by EVS before the activity begins);
Maintaining required health insurance coverage for the entire program period specified on the
Form DS-2019. Detailed information may be obtained at Insurance Information;
Reporting a change of address to USCIS, UF and EVS within 10 days of the move date (All
non-immigrants must file an AR-11 either electronically or via mail with USCIS. UF exchange
visitors should also visit www.my.ufl.edu to update their UF directory profile, and write to
scholarinsurance@ufic.ufl.edu to request an update of their address in the EVS database; and
Filing timely and appropriate transfers and extension requests with the appropriate
administrative staff member in the hiring department/center
Check-in with EVS
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All exchange visitors are required to check in with EVS immediately after arriving in
the U.S. Validation of the SEVIS record will only occur after check-in is completed.
Check-in is conducted between the hours of 8AM and 5PM, Monday through Friday, if
the exchange visitor has ALL required documents (must have appropriate verification of
insurance coverage requirements ).
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Documents required for check-in include:
• J-1 Visa
• Passport
• I-94 card (front and back)
• DS-2019 for J-1 and all accompanying J-2 dependents
• Completed Faculty/Scholar Registration Form (front and back) , and
• Proof of insurance coverage for exchange visitor and dependents that meets federal
requirements as outlined in Insurance Information.
For exchange visitors not located on the main campus of UF, check-in can be conducted via
fax (352-392-6782) or scan and email of all required documents.
J1/J2 Mandatory Health
Insurance
• All exchange visitors, both J-1 principals and
their J‐2 dependents, are required by the U.S.
Government ([22 CFR 62.14]) to have
Sickness and Accident insurance, and Medical
Evacuation and Repatriation insurance meeting
specific requirements (see Slide 10) in effect for
the duration of their J status validity periods.
• Please see the next slide for instructions on
providing confirmation of insurance.
J1/J2 Mandatory Health
Insurance, contd.
EVS only accepts insurance plans which meet all the requirements. Acceptable proof of coverage
will be determined by EVS staff ONLY.
* It is your responsibility to maintain valid medical insurance coverage at ALL times (from the
Start Date on your DS2019 until the end date on your DS2019). The required insurance
coverage must be purchased for a minimum of a 90 day period. Exchange visitors who will hold
J status for a period of less than 90 days may purchase insurance coverage on a month to month
basis until the end of his or her program.
A willful failure on the part of the exchange visitor to maintain effective insurance will result in
termination of the visitor’s program.
You can submit your documents prior to arrival for approval by emailing them to
scholarinsurance@ufic.ufl.edu
* You can purchase one of our pre-approved plans and submit the confirmation to our office.
* If you do not, you must submit an Insurance Verification Form completed and signed by the
company acknowledging that the policy meets all the requirements OR if the company will not
sign the form we need a letter or Certificate in English from the company, addressing each
requirement and verifying that your policy meets or exceeds them. Both documents should
include a list of those covered and the effective (begin and end dates) dates of the policy.
Mandatory Health & Accident
Insurance Requirements
The Federal government has outlined the following requirements:
1. Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness;
2. Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500;
3. Medical Evacuation in the amount of $10,000;
4. A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness (also may include a waiting period for
pre‐existing conditions and 25% co‐payment);
5. Policy shall not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the Exchange
Program in which the Exchange Visitor participates;
6. Any insurance policy secured to fulfill these requirements must meet minimum Insurance Solvency
rating
A) Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of “A‐“ or above, an Insurance
Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A” or above, a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above;
OR
B) Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country; OR
C) Part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a
designated sponsor; OR
D) Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or
eligible
Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration of the US
Department of Health and Human Services;
7. Must be acceptable in all medical facilities.
Gator Link Account
• GatorLink is an individual's computer network identity at the
University of Florida. Every applicant, student, faculty and staff
member is expected to have a GatorLink username and password
. http://www.gatorlink.ufl.edu/.
• A GatorLink account provides a username@ufl.edu e-mail
address. Official university communications are sent to students
at this email address.
• GatorLink also offers access to a variety of campus computing
services at no cost, in addition to fee-based services. GatorLink
services include a free email inbox, free webspace and a monthly
dialup quota at a minimal cost. Many campus services require a
GatorLink signon, including ISIS, WebCT, computer labs and
network connections, print services, online training and the
download of university- licensed software.
Gator 1 Card Services
The Gator 1 Card is the official University of Florida picture ID card. It is required of all students,
faculty, and staff. Many activities on campus are only available upon presentation of the Gator
1 Card. Gator 1 Central is located in Room G071 in the UF Bookstore & Welcome Center on
Museum Road.
Exchange visitors should ask the sponsoring department ‘s secretary or office manager to complete
the ID Card Authorization form. Completed forms must have a customer code # or p-card
checked (not both), or write "Employee will pay". The department must fax the form to 3924156. Appointment may be made by calling (352) 273-5044. A picture ID must be presented
to receive a Gator 1 ID Card.
Shands & the Health Science Center Employees
Shands and Health Science Center employees may obtain Gator 1 cards at the locations below:
Shands Hospital
Employee Resource Center
Room #1004
1600 SW Archer Road
352-392-0043
7:30am - 4:30pm
Health Science Center
Biomedical Media Services
Communicore Bldg, Rm C3-3
Please call for information and an appointment
352-273-5044
http://www.gator1.ufl.edu/
Two Year Home Country 212(e)
Regulation
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Exchange visitors subject to the 212(e) rule requirement must return to their home country and reside in that
country for two years before they become eligible for H, L, or permanent resident status. If subject to the 212(e)
rule, exchange visitors are not permitted to change their nonimmigrant status within the United States from J to any
other nonimmigrant category except A (diplomatic) and G (international organization) statuses.
See link for more information: Two Year Home Country 212(e) regulation
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Exchange visitors may be subject to this requirement if:
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The exchange visitor’s skill category appears on the applicable country’s “list of skills” that are in critical demand.
Listings of skill categories for applicable countries are located in the Federal Register: Revised Exchange-Visitor
Skills List. ; and/or
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The exchange visitor’s program is supported financially by a government or international agency.
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U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General visa officers determine if an exchange visitor is subject to the 212(e) rule.
Inquiries about applicability of the 212(e) rule should be addressed to a visa section representative at the
appropriate U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General’s office: http://www.usembassy.gov/
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A waiver of the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement is possible:
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Exchange visitors may apply for a waiver of the 212(e) requirement. Waivers are permitted by the Department of
State and granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Faculty and Scholar Services considers
compliance with the Home Country Presence Requirement the responsibility of the exchange visitor. EVS’ role in
the waiver application process is limited to providing basic procedural information about the process.
Waiver Of 212(e)
• A waiver of the Two-Year Home Country Physical
Presence Requirement (see link: Waiver of 212(e))
can be obtained by filing an I-612 with the USCIS
for the following reasons:
– Statement of no objection from the home country,
– Interest of a U.S. government agency,
– Exceptional hardship to a U.S. citizen or
permanent resident spouse or child of the
exchange visitor, or
– Persecution of the exchange visitor because of
race, religion, or political opinion.
12-Month/24-Month Bar On Repeat
Participation As A Professor Or Research
Scholar
12-Month Bar on repeat participation as a Professor or Research
Scholar (Previous Rule)
• An exchange visitor who participates in a J program as a Professor or
Research Scholar is barred from returning to the United States in the
Professor or Research Scholar category for 1 year (12 months)
immediately following the completion of their initial program (including
J-2 dependents) before November 18, 2006.
• An exchange visitor whose prior physical presence in J status was of less
than six months duration is exempt from the 12-month bar.
24-Month Bar on repeat participation as a Professor or Research
Scholar (Current Rule)
• An exchange visitor who participates in a J program as a Professor or
Research Scholar is barred from returning to the United States in the
Professor or Research Scholar category for 2 years (24 months)
immediately following the completion of their initial program (including
J-2 dependents) . The effective date of this provision was November 18,
2006.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Program–
J-2 Dependents
• Exchange visitors with immediate family members
(husband or wife and/or children under the age of 21)
may be eligible to have those family members
accompany them during their programs.
• Dependents of J Exchange Visitors are granted J-2
status and are required to have a separate Form DS2019 issued in order to apply for a J-2 visa stamp.
• Dependents are required to carry health insurance
meeting specific requirements as outlined in Insurance
Information.
• Dependents are eligible to apply for work
authorization once they arrive in the US by filing an I765 with the USCIS (the link provides filing
instructions as well as the link to I-765 form).
J-1 Exchange Visitor Program–
J-2 Dependents- continued
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J-2 Dependents may not:
Remain in the U.S. during the period that the J-1 exchange visitor
resides abroad if the period exceeds 30 days (Generally, absences for
periods of 30 days or longer results a break in the continuity of status
for the J-1 Exchange Visitor and therefore, may invalidate the J-2
status for family members)
Apply for work authorization to earn income that will support the J-1
exchange visitor
Remain in the U.S. as a J-2 child dependent after reaching the age of
21.
J-1 Exchange Visitors are not permitted to leave dependent family
members in the U.S. during extended visits to their home countries.
Generally, absences for periods of 30 days or longer results a break in
the continuity of status for the J-1 Exchange Visitor and therefore,
may invalidate the J-2 status for family members.
Social Security Numbers
• J-1 exchange visitors who will be paid by University of Florida
(who are receiving program sponsor funds, as indicated on the
DS-2019) are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number.
Professors, Research Scholars and Short Term scholars MUST
wait at least 10 days after entering the U.S. before visiting the
local SSA office or the social security card will be delayed.
Exceptions:
• Short term scholars who will earn income from UF and will
reside in the U.S. for at least 15 days but not more than 29 days
should not wait 10 days. They must visit the Social Security
Office immediately after arriving in the U.S. The Social Security
Administration (SSA) will not issue a social security number to
an individual who will not reside in the U.S. at least 14 days
beyond the date that the application for a social security number
is submitted to the SSA office.
Driver’s Licenses
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DMVFlorida.org is your online guide to the Florida Department of Motor
Vehicles. The Florida DMV can be very confusing. And it can be very difficult
to find what you are looking for. Our mission is to make it easy for you to
complete your Florida DMV needs online.
Common services provided by the DMV include drivers license renewal, license
plate renewal, getting a learners permit, and finding a Florida department of
Motor Vehicles approved traffic school.
DMV News - 12 Hour Traffic School now Online
12 traffic school (ADI) now available online to help Habitual Traffic Offenders
get a hardship license.
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Florida Driving Records
Get official DMV driving records instantly
Learners Permit Online
Take your DATA course and DMV test online
Auto Insurance Center
Save your hard earned $$ Florida Approved Insurers
Traffic Ticket Options
Traffic School can protect your driving record
Early Departure
• Exchange visitors who end their program
more than 30 days prior to the end date on the
DS-2019 and will not return to the U.S. must
notify the sponsoring department/center. Then
it is the department’s responsibility to
submit the appropriate paperwork to EVS.
• Please also send an email to evs@ufic.ufl.edu
to notify our office of your departure.
Extension of Program
• Extensions are obtained for exchange visitors
through the sponsoring department/center. Proper
paperwork must be submitted to EVS 30 days
before the end date of the J program.
• A professor or research scholar can be sponsored
by UF for a maximum period of five years. For
example, if the initial program is scheduled for a
one year period, extensions of the program may be
requested from EVS that total a period of five years.
• A short-term scholar program is limited to 6
months in duration. Extensions are not granted
beyond the 6 months maximum stay period.
Amendments to Program
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Amendments to J Programs require submission of appropriate forms to
EVS by the sponsoring department/center. Acceptable reasons for
requesting an amendment include changes in the following J program
characteristics:
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Funding
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Worksite Location
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Supervisor
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Department (change in activity is NOT permitted) – Department
changes require prior EVS approval
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Addition of J-2 dependent(s)does not require the signature of a
department administrator; only requested information and
appropriate funding verification is required
Transfers
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Exchange visitors may continue their program objective under the
sponsorship of another authorized sponsor in the U.S. by transferring
their SEVIS records to a new program sponsor.
Requirements for transfer of program include:
Program sponsor is approved by Department of State (DOS) to sponsor
the same J Exchange Visitor category;
Program objective/activity remains unchanged;
Period of program will not exceed maximum DOS established period;
and,
J Exchange Visitor checks in with new sponsor immediately following
transfer date.
An exchange visitor who desires to transfer his or her program must
consult with the current faculty sponsor and ask the department to:
Complete appropriate Transfer In or Transfer Out form and include
appropriate signatures
Submit Transfer Out Form to EVS no later than 30 days before desired
transfer date
If transferring program to UF; Please submit Transfer In form to
sponsoring department along with a copy of the current DS-2019.
Enrolling in Academic
Courses
• There is no regulatory prohibition on a J-1 Professor or
Research Scholar enrolling in classes as long as:
• the classes are incidental to his or her primary activity;
• the Professor or Research Scholar continues to pursue the
objectives for which he or she came;
• the program continues to fulfill the objectives of the Professor
or Research Scholar category; and,
• the classes do not become the primary objective.
• Consultation with a Faculty and Scholar Services staff member
and a UF International Student Advisor should be undertaken
before pursuing a degree program as this is considered a
change in status. Visit http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/issstaff.htm for
International Student Services contact information.
Enrolling in Academic Courses,
contd.
1) J exchange visitors are permitted to enroll in a degree program, if this
activity is verified as being "incidental study": If the beneficiaries
maintain the requirements/objectives of their respective J programs
and written verification of this maintenance is submitted in writing
to EVS from the department/center sponsor or supervisor; and,
2) All J exchange visitors who enroll in courses at UF are required to
meet the international student insurance coverage requirements
and provide proof of this coverage to EVS before insurance holds are
lifted. Please visit the ISS website concerning insurance:
http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/issresources/insurance.htm
Traveling Abroad and Re-entering
the U.S.
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A DS-2019 travel signature issued by a Responsible Officer (RO) or
Alternate Responsible Officer (AR0) is required of exchange visitors who
wish to travel outside of the U.S. Travel signatures can be obtained from
EVS, during normal business hours. Proof of current health insurance is
required before travel signatures are issued.
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Travel to home country, with intent to return to the U.S., requires a valid
passport and travel signature on the DS-2019 form. If the J visa stamp is
expired, the exchange visitor must obtain a new visa stamp before entry
to the U.S. will be granted.
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Travel to a country abroad, other than the visitor’s home country, requires
a valid passport and a travel signature on DS-2019 form. Exchange
visitors should also contact the Consulate General’s office or Embassy of
the country that will be visited for entry requirements and procedures.
Change of Address
• Reporting a change of address to USCIS, UF and
EVS within 10 days of the move date is Mandatory.
• (All non-immigrants must file an AR-11 either
electronically or via mail with USCIS.
• UF exchange visitors should also visit
www.my.ufl.edu to update their UF directory
profile, and write to scholarinsurance@ufic.ufl.edu
to request an update of their address in the EVS
database
Bicycles Laws
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Florida law defines a bicycle as a vehicle. Because of this status, bicyclists
are subject to many of the same responsibilities as operators of motor
vehicles and subject to the same citations and fines for violating traffic law.
-------------------------------------------http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety
-------------------------------------------The University of Florida Police Department enforces all the laws of the
State of Florida. Because of the University of Florida's commitment to the
safety of the University Police Department places a strong emphasis is
placed on the enforcement of traffic laws including bicycle traffic
regulations. If you ride a bicycle, you must be knowledgeable of the rules of
the road and the traffic laws that govern the operation of your vehicle, the
bicycle.
Traffic violators on bicycles are subject to the same fines as violators in
automobiles, $123.50 for a moving violation, $188.50 for running a red light,
$77.50 for a non-moving violation and $49.50 for a violation specific to
bicycle operation.
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Student Nighttime Auxiliary
Patrol (SNAP)
SNAP provides nightly escorts anywhere on campus to persons on request. The service is staffed
by students equipped and supervised by the university police department.
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Escorts are routed on foot and driven trips. A person requesting an escort may contact SNAP via
telephone at 392-SNAP (392-7627). The requester provides their first name, location of pick-up
and destination to the dispatcher who determines the best method of meeting the requester's need.
A walking or driving escort is dispatched, to their location.
Purpose and History
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The Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP) was implemented in 1976 to provide safe,
nighttime transportation on the University of Florida campus. The "buddy system" has long been
recognized as a means of enhancing personal safety and security. SNAP provides an on-call
"buddy" ready to escort university students, staff and visitors.
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SNAP's funding comes from the Transportation fee generated from student tuition and the
University Police Department.
How to Use SNAP
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An escort may be requested by calling 392-SNAP from 6:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. nightly. Your call
will be received by the SNAP dispatcher who will ask for your first name, location and destination.
The dispatcher will route the nearest escort to you or provide the location and time of the next
SNAP express stop at your location.
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Snap provides thousands of safe escorts each year. Plan ahead and contact SNAP prior to your
desired departure time to reduce waiting time.
University Police / Public Safety
Safety Tips and Information:
• Welcome! Please visit the University of Florida
Police Department’s web safety tips page. Please use
the links provided below to access more information
about the safety topics you are interested in. Keep in
mind that these tips are by no means all-inclusive but
should be used as a general guideline for evaluating
your own safety and security in any given situation.
http://www.police.ufl.edu/csd/csd_safetips.asp
http://www.police.ufl.edu/csd/csd_psacpp.asp
Emergency Information
911 – Emergency Service
You would dial 911 (from any phone or cell phone)
in the case of an emergency for health, fire, safety,
etc…
Be sure to have the address or location you are
calling about to provide to the operator.
911 will send an ambulance, police patrol car or fire
truck (or any combination of these), depending on
the nature of the situation.
Hospitals
• Gainesville has two hospitals if you need to visit
an Emergency Room without ambulance
assistance:
• Shands Hospital - http://www.shands.com/
1600 SW Archer Rd Gainesville Florida 32610
(352) 273-8010
• North Florida Regional Medical Center
http://www.nfrmc.com/
6500 W Newberry Rd,
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 333-4000
Walk-in Clinic Information
(For check-ups, physicals, injuries (non-emergency),etc…)
• Urgent Care Center of Gainesville
3925 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606
(352) 371-1777
• First Care of Gainesville
4343 W Newberry Rd Ste 10, Gainesville, FL 32607
(352) 373-2340
• Hampton Oaks Sports Medicine
200 SW 62nd Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32607
(352) 265-0645
Government Contact
Information
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS)
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
• U.S. Embassies and Consulates
•
http://www.usembassy.gov
• Department of State (DOS)
http://www.state.gov/