Local Navigation
Other Pages
Advising FAQ
Who Do I See for Advising?
Program/Concern |
First Contact |
Second Contact
|
Peer Academic Counselor |
Faculty Advisor |
|
Political Science |
Sebastian Meyer |
|
Pre-Law |
||
International Studies |
Jennifer Reid |
|
Internships |
FAQ
- When and how do I declare/change a major?
- How do I declare/change a minor?
- What if I do not meet the GPA requirement to change my major?
- What should I enroll in if I have not changed my major but have completed all general education requirements?
- What minors work best with my Political Science or International Studies major?
- How do I read my SASS audit?
- As a first-time student to UWF, how do I register for classes?
- Can I register for upper division courses if I have not declared a Political Science or International Studies major?
- Can I take upper division courses even though I am in my first year of college life?
- If a class is closed (reached its maximum limit), how do I get on a waiting list?
- Will the courses I took at my community college count toward the Political Science or International Studies major?
- Will grades from my community college count toward my GPA at UWF?
- How do I get my transfer credits to meet Political Science or International Studies core requirements?
- How many credits may I transfer toward the major in Political Science or International Studies?
- If I enroll in a Study Abroad program, will I be able to take courses there that will count toward my Political Science or International Studies major or minor?
- If I do volunteer work in a relevant area of Political Science or International Studies, can I obtain credit toward the major as an internship?
- Does a core course count if I get a D in it?
- If I get a D or an F in a course and retake it, does the new grade replace the old one or do I receive the average?
- What is grade forgiveness and how do I use it?
- Which grades are used to calculate the GPA in the major?
- Am I required to take a non-classroom course such as directed study or service learning?
- How do I sign up for a directed study?
- When do I apply for graduation?
- What should I do in the event of a personal medical emergency or a death in the family?
- Who should I contact if I need accomodations for a disability?
- What should I do if I have test anxiety?
Majors/Minors
Registering
Credits: Transferring, Applying towards Degree
Course Requirements and Grades
Graduation
Special Circumstances and Crisis Advising
Majors/Minors
When and how do I declare/change a major?
When? You can declare Political Science/Pre-Law or International Studies as your major when you are first admitted to the university or anytime during your undergraduate academic career. You must have a 2.0 GPA and be in good academic standing.
How? You must complete the Major/Minor change form and drop it off at the University Advising Center located in Building 18, Room 150.
Additional Resources:
- The online academic catalog's complete Change of Major policy.
How do I declare/change a minor?
You can declare a minor by completing the Declaration of Minor form or the Major/Minor Change form and submitting it to the University Advising Center located in Building 18, Room 150. You should consult the minor department for course requirements. Neither diplomas nor certificates are issued for completion of the minor.
Upon completion of minor course work, you must submit a Completion of Minor form to the University Advising Center located in Building 18, Room 150.
Additional Resources:
- Online academic catalog's complete Change of Minor policy.
What if I do not meet the GPA requirement to change my major?
You have several options to assist you in changing your major: (1) You can use grade forgiveness and repeat a course to achieve a higher grade, (2) you can take additional coursework in your major to improve your GPA or (3) you can complete the Major Change form and submit the form to the University Advising Center. They will forward your form to the prospective major department or school, and the Department Chair or School Director for that major will make the final decision concerning your request.
Additional Resources:
- Grade Forgiveness Form with attached Grade Forgiveness Policy
- Registrar's Academic Dates and Deadlines - The Registrar's Academic Calendars provide each semester's deadline for grade forgiveness.
What should I enroll in if I have not changed my major but have completed all general education requirements?
You can meet with an Academic Peer Counselor and they will assist you in choosing courses to take while your Major Change form is being processed. Should you delay in submitting the Major Change form and your request is denied, the courses will count towards your overall university requirements.
Additional Resources:
- Current or Prospective Political Science (and/or Pre-Law) Majors:
- Schedule an appointment with Sebastian Meyer.
- Current or Prospective International Studies Majors:
- Schedule an appointment with Jennifer Reid
Leave a question below for your respective Peer Academic Counselor.
Note: Counselors may request a scheduled appointment, depending upon question.
What minors work best with my Political Science or International Studies major?
Depending on your area of interest and where you set your future goals, the University of West Florida programs offer a variety of minors that work well with the Political Science or International Studies major. Make an appointment with an Academic Peer Counselor to review a listing of all minors and those that have been most popular with previous majors.
Additional Resources:
- Current or Prospective Political Science (and/or Pre-Law) Majors:
- Schedule an appointment with Sebastian Meyer
- Current or Prospective International Studies Majors:
- Schedule an appointment with Jennifer Reid
- Leave a question below for your respective Peer Academic Counselor.
Note: Counselors may request a scheduled appointment, depending upon question.
Registering
Your SASS Audit is a generated report that itemizes your progress towards earning your degree. It includes UWF course work completed, in progress, or classes for which you have registered for the upcoming semester. It also notes any coursework you completed at other schools for which official transcripts have been received and evaluated by UWF. See the University's Student Academic Support System (SASS) page for an overview of how to read your SASS audit along with answers to other commonly asked questions regarding it.
As a first-time student to UWF, how do I register for classes?
Once you've applied and been accepted to UWF, you can register for classes and sign-up for a campus orientation through LightHouse. Online students are encouraged to orient themselves to the Online Campus.
Additionally, consider scheduling an appointment with a Peer Academic Counselor. Such Counselors are graduate students who have completed their undergraduate studies. They can give you an idea of what to expect in your studies, and they can answer any questions you might have regarding classes within the Department.
Additional Resources:
- Current or Prospective Political Science (and/or Pre-Law) Majors:
- Schedule an appointment with Sebastian Meyer
- Current or Prospective International Studies Majors:
- Schedule an appointment with Jennifer Reid
- Leave a question below for your respective Peer Academic Counselor.
Note: Counselors may request a scheduled appointment, depending upon question.
Can I register for upper division courses if I have not declared a Political Science or International Studies major?
Yes. Department courses are open to all non-majors. Many of our courses are excellent compliments to other major programs. The course instructor does have the option of cancelling enrollment for students who have not completed the prerequisites for the course.
Additional Resources:
- Current Semester Course Offerings
- UWF Catalog - Political Science Academic Catalog: Includes course descriptions.
- UWF Catalog - International Studies Academic Catalog: Includes course descriptions.
Can I take upper division courses even though I am in my first year of college life?
During your first year, as a freshman or sophomore, it is wise to complete your general education requirements and the lower division prerequisites for the Political Science or International Studies major. Satisfying these requirements should be your highest priority before you begin the core components of the Political Science or International Studies major. Meet with an Academic Peer Counselor to assist with your transition into the major.
Additional Resources:
- Current or Prospective Political Science (and/or Pre-Law) Majors:
- Schedule an appointment with Sebastian Meyer
- Current or Prospective International Studies Majors:
- Schedule an appointment with Jennifer Reid
- Leave a question below for your respective Peer Academic Counselor.
Note: Counselors may request a scheduled appointment, depending upon question.
If a class if closed (reached its maximum limit), how do I get on a waiting list?
To be put on a waiting list for a course, email Sheila Freeman, the Government Department Office Administrator, at sfreeman@uwf.edu and provide your name and the course (with day and time) in which you would like to be registered. Mrs. Freeman will email you when an opening occurs. You have approximately 72 hours to respond back by email before the opening is offered to the next student on the list.
Credits: Transferring, Applying towards Degree
Will the courses I took at my community college count toward the Political Science or International Studies major?
No. All such courses taken at a community college are lower division courses. These units will count toward graduation requirement totals and to meet the prerequisites for the program.
Will grades from my community college count toward my GPA at UWF?
No. Grade points from other institutions are not combined with your UWF GPA. Your GPA from the community college remains a separate part of your academic record. You will receive units and subject credit only.
How do I get my transfer credits to meet Political Science or International Studies' core requirements?
If you have taken upper level course work at another institution that fits the Program Requirements for a Political Science or International Studies' core requirement, a substitution petition must be completed and submitted to the Department Coordinator along with a copy of the syllabus or Program Requirements of the course that was taken.
The instructor for the course will review and make a decision on the approval of the request. You will be notified of the decision by email.
How many credits may I transfer toward the major in Political Science or International Studies?
There is not a limit on the credit hours that you transfer toward core requirements. However, you are required to complete 18 hours of Political Science/International Studies coursework at UWF to receive a bachelor's degree in Political Science or International Studies. The university requires that you complete 30 hours in residency to receive a bachelor's degree from UWF.
If I enroll in a Study Abroad program, will I be able to take courses there that will count toward my department major or minor?
In most cases, yes. Credits toward the required four electives are typically approved. It can be more difficult to match the content of our core courses, but some of these might be found at major universities abroad. In general, we encourage student to seek opportunities to study abroad as this is a valuable experience and we will work with you to assist in completing the major as effectively as possible. All courses must be approved by the Department Chair.
If I do volunteer work in a relevant area of Political Science or International Studies, can I obtain credit toward the major as an internship?
Yes, if you are working with a faculty member who has agreed on the learning objectives and requirements for the service learning experience and you are signed up for your volunteer hours at Volunteer UWF. A student is only allowed to complete 4 credit hours of service learning towards the degree.
Course Requirements and Grades
Does a core course count if I get a D in it?
No. For core content courses in Political Science or International Studies, you must earn a grade of "C" or higher for the course to count towards your major requirements. A grade of "D" will only count if the course is considered an elective. Any transfer work that is substituted for a core content course must have a grade of C or better.
If I get a D or an F in a course and retake it, does the new grade replace the old one or do I receive the average?
A student may receive credit for a course only once regardless of how many times it is taken, whether transferred or at UWF. All attempts at UWF count in the GPA unless grade forgiveness is used.
What is grade forgiveness and how do I use it?
Grade forgiveness can be used to repeat a course for a higher grade. It is restricted to undergraduate degree-seeking students in undergraduate courses. If you begin UWF as a freshman, you are allowed two opportunities (one lower level course and one upper level course) for grade forgiveness during your undergraduate program. Transfer students are permitted one forgiveness (an upper level course only).
If a course has been taken more than one time prior to the application for forgiveness, forgiveness can be used to replace only the most recently awarded grade. You may not use the grade forgiveness option with a course from another institution.
All grades will remain on the student's official transcript. The original grade will not be computed in the GPA or course hours included in hours earned except in a case in which you withdraw from the repeated course or take an incomplete grade. You can not repeat a course that was taken by proficiency exam.
Additional Resources:
- Grade Forgiveness Form with attached Grade Forgiveness Policy -- must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar prior to the week of final exams for the semester in which the course is repeated
- Registrar's Academic Dates and Deadlines - The Registrar's Academic Calendars provide each semester's deadline for grade forgiveness.
Which grades are used to calculate the GPA in the major?
The University only calculates those grades for core requirements that were completed at UWF. For the University GPA, course work completed in any student classification, including non-degree, taken at UWF will be included in the undergraduate GPA and is determined by the level of the course.
Am I required to take a non-classroom course such as directed study?
No. These courses are used to count as one of your electives or additional upper level coursework required to complete all university requirements. We strongly encourage you to think about completing a directed study or service learning applied experience if you wish to pursue an advanced degree in the field of Political Science or International Studies. Talk with your faculty advisor to see if this experience is right for you.
How do I sign up for a directed study?
Independent Directed study is available for students who wish to study or do research under the direction of a faculty member for topics or areas not detailed in regularly scheduled courses. You should make arrangements for a directed study with the faculty member whose area of expertise matches your interest. Credit hours and requirements are determined by the faculty member of the study. Refer to the question on how to get involved in a research project for the direction to use to approach the instructor of your interest.
A registration drop/add form must be completed, signed by both the student and instructor, and taken to the Registrar's office located in Building 18. Independent Directed Study cannot be enrolled using the online MyUWF or Lighthouse system.
Graduation
When do I apply for graduation?
You must submit an Application for Graduation to the department by the application deadline posted on the application instruction website. Typically, the deadline for submission of the application is the week of drop/add for the semester prior to the semester when all requirements will be met.
Our Office Administrator reviews all forms prior to obtaining the Department Chair's signature. Once approved and signed, we will forward to the Registrar's office located in Building 18.
Any question or concerns about your academic progress toward graduation will hold up your application. We will contact you via email to discuss or verify any discrepancies. Once resolved, your request will be forwarded as described above.
Special Circumstances and Crisis Advising
What should I do in the event of a personal medical emergency?
Please contact your professors and/or the Office Administer as soon as possible after such an event. Please provide documentation and any necessary additional contact information.
Please contact your professors and/or the Office Administer as soon as possible in order to make them aware of the situation.
The UWF Counseling and Wellness Services are also available to students to help manage and cope with such a loss.
Additional Resources:
- Counseling and Wellness Services
- Scheduling an appointment: (850) 474-2420
- To speak with someone immediately (after Center hours): call UWF switchboard at 474-2000 and tell the operator that you need to speak with someone from the Counseling Center
- Visit the Center in Building 960: Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm.
- Registrar's Academic Dates and Deadlines - The Registrar's Academic Calendars provide each semester's deadline for grade forgiveness.
Who should I contact if I need accommodations for a disability?
The Department of Government is devoted to providing the same access to higher education for all students. If you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Student Disability Resource Center. The SDRC will coordinate with the Department to ensure that you have all the resources or accommodations necessary for your class.
Additional Resources:
- Student Disability Resource Center:
- SDRC Registration information
- SDRC Documentation Requirements
- Some services offered: Interpretive Services, Note taking Services, Testing Accommodations, Student Escorts, Readers/Scribes, JAWS Screen Reader,Livescribe Smartpen
What should I do if I have test anxiety?
If test anxiety is a potential barrier to academic success for you, please contact the Student Disability Resource Center so that appropriate testing accommodations can be made for you.
Additional Resources: