Department of Criminology

Academic Advising

To schedule an appointment with me, try my new on-line appointment site located at:

http://usfweb3.usf.edu/appointments/

If you are a USF student, click on student registration and follow the prompts
If you are a non-USF student, click on non-student registration and follow the prompts

LISA LANDIS, M.A.
University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Avenue
SOC 107
Tampa, Florida 33620
(813) 974-6217

E-Mail:llandis@cas.usf.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Who is my advisor and how do I contact them?
A Lisa Landis
Telephone:(813)974-6217
Office Location: SOC 322

Q Can I reach them by e-mail?
A Yes, llandis@cas.usf.edu

Q How many hours are required to complete the major?
A 42 semester hours (14 courses)

Q Can I get a minor in Criminology?
A Yes, there are 15 hours required to complete the minor.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers for Criminology Majors

ACADEMIC DISSMISAL

  1. What is academic dismissal?

    When a student remains below a 2.0 GPA for two or more consecutive semesters they are placed on academic dismissal. This means that technically the student has been dismissed from the University and must petition for readmission.

  2. What do I do if I am on academic dismissal?

    When you are placed on academic dismissal your oasis account is essentially frozen. This means you will not be able to drop or add any courses. The first step is to contact either Leila Amiri or Kim Williams in BEH 201 974-6957 to begin the readmission process. Then before your appointment date contact and meet with your major advisor to design an academic plan. After meeting with your advisor you must register for and attend a mandatory workshop (information regarding workshop times is located in BEH 201).

  3. How long will I be on academic dismissal?

    Students have two semesters to raise their GPA to a 2.0. Students MUST meet the requirements set forth in the academic plan as well as the semester GPA decided upon by the ARC committee.

  4. What is an academic dismissal plan?

    A written contract between the student and their major department for the express purpose of creating a plan of action to return the student to good academic standing. The plan will provide a two semester course of action which clearly outlines for the student their responsibilities, suggested course, and meeting and written requirements. Students must follow this plan or they will not be support by the department if they fail to raise their GPA after the first semester.

  5. What happens if I violate the conditions of my academic dismissal plan?

    If you violate any of the conditions outlined in your academic dismissal plan you may be permanently dismissed from the university. If this happens you must reapply to the university by following the instructions listed under “What do I do if I am on academic dismissal?”

ACADEMIC PROBATION

  1. What does it mean if I am placed on academic probation?

    It means that either your USF GPA, your cumulative GPA or both GPA’s have fallen below a 2.0. You have two semesters to raise your GPA above a 2.0. We strongly recommend you see your advisor to devise a plan of action to accomplish this goal.

  2. What does it mean if I am placed on final academic probation?

    It means that you completed one semester and still failed to raise your GPA to a 2.0. You have one additional semester to raise your GPA to a 2.0. If you fail to raise your GPA you will be placed on academic dismissal. We strongly recommend you see your major advisor to devise a plan of action before you are placed on academic dismissal.

ADDING/WITHDRAWING FROM COURSES

  1. How do I add a criminology course during drop/add week?

    To add a course in the major, you must get the permission of the instructor during drop/add week. The easiest way to do this is to attend class on the first day. If the instructor gives you permission to join, s/he will write your name, student u#, and phone number on their first day roll. You will be added usually within 24 hours and this addition will show in your OASIS account. If you are trying to add after the first day of class, you will need to contact the instructor via some other means and get written permission to add the course and bring that information to your undergraduate advisor, Lisa Landis. Ms. Landis cannot add a student to any criminology course this week without such instructor permission.

  2. How do I add a course outside the criminology department?

    Check for open seats for the class in OASIS and add the course through your online registration if you are able to do so. If you get a message stating that you need a permit to enroll, you must check with the department that the course is listed under to see what that department requires or if they are allowing students in to the course.

  3. How can I late add a course?

    If you are trying to add a course after the free drop/add week, you must first get permission from the instructor for that class. If they will allow you to late add, you must get an ARC petition from the Dean’s Office (located in BEH 201). You must have the instructor complete the Instructor Statement and then you must complete the ARC petition and bring to advising in the department where the class is located and they will stamp over your signature on the petition. This petition is then submitted back to BEH 201 for committee review. In the Department of Criminology, the ONLY people who can stamp these petitions for late adds for criminology classes is either your advisor, Lisa Landis, or your assistant advisor.

  4. How do I avoid being charged with a $100 late registration fee?

    You must register for at least ONE class prior to the beginning day of drop/add week, or the first week of classes. If you are not registered for one class at all times, you will be assesses a $100 late registration fee in addition to any tuition. You can switch, add, or drop courses anytime during drop/add week without penalty as long as you are actively registered in at least one course.

  5. How do I withdraw from a course during drop/add week?

    You may drop yourself out of any class that you registered for by going into OASIS and withdrawing in the registration area of the menu. You will not be refunded for the fees for the class after drop/add week, so you must drop before the deadline to get your money back or have the class fees cancelled.

  6. How do I withdraw from a course after drop/add week ends with a “W”?

    You may withdraw from any course in which you are enrolled through the OASIS registration menu, but you will not be refunded for fees after drop/add week. You may drop classes up to the posted deadline (see your student catalog or Registrar’s Office for this schedule), but usually sometime up to the 8th week of classes.

  7. How do I withdraw from a course after drop/add week and request a refund of tuition?

    To get a refund, students must present a compelling and valid reason to the ARC committee as to why their monies should be reimbursed from the university. The first step is to get this withdrawal approved through submitting an ARC petition (found in BEH 201 CAS Dean’s Office). You must have the instructor for the course complete their section of the ARC petition and no department stamp is needed prior to submitting. If approved, you must then fill out a Fee Waiver form. The USF Cashier’s Office will then process your refund.

  8. How many courses can I withdraw from?

    You may drop as many classes as you choose, but you are responsible to meet all requirements for scholarships and financial aid. Consult these offices prior to dropping courses to ensure continuance of funding.

  9. Does withdrawing affect my gpa? Financial aid? Scholarship?

    Withdrawing does not hurt your GPA provided that you have dropped within the free drop period. If you do not formally withdraw from classes prior to the drop deadline (usually about eight weeks into the semester), then you will be failed and received an F for this courses for that term, regardless of whether you attended. However, we strongly recommend that you check with both Financial Aid and your scholarship representative to ensure that you are meeting requirements for total hours of enrollment prior to dropping any classes.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND CLEP

  1. What are the maximum amount of hours credit for CLEP and AP tests?

    Up to 45 hours of credit may be applied from CLEP or AP credit toward your degree at USF.

  2. Where can I take the exam? Is there a time frame for tests?

    Please contact Evaluation & Testing Services in the Student Services Building (SVC) to get information on available test dates for CLEP. You can take the test at any time during your coursework at USF. To contact Evaluation and Testing Services dial 813-974-2741.

ADVISOR

  1. Who is my advisor?

    The Undergraduate Advisor for the Department of Criminology is Lisa Landis. There is also an Assistant Undergraduate Advisor in the Department who is available for advising hours another 20 hours per week (schedule is flexible).

  2. Where is my advisor located?

    Ms. Landis’ office is located in the Social Science Building (SOC), Room 302. Her office is on the third floor, directly to the left of the elevators.

  3. How do I contact my advisor?

    Students are encouraged to make appointments, especially when wanting to have an audit review of coursework. Walk-ins are also taken on a first-come-first-serve basis, in between scheduled appointments. If you have a question that does not require an appointment and is not able to be answered here with the FAQs sheet, you may also email Lisa at: llandis@cas.usf.edu. Regular office hours are Monday through Thursday 9am to 4pm. The advising office is closed on Fridays.

  4. How do I schedule an appointment with my advisor?

    You may now book your own appointment in advising by going to: www.cas.usf/criminology/advising. You must have your student U#, phone #, and identify what you will need for your advising appointment. You may book an appointment up to six weeks in advance for open slots and the appointment is booked for a 15 minute time.

  5. How would seeing an advisor benefit me?

    Students are strongly cautioned against self advising during their academic career at the University of South Florida. The SASS audits are sometimes difficult to read and there are requirements that are not always clear to students. Related to the major, there is a sequence of classes that are recommended to students and customized depending upon individual strengths and weaknesses. Outside the major, we also have classes that we can recommend to you that social science students tend to perform better in.

  6. How often should I speak with my advisor?

    You should plan to meet with an advisor once a semester and prior to registration to ensure good academic progress and completion of your degree within 4 years. We encourage students to make appointments prior to peak times (two weeks prior to registration and throughout add/drop week).

CLAST

  1. What is CLAST? Is it required?

    This is a state-mandated exam that all college students in the state of Florida must successfully pass. The four components of the exam include: comprehension, reading, writing, and an essay portion.

  2. How much does it cost? How do I register to take it?

    The first time taking the CLAST is free. Subsequent exams cost $30 per administration. You must contact Evaluation & Testing Services in the Student Services Building (SVC) to schedule an exam time.

  3. What are passing scores on the CLAST?

    To be ruled as passing, you must score at least 295 points per section.

  4. When do I have to take the CLAST? Where is it administered?

    Students are required to take and pass the CLAST at 45 hours. It is administered via computer in Evaluation & Testing Services. You may retake the CLAST every 31 days.

  5. Can I be waived from taking the CLAST?

    Yes, if you reach a 2.5 GPA between the 2 math classes (for the computation portion) and a 2.5 GPA between the 2 English Comp classes that you take, you will be automatically waived. Otherwise, if you have taken the CLAST a total of five times and been unsuccessful in passing, you can apply by petition with the College of Arts & Sciences Deans Office to be waived on this portion of the CLAST requirement. You must contact Evaluation & Testing regarding questions regarding being waived.

  6. What if I do not pass all of the sections?

    Students who do not pass the CLAST, or sections of it, must retake the examination for the portions that they did not pass. You get an additional time added on for your exam if you failed a section. You may retake the CLAST every 31 days if you do not pass a section of it. Again, you must contact Evaluation & Testing for answers to questions about being waived after five unsuccessful attempts on the CLAST.

  7. What is a TC hold?

    A TC hold requires the student to go to Evaluation & Testing and to sign up for the CLAST examination. The hold will be lifted once students do so. If you do not sign up after being put on hold, you will be unable to register for classes.

  8. What is a TS hold?

    A TS hold indicates that the student has reached 70 hours and still has not completed a portion of the CLAST successfully. To be released from this hold, a student must go online and sign a contract at: https://web1.cas.usf.edu/gus/clast. To get the override for the hold, you must click on the website, pass the quiz, complete the online form, print the attached emailed petition and a duplicate form will be automatically forwarded to the CLAST coordinator. The TS hold will be removed within 48 hours.

  9. What is a TL hold?

    This hold is placed on a student at 96 hours if they have not successfully completed a portion of the CLAST. Students are without exception now barred from taking any upper level (3000-4000) classes until they have PASSED the CLAST. There is no petition process or waiver allowed for this state mandated hold.

CRIMINOLOGY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

  1. Are there specific requirements to be accepted into criminology?

    Criminology is not a limited access program therefore there are no specific requirements for acceptance. However students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and cannot receive more than one “D” or “F in the major.

  2. What happens if I have more than one “D” or “F” in the major?

    If you have more than one “D or “F” in criminology you may be kicked out of the major. You need to see your advisor regarding your specific situation.

  3. What do I do if I am put on academic dismissal?

    When you are placed on academic dismissal your oasis account is essentially frozen. This means you will not be able to drop or add any courses. The first step is to contact either Leila Amiri or Kim Williams in BEH 201 974-6957 to begin the readmission process. Then before your appointment date contact and meet with your major advisor to design an academic plan. For additional information visit the academic dismissal section contained with in the FAQ’s.

CROSS ENROLLMENT/TRANSIENT STUDENT

  1. What is cross enrollment/transient student?

    Students who are enrolled at USF and another school simultaneously. Transient student status is when a student is admitted at USF, but is solely taking classes at another institution. Dual enrollment describes those high school students who are also getting college credit at USF.

  2. What Criminology courses can I take under cross enrollment/transient student?

    For the major of Criminology, students may take up to 6 hours at a 4-year institution of higher learning other than USF. Classes at other two-year or community colleges generally are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to have copies of their syllabi and/or course description from the school before meeting with Ms. Landis to determine if they are eligible for USF credit for classes in question.

  3. How many courses can I take at schools other than USF?

    This is determined by the College of Arts and Sciences Deans office on an individual basis. Please note, you must meet University (30 hrs) and Departmental (36 hrs) residency requirements.

  4. What steps do I need to take to complete a cross enrollment/transient student course?

    You must fill out a form PRIOR to taking the class to get credit through the USF College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office. This procedure guarantees that your class credit will transfer. Go to BEH 201 for more information.

DECLARATION OF MAJOR/MINOR

  1. How do I declare my major or a double major?

    To declare a major or to change to another major you can go online to the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office website: www.cas.usf.edu/declare. Fill out the information and there is nothing more to do. If you a new major in the Department of Criminology, we urge you to make an advising appointment with Lisa Landis after you declare.

  2. When do I declare my major?

    USF would like you to declare a major as soon as you have decided upon one, but you may stay undeclared as long as you wish. However, you cannot register for Criminology classes unless you are a declared major.

  3. What are the disadvantages and advantages of declaring a minor?

    A disadvantage of declaring a minor is that it limits the amount of free electives that you have in your time at USF. On the positive side, it gives you an opportunity to get a multidisciplinary perspective in different subjects. It is highly recommended that students wishing to go on to graduate or professional secondary education pursue a minor of their choice. For example, students wishing to attend law school are encouraged to take an English or Political Science minor to help them with their future law career.

  4. How do I declare a minor?

    There is no formal process to declare a minor. You must meet with an academic advisor for the department that you would like a minor in to determine what their requirements are, however. At graduation, you then state this minor on your application.

ONLINE CLASSES/DISTANCE LEARNING

  1. Is there a limit to the amount of credit I can earn via Distance Learning?

    No, you can take as many classes as are available through online mediums via the USF Blackboard system.

  2. How do I attend online classes?

    Online classes are attended through the Blackboard system. If you have not so already, the University requires you to set up a login and check-in for your classes at www.myusf.edu. Once into this site at MyUSF, you may use library resources, attend online classes, and check your grades, etc. Each online course is different, so please consult the syllabus of each class to learn the different requirements and due dates.

EXIT REQUIREMENTS

  1. What are the liberal arts exit requirements?

    There are three hours of liberal arts exits required under the Literature & Writing and another three hours of Major Works & Issues outside the discipline in Social Science (cluster 3).

  2. Can I transfer courses to fulfill the exit requirements?

    No, you must take these courses at USF as the graduating institution.

  3. If I take an exit listed in both areas, does it fulfill both exit requirements?

    No, you must take 3 hours of Literature & Writing and 3 hours of Major Works and Issues to satisfy the liberal arts exit requirements.

  4. If I take an exit requirement that is cross listed in two different departments, how do I know which cluster it will fall in?

    You can register via the department reference number to ensure that it will count toward that cluster.

  5. How do I know what is considered outside the discipline?

    Your discipline is Cluster 3 – Social Science. Three hours of the Nine required hours must fall outside the social sciences discipline. See your advisor for a comprehensive list of the Liberal Arts Exit Requirements.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

  1. Do I still have to complete the language if I took it in high school?

    Yes. Completion of high school foreign language meets the entrance requirements at USF, but you are still required to take another two semesters of the same foreign language. You must make a C or better in the last of the two semesters in the language.

  2. What if I am a native speaker of a language?

    If you are a fluent speaker, you can place out or CLEP out for credit. In place of the foreign language credits, you will then take elective classes instead to meet the total number of hours required for your degree.

  3. Do I have to take the same language I did in high school?

    No, you can take any language

  4. Do I have to take them consecutively?

    No but they must be two semesters of the same language.

  5. Can I take them S/U?

    There are two parts to all foreign language courses with the exception of sign language. In other words each course has a lecture and a lab. All lab courses are S/U only. No lecture courses may be taken S/U and you must receive a grade of “C” or better in the second portion of the language.

  6. How do I waive the foreign language requirement?

    You can either CLEP or place out of the language (placement applies to Spanish, German and French only).

  7. What do I need a permit for Spanish, French, and German?

    You must take a placement test in order to register for any of the above mentioned languages. You may contact the Foreign Language Department at 813-974-2548 for more information on times and days that the placement is held.
  • The following are the times and days for the placement exams as of January 2007
  • Spanish = Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm, Wednesdays at 11:15 am CPR 419
  • French = Tuesdays at 11am, Wednesdays at 3pm, or Thursdays at 10am in CPR 419
  • German = Thursdays at 11am in CPR 419

GRADE FORGIVENESS

  1. What is grade forgiveness?

    Permits an undergraduate to repeat a course and have the repeated grade computed in his/her GPA in place of the original grade, providing the repeat grade is “D” or higher (exception - see Honors at Graduation). A course that is repeated and the repeat grade is “F” will have both grades calculated into the GPA. Normally, grade forgiveness may only be applied to a specific course that a student chooses to repeat. No course taken on the S/U grade basis may have the grade forgiveness applied. Under unusual circumstances, a different but similar course may be used if the substitute course has been previously approved by the college dean and is on file in the Office of Admissions & Records. The grade forgiveness policy cannot apply to any course in which the grade of “FF” has been recorded.

  2. How do I complete a grade forgiveness and how many courses can I grade forgive?

    a. A limitation of applying grade forgiveness to three USF courses with no more than one repeat per course.
    b. With prior approval of the college dean, a course different from a course on the approved list may be substituted in the following cases:
    i. The substitute course is a change in prefix, number, hours, or title, but not a substantive change in content from the original course.
    ii. The substitute course replaces a course no longer offered by the institution.
    c. The repeated course must be taken under the standard grading system (A-F) and the latest grade must be D/D- or higher (grades of S/U are not permitted).

  3. How does this look on my transcript?

    All grades remain on the transcript. The original course grade will be annotated with “R” to indicate that the course has subsequently been repeated and the original grade is not computed in the GPA.

  4. Are there any restrictions to grade forgivenesses?

    Yes, the policy applies only to courses taken originally at USF and repeated at USF. No cross institutional grade forgivenesses are accepted.

GRADUATION

  1. Where do I go to apply for graduation?

    Either complete the online form or go to BEH 201 to complete the form.

  2. When do I apply for graduation?

    Applications are accepted during the four weeks of the term the student will be completing all degree requirements.

  3. Can I participate in the ceremony even though I have courses remaining?

    You can participate in the ceremony with 9 hrs remaining to complete your degree.

  4. If I miss the deadline, can I still apply?

    If you miss the deadline then you will be able to complete an application and pay the $50 late fee until two weeks prior to the end of the semester.

  5. If I apply for graduation and get denied do I need to apply again?

    Yes you need to apply for graduation in the semester you will actually complete all degree requirements. You can still participate in the ceremony if you will be denied graduation.

ORIENTATION

  1. Is orientation mandatory?

    Yes you cannot register for courses until you complete the orientation process and declare your major.

  2. When is orientation scheduled?

    Transfer orientation is complete conducted online for more information please visit the following website: www.cas.usf.edu/transfer
    Freshman orientation is a two day process, to register for freshman orientation visit the orientation website at www.usf.edu/orientation

  3. How do I complete the orientation process?

    Transfer students: To complete the orientation process, please visit the following website www.cas.usf.edu/transfer
    Freshmen: You must select an orientation date from the choice give through orientation.

  4. As a transfer student what do you I need to complete to major in Criminology?

    You need to apply and be accepted to the university, complete the orientation process as designated by the college, transfer with a 2.00 grade point average, and see your academic advisor for information pertaining to the major.

REGISTRATION – OASIS

  1. How do I register for courses?

    Log into your oasis account and register for courses. All major courses are open to junior and senior declared majors.

  2. When does registration take place for each semester?

    Summer and Fall Registration takes place in early April
    Spring Registration takes place in early November

  3. When are schedules released?

    Schedules are released approximately 3 weeks prior to registration.

  4. What is the frequency in which courses are offered?

    We offer required courses and a wide array of electives every semester, including summer.

  5. Should I see my advisor regarding scheduling courses?

    Yes you should see your advisor prior to attempting to schedule your courses. For your convenience, we now have an online appointment scheduler. To use this mechanism for scheduling an appointment, please visit the following website: https://advcal.cas.usf.edu/advisors/login.asp

  6. Are there restrictions on registering for Criminology courses?

    Class restriction: you must be a junior having completed 60 hrs to register for courses by the time of registration.

    Major restriction: you must be a declared criminology major in order to be able to register for courses.

  7. If I am a minor or double major how can I register for the Criminology courses?

    Contact advising office via email, phone, or in person. Identify yourself as a minor or double major, leave your name, usf id, phone number, and reference numbers on the day of your registration and we will register you for the courses.

  8. How can I add a Criminology course during drop/add week?

    You must physically attend the first class meeting of each course you would like to add during drop add week. At that time the instructor will take attendance and if they allow you to add the course they will take your name, usf id, and phone number. After class the advising office will register you for the course.

  9. What does it mean when I see permit required during drop add week if there are open seats in courses?

    Once the courses meet during the first week of class, a permit requirement is placed upon each course. At this time it becomes the instructor’s decision on whether or not to add you, despite the fact they may have physical space in the course.

REPEAT COURSE SURCHARGES

  1. How many times can I repeat a course?

    Initiated by the Florida Legislature (H.B. 1545 of 1997) to reduce costs, all state universities must monitor undergraduate student progress and charge students the “full cost of instruction” for certain repeats of undergraduate courses. This policy became effective Fall 1997 and requires USF to charge students a substantial per credit hour surcharge when they attempt a course three or more times at USF, unless the course is specifically designed to be repeated or is required to be repeated by their major. Requirements to earn a passing or higher grade than previously earned in a course do not exempt the surcharge. Students will be required to pay the surcharge in addition to the appropriate in-state or out-of-state tuition rates. It is important to note that all attempts count, including withdrawals after the first week of classes and courses with incomplete grades.

  2. What is the cost involved?

    The cost is typically three times that of an on campus 3 credit hour course.

S/U OPTIONS

  1. What courses am I allowed to take S/U?

    No-option Courses. Certain courses have been designated as S/U courses. The “S” and “U” grades are used to indicate the student’s final grade. These S/U only courses are identified with (S/U only) after the course definition in this catalog. No grading system option is available to students or faculty in these courses.

    Option Courses. Any undergraduate course may be taken on an S/U basis by a student under the following conditions and restrictions:
    1. Required courses in the major may not be taken on an S/U basis.
    2. Specifically designated required courses in the distribution requirements of the student’s college may not be taken on an S/U basis.
    3. Courses to satisfy 6A-10.30 (Gordon Rule) may not be taken on an S/U basis.
    4. Courses to satisfy USF’s B.A. foreign language requirement may not be taken on an S/U basis.
    5. All elective courses for the major and all elective courses in the distribution requirements, and all other free elective courses may be taken on an S/U basis except where:
    a. The certifying college restricts the number of courses that may be taken on an S/U basis in any one or all of the above areas or restricts the total number of S/U courses that can be accepted for all of the above areas.
    b. The certifying college specifies that certain courses may not be taken on an S/U basis.
    c. The instructor of a course refuses to allow the course to be taken on an S/U basis.

  2. How many courses can I take on a pass/fail basis?

    You may not take more than 19 hrs total toward your degree.

  3. How can I process an S/U grade?

    The method by which a student receives an “S” or “U” grade in an option course will consist of the following:

    1. A written agreement signed by both instructor and student shall be filed with such offices as may be designated by the college. The college shall set the deadline (no later than the last day of classes for the term) for the student to decide if he/she wishes to take the course on an S/U basis.

    2. The instructor shall assign final letter grades A, B, C, D, F, or I, but will transmit to the Registrar “S” or “U” consistent with the following:
    a. Letter grade, A, B, or C, shall be equivalent to a letter grade of “S.”
    b. Letter grades D or F shall be equivalent to a letter grade of “U.” “S” and “U” grades are not computed in the student’s GPA.

  4. Does that average into my gpa?

    No it does not impact your grade point average

SASS/FACTS

  1. What is a SASS report?

    An inventory of all courses you have taken at USF and other institutions.

  2. How do I receive a copy?

    When you come in for your regular advising appointment you will receive a copy of your sass report along with an explanation of the courses remaining to complete all degree requirements.

  3. How often should I request it?

    You should get a sass report every semester to ensure there are no errors and that you are making consistent progression toward degree completion

  4. How do I interpret a SASS report?

    It is best to see your advisor to explain how to properly interpret your sass report.

TRANSFER CREDITS

  1. How long does it take for transfer credits to be approved? Will I be notified?

    It takes until approximately 6-8 weeks into the term to have a complete review of entire academic file. Upon completion of review, a letter will be sent to each student to alert them to schedule an appointment with their academic advisor.

  2. If I don’t receive credit for all of my transfer work can I petition the decision?

    Yes, please bring any discrepancies to the attention of the major advisor so that they can help to determine next course of action.

  3. Which courses are accepted within the major from previous institutions?

    The Criminology department has a 30 hr residency requirement. This means that a maximum of 6 hrs will be accepted to count toward the completion of the major requirements. Please note, this does not mean that the credit hours will be lost, they will apply towards completion of the total hours required to obtain the bachelor’s degree, they will simply not count toward the major requirements. From community colleges we accept Introduction to Criminal Justice only. Courses taken at four year institutions will be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine the appropriate course substitution.

  4. Do you accept academy credit?

    No we do not accept academy credit or life experience at USF.

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