Accelerated Second Degree (USFSP) Student On-boarding Packet Fall 2025
Dear Student:
This packet includes detailed information about the on-boarding process for the Accelerated Second Degree pathway at the University of South Florida's College of Nursing for the Fall 2025 semester. It is essential that you read the packet in its entirety.
The Accelerated Second Degree pathway is a full-time program on the USF St. Petersburg campus. Transportation for clinical experiences is the responsibility of the student, and some locations may be as much as two hours from the USF St. Petersburg campus. Students will be assigned a clinical region. Generally, you will have courses, clinicals, and labs during the day Monday – Friday, although you may be assigned clinicals on the evening or weekend. You will have Preceptorship in your last semester that may include overnights and weekends. The College of Nursing reserves the right to require clinical/lab participation on weekends as well as overnight. You will have common test times throughout the program that may take place during evenings or weekends.
All students admitted to the Fall 2025 Accelerated Second Degree pathway have a program plan: that structured sequentially over four consecutive semesters: Fall 2025; Spring 2026; Summer 2026 (12 weeks); and Fall 2026. The anticipated graduation date is Fall (December) 2026.
In addition to University tuition and fees, there are other costs associated with the nursing program. Please ensure to review the estimated costs for incoming students.
All students must adhere to their program plans and academic continuity:
Each student must adhere to the program plan received upon admission.
Should a student break progression due to earning a non-passing grade or withdrawal, per the College of Nursing Progression Policy found in the College of Nursing Student Handbook, the student must petition and receive permission from the Baccalaureate Progression Committee to remain in or be readmitted to the program. The student’s program plan will be reviewed by the Program Director and/or Assistant Dean for any courses, clinicals, or labs that need to be repeated and to determine when there will be room in the next available cohort. Students in the Accelerated Second Degree pathway must remain at their home campus for which originally admitted.
Should a student break progression due to a withdrawal with cause (WC), failure to register, or cancelation of enrollment by the University for financial reasons will be considered grounds for progression violation or dismissal. Students may not progress in their pathway if they voluntarily withdraw or withdraw with cause from any pre-licensure course, lab, or clinical in their designated pathway. The withdrawal will be considered a failed course and grounds for progression violation or dismissal.
The student acknowledges that breaks in progression for any reason may result in pause for up to two years.
If the break in progression causes the student to be outside of the graduation timeline outlined in the USF System Policy 10-505: Degree Progression and Completion Deadline for Undergraduate Students, permission must be received by Undergraduate Studies for the student to be readmitted to the major.
Action Items - Required of you to Complete
The College of Nursing would like to know if you will accept or decline the offer for admission, no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, July 18, 2025. Please click here to complete the Intent to Enroll. If you accept the offer, you will then proceed with your Onboarding Packet. In order for the Intent to Enroll to be received and valid, the submission date/time must show no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, July 18, 2025. Submissions after the posted deadline will not be valid and will cause the admission offer to be rescinded. Please be sure to submit the Intent to Enroll using the link provided in this message.
All Compliance Requirements are due August 1 (Drug, Background Check, Fingerprints, Immunizations, Technical Standards Form, proof of health insurance etc)
STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO MEET THIS DEADLINE WILL FORFEIT THEIR SEAT IN THE NURSING PROGRAM.
All College of Nursing students are required to complete a Background Check, Fingerprints, Verification of Health Insurance, Immunization Verification, and Drug Screening for the College of Nursing via CastleBranch.com. This is not the same as the Medical History Form from USF Student Health Services. The DISA/Castle Branch requirements are required for all undergraduate students in the College of Nursing. If background check and drug screening results are not free and clear, your admission to the College of Nursing may be rescinded.
Please download the Technical Standards form here and upload it to your DISA/Castle Branch account. This form must be completed by a medical provider and submitted by August 1. Failure to submit the completed form prior to the deadline may result in your admission to the program being rescinded. Note: If you do not have a medical provider, you can see student health services. Please note that their services will not be available to you until the first week of classes.
IMPORTANT: Watch this Compliance Video: https://usf.box.com/s/a1g8j69oqntpoalatqbz4u9ksudva3dm
IMPORTANT: Along with the video above, the College of Nursing has created a Guide to Castle Branch UG 2025 (click here to open) to assist you in the compliance process. Please reference both of these guides in its entirety, as it contains crucial information and will answer questions on completing College of Nursing compliance requirements.
The COVID-19 vaccination documentation has been added to the Castle Branch immunization tracker.
At this time we do not require COVID vaccinations for students to enroll in any of our nursing pathways/programs. While we do not require a vaccination many of our clinical partners require vaccinations of students based upon the federal mandate. We expect that most if not all of our clinical sites will require COVID vaccinations by the end of February to comply with the federal mandate. Medical and religious exemptions may be granted but this is at the discretion of our clinical partners. We cannot guarantee an exception will be made.
The College of Nursing has created a Guide to CastleBranch (click to open) which can assist you in the compliance process. Please ensure to review this guide in its entirety, as it contains crucial information and may answer questions on completing College of Nursing compliance requirements.
Purchase your DISA/Castle Branch account IMMEDIATELY using your USF email ($201.49):
For fingerprinting purposes, you must purchase your DISA/Castle Branch based on where you are currently residing and will be doing your fingerprints (this is not your state of residency). If you will be getting your fingerprints done outside of Florida, you must purchase the out of state fingerprinting package (Code UE01osfp).
Select Place Order –> College of Nursing –> Undergraduate Program –> SECOND DEGREE
Select Code UE01: I am a new student ordering for the first time
If you are currently residing out of state*- Select Code: UE01osfp:I am new student ordering for the first time and need an out of state* fingerprint
Once purchased you will receive instructions from DISA/Castle Branch within 48 hours
The urine drug screen must be completed within 72 hours after receiving your instructions
If the drug screening is not completed within 72 hours of purchase, an additional cost will be required as the drug screen package will need to be re-purchased
*Out of State Coding: Out of state is considered where you are currently physically residing and not your state of residence
Purchase, complete, and upload your HIPAA Compliance in DISA/Castle Branch:
Select Place Order –> College of Nursing –> Undergraduate Program –> Second Degree
UE01hipaa: HIPAA eLearning Tracker
Due to military documentation not being in line with civilian documentation, there is the possibility that your military documentation will be rejected. If this happens, please contact the College of Nursing's Student Academic Compliance Team (con-compliance@usf.edu). Each rejection will be reviewed by on a case-by-case basis. Please remember to include your U-ID in your email.
Please contact DISA/Castle Branch at 888-723-4263 with any questions regarding the uploading of documentation or requirements for your profile. The USF College of Nursing Compliance Officer (con-compliance@usf.edu) can assist you if the DISA/Castle Branch Customer Service cannot resolve an issue. Please ensure to email through your USF email and include your name, program (Accelerated Second Degree), and cohort (Fall 2025).
Please note that this is not a one time process. You, the student, must monitor all requirements and keep them up to date during the time of your enrollment in The College of Nursing. Failure to keep the programmatic and clinical requirements up-to-date can result in being restricted from attending clinicals.
If you are a brand new University of South Florida degree-seeking student, welcome! You MUST attend the University's General Orientation (Tampa campus) in addition to the Nursing Student Orientation. You can register for USF Orientation at http://usf.edu/orientation/. Once you register and pay for a USF Orientation session, you will be assigned a registration time ticket within two weeks. Please note that your registration time ticket is created within two weeks after you register and pay for a USF Orientation session, not after you attend your USF Orientation. The University mandates new students make academic advising appointments; however, your mandatory Nursing Student Orientation will count as your new student advising and there is no need to make a separate appointment with an Academic Advisor.
You will need to sign up for the USF Orientation through USF Tampa campus.
The College of Nursing has no preference on which session you attend your USF Orientation; therefore, please select a date that is most convenient for you however it must be before classes begin.
University policy mandates that brand new University of South Florida degree-seeking students MUST attend a University orientation before the start of classes for the semester; those students that fail to do so will have their enrollment canceled by the University, which will result in cancellation/forfeiture of their seat in the nursing program.
Per USF Policy 33-002, it is mandatory for USF students to submit all required immunization documentation and sign the official Medical History Form prior to course registration. A hold preventing registration will remain on your account until you have fulfilled the following requirements.
Medical History Form (Required):
Sign form electronically through Student Self Service or MyBullsPath
-or- Download and sign the Medical History form. (Please note: if student is under 18, Legal Guardian signature required also on print form)
Measles & Rubella Immunity (Required):
Submit proof of 2 MMRs given after 1st birthday, or
IgG quantitative lab report (performed within last 5 years). Lab report must include result and reference range.
Hepatitis B Immunity (Recommended):
Submit proof of immunity to Hepatitis B by providing 3 vaccine dates or
Quantitative lab report or
Waive this recommended vaccine through your student Student Self Service or MyBullsPath account (for Tip Sheet: click here) or on the USF Medical History form.
For important information on Hepatitis B from the CDC click click here
Meningitis Immunity (Recommended):
Submit proof of Meningitis vaccination administered after 16th birthday or
Waive this recommended vaccine through your student Student Self Service account or MyBullsPath (for Tip Sheet: click here) or on the USF Medical History form.
For important information on Meningitis from the CDC click click here
TB Screening: Per USF Policy 33-003, Tuberculosis Screening required for all students who use an international address at the time of application. Screening must be done within 6 months prior to the 1st semester you physically attend classes on any of the USF campuses. See this example of Tuberculosis screening document.
If you are missing any vaccine and/ or labs, please contact your current healthcare provider or schedule an Immunization Compliance Appointment by clicking here.
For an exemption request, please contact our office directly.
Please refer to the tabs on the left side for additional information particular to your student status/population.
For questions on USF Compliance, please contact USF Student Health Services directly at 813-974-4056
We are very excited for you to start your nursing journey with us and officially welcome you at the College of Nursing's Student Orientation on Friday, July 25 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The College of Nursing's Student Orientation is mandatory. Those who do not attend will forfeit their seat in the program. The Nursing Student Orientation is for admitted students only and there is no room for guests. You will attend in person at USF St. Petersburg Campus: Harbor Hall (HBR) 110. Those who do not attend will forfeit their seat in the program.
Attire: Business Casual
Parking: You will need to print the following parking permit for the orientation session to park in the parking garage levels 2-4. You must display it on the driver's side dashboard.
Permit for 7/25 only:
To purchase a parking decal for use while in the program, please visit USF Parking and Transportation Services: https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/resources/administrative-and-financial-services/parking/index.aspx
Check-in and computer checks will begin at 8:30am as orientation will begin at 9:00am sharp.
You will need to bring the devices you intend to use during the program with them for computer checks (E.g. Laptop and mobile devices- cell phone/tablet).
Please ensure to check and remove all holds prior to registration. You can view registration holds in your myusf: Student Self Service; Student; Student Records; View Holds. Only the office that placed the hold on your account is authorized to remove the hold. Therefore, if you have questions regarding how to remove a hold, please directly contact the office that placed a hold.
The earliest any student can register for in Nursing courses for the Fall is after the Nursing Orientation, even if your registration day/time assigned by the University is earlier. Please note that no matter when you register, you will be guaranteed a seat in all nursing courses, clinicals, and labs. Registration instructions will be sent to your USF email.
The registration times varies for current USF students and new USF students:
If you are a current/returning USF student, you will be assigned a day and time when you can register for classes by the University.
If you are a new USF student, within two weeks after you register for USF Orientation, you will be assigned a time ticket to register for classes.
The St. Petersburg and Sarasota Manatee Campus Director, Dr. Allyson Duffy, will go over your first-semester schedule in-detail at Nursing Student Orientation. Therefore, we request that you save scheduling questions until Nursing Student Orientation.
You will be assigned a clinical region and will need to onboard with the respective hospitals within that region. Please note that the College of Nursing cannot provide any guarantees on any specific clinical regions. Transportation for clinical is the responsibility of the student and may be as much as two hours from the USF Tampa campus. All of our clinical partners provide excellent opportunities to our students. You will find out your clinical region as soon as they have been finalized.
Register with Student Accessibility Services
Register with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) (if appropriate) if you need to request accommodations for your didactic coursework as the registration process can be lengthy.
The College of Nursing has created a Base Guide to help familiarize our military-connected students with University, College, and Tampa Bay resources.
If you are using VA Benefits, after you register for classes, you will then apply for your VA Education Benefit and Submit a Clockwork Application. For questions on applying for VA Education Benefits and submitting Clockworks, please contact the USF Office of Veteran Success directly at 813-974-2291.
Apply for Your VA Education Benefit
FIRST SEMESTER STUDENTS ONLY* Visit https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/ to either APPLY FOR or UPDATE your VA education benefits. Click the green "Find your education benefits form" button, complete the application, and save a screenshot of the "Claim received" page at the end to upload onto your Clockwork application. In 4-6 weeks, you will receive your first Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail.
Submit a Clockwork Application
To request to use your VA education benefits each semester (Chapter 33, 35, 30, or 1606), you MUST complete steps 1-5 on your Clockwork application EVERY SEMESTER. If you make ANY changes to your class schedule AFTER OVS has certified you, complete a Change in Benefit Request by clicking the button at the top left of your original Clockwork application.
Out of State Student Waiver
*FOR STUDENTS BEING CHARGED OUT-OF-STATE FEES ONLY* You MUST complete an online Out of State Fee Waiver with the Office of Veteran Success EVERY SEMESTER that you qualify. Keep in mind that this waiver DOES NOT change your residency status at USF, but instead waives 100% of your out-of-state charges each semester.
Students seeking support services from Student Accessibility Services (SAS) on the basis of a previously diagnosed disability are requested to submit documentation that verifies their eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act.
First-year and transfer students may apply for accommodations once admitted to the University of South Florida. Current students may apply at any time, however accommodations are not retroactive. Students are responsible for identifying themselves to SAS and present proper medical documentation to receive academic accommodations.
Students must complete the online Application for Accommodations and supply supporting medical documentation. Documentation can be submitted through one of the following:
Attached to the Application for Accommodations in electronic format (e.g. PDF, DOC)
Emailed to: sas-info@usf.edu
Faxed to: (813) 974-7337
Hand delivered to SAS office (SVC 1133)
Mailed to: Students Accessibility Services
4202 East Fowler Avenue, SVC 1133
Tampa FL 33620
The review process takes 7-10 days to review application and supporting medical documentation, then a coordinator will e-mail the student's @usf.edu email account to set up an intake appointment. Intake appointments are approximately 1 hour, and must be completed before accommodations are approved.
Register here
All undergraduate students participating in clinicals and lab must follow the College of Nursing's uniform and dress code, which can be found in the College of Nursing Student Handbook.
You will need to purchase a Nursing scrub top, and Nursing scrub pants through one of the three USF Bookstores: USF Tampa Bookstore, USF St. Petersburg Bookstore, or USF Sarasota-Manatee Bookstore. You must purchase your tops in person at the bookstore, and can purchase your pants online or in person at the bookstore.
You can purchase your order in-person through the USF Bookstore or by submitting your order to them via email. Pick-up at the bookstore is free; delivery is an additional fee. If you want your order delivered, you should order a minimum of two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester .
For questions regarding uniform stock, sizing, pricing, or ordering, please contact the USF Bookstore directly at 813-974-2631.
You will need your uniforms, consisting of a minimum of scrub top and pants, for all labs and clinical experiences. Labs begin week one, so you will need to purchase your uniforms prior to the beginning of the program. Please do not wait until the last-minute to purchase your uniform, as the bookstores cannot guarantee stock in all sizes at all times.
Order Forms
Completed order forms to be emailed to t.gainous@follett.com
Pricing (as of 3/14/2022)
Nursing Scrub Top - $42
Nursing Scrub Pants - $30
Size Chart
Save the Date: The White Coat Ceremony is scheduled for September 26 at 6pm. More details to follow
You will need your first semester textbooks by the first day of classes. Textbooks are available for purchase or rent through the USF Bookstore. The USF St. Petersburg and Sarasota Manatee Campus Regional Director, Dr. Allyson Duffy, will go over your the textbooks required during orientation. Therefore, it is recommended you wait until after College of Nursing Orientation to purchase your textbooks.
Textbooks for online classes may be purchased through the USF Bookstore in three different ways:
Visit the USF Bookstore in-person
Call (813) 974-4984 to place your order
Go to the website - https://www.bkstr.com/usftampastore/shop/textbooks-and-course-materials
Instructions on how to identify your course textbooks for the College of Nursing:
If you do not know certain details of your course (number or section) use your registration info from OASIS
Go to the website - https://www.bkstr.com/usftampastore/shop/textbooks-and-course-materials
Option 1: You may find the books you need with your 8-digit Student ID #
Option 2: Click on "Enter Courses", select "USF Tampa" as your program and the term from the drop-down menu. Then, select NUR for department, course number and section number to view and and add your selection to the cart.
*If no textbooks are listed, it may mean that your instructor has not yet added them. Contact your instructor for more information.
The Bookstore Advance Purchase Program (BAPP) allows students to charge books and supplies at any USF campus bookstore using your financial aid before it is paid.
In addition to textbooks, there are other materials that you must purchase for the program that arenot availablethrough the USF Bookstore. You will be requried to purchase ATI. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) is an online learning platform designed to supplement the curriculum with resources to help nursing students learn, improve, apply, and test for NCLEX success.You will be required to enroll in ATI. The cost of ATI is about $1000 spread out over 4 payments. More information about purchasing ATI will be provided at orientation and again at the beginning of the semester.
All USF College of Nursing students are required to have a laptop/notebook computer with wireless internet connection and a web browser. Students are also required to have a compatible webcam and microphone; the webcam and microphone should either be built into your laptop/notebook or be a portable model. Specific information on requirements can be found below.
Students in all nursing courses are expected to meet these requirements to successfully participate in their courses. Failure to meet these technology standards may result in inability to complete program requirements. It is the student's responsibility to ensure all requirements are met before the semester starts.
The USF Computer Store offers laptop "bundles" and discounted software for registered students. For more information, visit USF Computer Store.
Recommended Devices & Purchasing Instructions:
To purchase the following recommended devices from the USF Computer Store:
1. Login to the Online Catalog | USF Computer Store
2. Choose a purchase option
• Windows Laptops:
https://www.govconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Search?CatId=202851&Sort=Availability&DefSort=Y
• Apple Products:
https://www.govconnection.com/category/apple/203596?cm_sp=MegaMenu-_-Products-_-
Apple
The USF IT Service Center has certified Apple and Dell technicians. If you purchase a Mac or Dell laptop, you will be able to bring your laptop to the Service Center and only pay for replacement
parts, if needed.
Contact the USF Computer Store for additional assistance at 813-974-1779.
Windows (PC) Minimum Requirements
Hardware Requirements:
• Intel Core i5/i7 series of processors OR AMD Ryzen series processors purchased in the
last 2 years
• 14” or higher display running 1366 X 768 resolution or higher
• 512 GB Solid State Hard Drive
• 16 GB RAM
The College of Nursing's Student Computer Requirement has specific information on hardware requirements. The USF Computer Store offers laptop "bundles" for registered students.
• Port for Ethernet wired connection (if a port is not provided you will need to purchase a
separate USB Ethernet adapter cable)
• Ethernet cable
• Wireless B/G/N Wi-Fi connection
• Power Adaptor
• Must have an HD webcam with at least 2 megapixels (if purchasing an external webcam,
please buy a Logitech C615 or Logitech C920)
• Headphones with microphone capability
Software Requirements:
• PC - Windows 10 64 bit, Windows 11 64 bit recommended
• Microsoft Teams and Office 365. (Microsoft Office products are available for free
download in the Office 365 portal with a USF Account - https://portal.office.com/Home)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
• Windows media player
MAC Minimum Requirements
Hardware Requirements:
• MacBook Air / MacBook Pro with M1 or M2 chip OR MacBook Air / MacBook Pro with
Intel chip purchased in the last 2 years
• 13” or higher display running 1366 X 768 resolution or higher
• 512 GB hard drive
• 16 GB RAM
• USB/Ethernet port adapter
• Ethernet cable
• Wireless B/G/N Wi-Fi connection
• Power Adaptor
• Must have an HD webcam with at least 2 megapixels (if purchasing an external webcam,
please buy a Logitech C615 or Logitech C920)
• Headphones with microphone capability
Software Requirements:
• macOS 12.6 (Monterey) or macOS 13.4 (Ventura)
• Microsoft Teams and Office 365. (Microsoft Office products are available for free
download in the Office 365 portal with a USF Account - https://portal.office.com/Home)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
You will create a signature line in your USF email. Be sure to manually insert it when emailing your Academic Advisor. Your signature line will consist of your name, major (Accelerated Second Degree), your cohort semester and year (Fall 2025). Do not change your cohort as you progress through the program.
USF Signature Line Template:
Name, Student ID # (Only include your U# when submitting emails internally to your advisors and instructors)
Accelerated Second Degree, Fall 2025
How to create your email signature:
PC Directions:
Click File > Options > Mail > Signatures.
Click the signature you want to edit.
Remove the current signature in the edit area and copy and paste the above info into the signature box.
Change the information to reflect your information. Be sure to update the hyperlink for the phone number and email by right-clicking on each and editing the text display area and email address area.
When you're done, select Save > OK.
Mac Directions
Outlook > Preferences > Signatures.
Click the signature you want to edit and click edit.
Remove the current signature in the edit area and copy and paste the above info into the signature box.
Change the information to reflect your information. Be sure to update the hyperlink for the phone number and email.
When you're done, select Save > OK.
If you need assistance in creating your USF Email Signature Line, please contact USF IS at 813-974-1222.
Payment in full or approved deferment is due on the fifth day of the semester. You will not be sent a bill. The University will cancel the registration of a student whose registration fees have not been paid in full by the deadline as indicated on the university's academic calendar. Students who have a financial aid Tuition Deferment, Veteran's deferment, or Florida Prepaid will not be subject to cancellation.
Please review the estimated costs for incoming students and ensure to finalize your financial aid or method of payment. USF's Office of Financial Aid can assist you with any questions you have regarding the Financial Aid process. Additionally, you can also contact the USF Health Office of Financial Aid for assistance.
All students are strongly encouraged to file a FAFSA, as many scholarships require a current FAFSA on-file for consideration.
Supplemental College of Nursing Scholarship Application
The College of Nursing has supplemental scholarships. Please be sure to have a FAFSA on file and submit the following application to be considered: https://usf.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_42ueznZNsfNteCy
To be considered for additional scholarships in the 2025-26 academic year, you should also submit the USF Foundation scholarship application when it opens - applications for those scholarships are typically open November – April.
There may be additional scholarships opportunities listed on the USF Foundation Scholarship Office Facebook page.
The USF Photo ID card is the official identification card of the University of South Florida. The USF Photo ID Card is a multi-functional card. College of Nursing students will use the USF Photo ID Card as part of their Nursing badge required for clinicals and labs; therefore, you must obtain the USF Photo ID Card by the first day of classes. Note: If you are a current USF student with a valid USF Photo ID card, do not purchase another one.
Payment: Students and Distance Learning students will no longer have to pay for the USF Photo ID Card at the time of issue. Instead, students will be conveniently billed through their university account. The cost of your original card is $10. Replacement cards are $15.
Please visit the USF Card Services website for information on obtaining your USF Photo ID:
https://www.usf.edu/it/resources/usf-card
Process:
Complete the online ID card application on the USFCard Request Site. (idnow.it.usf.edu)
Submit a photo of yourself and a photo of your driver's license or passport. (Smartphones make it easy!!)
Wait for the approved email
Visit the ID card center to pick up your card
Activate your card usf.edu/activate-card (ATTENTION: Your card will not work for door access or payments until activated)
For detailed information including payment information please refer to our website:
https://www.usf.edu/it/class-prep/usf-card.aspx
If you have any questions, please contact USF Card Services directly at 813-974-2357.
DegreeWorks does not accurately reflect the Civic Literacy requirement until you being courses. You will be contacted shortly after that time to advise if you need to complete the Civic Literacy requirement; If you have been advised that you must complete the Civics Literacy requirement, you must complete the requirement by September 15, 2025 or a hold will be placed on your account. If you need to complete both the assessment and course, you must complete the assessment by September 15, 2025 and the course during Semester 1 of the Nursing program.
All undergraduate degree-seeking students who enroll in a Florida public institution for the first time in Fall 2018 and thereafter must demonstrate civic literacy. Amended legislation in 2021 now requires undergraduate degree-seeking students to meet the State of Florida’s Civic Literacy requirement by passing BOTH an approved civic literacy course and a passing score on a designated civic literacy assessment BEFORE graduation from USF. Please talk to your academic advisor about whether you need to enroll in a course and take the assessment.
More information regarding the Civic Literacy requirement can be found here
The goal of the civic literacy initiative is to ensure a level of understanding among all graduates in the principles and practices of American democracy through an understanding of the U.S. Constitutions and other founding document as well as landmark Supreme Court cases and legislation and their impact on law and society.
If entering Florida public college or university as an undergraduate seeking student for the first time in the beginning of Fall 2018 through Summer A 2021, must earn credit in an approved Civic Literacy course OR achieve a passing score on a designated civic literacy assessment (not both)
If entering Florida public college of university as an undergraduate seeking student for the first time in the beginning of Summer B/Fall 2021 or after, must earn credit in an approved Civic Literacy course AND achieve a passing score on a designated civic literacy assessment (both)
Students awarded an associate or baccalaureate degree by a state institution who initially entered prior to Fall 2018 are required to meet the civic literacy requirements should they return to seek an additional undergraduate degree if they did not meet the requirements as part of their initial degree (Course AND Exam)
Due to the rigor of the nursing program, students must complete the Florida Civics Literacy Examination in Semester 1 at USF Testing Center or other Approved testing site. The deadline for meeting the requirement is September 15, 2025.
How to meet this requirement:
Students entering Summer B/Fall 2021 and later, or returning for another degree who initially entered prior to 2018 must satisfy BOTH the Civic Literacy course and assessment requirements.
The course requirement may be met by doing one of the following:
Completing POS 2041 American National Government with a grade of “D-“ or higher.
Completing AMH 2020 American History II with a grade of “D-“ or higher.
Completing AMH 2010 American History I (taken Fall 2024 or later) with a grade of "D-" or higher
Receiving accelerated credit through completion of one of the following:
Advanced Placement Government and Politics: United States exam with a score of 3 or more (Course and Assessment)
Advanced Placement United States History exam with a score of 4 or more (Course and Assessment)
CLEP American Government exam with a score of 50 or more.(Course and Assessment)
CLEP History of the United States I with a score of 50 or more.(Course and Assessment)
CLEP History of the United States II: 1865 to present with a score of 50 or more (Course only)
Cambridge AICE History, US History (AS-Level) with a score of A-E. (Course only)
IB History: History of America with a score of of 5-7. (Course only)
Dual Enrollment POSX041 or AMH X020 or AMH X010 (if taken Fall 2024 or later) (Course Only)
The assessment requirement may be met by doing one of the following:
Scoring 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Government and Politics: United States exam.
Scoring 4 or higher on the Advanced Placement United States History exam.
Scoring 50 or higher on the CLEP American Government exam
Scoring 50 or higher on the CLEP History of the United States I exam