Fall 2008

General Information

Change of Address

Students may change their addresses directly on USFconnect online at http://usfconnect.usfca.edu (click "Student," click on "Click here" under "Banner Self Service," then click on "Personal Information") or they may notify the One Stop Enrollment and Financial Services Office (Lone Mountain 251) in person. Because the University corresponds with students primarily through the mail, it is very important for you to keep an accurate and up-to-date address on file with us.

Application for Graduation and Commencement

Undergraduate Class Standing

Class standing is determined by the number of units completed toward graduation, not by the number of semesters in attendance, nor by requirements determined by your major.

Therefore it is possible for a student, particularly a transfer student, to be classified a senior based on units completed and still have over two semesters of work to complete.

Units Completed:
Freshman: 0-29
Sophomore: 30-59
Junior: 60-89
Senior: 90 +

GRADES

Pass/Fail

Students, excluding CPS students, are limited to one pass/fail course per semester. The deadline for any changes to or from pass/fail or Audit option without approval signatures is Friday, September 12, 2008. A student exercising the option or changing the option after this date must have the approval and signature of his/her dean. Required courses may not be taken as pass/fail. Students must have an overall 2.00 GPA and may not be a first semester freshman to exercise this option. To exercise this option enter "PF" for pass/fail or "AU" for Audit on your Registration/Add/Drop form in the column labeled "Grade Option."

Incomplete Grades

An incomplete "I" or not recorded "NR" grade not removed by the end of the following semester will be converted automatically into a failure "F" grade. It is the student's responsibility to complete course work in a timely manner.

Grade Reports

Grades are recorded online by each instructor. After grades are posted, they are available for viewing and printing online at http://usfconnect.usfca.edu.

1. Log on to USFconnect.
2. Click on the "Student" tab.
3. Under "Banner Self Service," click on the "Click here" button.
4. Under the "Student and Financial Aid" menu, click on "Student Records," then click on "Final Grades."
5. If you want to view a previous term, click on "Academic Transcript" under the "Student Records" menu, then choose the appropriate term.

Because grades are available online, grade reports are not mailed to students except upon request. To request a grade report to be mailed to you, contact the One Stop Enrollment and Financial Services Office at onestop@usfca.edu or call (415) 422-2020. Individual requests for grade reports are held until the vast majority of the grades are recorded for any particular term. This takes approximately one month after final exams.

Requests for Transcripts

Online Requests (except School of Law)
Current students should access the online transcript request service through USFconnect. Transcripts requested online will not be released if a student has any outstanding financial obligations with the University. The fee for official transcripts is $5.00 per copy and should be made at least one week in advance of the date required. Extra time should be allowed during registration (April, August, and November) and during Commencement (May, December) periods.

USFconnect Users:

1. Log on to USFconnect
2. Click on the "Student" tab or the "Alumni" tab.
3. For Current Students under "Banner Self Service" click on "Click here to" then click on "Student Records." Under the "Student Records" menu, click on "Request an Official Transcript or Enrollment Certificate."
4. For Alumni under "Transcripts," click on "Request an Official Transcript or Enrollment Certificate."
5. A new window will open the National Student Clearinghouse web site; click on "Order an Official Transcript."
   

Click here to go to USFconnect.

Transportation and Parking

Parking is limited and students are encouraged to use public transportation whenever possible. Parking around the USF campus is restricted to residential permit parking. Parking in these areas is limited to two hours between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Parking on campus is by permit only. Students living off campus in non-university housing may apply for a parking permit at the Department of Public Safety at the University Center 310. Summer permits can be purchased for $120 and are valid until August 31. Fall and Spring permits can only be obtained by entering a student lottery. Applications for the student parking lottery are available beginning in February and must be received by the Department of Public Safety by the end of July. Winners are announced in August and, therefore, have the opportunity to purchase a parking permit for the academic year. The University does reserve the right to cite, boot, or tow at the owner's expense any illegally parked vehicles on University property. The University is not responsible for any loss or theft from a vehicle or any damage incurred while on University property.

San Francisco Municipal (MUNI) Bus passes are available to full-time undergraduate students at the Associated Students (ASUSF) office in UC 100, (415) 422-7156. Graduate International Students can purchase passes in the International Student Services office in UC 402, (415) 422-2654.

For further information regarding parking, public transportation, and shuttle and escort services, contact the Public Safety Department, located in University Center 310, telephone (415) 422-4222. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For Emergencies call (415) 422-2911.

Identification Cards

The One-Card Office (Lone Mountain 130) processes student IDs. This photo ID is your official USF identification. The One-Card Office processes your first identification card without charge; however, there is $10 charge to replace a lost identification card. The following is a list of the current services and privileges for which the ID is used:

1. Meal Card
2. Gleeson Library Access
3. Identification for cashing checks on campus
4. Student discounts when offered
5. Clearance for gym open play and intra murals
6. Clearance for services from the Counseling and Psychological Services
7. Clearance for services from Career Services Center
8. Use of the Koret Health and Recreation Center
9. Use of St. Mary's Health Clinic
10. Electronic access to many university facilities
11. Don Dollars Account for use of:
    • Copiers
    • Soda/Vending Machines
    • Laundry
    • Various point of sale locations throughout campus

International Student Information

International students must receive an English language proficiency clearance from the English as a Second Language Program before they register for degree courses. The English Language Proficiency requirement at USF for undergraduate students is 550 on the International TOEFL (213 computer based) or an official IELTS overall band score of 6.0 or higher with no individual score below 5.5.

International graduate students should refer to the USF catalog for specific TOEFL requirements in their program. All undergraduate international students must be in a degree program except those enrolled in the English as a Second Language Program (ESL) in preparation for a degree program, and must carry a minimum of 12 units. International students at the Master's level must carry a minimum of 8 units, except in Arts and Sciences and CPS, where the minimum is 6 units. International students who require verification of enrollment status may request a letter through the One Stop Enrollment and Financial Services Office. Please allow one week for processing such letters. All international students are required to visit the International Students Services Office to "check-in" upon their arrival to USF. Before leaving the United States for any reason (including trips to Canada and Mexico), international students must re-validate their I-20 (or DS-2019) in the International Student Services Office, located in University Center 402, telephone (415) 422-2654. Allow 3-5 business days to complete this process in general and 7-10 days for processing during peak times (e.g., prior to holidays and the close of the semester).