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FAQs
The Office of Family Programs is the centralized resource on campus for families of University of West Florida’s undergraduate students. Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions on a variety of topics. If you have other questions or need additional information, please contact our office by calling the Family Assistance Line at 850-474-2384 or by e-mailing us at family@uwf.edu.
Academic
Finances
Housing
School Records
Health and Wellness
Campus life
Transportation
Commencement
Visiting Campus
Where can my student purchase textbooks?
Students can purchase their textbooks online or in person through the University Bookstore located in the University Commons. Textbooks ordered online through the University Bookstore can be shipped to your student directly or can be picked up in the bookstore on campus.
My student is not doing well academically. What academic support services are available?
The University of West Florida offers a variety of free resources to assist students in their academic development. The Learning Center, provides one-on-one and small group tutoring, computer-based instruction, test preparation assistance and supplemental instruction in most subjects. Also, refer your student to the Writing Lab or the Mathematics and Statistics Tutoring Lab if they would like more specialized assistance in either area.
Who is my student’s academic advisor?
All students who have less than 30 credit hours are assigned an academic advisor within the Advising Center. Your student can contact the Advising Center at 850-474-3170 or stop by building 18 to find out contact information for their advisor.
I have a specific question about fees and fee payment.
Visit Student Financial Services FAQ page to find many answers to your fee-related questions. Please contact the Office of Family Programs (family@uwf.edu) if you need additional assistance.
What is the deadline for my student to pay his/her fees for the semester?
The tuition payment deadline is the end of the first week of classes. The University does not mail bills for tuition and fees. Students can access their MyUWF (my.uwf.edu) account to view their account balance.
If tuition and fees are not paid by the deadline a late fee of $100.00 will be assessed Payments must be made in the Cashier’s office, on line or postmarked by the due date to avoid the late fee. If fees are not paid by the removal date, students will be deleted from class.
How can my student apply for financial aid?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Renewal FAFSA is the application necessary to apply for federal financial aid at the University of West Florida. Student must complete a new FAFSA every year. For more information, visit the Financial Aid Office.
I have a specific question regarding Housing and Residence Life…
Visit Housing and Residence Life’s FAQ Page to find many answers to your housing-related questions. Please contact the Office of Family Programs (family@uwf.edu) if we can help with other questions.
Is Housing open during holiday breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter break, Spring break, etc.)?
Residence Halls and the University Village Student Apartment Communities at the University of West Florida remain open for residents during Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and all other holidays during the academic year. Please be aware that there may be reduced services and staffing on campus during some of these times as many students do choose to leave campus. In addition there may be a Break Housing Fee for the breaks between semesters.
Does University Housing close during hurricanes and severe weather?
In the event of a hurricane, the University may close, and all on-campus resident students and guests (this includes camp and conference attendees) will need to evacuate University Housing if determined necessary by the President of the University of West Florida.
Can my student live on campus while enrolled in summer school?
Yes, housing is available for students enrolled in summer classes. Applications for summer housing will be available online during the spring semester Housing and Residence Life’s page.
Can I obtain a copy of my student’s grades?
Student’s may view and print their final grades on their MyUWF (my.uwf.edu) account. In order to have access to his/her grades you will need your student’s ArgoNet name and password. Have a conversation with your student about how you will share and access such information.
Where do I get proof of my student’s enrollment and grade point average for my insurance company?
Students may access the National Student Clearinghouse through their MyUWF account. Search Enrollment Certification Request and then click on National Student Clearinghouse. This will allow students to request an enrollment certification and a good student discount certificate, if eligible. Online requests are processed immediately. Students may also obtain a verification letter by going to the Office of the Registrar in building 18. In person requests will take five to ten business days to process, upon receipt of the original request.
How can my student change his/her permanent address on file with the university?
Change of address forms are available in the Office of Registrar, building 18. Students can also submit a change request online through MyUWF (my.uwf.edu) by searching Personal Information.
Your student’s current address should be their local address while they are attending the University of West Florida. Their permanent address should be their permanent home address and may or may not be the same as their current address.
My student was sick and had to miss several classes. What should he/she do?
Your student should contact his/her instructors and let them know about absences due to illness. Every instructor has their own attendance policy which can be found on the class syllabus. If your student is going to be out for an extended period of time, he/she should contact the Dean of Students office at 850-474-2384.
Does the Health Center accept insurance?
The Health Center does not accept insurance. Students can pay with cash, check, or Nautilus card. If they can’t pay at time of visit, they have until the end of the semester to pay. All information required for reimbursement from an insurance company is given to the patient when requested.
What does my student do if they become very sick at night or on weekends?
If your student becomes ill when the Health Center is not open it is advised they have someone take them to Baptist Medical Park Walk-in Clinic located on University Parkway or to the West Florida Hospital Emergency Room located on Davis Highway. Each student should have their insurance card in case they have to receive medical care other than in the University of West Florida Health Center.
My student is feeling anxious/stressed/depressed. Where can he/she go for help?
Please encourage your student to contact Counseling Services at 850-474-2420 for information on the variety of services available and how to set-up an appointment.
If your student needs to talk with someone immediately while the Center is closed, they may contact the University of West Florida switchboard at 474-2000 and inform the operator they need to speak with someone from the Counseling Center.
My student lives off-campus. Can he/she purchase an on-campus meal plan?
Yes, Dining Services offers a variety of meal plans for commuters to purchase.
What is the difference between the Nautilus Card and the HigherOne Debit card?
The Nautilus Card is your student’s official UWF identification card. It also serves as their library card, copy card, access card, declining balance card (for on-campus purchases and services) and meal plan card.
The HigherOne debit card is a university refund/disbursement card with a variety of choices for refund delivery. Students may choose the “easy refund” method or select to have an ACH transfer of funds to an existing bank account. If your student selects the “easy refund” option their refunds and disbursements will be deposited to their OneAccount. Students may then use their UWF HigherOne Debit card as a Debit MasterCard® that is accepted at stores worldwide.
What are Argo Bucks and where can my student use them?
Argo Bucks are flexible dollars that come with each meal plan. Argo Bucks are located on your student’s Nautilus Card and are accepted like cash in all on-campus dining locations. Argo Bucks expire at the end of each semester along with your student’s meal plan.
How can I add Argo Bucks to my student’s Nautilus Card?
Additional Argo Bucks can be added to your student’s Nautilus Card food account in a variety of ways. Deposits can be made in-person at the Cashier’s Office located in building 20E or can be mailed to the following address:
Cashier's Office
University of West Florida
11000 University Parkway
Pensacola, Florida 32514-5750
When making a deposit by mail, please include your student’s name, UWF ID number, the amount of the deposit and the name of the account (general or food) to which you choose to deposit. Only checks or money orders are accepted by mail.
Online deposits can be made through MyUWF, which requires the use of your student’s ArgoNet name and password. Once in MyUWF search Nautilus Card and click on “Credit Card Payment/ Nautilus Card Deposit.” Please note that deposits made via MyUWF may take up to two business days to be posted to your student’s Nautilus Card account.
My student wants to get involved on campus in a club or organization. Where can he/she go for more information?
Encourage your student to stop by the Student Activities office located in the University Commons for more information on how to become involved. There are over 100 registered student organizations in a variety of categories including academic, professional, greek, honor, religious and special interest. If your student does not find an organization they want to be a part of they can start their own!
I would like to send my student a care package/birthday cake/etc. Does the university offer any service that would help me with this?
Dining Services offers an Online Convenience Store that sells various care packages, birthday cakes and treats that are sent to your student to pick up on campus.
Where can I find information about on- and off-campus jobs for my student?
The Office of Human Resources administers a student employment service that provides detailed information for job opportunities on-campus. Your student can also visit Career Services for assistance with off-campus employment. For information about work-study positions on-campus encourage your student to visit the Financial Aid office.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information on tropical weather in the University of West Florida area?
The University of West Florida home page will reflect the most up-to-date information in the event of an emergency situation. WUWF Public Media also offers live audio and video streaming related to tropical weather situations.
How does my student sign-up to receive ArgoAlerts to their phone in case of emergency?
Your student can log in to MyUWF and search Argo Alert. In the event of an emergency at the University of West Florida, students who sign-up for ArgoAlert will receive text messages (SMS) to their text messaging enabled mobile device and/or instant message to a GoogleTalk IM account. Students will always receive an e-mail to their university e-mail address in the event of an emergency as well.
Does my student need a car?
Students do not need to bring a car to campus if they don’t want to or don’t have one. Parking and Transportation Services offers a trolley service that runs on campus Monday - Saturday and makes occasional routes to the Town Center Shopping area. The trolley service is free. If your student does bring a car to campus he/she must purchase a parking pass in the Cashier’s Office in building 20E.
The University of West Florida campus is also served by the Escambia County bus service Monday through Friday. Schedule and ticket information are available from the University Commons Service Desk.
How does my student purchase a parking pass?
Parking permits can be purchased in the Cashier’s Office in building 20E. Permits can also be purchased online by logging into MyUWF and search “Parking Permits."
My student is graduating. How does he/she order announcements, cap/gown, etc.?
Your student may purchase invitations and other graduation related items in the University Bookstore located in the University Commons. Caps and gowns may now be purchased online at Herff Jones.
Where can I find information on my student’s graduation ceremony (date/time/place)?
Commencement will be held each May and December at the Pensacola Civic Center. Please visit the Commencement page for complete information.
Do family members and guests need tickets or invitations to attend Commencement?
No, tickets are not issued for Commencement. Students may invite as many family members and guests as they wish to attend Commencement. Seating is on a first-come first-served basis. Designated seating will be available for those guests who have special needs.
How can I arrange a campus tour?
Campus tours are offered Monday through Friday, weather permitting, starting from the Office of Admissions in building 18. Please contact Admissions at 850-474-2230 to schedule a tour. The tour begins with a presentation about the University of West Florida, admissions, majors and scholarships, and is followed by a walking tour of campus.
Where can I park when I visit campus?
All vehicles parked on campus must have a pass or permit and must also be registered with Parking Services. Visitor permits are available free of charge in the Welcome Center, the Police Department (building 19) and Parking Services (building 92).
Visitors may park in designated visitor spaces or in commuter spaces. Visitor spaces are designated by signage and are located in lots A, B, H, K, P, Q and BB. If visitor spaces are unavailable visitors may park in any commuter space.
What hotels are located near UWF?For a list of hotels near UWF that are offereing discounts to participants of Family Weekend, please visit the hotels page.