April 24, 2020
While the Spring 2020 semester is coming to an end in ways none of us could have anticipated, the sense of excitement and accomplishment that comes with the completion of the school year is present.
UCF is proud of our students’ resiliency and resolve in these challenging and uncertain times. Our students truly embody what it means to “Charge On!”
Thanks to federal relief from the “CARES Act,” UCF will be distributing $25.5 million in emergency aid to students with the most urgent need. We will share more information about how to apply for this funding soon, as part of our strong commitment to student success and helping one another through this difficult time.
While the trajectory of COVID-19 remains unknown, for now, let’s take a moment to reflect on the great work accomplished this spring and focus on a successful end to the semester.
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grading
The S/U opt-in period remains open through 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 27.
Given the disruptions of COVID-19, this allows students (except for M.D. students) to select whether they would like a S/U grade or letter grade for each of their Spring 2020 classes. Choices can be made or changed at any time up to next week’s deadline.
Instructions for choosing the S/U option are available here.
Students are reminded to consult with their advisors about their options and whether selecting S/U grading is a wise choice for them. To better understand S/U grading and potential implications, students are also encouraged to review these FAQs for undergraduate and graduate students.
Textbook Information
While UCF Bookstores are not physically open, operations are moving forward with staff available to assist students virtually.
Students with access to their textbooks: Rentals can be shipped back to the bookstore they were rented from free of charge using the appropriate return label.
If textbooks were purchased, students can sell them back for cash. The bookstore has partnered with MBS Textbook Exchange for online buyback options.
Students who do not have access to their textbooks: To accommodate students during these challenging times, the rental return deadline has been extended to June 15.
Students enrolled in summer classes: When available, choose a digital format for instant access to textbooks and course materials. Free shipping will be available for new, used and rental textbooks through the bookstore website, but note that shipping times may be longer than usual due to local delivery conditions. Students can find their upcoming semester course materials through my.ucf.edu → Student Self Service → My Class Schedule.
Virtual Commencement
UCF’s Spring 2020 class includes more than 8,600 students who will celebrate with us during virtual commencement ceremonies on May 2.
Former UCF football stars Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin — who currently play for the Seattle Seahawks — will serve as commencement speakers during the virtual ceremonies, which will be hosted on UCF’s Facebook and YouTube pages so that graduates and their families, friends and faculty members can watch.
More information and the time of each college’s ceremony are available here.
What’s Next
Remote instruction will continue for all summer sessions, meaning that the earliest face-to-face classes could resume is in the fall. UCF will announce a decision about fall classes in June.
To help our students registered for summer classes, UCF is waiving the Transportation Access Fee, which will result in savings of $2.5 million for our students. When applicable, the Materials and Supply Fee also will be waived for summer courses. UCF is not considering waiving additional summer fees or providing refunds for Spring 2020 fees at this time.
Please continue to check UCF’s coronavirus website for updates and remember to prioritize your health and wellbeing, both physical and mental.
Remember that UCF cares about you, and we will all get through this pandemic together.