UMF Policies

The student shall have the right to cancel the agreement and receive a full refund before the first lesson and materials are received or the third business day after enrollment, whichever is later. Cancellation is effective on the date the written notice of cancellation is made by the student. The withdrawal date is determined with the student providing a written notification to the school. The institution shall make the refund as per the calculation consistent with the Florida Administrative Code. Refunds shall be made within 30 days of determination that the student has canceled or withdrawn (regardless if the institution delivered the first lesson and materials before an effective cancellation notice was received).

In the event the institution does not accept the enrollment, a full refund of all monies will be made to the applicant. An applicant may cancel his/her enrollment within three (3) business days from the student signing of this enrollment agreement and all monies paid by an applicant will be refunded within three (3) business days after the student signed the enrollment agreement. An applicant subsequently requesting cancellation of enrollment prior to the class starting date shall be entitled to a refund of all monies paid. All monies due the applicant will be refunded within 30 days of the date of determination from the cancellation.

The refund policy for students who have started attending and withdraw during the Add/Drop period of the term in each semester, result in a refund of all monies paid, with the exception of the non-refundable application fee. The Add/Drop period is equal to one week. A student may drop and/or add courses through the first week of a course and the tuition will be adjusted for that term. Withdrawal after the drop/add period ends results in a student not being entitled to any refund.

The institution shall pay or credit refunds within 30 days of the date of determination of a student’s cancellation or withdrawal. For purposes of determining a refund, a student shall be considered to have withdrawn from an educational program when he or she withdraws or is deemed withdrawn by the date of determination and in accordance with the withdrawal policy stated in the institution’s catalog.

If an institution has collected money from a student for transmittal on the student’s behalf to a third party for a bond, library usage, or fees for a license, application, or examination and the institution has not paid the money to the third party at the time of the student’s withdrawal or cancellation, the institution shall refund the money to the student within 30 days of the date of determination of the student’s withdrawal or cancellation.

This institution shall refund any credit balance on the student’s account within 30 days of the date of determination after the date of the student’s completion by means of completing all courses required in the student’s program of study, or by withdrawal from, the educational program in which the student was enrolled.

A student must meet the following minimum standards of academic achievement and successful course completion while enrolled at UMF. Student records are reviewed at the conclusion of every semester to determine compliance with the SAP policy. There are two components to the SAP policy: 

a) Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average 

A student’s Cumulative Grade Point Average is based on all courses taken at UMF. Students must maintain a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Academic records are reviewed at the completion of every semester to determine SAP. 

b) Maximum Time Frame 

Students are given a maximum time frame of 150% of the published program length to complete their declared degree program. For example, if students must earn 64 credit hours to complete their declared program, they must earn (complete) those credit hours while attempting no more than 96 credit hours overall. 

All attempted courses within the student’s program count toward the maximum time frame for program completion. If at any point it becomes evident that a student cannot complete the program within the 150% time frame, the student will be suspended from the Institution. 

As a general rule, any student whose GPA is below the minimum GPA at a specified measuring point of 25% will be counseled by the School and documented in the student’s file.

Once a student is registered, their only necessary equipment is a personal computer with internet access, a
student can access the eLearning platform from anywhere in the world. To maintain privacy and security,
each student is provided with a username and password which allows them to reach their own personal
page within the Populi Learning Management System.
It is important to maintain student interaction with the instructor and the learning community. The online
platform will allow these interactions to be more flexible regarding time and space, yet the outcome should
be similar or better. It is important to outline the following criteria:
1.⁠ ⁠The professor has knowledge in online instructional technology so that they can not only easily
use it to teach students but also help students who have any issues.
2.⁠ ⁠The student earns flexibility in distance and time. Based on the course syllabus, the student can
plan and organize his/her learning plan for the subject.
3.⁠ ⁠The online process opens many avenues for study; self-study takes an enhanced role. Also, they
can have interactions with the professor and the rest of the students through forums, chats, web conferencing and such.
4.⁠ ⁠The student follows the course agenda and works guided by the professor’s advice. Students are accountable for semester work.

Recruitment and Outreach staff inform potential new students of the minimum technology requirements when responding to inquiries received from the UMF website contact page, vie e-mail and telephone inquiries, and from other marketing and advertising materials. Having the appropriate technology is a critical component for participation and successful completion of an online degree program. Staff informs students, as well as referring students to the university catalog (p 14) located on the UMF website at: http://www.umfonline.education.

Recruitment staff provide prospective students with information on minimum technology requirements when responding to inquiries they receive from the website, email, telephone calls, or other forms of marketing and advertising.

As a general rule, any student whose GPA is below the minimum GPA at a specified measuring points of 50% and 75% will be placed on academic probation by the School. A standard period of probation is three months. However, if the student’s academic achievement and course completion rate matches or exceeds the minimums described above during the probationary period, the student will be considered to be making satisfactory progress. Any student whose academic achievement or course completion rate is determined to be sub-standard at the end of the probationary period at an evaluation point will be suspended from regular status.

Students who fail to show improvement or achieve the minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 while on Academic Probation will be subject to Academic Dismissal from the institution. The Dean will make the decision on placing students on Academic Dismissal and will notify the affected students in writing. A student who is placed on Academic Dismissal will have a permanent record of the dismissal in the transcripts.

If approved by the Dean, a student may continue as a non-regular student for a period not to exceed one evaluation period in order to re-take courses in which the student was previously unsuccessful. During this period, the student will be charged tuition consistent with normal tuition fees. In no case may a student extend beyond the maximum program length in order to complete the program. A student wishing to extend his/her program must agree to these terms in writing. Credits earned during a period of extended enrollment will count towards the maximum time frame for completion of the program.

If a student demonstrates, after re-taking courses, that he/she is academically and motivationally prepared to continue with the program, the student may be reinstated as a regular student. The Dean will make this determination based upon a review of the student’s academic transcript and an interview with the student. The reinstatement will be based upon the student meeting the normal satisfactory progress parameters that were in effect at the evaluation point at which the student lost regular status. If reinstated as a regular student, the student will be placed on probation until at least the next evaluation point.

A student may repeat a course in which a grade has been earned. However, repeating courses in which a grade of “C” or better has been earned is not recommended. Only the second grade earned in a repeated course will be used in computing the grade point average. Credits for a repeated course are counted only one time in computing the grade point average. Hours for both courses will be used in computing the total course completion hours. Both grades remain as a permanent part of the student’s transcript. However, in no case may a student extend beyond the maximum program length in order to complete the program and receive the original credential. 

An “I” is assigned when course work is not completed in the appropriate times due to circumstances beyond the student’s control. Any “I” not removed by the student will be automatically converted to the otherwise earned grade, typically an “F”. An “I” is not calculated in the GPA but is counted in the course completion percentage. 

The School does not currently offer any pass/fail courses and the School does not issue “W” grades. 

Students who withdraw during the drop-add period and enroll in another course will receive no grade in the original course. Students may not withdraw from a course after the drop-add period without financial penalty. 

The Dean may, in his/her discretion, grant leaves of absence or waive interim satisfactory standards for circumstances involving poor health, family crisis, or other significant occurrences outside the student’s control. These circumstances must be documented and the student must demonstrate that they had an adverse impact on the student’s satisfactory progress. No waivers will be granted for graduation requirements.

The satisfactory progress standards apply to all students enrolled at the School in a regular status.

The School does not currently have a remedial program. All courses attempted at the School affect the calculation of the student’s satisfactory progress.

Any student who feels that a grade has been erroneously awarded, that an action to place him/her on probation or suspension is improper, or that has any other grievance, may appeal that action to the Dean. This appeal must be in writing and must be made within five (5) days of the action in question. 

The Dean will investigate the matter and will provide a response within ten (10) days of the appeal. Actions taken by the Dean may include the following: denial of any change in grade or action, change of grade, removal from probationary status, or reinstatement in the case of suspension. 

Please note that there are no D grades or plus or minus signs. 

Students are expected to participate and actively contribute in class assignments (including discussions), demonstrating knowledge of the concepts and theories studied, and the ability to apply that knowledge when analyzing current events, assigned case studies, or real business questions from their own organizations and communities. 

This institution’s policy on attendance is based on the premise that regular communication between the teacher and the student and, also, among students themselves, has significant value in the learning process. To assure this timely communication, the instructor will respond to each assignment submissions or exam submissions within 7 days. To further assure this timely communication, students must respond to each of the instructor’s inquiries within 7 days as well. 

A student must demonstrate regular and substantive interaction with the instructor. Regular and substantive interaction is defined as completing one of the following academically related activities once a week in order to be marked as having attended and actively participating: 

• Post to the course discussion board substantive comments relevant to the subject 
• Substantive exchanges with the instructor about course content, concepts, and assignments 
• Submit a graded unit assignment or exercise 
• Attempt a final exam 

Assignments should be completed timely and within the posted deadlines. Limited extensions of time may only be granted for unexpected business, health, or personal emergencies, whenever those are communicated in advance of missing a due date. Emergencies require a written proof. In the rare occurrence of a technical issue preventing students from submitting assignments on time, the late penalty will not be applied, provided the technical issue is outside of the control of individual students. 18 

It is important that students stay connected to the platform to review the materials, participate in class activities, and actively participate in the forums and all other activities related to the Institutions environment. Students may not be offline from the academic platform for more than seven (7) consecutive days. Students who miss more than seven (7) consecutive days will be administratively withdrawn. 

A student may request a Leave of Absence (LOA), whenever it is necessary to take an academic leave due to individual circumstances. A student seeking a LOA must submit a request to the Registrar. The Leave of Absence cannot exceed 180 days in any 12-month period. 

A student may not begin a Leave of Absence while an active course is in progress, rather a withdrawal procedure must be initiated by the student. The LOA can begin upon the completion of the active course term. Students ready to resume their studies after a leave of absence must contact the Registrar. Upon the student’s return from the leave of absence, the student will be permitted to complete the coursework from where they left prior to the Leave of Absence. If a student does not resume attendance on, before or at the end of an approved Leave of Absence, then the student will be withdrawn from the institution and may need to reapply into the program. 

UMF has and uniformly applies a published Withdrawal policy that complies with all state and federal agency requirements. 

1. A student choosing to withdraw from the school after the start of classes is to provide a written notice to the Dean. The notice must include the expected last date of attendance and be signed and dated by the student. The written notice may be submitted by mail or by electronic transmission. 

2. If special circumstances arise, a student may request, in writing, a leave of absence, which should include the date the student anticipates the leave beginning and ending. If a student does not resume attendance at the institution on or before the end of an approved leave of absence, the institution must treat the student as a withdrawal and the date that the leave of absence was approved should be considered the last date of attendance for refund purposes. 

3. A student will be determined to be withdrawn from the school if the student misses 14 consecutive instructional days and all the days are unexcused. 

4. All refunds must be received within 30 days of the determination of the withdrawal date. 

5. Approval of the withdrawal will allow the student to re-register and continue in the program on a date no later than the beginning of the start of the next class. 

6. A student granted readmission is subject to the tuition rate and fees at the time of re-entry. 

7. A student’s last date of attendance is the last day a student had academically related activity, which may include projects, discussion posts or examinations. The last date of attendance is when the school determines that the student is no longer in school. 

The school does not participate in either State or Federal financial aid programs, nor does it provide financial aid directly to its students. A student enrolled in an unaccredited institution is not eligible for federal financial aid programs.

The President may impose penalties for violations of University of Mid Florida (UMF) academic policies or campus regulations, whether or not such violations are also violations of law or subject to legal proceedings.
UMF communicates directly with students whose conduct warrants disciplinary action.

Cheating is defined as the attempt—successful or not—to give or obtain aid or information by illicit means in meeting any academic requirement, including examinations. This includes falsifying reports, assignments, or documents.

Plagiarism is defined as the use, without proper acknowledgment, of ideas, phrases, sentences, or larger units of discourse from another writer or speaker. This includes unauthorized copying of software and violations of copyright laws.

Faculty Responsibilities

Faculty are expected to:

• Take practical steps to prevent and detect cheating.
• Report suspected academic misconduct to the Program Director.
• Report evidence of plagiarism, exam cheating, or falsification of records to the Program Director.

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to:

• Follow faculty instructions for all assignments and exams.
• Understand documentation requirements for papers, exams, and the use of digital tools and content.
• Report concerns about instructional practices that may promote cheating to the Program Director.

Consequences of Academic Dishonesty

Depending on the severity of the infraction, consequences may include:

• A grade of “0%” on the assignment, test, or project.
• A lowered course grade or failure of the course.
• Dismissal from the institution under the standards of student conduct.

The Program Director will communicate directly with students involved in academic dishonesty and make recommendations for disciplinary action. Final decisions regarding suspension or readmission will be made by the President.

PENALTIES FOR MISCONDUCT

The President may impose penalties for violations of UMF policies or campus regulations, whether or not such violations are also violations of law, and whether proceedings are or have been pending in the courts involving the same acts.

If, because of an official appeal, it is determined that the student was improperly disciplined, the President shall, if requested by the student, seal the hearing record and remove any reference to the disciplinary process from the student’s record. The record may only be used in legal proceedings.

Regardless of whether a formal hearing occurs, UMF may provide written notice to a student stating that their behavior may have violated policies and, if repeated, could result in disciplinary action. Prior behavior detailed in this notice may be considered in future disciplinary proceedings.

Types of Disciplinary Actions

Any sanction imposed will be appropriate to the violation, considering its context and seriousness:

• Warning/Censure: Written notice that a violation occurred and further violations may lead to more serious action.
• Disciplinary Probation: Temporary status requiring good behavior. Further violations may lead to suspension or dismissal.
• Loss of Privileges / Exclusion from Activities: Temporary ban from certain activities or privileges.
• Suspension: Temporary removal from UMF with the possibility of return after meeting specific conditions.
• Dismissal: Permanent removal from UMF, with readmission only under exceptional circumstances.
• Restitution: Financial or service-based compensation for damage caused by a student.
• Revocation of Degree: May occur with approval from the UMF Governing Board.

Student Rights

Students have the right to:

• Attend a safe, welcoming school and be part of a community that values learning.
• Expect courtesy, fairness, and respect from staff and peers.
• Expect that property will be respected and protected.
• Express opinions freely through lawful means.
• Advocate for changes to laws, policies, or regulations.

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to:

• Attend school regularly and follow assigned schedules.
• Follow institutional rules, policies, and procedures.
• Respect the authority of faculty and staff.
• Respect the rights, property, and beliefs of others.
• Avoid using obscene, violent, or disrespectful language or gestures.
• Resolve conflicts peacefully.
• Avoid bullying, harassment, or physical harm to others.

A grievance procedure is available to any student who believes an University of Mid Florida decision or action has adversely affected his or her status, rights, or privileges as a student. The purpose is to provide a prompt and equitable process for resolving student grievances. Students with grievances should first communicate with the appropriate course professor. If the professor is unable to resolve the student’s complaint, the professor will refer it to the Director of Education in writing. If the Director of Education is unable to resolve the students’ complaint, he will refer it to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer will take steps to resolve the complaint or will refer it in turn to the President of the University of Mid Florida. The University of Mid Florida President’s decision is final.
Informal Resolution
Students are encouraged to speak directly with their mentor or staff member most concerned with or responsible for the situation that is the cause of the complaint. If this communication does not lead to a resolution, or such a discussion is not deemed appropriate, the student may register an informal complaint or file a formal written complaint.
Informal Complaint
A student may register an informal complaint within thirty (30) days of the event that triggered the complaint. The earlier the communication is made, the more likely it is to resolve the matter satisfactorily. Complaints should be made to the Director of Education. Informal complaints may be made in person, by telephone, or email. Appropriate University of Mid Florida staff will review the matter presented by the student and determine whether any action is required. The student will be notified of the University of Mid Florida’s response within 20 days of the informal complaint. If the student is not satisfied with the decision and/or attempts at resolution, he/she may go on to make a formal complaint.
Formal Complaint
A formal complaint must be submitted in writing to the Department Chairperson. Formal complaints must be filed within sixty (60) days of the event that triggered the complaint and state the nature of the grievance and the remedy being sought. Any previous attempts to resolve the issue should also be described. Receipt of the complaint will be acknowledged within fifteen (15) days. The appropriate University of Mid Florida administrator will then review the matter. A final written determination, including any proposed resolution, will be sent to the student within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the complaint. The relevant University of Mid Florida office will keep a complete record of formal complaints. Records of the outcome of all formal complaints will also be stored in a centralized database and the student’s electronic file. Students who at the end of this process feel a grievance is unresolved may refer it to:

Commission for Independent Education Florida Department of Education
325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Phone 850.245.3200, or Toll Free 888.224.6684, or online at http://www.fldoe.org/policy/cie

Students who have been placed on Dismissal can appeal the decision based on mitigating personal circumstances. The appeal has to be submitted in writing to the Dean, who will make the final determination. If the appeal is approved, the student will be permitted to continue coursework at UMF under academic probation status. The Dean will communicate directly with students whose conduct was deemed to warrant disciplinary action and will make the final decision if a student will not be allowed to be readmitted.

Violations of the Harassment or Discrimination Policy of this institution will become part of the student’s record. Depending on the severity and/or frequency of the violation(s), the Faculty may take disciplinary action, including administrative withdrawal from the institution. A student who has become subject to disciplinary action may submit an appeal to the Dean per the Grievance policy. The Dean will communicate directly with a student whose conduct was deemed to warrant disciplinary action and will make the final decision if a student will not be allowed to be readmitted.

The University of Mid Florida (UMF) is committed to supporting students’ educational goals by facilitating the transfer of previously earned credits The eligibility for the transfer of credits is as follows:
– UMF accepts transfer credits from institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
– Transfer courses must align with the content, scope, and rigor of UMF’s graduate-level
courses.
– Courses must be directly applicable to the degree program being pursued.
– A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required for a course to be considered for transfer.
– Students may transfer up to 50% of the total required credits for a master’s degree at UMF. At least 50% of credits must be earned directly through UMF to ensure the integrity and quality of the awarded degree.
– Only graduate-level coursework from accredited institutions will be evaluated for transfer.
– In some cases, UMF may grant credit for professional certifications or licenses if they are relevant to the degree program and equivalent to graduate coursework. Documentation is required.
– International coursework must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service (e.g., WES or ECE) to determine U.S. equivalency.
Exclusions:
– Transfer credits will not be awarded for experiential learning, non-credit courses, or undergraduate- level coursework.
– Credits from institutions without recognized accreditation will not be accepted.

Students must submit official transcripts from all previous institutions attended. Course descriptions, syllabi, or other supporting documentation may be required to assess equivalency.
Transfer credit requests must be submitted prior to the end of the first semester of enrollment at UMF. The Academic Affairs Office reviews all transfer credit requests. Final approval rests with the Dean of Graduate Studies. If a transfer credit request is denied, students may appeal the decision by submitting a written request to the President within 30 days of notification. The appeal must include additional supporting documentation.
UMF reserves the right to update this policy to align with changes in accreditation standards, institutional requirements, or program-specific needs

The UMF Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Credit Evaluation at UMF for graduate level coursework is a process that will ensure students have a streamlined method for obtaining credit based on relevant professional and academic experiences, as well as alignment with UMF’s academic standards.

UMF Prior Learning Assessment Credit Evaluation: Graduate-Level

1. Eligibility and Scope

Graduate students may apply for PLA credit if they can demonstrate prior learning that aligns with UMF’s graduate coursework standards. Eligible experiences include:

• Professional work in relevant industries
• Academic coursework from non-accredited institutions
• Certifications, licenses, or professional training
• Research or publications
• Military service and specialized training

2. PLA Credit Evaluation Process

Step 1: Initial Inquiry and Consultation

• Objective: Provide students with an overview of the PLA process, policies, and guidelines.
• Action: Students consult with the PLA Advisor or Program Director to discuss their eligibility and potential credits.

Step 2: Submission of PLA Portfolio

• Components:

• • Resume/CV: Highlight relevant experience and accomplishments.
  • Reflective Essay: Describe the knowledge acquired, linking it to the UMF graduate-level course outcomes.
  • Documentation: Evidence such as certificates, publications, work samples, or a supervisor’s endorsement.

• Alignment Requirement: Portfolio should map experiences to the learning outcomes of the specific graduate courses for which credit is sought.

Step 3: Faculty Review and Assessment

• Evaluators: Designated UMF faculty with expertise in the subject matter.
• Assessment Criteria: Evaluators will assess whether the student’s prior learning sufficiently covers course objectives, academic rigor, and graduate-level critical thinking and analysis.

Step 4: Credit Award and Documentation

• Evaluation Outcome: Students may be awarded full or partial course credit, or they may be asked to resubmit if additional information is needed.
• Transcript Notation: Credits earned through PLA will be noted as “Prior Learning Credit” on the student’s transcript but will not impact GPA.

3. PLA Credit Limitations and Standards

• Maximum Credits: Graduate students may apply for up to (6) PLA credits toward their degree.
• Course Equivalency: Each PLA credit granted must align closely with specific UMF graduate course objectives.
• Grade Requirements: PLA credit is awarded on a credit/no-credit basis; students do not receive letter grades for prior learning.

4. Fees and Deadlines

• Application Fee: A one-time PLA evaluation fee to cover administrative costs.
• Deadline: Applications should be submitted by the third week of the semester in which students plan to use the PLA credits.

This structure for the UMF Prior Learning Assessment Credit Evaluation ensures a thorough and fair review of students’ prior experiences, while maintaining UMF’s academic standards and integrity at the graduate level.

English Language Proficiency Requirements for Master’s Degree Applicants
Prospective students whose native language is not English and who have not earned a degree from an accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following methods:

Applicants must provide one of the following:

TOEFL PBT: Minimum score of 65
TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 75
IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
Pearson Test of English Academic: Minimum score of 50
Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 100
Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum score of 54
Michigan ECCE/ECPE: Minimum score of 650/LP
Applicants may also meet this requirement by:

Accuplacer ESL Exam: Achieving the following minimum scores:
ESL Language Use: 85
ESL Listening: 80
ESL Reading: 85
ESL Sentence Meaning: 90
ESL Writeplacer: 4
Comprehensive Score: 350
Eiken Exam: Minimum grade of Pre-1
CEFR Standards: Minimum B-2 proficiency level, assessed through approved ESOL examinations (e.g., University of Cambridge).
English Credit Hours: Completion of at least 30 semester credit hours with a B average at an accredited institution where English was the language of instruction.
Non-English Transcripts
Transcripts issued in a language other than English must be evaluated and translated by an approved third-party service.

The University of Mid Florida is committed to maintaining a culture of integrity, respect, and ethical behavior among its community members, which includes students, faculty, staff, administrators, Board members, and volunteers. This Code of Ethics outlines the principles and standards expected of all members to foster a respectful, safe, and productive learning environment.

1. Integrity and Honesty
– All members of the university community are expected to act with honesty in their academic, professional, and personal interactions.
– Academic integrity is paramount; cheating, plagiarism, and misrepresentation of one’s work are strictly prohibited.
– Faculty and staff are responsible for upholding ethical standards in teaching, research, and service.

2. Respect and Inclusivity
– The University is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes mutual respect.
– Discrimination, harassment, and intolerance of any kind based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or any other characteristic are unacceptable.
– All members of the university community should contribute to a respectful and supportive environment for learning and collaboration.

3. Responsibility and Accountability
– Members of the university community are accountable for their actions and are expected to take responsibility for their decisions.
– Faculty and staff are encouraged to lead by example, demonstrating professionalism and accountability in their duties.
– Students are responsible for adhering to university policies, including academic and conduct policies.

4. Commitment to Excellence
– The University is committed to upholding high standards in education, research, and service to our community.
– Faculty and staff should strive for continuous improvement in teaching, research, and administrative functions.
– Students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence and demonstrate curiosity and dedication in their studies.

5. Confidentiality and Privacy
– Respecting the privacy of students, faculty, and staff is a priority at the University of Mid Florida.
– Personal information should be kept confidential and shared only when necessary and with proper authorization.
– All members should comply with laws and university policies related to confidentiality, such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).

6. Compliance with Laws and Policies
– The university community is expected to comply with all local, state, and federal laws, as well as university policies and procedures.
– Violations of university policies or legal requirements will result in appropriate disciplinary action.
– Members should report any unethical behavior or violations of policies to the appropriate university authorities.

7. Ethical Conduct in Research
– Researchers must conduct all research activities with integrity and adhere to the highest standards of scientific and academic honesty.
– All research involving human subjects must be approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and conducted following IRB guidelines.
– Plagiarism, data manipulation, and other unethical research practices are strictly prohibited.

8. Environmental and Social Responsibility
– The University promotes practices that are environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
– Members are encouraged to participate in initiatives that support environmental stewardship and community engagement.

9. Reporting and Addressing Ethical Concerns

– The university provides mechanisms for reporting ethical concerns confidentially and without fear of retaliation. All members are encouraged to report unethical behavior, conflicts of interest, or violations of this code through designated channels.
– Reports will be addressed promptly, and corrective actions will be taken as necessary.
For violations or concerns that do not fall under an existing University policy or that do not have an established reporting process, the following guidelines should be followed:
– Faculty Members: Faculty members should report violations or concerns to their division or department chair or to their dean.
– Staff Members: Staff members should report violations or concerns to their immediate supervisor. If it is not appropriate to report the violation to one’s immediate supervisor for any reason, the staff member should report the violation to the supervisor’s superior.
– Students: Students should report violations or concerns to the office of the dean of their school.
– Student Employees: Student employees should report violations or concerns related to their employment to their immediate supervisor. If it is not appropriate to report the violation to one’s supervisor for any reason, the student employee should report the violation to the supervisor’s superior.
– Members of the Board of Regents and Advisory Boards: Board members should report violations or concerns to the chair or to the University liaison of their respective board.
– Volunteers: University volunteers should report violations or concerns to the University employee who coordinates their volunteer activity with the University.
10. Acknowledgment and Commitment
– All members of the university community are required to read and acknowledge this Code of Ethics.
– By participating in the university community, individuals agree to uphold the principles and values outlined in this Code of Ethics.

The University of Mid Florida (UMF) is committed to maintaining transparency and fairness in its tuition refund practices. Students who officially withdraw from a course or program may be eligible for a tuition refund based on the schedule below. All withdrawals must be submitted in writing via the official withdrawal form and approved
by the Registrar’s Office. The add/drop period ends seven days after the start of the term. After the first week, if the student wishes to withdraw from the class, the following refund policies apply:
● The refund amount is based on the date the student officially withdraws, not the last date of attendance.
● The application fee, technology fee, and course materials are non-refundable.
● If the student paid with a scholarship, the refunded amount is limited to any out-of-pocket tuition paid.
All payments and refunds are calculated in USD. All refunds are based on the amount of tuition paid minus scholarships. The University will refund 100% of any payments received for the overpayment or pre-payment of future courses.

Withdrawal Timeframe – Tuition Refund Percentage
Before the first day of class – 100%
Week 1 (Days 1–7) – 100%
Week 2 (Days 8–14) – 90%
Week 3 (Days 15–21) – 75%

Week 4 (Days 22–28) – 50%
Week 5 (Days 29-35) – 25%
Week 6 and After (Day 36+) – 0%

Examples (in USD):
1. Bob is a new student and paid his tuition for a 3-credit class, totaling $1,585. Three days later he dropped the class. Bob will receive a refund of $1,585, minus the $100 application fee, because he withdrew during the seven day add/drop period, totaling a refund of $1,485.
2. Sally is a new student and paid her tuition for a 3-credit class, totaling $1,585. On the 17th day, she decided to withdraw from the class. Sally will receive a 75% refund of the tuition minus $100 application fee, totalling a refund of $1,113.75.
3. Ericka is a returning student and paid their tuition for a 3-credit class, totaling $1,485. Before the start of classes, they decided to drop the class. They will receive a full refund of $1,485.