The Gator Family Connection
November 2020
From the Gator Parent Family Association:

It's hard to believe that November is already here! The holidays and the end of the semester are just around the corner. This is the time of year when students are stressed because of midterms and impending projects. They are close enough to Thanksgiving break to smell it, but also see how much is on their to-do list before that break actually happens.

One of the best ways to help your student during this time is to be a support system. Allow them to vent about frustrations. Offer advice when they need it. Reassure them they can finish this semester strong. 
 
Academic concerns can be consuming for students this time of year. The Counseling and Wellness Center has some great resources on their website that can help students address their academic concerns and finish the semester strong.  

As the semester continues to move forward, feel free to reach out to our office with any questions, comments, or concerns by emailing IHaveAGator@ufl.edu. We love to hear from you!
  
Have a great day, stay safe, and Go Gators!
  
Sincerely, 
The Gator Parent and Family Association
Looking for off-campus housing? Yes!

UF’s Off Campus Life office provides FOUR virtual resources to assist you with your off-campus housing search. To learn more see below or visit the Off Campus Life website. 

  1. Housing Locator: this online resource allows you to search for apartments, houses and condo’s for rent or sublease in Gainesville. Narrow your search based on location, cost, transportation, and amenities. The Housing Locator also allows you to search for roommates and post your sublease for free by using your ufl.edu email address. Click here to utilize the Housing Locator. 
  2. Virtual Appointments: appointments include steps to follow to find off-campus housing and the opportunity to have your questions answered by Off Campus Life staff. To schedule an appointment simply complete the online Request for Appointment form by clicking here. 
  3. Gator Guide to Off Campus Life: this is Off Campus Life’s annual publication which provides everything you will need to know if you are living off-campus including steps to find off campus housing, average rental costs, safety information, transportation information, map of the City of Gainesville. The Gator Guide is also available online through the Off Campus Life website simply click here. 
  4. Apartment Tour Questions & Checklist: Off Campus Life typically recommends touring 5-6 apartments in person before signing a lease. Two great Off Campus Life resources, to assist with virtual and in-person tours, include:

Spring 2021 Housing Information 

Spring 21 is quickly approaching, and we are gauging interest in living with UF Housing. If your Gator is interested in living on campus for Spring 2021, they can let us know by logging into HMS (https://hms.housing.ufl.edu) and clicking the “I’m interested” button on the homepage. Housing agreements will be available in the first week of November. Housing is first-come, first-serve. It’s important to remember that regardless of course delivery, students are obligated to the terms and conditions for spring 2021 once the agreement is complete. You can view more on residence hall availability and the schedule of room selection here.
 
Fall 2020 Closing Information 

Residence halls will close at noon on Saturday, December 19, 2020. In the first week of November, your Gator will be receiving information regarding closing and move-out instructions. Residents will provide the last day they plan to be on campus for the semester in HMS. UF Housing offers the opportunity to stay in the hall during the winter break term for a fee. Details about our closing and move-out are available here.
UF is committed to providing the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19. Below are several helpful links:


With daily updates, please continue to monitor these pages, to ensure safety for all of the Gator community.
Applying for financial aid begins with the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 
 
You can file a 2021-22 FAFSA today! To receive the best financial aid offer, complete the FAFSA as early as possible. In order for UF Student Financial Affairs to consider you for a financial aid package, you must be a degree-seeking, admitted student.
 
Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov or via the MyStudentAid app. For more information on how to apply for financial aid, visit the Student Financial Affair's website.
Virtual Commencement Weekend: December 18 and 19

The full schedule can be viewed on the commencement website.

Regalia (cap and gown) is not required for virtual commencement weekend. However, it is available for graduates to purchase through their Gator1 login; orders are managed by the bookstore. Please note the deadline is November 6th. Purchases made after that date will be charged a late fee of $20.95 and cannot be guaranteed to arrive prior to the ceremonies.

Two copies of the commencement program will be mailed to graduates’ diploma mailing address ahead of the ceremonies. Diplomas are mailed 8 weeks after graduation status has been confirmed.

To sign up for the “Friends and Family of Fall 2020 Grads,” fill out this short form and you’ll receive information directly from the commencement office.
Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 Classes

Wanting to improve their success in a Fall Class? Students should check out our Academic Success Resources, which include tips for success in a mostly/fully online course load, ways to assess and improve your study skills, and free UF Resources for success.

Is your student thinking about dropping a class? Take a look at our FAQ on dropping a class. The deadline to drop a Fall term class is November 23, 2020. 

Spring term registration is around the corner! Your students can check one.uf.edu for their registration start-time and whether they have holds to prevent registration.

  • Advising - Student demand for advising has already increased substantially. Students shouldn't wait to make an appointment or sign-in to see an advisor - college advising contacts can ebe found on the UF Advising Website.

  • Holds - To register, students MUST clear any holds that start with the words "You may not register..." They can clear man of these holds themselves. Some may require some time on the students’ part. Other holds will direct them to contact a specific office. Holds can be viewed on one.uf.edu.

  • Degree Audit - The degree audit includes any posted incoming credits as well as current courses and shows how those credits are applying to degree requirements. Your student can use their degree audit to see what requirements they still need to complete.

THANK YOU to all our families who joined us for Fall Family Weekend!
We enjoyed spending time with you in a new and safe way.