The Distance Education Support Services team, situated within the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, extends a comprehensive array of student support services. Our mission is to facilitate students at every step of their academic journey, beginning from pre-admission and culminating in graduation. We are committed to equipping students with the necessary resources, tools, and assistance, fostering a seamless transition into the academic environment, guiding them through their educational expedition, and offering the support essential for a successful journey towards graduation.
1. Admissions Lifecycle Management: Pre-Admissions to Admissions to Graduation
Our highly trained academic support team is well-equipped to assist students during the pre-admissions and admissions phases. This team adeptly navigates prospective students through the pre-admissions process, addressing inquiries about the program, explaining the application process, and providing step-by-step guidance through the application procedure. These services contribute to the selection of exceptionally qualified students, thereby fostering the development of a robust online graduate learning community aligned with the university’s mission and values.
Manage Pre-Admissions of Prospective Students and Collect Required Application Items
- Receive, review and collect all required documents as outlined by the program for new applications.
- Monitor and proactively contact potential applicants to ensure timely submission of their applications and its required documents.
- Interface with marketing group/provider to coordinate and optimize lead-to-applicant process.
- Track the processing status of each application.
- Receive and meticulously process all applications and related materials.
- Conduct a comprehensive review of applications to assess if the applicants meet the minimum requirements, including GPA, test scores, etc. as outlined by the University of Florida Graduate School and the College-specific program.
Manage Admissions of New Student
- Coordinate admissions decisions in collaboration with the program director or designated staff.
- Act as a liaison between the UF Admissions, Registrar, Graduate School, and Financial Aid to ensure comprehensive support for applicants, addressing their needs and ensuring all application materials are collected, organized, and stored appropriately.
- Issue letters of acceptance to admitted students.
- Provide comprehensive information and useful tips essential for the students to enter into the program successfully.
Manage and Monitor Student to Graduation
- Monitor grades and track completion of required courses, as well as electives to ensure student meets minimum requirements to graduate
- Notify students and program advisor of any potential issues (e.g., incomplete grades, GPA concerns, requests for non-repeatable courses, transfer of credits, etc.).
- Provide guidance to students who are eligible to graduate.
- Collaborate with college/department staff to ensure that eligible students are duly certified for graduation.
2. Student Course Registration: Registration Process
Our DESS team coordinates and manages all aspects of the registration process and serves as the primary point-of-contact for student and prospective student inquiries.
Manage Registration Process
- Serve as the primary point-of-contacts (POC) for students.
- Request and coordinate course sections in the Student Information System (SIS).
- Monitor holds and instruct students on how to properly clear holds.
- Process all student course registrations.
- Process all course drops and withdrawals as outlined by the Office of the University Registrar. – Advise students of the UF petition process; coordinate and process once request submitted by student.
- Coordinate with program directors to resolve course request issues and deliver appropriate advisement to students prior to registration and the start of classes.
Financial Components Tied to Registration
- Ensure UF internal setup reflects the programs desires regarding tuition and fees.
- Liaise with Bursar’s office to address student and program needs.
- Communicate with student’s tuition deadlines, how to pay and payment reminders.
Primary Point-of-Contact for Prospective, Current, and Post-Graduate Students
- Review, address, and reply to all general program inquiries from prospective and current applicants, as well as with current and former students, and any other interested parties.
- Ensure all emails receive a reply within 48 business hours. DESS standard operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM Eastern.
- Maintain a systematic tracking system for all communications, associating them with the respective student records.
Updated January 2024