1. Definition and Requirements

Definition:

Electives are courses designed to allow dental students the opportunity to vary their curriculum according to individual interests. Electives are intended to supplement, not to replace any part of, the core curriculum.

Requirements:

1) Each student is required to complete a minimum of 60 clock hours (6 credit hours) of approved elective courses.

2) The maximum credit for any approved elective is 3.0 credit hours (30 clock hours) or 1 credit per 10 student-contact hours.

3) Each student is encouraged to enroll in one approved research oriented elective.

2. Steps for Registration in an Elective

a. Approved electives are listed at the end of this section. To enroll, the student must complete the Elective Enrollment Request (see example at end of section) and obtain the course director's signature. The director then forwards the request form to the Office of Education to ensure proper student registration.

Three weeks prior to the end of each semester, an Elective Student Activity Record (SAR) is prepared and forwarded to the elective course director. The course director updates enrollment, assigns S/U grades whenever appropriate, and returns the Elective SAR form to the Office of Education for posting grades and/or registering students. All grades for elective courses should be submitted to the Office of Education as soon as available to be filed in the student's records.

b. Individually arranged electives: If a student desires an elective not currently available, the student should go to the faculty who will supervise the elective and serve as the Elective Course Director. After discussion, the Elective Course Director and the student should decide on the elective title, beginning date, anticipated completion date, and the total hours required to complete the elective. The Elective Course Director should then complete an application form and forward it to the Curriculum Committee for approval.

c .If the application is approved, it will be forwarded to the Curriculum Committee for further discussion and official approval of the elective as planned. The Elective course director and student(s) will be notified of the Committee's final action.

d. Registration for University of Florida courses outside Dentistry:
(Including campus, HP, Pharmacy, & Nursing courses)

1. University of Florida deadlines for registration must be met.
2. Complete a University of Florida ADD/DROP form.

3. Obtain permission from:
a. Associate Dean for Education
b. Appropriate personnel in the Department/College where the course is given.

4. Turn in the ADD/DROP form to the College where the course is given after all signatures have been obtained.
5. Pay tuition for non-Dental courses.

Questions: Call Ms. Censeri Abare, Office of Education, 273-5947.

3. Evaluation in Electives

The evaluation mechanism varies from one elective course to another depending on criteria developed by the course director. However, S & U grade symbols are used on the Instructor Grade Report and student transcript.

4. Elective Enrollment Request Form

The enrollment request form may be obtained in the Office of Education, room D3-11.

5. Approved Electives