Your go-to guide for student information. Use the resources here to keep your academic progress on track and to direct you to support services, when necessary.
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Academic Resources
HOBI Student Handbook
The student handbook should be used as a resource throughout departmental studies. It includes necessary program information, mentorship advice, our code of conduct, and graduation requirements. The most current HOBI Student Handbook as well as an archive of past versions can be found on the HOBI Student Handbook page. The Fall 2024 Cohort HOBI Student Handbook includes information on:
- HOBI Graduate Programs
- Student Mentoring and Guidance
- Supervisory Committee
- Workplace and Community Engagement
- Education Governance
- Program Curriculum
- Transfer of Credits/Course Substitutions
- Course Registration
- Graduation Requirements
- UF and HOBI Policies and Resources
Fall 2024
HOBI Student Handbook
Find necessary program information, mentorship advice, our code of conduct and graduation requirements in the HOBI Student Handbook.
Course Registration
Prior to the start of each semester, students must meet with their Research Mentor to review their academic progress, plan their courses for the next semester, and complete the HOBI Course Registration Form. For reference, you can view the full list of HOBI courses or just those offered in the upcoming semester. Deadlines for submission of the Course Registration Form will be communicated by email each semester by the Assistant Director.
Once submitted, the Assistant Director will complete the student’s registration. Students will receive email confirmation when registration is complete.
For those of you taking research or independent study credits with a HOBI Graduate Faculty member, please complete the appropriate research contract and share the contract and deliverables with Matt Mitterko when you register.
Individual Development Plan
An Individual Development Plan (IDP), or myIDP, helps students define their career goals and keep their education on track to achieve them. All graduate students in the College of Medicine are required to complete an IDP annually by December 1.
Substitution and Transfer of Credit Requests
The HOBI Curriculum Committee meets monthly and will consider accepting previously completed graduate coursework in place of HOBI degree requirements and allowing degree credit for courses not included in the HOBI degree curriculum.
All requests must follow UF Graduate School guidelines, be submitted on a HOBI Course Substitution/Credit Transfer form that includes a rationale and relevant syllabi. Transfer of credit requests must be submitted during the first semester of enrollment. If approved by the HOBI Curriculum Committee, the request is then submitted by petition to the Dean of the Graduate School for approval. Course substitution requests must be submitted at least one month before scheduled registration for proposed course.
Supervisory Committee Selection and Meetings
Students must select faculty members to form their supervisory committee by the end of the semester in which they have accumulated 12 credits. Choose members that meet the criteria listed below, then complete the HOBI Supervisory Committee Agreement, obtain relevant approvals and submit to the HOBI Assistant Director of Education via email.
- Master of Science criteria: Minimum of 2 and maximum of 5 members. The 2 required members must be HOBI graduate faculty.
- Doctor of Philosophy criteria: Minimum of 4 and maximum of 5 members. At least 2 members must be HOBI graduate faculty. External member cannot be HOBI faculty.
After forming a supervisory committee, students must meet in-person with their committees for all culminating events, including defenses, qualifying exams, and non-thesis presentations. Students must schedule culminating events at least a week prior to any milestone deadlines set by the Graduate School or university to ensure that all members can be present at the event. For more details, see the Defense and Exam Attendance Policy.
HOBI Graduate Faculty
In conjunction with our department chair and the Education Office, our HOBI graduate faculty oversee the educational policies, procedures, and standards set for our certificate, M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs. A description of roles and a current roster of our graduate faculty members can be found here:
Graduate Student Travel Award
Travel to conferences, symposia, and special research opportunities is essential for the professional development of advanced research students. HOBI provides a limited amount of travel awards in addition to those offered by other programs in the university. More information on qualifications and how to apply is provided on the HOBI Student Travel Policy and Resources page.
Support Resources
The College of Medicine Office of Graduate Education has many resources dedicated to keeping all all gator grad students mentally and physically healthy.
Learning Support
The UF College of Medicine learning specialist can help with study strategies, finding tutoring and hosting study sessions. The Wellness Office provides individual sessions to review and frame students’ learning, test-taking and time management strategies. They also facilitate academic accommodations as necessary in conjunction with the University’s Disability Resource Center.
James A Gorske M.Ed.
Confidential Counseling
The Office of Student Counseling and Development offers confidential, short-term counseling to guide students through difficult times, such as adjusting to grad school, loneliness, anxiety, depression, personal relationship issues and more. Walk-in services are available. To schedule an appointment, email the program director or call UF’s Counseling and Wellness Center at 352-392-1575.
Beverly Vidaurreta Dede PhD, MA
Professional Development
The University of Florida Graduate School’s Office of Professional Development offers resources to prepare you for life after graduation.
Student Organizations and Networking
Meet other graduate students with similar interests and backgrounds.
Library Resources
The HOBI librarian liaison has prepared a guide to library resources for HOBI students at https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/hobi
The Health Science Center Library is located in the Communicore Building of the Health Science Center. It has a large collection of journals, texts, and reference materials, over 100 computers, and ample study space. A Gator1 card is required to check out materials.
Still have questions?
For more information contact
Matt Mitterko
Assistant Director of Education, HOBI at mitterko@ufl.edu