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.
Academic Resources
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 e-mail each semester by the Academic Specialist.
Once submitted, the Academic Specialist will complete the student’s registration. Students will receive e-mail confirmation when registration is complete.
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.
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.
Graduate Student Travel Policy
Travel to conferences, symposia and special research opportunities is essential for the professional development of advanced research students.
Student handbook

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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.
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 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.
Still have questions?
If you need assistance, please reach out to the HOBI Academic Specialist.