Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Below you will find the answers to questions you may have as you begin your graduate studies at the University of Florida. When you first arrive at the University of Florida, please check in with our Student Service Office to receive additional information and to provide us with your contact information. Welcome aboard!

Where can I get information on WEC faculty and staff, and what they do?

A list of faculty and staff, with links to their web pages can be found at http://www.wec.ufl.edu/people/.

How do I find housing information?

For on-campus housing, go to http://www.housing.ufl.edu/housing/. For off-campus housing try http://www.apartmenthunters.com/, or the Independent Florida Alligator’s Classifieds at http://www.alligator.org/classifieds/. You can also contact other graduate students through the WEC mailing lists; If you are not yet on the mailing list, you may email your graduate faculty advisor, and he or she will post your message to the mailing list for you.

How do I get on the WEC listserve to get departmental notices?

First, obtain a University of Florida email account through Gatorlink by visiting CIRCA at E520 CSE, or online at http://www.gatorlink.ufl.edu. Next, email Cynthia Sain at sainc@wec.ufl.edu, and ask her to add you to the list.

How do I register for classes?

Students with Internet access may register for classes using UF’s Integrated Student Information System, or I.S.I.S., which is available from 7:00 AM through 3:00 AM Monday through Saturday and 10:00 AM to 3:00 AM Sunday.

Students without Internet access may register over the phone using the University of Florida’s TeleGator system. To Access TeleGator from any touch-tone phone, call (352) 37GATOR (374-2867).

Students who wish to register in person may do so by visiting the Office of the University Registrar. It is located in Criser Hall, along with the Office of Admissions.

Operating hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

All students wishing to register will need a valid social security number. In addition, to register online, or by phone, students will require a personal identification number, or PIN.

What is my PIN, and what is it for?

A UF Personal Identification Number (PIN) is used to provide access to a variety of current and future services at the UF. Initially, your UF PIN is set to your birth-month and day. For example, if your birthday is July 17th, your initial PIN is 0717. Before you can use your PIN for the first time, you are required to reset it to the PIN of your choice. You may change your PIN in person at the Registrar’s office, or at one of the PIN Administration locations. You may also change your PIN online at http://www.isadmin.ufl.edu/pin.

Where can I find a schedule of courses?

The schedule of courses can be picked up at the Office of the University Registrar, in the WEC student service office, Room 117 Newins-Ziegler Hall, or it may be found online at http://www.reg.ufl.edu/soc/.

What courses should I take?

Discuss the myriad course offerings with your advisor. See our WEC Graduate Handbook (http://www.wec.ufl.edu/academics/grad/gradhandbook.htm) for a detailed explanation of course and credit requirements. You will need to complete a schedule of coursework with your supervisory committee by the end of your first (MS students) or second (PhD students) semester.

Where can I find answers to my financial questions?

If you are funded on a departmental assistantship or fellowship contact WEC personnel director: Ms. Caprice McRae (Room 109 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Phone: 352-846-0578, email: mcraec@wec.ufl.edu to fill out needed paperwork.

If you have financial aid from UF contact: University Financial Services, located at S-113 Criser Hall, PO Box 114050, Gainesville FL 32611. They may be reached by phone at (352) 392-0181, by fax at (352) 392-3448, or on the Web at http://fa.ufl.edu/ufs/.

What is a Gator 1 Card, and how do I get one?

The Gator 1 Card is the official University of Florida picture ID card. It is required of all students, faculty, and staff. Many activities on campus are only available upon presentation of the Gator 1 Card. Students can obtain a Gator 1 Card at the ID Card Services office at the southeast entrance to the HUB.

How do I get a parking Decal?

Decals may be purchased at the Decal Office located at the corner of North South Drive and Mowry Road. Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with special extended hours during rush periods. As of July 15th, decals will be available online at http://www.bsd.ufl.edu/decal/decintro.asp.

Is there an orientation for new students in WEC?

Yes! An orientation for new students is held during the first week of class every Fall semester.

What is the mailing address for the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation?

Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
PO Box 110430
University of Florida
Gainesville, Fl 32611-0430.

You will be assigned a mailbox when you arrive. Please check in with the Student Services Office immediately to activate your mailbox assignment.

How do I obtain office space or a graduate carrel?

You should check with your graduate faculty advisor for information about offices and carrels. The president of the WGSA (see next question) is responsible for assigning departmental carrel space.

Is there an organization for WEC Graduate Students?

Yes! The Wildlife Graduate Students Association is a great way to get involved with other WEC students, select seminar speakers, and have a say in departmental governance. The WGSA website can be found at http://www.wec.ufl.edu/wgsa/. You may also be interested in the Graduate Assistants United: visit http://web.nwe.ufl.edu/gau/

Are there Departmental seminars?

Yes! The WEC seminar focuses on wildlife ecology and conservation topics every Monday at 4 pm (3:45 for coffee) in Room 112 Newins-Ziegler Hall. These seminars are useful for your professional development. There’s often a get-together or potluck dinner after the presentations. Other weekly seminars are offered by other units, such as Zoology, Botany, Forestry, Center for Latin American Studies, etc. A list of the seminars can be found on the Seminars page.

I’m feeling queasy from all this information, where is the Student Health Care Center?

It is located in the historic Infirmary Building on Fletcher Drive. For physical or mental health problems, phone 352-392-1171.

Where can I find a map of campus?

There is an online map of the University of Florida campus available at http://campusmap.ufl.edu/.

Where can I find out about departmental requirements and policies?

Be sure to read the Wildlife Graduate Handbook – visit http://www.wec.ufl.edu/grad/handbook.php

Is there additional information for international students?

Yes, information for international students is available at http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/iss/iss.htm.

Other useful information:

Details on Campus Tours may be found at http://www.reg.ufl.edu/tour.htm.
The University of Florida’s Student Computing policy may be found at http://www.circa.ufl.edu/computers/.
Information for Students with Disabilities may be found at http://www.dso.ufl.edu/OSD/default.shtml.

Talk to other graduate students about obtaining insurance, banking, and stuff for your new abode. For the latter, you may want to check the Gainesville Sun Classifieds http://gainesvillesunclassifieds.colony1.net/ ; The Alligator Classifieds http://www.alligator.org/class/; or the yellow pages for a variety of furniture and thrift stores.