Students now face excess credit surcharge

The Florida Legislature has updated the policy for excess credit hours by increasing the surcharge from 50 percent of the standard tuition rate to 100 percent.

UCF, along with other Florida universities and colleges, will have to adapt to this change and enforce it on anyone who will enroll in college for the first time in the fall.

The definition of what an excess credit hour is has been rephrased, as well. Previously, any hours beyond 120 percent of what a student needs for his or her bachelor's degree would be considered excess.

With these new alterations, the percentage dropped to 115. If a degree program required a student to take 120 credit hours, they cannot exceed 138 credit hours.

For 2011-12, a credit hour is $103.32, totaling $309.32 for a three-credit-hour course. Therefore, an additional course beyond what a student needs will amount to $618.64.

Hiten Patel, an incoming freshman, said this amended principle makes him angry with the school.

"That makes me not want to take extra classes now," Patel said. "I already knew they were charging a hell of a lot to make us go here. But now, they are just adding money to it for nothing."

Patel has declared his major in corporate law but said in the event he were to transition, or take additional classes outside of his major, he is concerned because his two scholarships are not enough to cover his tuition as is.

But Chad Binette, UCF spokesman, said for students not to worry because the university still allows enough freedom to anyone who is interested in taking elective courses outside of their majors. Each student can utilize this freedom by up to six additional classes on top of their regular degree program courses.

"We anticipate that the vast majority of our students will not be impacted by the excess credit hour fees mandated by the Legislature," he said.

These changes will most likely only be a consequence to those who change majors later, or transfer from a state college with no declared major, he added, but the faculty and staff help make it easier for students to choose their major to prevent them from having to face any inconvenience.

"We encourage students to choose a major before the end of their sophomore year," Binette said. "Students who are unsure of a major can seek assistance from their advisers, faculty members and career counselors. They also can attend workshops and majors fairs offered on campus."

But these modifications will not apply to every major program or course; there are a few exceptions, including internship credits, International Baccalaureate credits and Advanced Placement credits.

Students taking dual enrollment courses will not face surplus charges. Neither will students who are active-duty military personnel nor those who are taking ROTC classes.

Regardless of these changes, Binette said students should still be able to encounter the college life at UCF that they desire.

Florida's public universities were placed 48th for the most economical in the country, regarding the cost of tuition and fees.

"Our dedicated staff and faculty members will continue to work hard to help students choose a major early during their academic careers, and we are developing a new online system to help students track their credit hours," Binette said.

"Students need to know that they will continue to enjoy an important aspect of their college experience: the freedom to take several classes outside of their majors and explore subjects that interest them, without having to pay any additional fees."

For additional assistance in choosing a major, visit http://dk.sdes.ucf.edu/choose.