Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate Academic Calendar

Fall Semester 2026

Residence halls open to all students	8/3/26
On-campus Orientation *Mandatory for new residential students	8/6 - 8/7
Undergraduate Semester Begins	8/10/26*
Fall Term 1 Begins	8/10/26
Term 1 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	8/13/26
Semester Courses Drop/Add Final Date	8/16/26
Labor Day	9/7/26
Fall Graduation Application Deadline	9/8/26
Last day to drop Fall Term 1 courses without failing grade	9/8/26
Last day to remove Incomplete Grades from Previous Semester	9/11/26
Last day to appeal grade of previous semester	9/11/26
Fall Missions Conference	9/21 - 9/23
Fall Term 1 Ends	10/2/26
Last day to drop Semester courses without failing grade	10/2/26
Fall Missions Break	10/5 - 10/9
Fall Term 2 Begins	10/5/26
Term 2 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	10/8/26
Last day to drop Fall Term 2 courses without failing grade	10/30/26
Directed Study Application Deadline	11/17/26
Thanksgiving Break	11/23 - 11/27
Semester Exams	11/30 - 12/3
Fall Term 2 Ends	12/2/26
Spring Graduation Application Deadline	12/4/26
Fall Graduation	12/4/26
Last day to move out of residence dorms	12/5/26

*Some classes (such as EDU 2000F and EDU 4090F) require students to begin their work prior to the scheduled beginning of the semester.

Fall Advising Calendar

Open Advising for Fall Term 2 Begins	9/14/26
Spring/J-Term GRADUATE and SENIOR Advising and Registration Begins	10/12/26
Spring/J-Term JUNIOR Advising and Registration Begins	10/19/26
Spring/J-Term SOPHOMORE Advising and Registration Begins	10/26/26
Spring/J-Term FRESHMAN Advising and Registration Begins	11/2/26
Spring/J-Term Dual Enrollment and Non-Degree Seeking Advising and Registration Begins	11/2/26

Fall Financial Aid Calendar

Priority Filing Deadline for Returning Students	6/1/26
Priority Filing Deadline for New Students	7/1/26
Undergraduate Payment Plan Required	8/12/26
100% of Federal Title IV aid earned (Fall Term 1)	9/12/26
Anticipated Fall Disbursement 1	8/27/26
100% of Federal Title IV aid earned (Semester)	10/18/26
100% of Federal Title IV aid earned (Fall Term 2)	11/7/26
Deadline for Fall FAFSA/Student Loan Requests	11/20/26
Anticipated Fall Disbursement 2	12/2/26

January Term 2027

Administrative Offices Open	1/4/27
Registration for all students	1/4/27
January Term	1/4 - 1/8

Spring Semester 2027

Residence halls open to all students	1/4/27
On-campus Orientation *Mandatory for new residential students	1/7/27
Undergraduate Semester Begins	1/11/27*
Spring Term 3 Begins	1/11/27
Term 3 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	1/13/27
Semester Courses Drop/Add Final Date	1/18/27
MLK Day	1/18/27
Last day to drop Spring Term 3 courses without failing grade	2/5/27
Last day to remove Incomplete Grades from Previous Semester	2/5/27
Last day to appeal grade of previous semester	2/5/27
Spring Term 3 Ends	3/5/27
Last day to drop Semester courses without failing grade	3/5/27
Spring Term 4 Begins	3/8/27
Term 4 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	3/10/27
Spring Break	3/15 - 3/19
Last day to drop Spring Term 4 courses without failing grade	4/2/27
Directed Study Application Deadline	4/9/27
Spring Term 4 Ends	4/30/27
Semester Exams	5/3 - 5/5
Spring Graduation	5/7/27
Last day to move out of residence dorms	5/8/27

*Some classes (such as EDU 2000F and EDU 4090F) require students to begin their work prior to the scheduled beginning of the semester.

Spring Advising Calendar

Open Advising for Spring Term 4 begins	2/8/27
Fall/Summer GRADUATE and SENIOR Advising and Registration Begins	3/22/27
Fall/Summer JUNIOR Advising and Registration Begins	3/29/27
Fall/Summer SOPHOMORE Advising and Registration Begins	4/5/27
Fall/Summer FRESHMAN Advising and Registration Begins	4/12/27
Fall/Summer Dual Enrollment and Non-Degree Seeking Advising and Registration Begins	4/12/27

Spring Financial Aid Calendar

Priority Filing Deadline for New Students	12/1/26
Undergraduate Payment Plan Required	1/13/27
100% of Federal Title IV aid earned (Spring Term 3)	2/13/27
Anticipated Spring Disbursement 1	1/29/27
100% of Federal Title IV aid earned (Semester)	3/27/27
100% of Federal Title IV aid earned (Spring Term 4)	4/10/27
Deadline for Spring FAFSA / Student Loan Requests	4/23/27
Anticipated Spring Disbursement 2	4/28/27

Summer Semester 2027

Registration - All Students	5/3/27
Summer Term 5 Begins	5/3/27
Term 5 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	5/5/27
Undergraduate Summer Semester Begins	5/10/27
Last day to drop Summer Term 5 courses without failing grade	5/21/27
Memorial Day	5/31/27
Summer Term 6 Begins	6/14/27
Term 6 Courses Drop/Add Final Date	6/16/27
Summer Term 5 Ends	6/25/27
Independence Day Observed	7/5/27
Last day to drop Summer Term 6 courses without failing grade	7/9/27
Undergraduate Semester Exams	7/26 - 7/29
Summer Semester Ends	7/30/27
Summer Term 6 Ends	8/6/27

Summer Financial Aid Calendar

Priority Filing Deadline for Returning Students	5/1/27
Undergraduate Payment Plan Required	5/5/27
100% of Federal Title IV aid earned (Summer Term 5)	6/5/27
Deadline for Spring FAFSA / Student Loan Requests	6/11/27
Anticipated Summer Disbursement	6/16/27
Priority Filing Deadline for New Students	7/1/27
100% of Federal Title IV aid earned (Semester)	7/6/27
100% of Federal Title IV aid earned (Summer Term 6)	7/17/27

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Baptist University of Florida welcomes deeply dedicated Christians regardless of age, sex, race, or national origin. Baptist University of Florida does not require the signed affirmation of Christian faith and service for online and commuter students in non-theology and non-worship leadership degree programs and non-degree seeking students. However, the university reserves the right to restrict or deny admission to any applicant for reasons determined to be in the best interest of the school by the officers thereof.

As the following criteria indicates, the Baptist University of Florida practices a comprehensive approach in admission policy. All criteria will be considered by the admissions team in determining each applicant’s admission to the university.

Undergraduate Application for Admission

Submitting the application form is the first step toward admission to Baptist University of Florida. The application can be completed online at apply.buf.edu.

Once all information is received on the application, the applicant’s file will be reviewed by the admissions team, who will promptly inform the applicant of their decision. If an applicant fails to register for classes within one year of approval, they will be required to reapply and provide updated information. The university reserves the right to conduct a background check and/or credit check on any applicant. All applicants are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions at any time if they have questions. All forms needed for the admissions process can be found on the university website at http://admisisons.buf.edu.

Degree Seeking Applicants

Regular Admission

Residential students and students in Theology and Worship Leadership degree programs will submit a signed affirmation of Christian faith and service. *Online and commuter students in Non-Theology and Non-Worship Leadership degree programs and Non-Degree Seeking students are not required to submit a signed affirmation of Christian faith and service.
Applicants will possess a high school diploma or the equivalent General Education Diploma (GED). Official academic transcripts and GED certificates with scores and date of completion or graduation must be sent from their points of origin directly to the Office of Admissions.
Applicants will submit any necessary official transcripts from institutions of higher education attended. Transfer students from an institutionally accredited college or university (not dual enrolled) will be able to submit an official college transcript in lieu of the high school transcript requirement, if they have completed an Associate of Arts degree or higher or have earned at least 18 hours of college course credit (see also Transfer of Credit from Other Institutions).

Unofficial transcripts may be temporarily submitted in lieu of official transcripts for admission of students who have an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution of higher learning outside of the USA. Official transcripts must be received by end of the student’s first semester. Any exceptions must be approved by the main campus Registrar.
Test Scores (test-optional): Applicants can submit ACT, SAT, PERT, CLT or equivalent test scores intended to demonstrate college readiness. These scores are not required for admission but may be requested as evidence for academic ability, financial aid, or other reasons determined by the university. The university reserves the right to request a test score at any point in the process.
Applicants will submit an official document demonstrating legal residential status within the USA if the student is not a US citizen and is studying residentially, including hybrid students. Online students can be U.S. or non-U.S. citizens studying remotely from any location. Non-US Citizens who are online students studying remotely do not need to verify legal residency in the U.S. for admissions purposes but must provide proof of identity for admission, tuition, and academic integrity in one of the following forms: 1. Passport (Preferred Option), 2. National Identification Card, or 3. Driver’s License (if issued in country of origin).
Homeschool students, in addition to all other requirements, must present a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale on a homeschool high school transcript and give evidence of having earned a minimum of 20 high school units, with at least 14 units from the fields of English (4), math (4), social sciences (3), and natural sciences (3).
Conditional admission will apply to degree-seeking applicants whose credentials raise concerns about their ability to complete a degree program at Baptist University of Florida. Conditionally admitted applicants can achieve regular admission to the university by demonstrating their capacity to undertake university coursework during the first two regular semesters. Under no circumstances will students remain on conditional admission beyond one year. Failing to earn the minimum grade point average for unconditional retention by the end of the second regular semester will result in permanent suspension from the university.
Applicants will provide a written statement explaining any conviction of a felony. A background check may be required.

Important Note: Degree-seeking applicants must submit all required documents by the end of their first term of study. If the applicant fails to submit all required documentation by the end of the first term of study, then a hold will be placed on the student’s account, and the student will not be able to enroll in the subsequent term until all requirements have been met and all tuition for the first term has been paid.

Special Applicants

Dual Enrollment (DE)

DE students must be seniors, juniors, approved sophomores, or approved freshmen.
DE students must provide an official copy of their high school transcript (to date) and any other academic transcripts (Advanced Placement, CLEP, college or university).
Proof of Identification must be provided. If the student does not have official identification, the parent ID will suffice.
DE students may enroll in 100 and 200-level courses and select 300-level courses offered online or at selected in-person locations based on approval.
DE students may request to be transferred to provisional degree-seeking status for the Associate of Arts in General Studies after completion of 45 semester hours of dual-enrollment coursework. The Associate of Arts degree may not be conferred until after their high school graduation.

Non-Degree (ND)

Official high school diplomas or equivalents are required. Official transcripts must be sent directly from their points of origin to the Office of Admissions.
ND students will submit an official document demonstrating legal residential status within the USA if the student is not a US-citizen.
ND students may not enroll in any courses in which placement is governed by the level of proficiency revealed in placement testing.
No limit is placed on the number of courses a ND student may take, but no more than twenty-four semester hours can be applied toward a degree at BUF.
ND students are not eligible for financial aid.
ND students who wish to become degree-seeking are required to meet all requirements for regular admission.
ND students will provide a written statement explaining any conviction of a felony.

Auditors (AU)

Auditors follow the same application process as ND students.
Auditors pay $150 per course plus the required fees.
Auditors attend classes but do not take any examinations.
Auditors do not receive college credit.
Audited courses do not apply toward eligibility to receive government sponsored financial aid, including veterans’ educational benefits.

Readmission

BUF graduates and/or former students who do not attend for two or more regular (fall or spring) semesters must reapply by submitting to the Office of Admissions an application for readmission and any transcripts from any institutions of higher education attended since leaving BUF. Those re-entering after a year’s absence (two regular semesters) are required to graduate under the new catalog at the time of re-enrollment.

International Students

International students are non-U.S. citizens who seek or hold an F-1 visa to study in the U.S. They must be physically present for residential or hybrid programs and are required to provide proof of legal residency in the U.S. as part of their admission process.

How To Apply

For English Coursework: Apply at apply.buf.edu

For Coursework in Spanish, Portuguese, Filipino, or French: Complete the BUF Global Application

All admissions correspondence, including academic records, financial documents, examination results, and translations, should be sent to the Office of Admissions at admissions@buf.edu. Baptist University of Florida, 5400 College Drive, Graceville, Florida 32440, USA. All correspondence must include the applicant’s return mailing address and email address.

When To Apply

The Office of Admissions recommends that applicants outside the U.S. apply to BUF six to nine months before their desired date of entrance. This allows sufficient time for correspondence, evaluation of all necessary documents, and the resolution of financial and immigration matters.

Admission Requirements

The international application process is designed for all non-U.S. citizens. To be considered for admission, all international applicants must meet the same admission requirements as all degree-seeking students.

Application Materials Required

Academic Records: An official and complete transcript (academic record) of all secondary school studies, along with official results of any state or national examinations taken while in the USA, must be provided. An official transcript of all studies from every institution of higher education attended beyond the secondary school level must also be submitted if completed in the USA. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for secondary schools and colleges if completed outside the USA. These records must include all examination grades, degrees, and certificates held by the applicant.

NOTE: The student is responsible for requesting an evaluation of any foreign credentials. Applications to BUF require a proper translation of foreign transcripts.

Additional Documentation for F1 Visa Students required for the I-20 process:

BUF Application
Proof of English Proficiency
Official Academic Transcripts
Passport
Financial Affidavit
Bank Statement
Dependent Documents (if adding any F-2s)

Campus Studies

International students will enroll in courses on the Graceville campus. Those in specific graduate STEM-related hybrid programs approved by SEVIS may complete a three-day residency on the Miami campus.

Transfer of Credit from Other Institutions

Advanced Placement Credit

Concerning Advanced Placement (AP) Courses, the university will adhere to The College Board guidelines and may award credit for courses applicable to the student’s degree program when a grade of 3, 4, or 5 has been earned on the AP examination. AP Credit will be awarded for the following courses:

AP Examination	Min Score	BUF Courses	Hours Awarded
Art History	3	HUM 101	3
Biology	3	SCI 205	3
Calculus AB	3	Math Elective	3
Chemistry	3	SCI 320	3
Economics: Macro	3	BUS 220	3
Economics: Micro	3	BUS 215	3
English Language and Composition	3	ENG 151	6
English Literature and Composition	3	ENG 223 or 227	3
Environmental Science	3	Science Elective	3
European History	3	HI 211/212	6
French Language	3	Language Rec.	6
German Language	3	Language Rec.	6
Government & Politics United States	3	HI 225	3
Music Theory	3	MT 101	3
Physics B	3	Science Elective	3
Psychology	3	PSY 201	3
Spanish Language	3	Language Rec.	6
Statistics	3	STA 300	3
Studio Art: Drawing	3	HUM 102	3
U.S. History	3	HI 223/224	6

CLEP Credit

A maximum of fifteen hours of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit may be awarded. Official CLEP scores must be submitted before a student’s completion of the 60th hour of credit (including credit from all colleges previously attended).

CLEP Examination	Min. Score	BUF Course	Hrs. Awarded
College Composition	50	ENG 151	3
American Literature	50	ENG 222 or 226	3
English Literature	50	ENG 223 or 227	3
American Government	50	HI 225	3
History of the United States I Early Colonization to 1877	50	HI 223	3
History of the United States II 1865 to the Present	50	HI 224	3
Human Growth and Development	50	PSY 307	3
Humanities	50	HUM 101	3
Introduction to Educational Psychology	50	PSY 310 or EDU 2010	3
Principles of Economics: (Micro/Macro)	50	BUS 215/220	6
Introduction to Psychology	50	PSY 201	3
Western Civilization I Ancient Near East to 1648	50	HI 211	3
Western Civilization II 1648 to Present	50	HI 212	3
Biology	50	SCI 205	3
French Language (Levels I & II)	50 & 59	Language Rec.	6
German Language (Levels I & II)	50 & 63	Language Rec.	6
Spanish Language (Levels I & II)	50 & 63	Language Rec.	6

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Credit

Concerning IB Diploma courses, the university will follow a general policy comparable to many colleges and universities in the Southeast as well as nationwide. Students receiving the IB Diploma may receive up to 30 semester hours of credit for scores of 4 or higher on higher level (HL) and standard level (SL) examinations. Students who do not receive the IB Diploma may receive credit for scores of 5 or higher on the higher level (HL) examinations only. Any credit given must be applicable toward the student’s degree program.

Transfer Credit

Official transcripts from all colleges previously attended must be sent from their points of origin directly to the Office of Admissions.
Transfer applicants currently on academic suspension from another college will not be considered until a full semester lapses since the suspension. Such applicants may then be admitted on academic probation and will have to maintain the standard for academic progress given elsewhere in this catalog or face permanent suspension from the university.
Transfer applicants currently on academic probation with another college may be admitted on conditional status but will have to maintain the university’s standard for academic progress or face academic suspension.
No course with a grade below “C” will transfer, and no course can be transferred from another institution unless it corresponds or matches a course in the current BUF catalog.
Courses in doctrine are not transferable from non-Baptist institutions.
No credit is awarded for life experience.
Music credits will be evaluated by the music faculty after appropriate auditions and placement tests have been given.
All advanced standing should be granted before the student enrolls.
A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services is used as a resource in evaluating credit earned while serving in the armed forces. The National College Credit Recommendation Service is used as a resource in evaluating credit earned in civilian employee training programs. Coursework accepted will be assigned a “Satisfactory” rating and awarded the appropriate earned credit recommended in the appropriate publication. Coursework will be accepted as credit earned only and will not be figured in the grade point average.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the university or any other college or university of the student’s choice, and it is the responsibility of the student to confirm whether or not credits will be accepted by the college or university.

Student Life

See the Student Handbook for more information on Student Life.

Atmosphere

All university life focuses upon preparation for Christian living. Administration, faculty, staff, and students join together to exalt Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior. Everyone makes a sincere effort to exemplify the highest of Christian principles whether on or off the campus.

Campus Life

American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)

The BUF student chapter of the AACC meets monthly to foster a learning environment in which students, professors, administration, and guest professionals in the field, meet to share ideas that promote a counseling theory and practice that is fully integrated with a Christian worldview.

Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM)

BCM exists to foster collegiality and fellowship among students at BUF. It provides a variety of activities including worship, recreational events, special classes, and other major events. BCM is open to all BUF students.

Recreation

BUF also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities providing Christian fellowship and exercise for the university family. The Wellness Center offers opportunities for basketball, volleyball, and weightlifting. Outdoor recreational facilities include a soccer/flag football field and a disc golf course. For those who prefer competitive activity, intramural leagues include basketball, flag football, kickball, volleyball, and soccer.

Spiritual Enrichment

The university provides numerous special events throughout the year to enrich campus life and to further spiritual development. These include the Missions Conference and various musical programs and concerts.

Chapel services are conducted in the R. G. Lee Chapel two days each week and broadcast on Facebook Live. The programs vary, generally featuring a sermon by the president, a faculty member, or an invited speaker. Students and all other members of the campus community are expected to attend. These services, held Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the regular semester, are occasions of valuable spiritual fellowship and inspiration.

Impact 1:8

Chapel Participation

Housing

Single students, under 21 years of age, not commuting from home, must live in an on-campus residence hall for the first four semesters of attendance at BUF (not counting summer semesters).

For single men and single women, there are residence halls. Students who live in residence hall housing must follow the procedures outlined in the Housing contract.
They must check in with the Resident Assistant no later than the first day of class each semester and check out and move any day up until the last day of the semester.
Please check the BUF academic calendar in this catalog for specific dates. All students residing in campus housing are required to be enrolled in at least 12 hours each semester.

Baptist University of Florida offers two- and three-bedroom apartments for married couples and families.

For information about housing costs, see the financial section of the catalog.

Services

Advising

Baptist University of Florida provides academic advising for students enrolled in both degree and non-degree programs. Students are expected to schedule an appointment and meet with their advisor or an appropriate individual designated by the university. The purpose of such meetings is to assist students in planning a course of study that will result in the timely completion of a degree or other educational goals.

Students who do not plan a logical, orderly course of study appropriate to a given major are at risk of not completing their degrees or other educational goals on time. The university cannot assume responsibility for students who fail to plan accordingly.

Academic Support

Baptist University of Florida provides academic support in several forms. The Library is equipped with computers and related software for student use. Students needing assistance in writing skills may utilize the services of the staff and equipment in the Writing Center. Students who need tutorial services in other courses may request assistance from their professors and the Academic Provost.

Counseling

The university provides individual and guidance counseling services. For more information, contact the Student Life Office or the Dean of Women.

Employment Opportunities

The Business Office maintains a posting of available jobs for students and family members.

Food Service - Deese Center

The food service is located in the Deese Center.

Izzy’s Isle

Izzy’s Isle Campus Store is located in the Frank Farris Student Center and offers a variety of memorabilia that students, alumni, faculty and staff, friends of the University, and prospective students may purchase that represent the spirit of BUF.

King’s Cup Coffee Shop and Bistro

King’s Cup Coffee Shop and Bistro is located in the Frank Farris Student Center and offers a variety of beverages and snacks.

Ministry Referral

The Ministry Referral service provides resumes to churches and other ministries that are seeking staff members. Students and alumni seeking opportunities for ministry may make their file active in this registry: https://bufjobs.softr.app/

New Student Orientation

Participation in New Student Orientation is required of all students who are beginning their first semester at Baptist University of Florida. New Student Orientation provides essential information about university policies, campus facilities, and university life. Sessions include special times of fellowship and recreation with other students, faculty, and staff members. Attendance is mandatory. Orientation for online students is provided through Canvas.