Absences

Absences from class meetings or program events must be accompanied by a doctor's note sent to MBA Office staff.

Etiquette

Sometimes, international students are reluctant move out of their comfort zone, and there is a tendency to ignore the requirement for learning social etiquette practiced in the host country. Such an attitude can be very detrimental in terms of successfully establishing in the new country. Use the following tips as you settle in.

Basic Cultural Behaviors and Good Manners

The golden rule anywhere in the world is: “Do for others as you wish them to do for you.” While in the United States, be sure to smile, ask questions, say “please” and “thank you”, and be patient. 

• Avoid making negative remarks or comparison statements. Seek to understand without judging and be open to change. 
• In general, people are addressed by their first name. People in higher authority may be addressed by their title (ex.: Dr. Fountain, Ms. Brode).
• Always wait for your turn in the line (que). Line jumping is not acceptable and should not be practiced.  

• Smiles are basic signals of politeness, a non-verbal way of being friendly.

• Americans like their personal space and stand about 2 feet apart when talking.

• Cover your mouth when your burp, cough, or sneeze. It is impolite to make bodily noises in front of other people.
• Hold the door open for others when you are entering/exiting a building. Whether you are a man or a woman, it is polite to hold the door for the person behind you.
• Wear clean, appropriate clothing.
• Clean up after yourself, whether in the classroom, restroom, or in a public venue.

Greetings and Conversation

• Say “please” when asking for something. For example, if you are ordering food at a restaurant, you can say, “I will have the soup, please”. 
• Say “thank you,” especially to anyone who is helping or try to help you. It is also common to say “thank you” or “thanks” for small gestures. For example, if you hand someone a book, they might thank you. 
• If you make mistake, big or small, be humble enough to say "sorry." For example, if someone accidentally bumps into you on the street, they may apologize with “excuse me” or “sorry.” 
• When you meet someone for the first time, say, “Hello” or, “Hi, nice to meet you.” It is also polite to introduce others who are with you.
• “How are you?” is sometimes misunderstood as an actual question. Usually, it’s just a greeting, like “hello.” It's okay to just say “I’m fine. How are you?"
• Look people in the eyes when they are talking.
• Avoid making negative remarks or comparison statements. Seek to understand without judging and be open to change. 

Classroom and Professional Development Events

• Never interrupt or speak over a person who is talking, giving a presentation, or leading a tour. Always listen respectfully. 
• Classroom discussions and participation are encouraged. It may also contribute to your overall grade, so don’t be shy about asking questions or sharing your opinions or thoughts about the subject of discussion.
• Some professors may allow food and drinks in class, but never assume that it’s allowed without first checking.

• Attendance is expected and critical. Be a diligent student. Attend your classes, complete your homework, and show respect to your professors.

Restaurants and Eating Culture 

• Tipping your server 15%-20% is recommended. No tips are needed at fast-food restaurants or for “carry out.”
• It is considered disrespectful to order pricey meals or multiple items when your meal is being paid for by another person. 
• “Doggie bags” or "to-go boxes" are a common way to package leftovers and take them home.
• Eat quietly with your mouth closed. It is considered sloppy to "smack" your food or talk with your mouth full.
• Acknowledge your server when they visit your table and respect their time. If you need extra items (ex.: napkins, sauces), ask for them all at once. 

Alcohol and Tobacco Use

• Drinking under the age of 21 is illegal, and it’s a crime to serve alcohol to someone under the age 21.
• UWF is a Tobacco-Free Campus. Employees, students, and visitors are not allowed to use tobacco products on any university-owned properties. This restriction includes cars parked on campus. If you wish to smoke while you are here, you must leave campus grounds to do so.
• Smoking is prohibited in most public places, but you can often find designated “smoking areas."

Student Code of Conduct

The University of West Florida is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning and to the development of ethically responsible individuals. University students and student organizations are expected to uphold appropriate standards of behavior and to respect the rights and privileges of others. All students and student organizations are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with all federal, state and local laws, and board of governors and university regulations, and policies.

The university is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff are treated with dignity and respect. The university affirms its desire to maintain a learning and living environment for all students that is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. all members of the university community are responsible for ensuring that their conduct does not discriminate, harass or retaliate against others, and are to cooperate in maintaining a climate where discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are not tolerated.

Student Code of Conduct >>

Student Code of Academic Conduct

As Argonauts, we act with integrity. We do not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do.

The University of West Florida is dedicated to the highest principles and standards of academic integrity. An academic violation by a student can negatively impact a class, program and/or college in ways that are unique to each discipline. Therefore, the University believes that the severity of an academic infraction is best evaluated by the faculty of the institution. The University seeks to offer students an opportunity to respond to allegations of academic misconduct before a decision is rendered. This regulation seeks to provide faculty and students with a fair process for addressing allegations of academic misconduct.

Academic integrity is closely related to professional ethics and requires that students honestly acknowledge their use of the ideas, words, and written work produced by any other individual, institution or source. Failure to properly acknowledge the use of another's intellectual output constitutes a form of academic misconduct.

Student Code of Academic Conduct >>

Student Handbook

This official guide includes policies and procedures pertaining to UWF students. This edition supersedes and replaces all previous editions. UWF reserves the right to revise this information at any time.

UWF Student Handbook >>

Tobacco

As of August 2016, UWF is a Tobacco-Free Campus. Employees, students, and visitors are not allowed to use tobacco products on any university-owned properties. This restriction includes cars parked on campus. If you wish to smoke while you are here, you must leave campus grounds to do so.