FAQ and Forms
1. How do I register for classes?
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- Log in to your Student Portal.
- Click on the tile labeled “Register for Classes” to begin the process. To register for your classes, please follow these simple steps:
2. What is the process for dropping or adding a class?
To request a drop or withdrawal, you must complete, sign, and submit this form to the Registrar’s office. This form may be emailed, faxed, mailed, or hand delivered. Changes to your registration will not become effective until the completed and signed form has been received and processed by the Registrar’s office. The amount of tuition refund will be pro-rated per the University’s tuition refund policy.
Drop/Add & Withdrawal Form (PDF)
3. How do I declare or change my major?
To change your major, you will need to complete the Student Academic Information Change Form. Once completed, please email the form to the Registrar’s Office at [email protected].
4. Where can I find my course schedule and syllabus?
- Log in to your Student Portal
- Click on the tile labeled “Class Schedule” to see your current enrolled classes.
- To access your course syllabus, log into Canvas
- From the dashboard select your course, and navigate to the left sidebar. Click on “Syllabus” to review.
5. How do I contact my academic advisor?
Our dedicated academic advising team is committed to helping you succeed in your academic journey so you can jump into a rewarding career in the sports industry. Our advisors are here to guide you every step of the way, from setting academic and professional goals to understanding your plan of study and the university’s policies. Book your advising appointment today!
6. What should I do if I’m struggling in a class? Are tutoring services available?
We are pleased to partner with ThinkingStorm to provide online tutoring support for our students. To access this resource, log into Canvas, select your course, and navigate to the left sidebar. Click on “ThinkingStorm Online Tutoring” to connect with tutors and get the help you need.
7. How do I transfer credits from another institution?
Undergraduate students may transfer up to 90 credit hours, including up to 30 hours each of general education components, electives, and sports-related courses. Graduate students may transfer up to 15 credit hours for a Master’s program and 24 credit hours for a Doctoral program. Submit official transcripts from previous institutions and course descriptions or syllabi for evaluation. Submit your high school transcripts, and if applicable, transcripts from any post-secondary institutions attended. Submit transcripts electronically to [email protected], or mail them to:
United States Sports University
Admissions Office
One Academy Drive
Daphne, AL 36526
For further assistance, contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected] or call (800) 223-2668.
Undergraduate transfer students wishing to transfer upper level division credits should complete the Undergraduate Upper Level Transfer Credit Evaluation Form and email to [email protected].
Graduate transfer students wishing to transfer credits should complete the Graduate Transfer Credit Evaluation Form and email to [email protected].
8. Do you accept experiential learning credits?
Degree-seeking undergraduate students wishing to petition for experiential learning credit (ELC) must be in full standing and have successfully completed six semester hours within their program of study. Exceptions may be permitted. Students may refer to policy 3.5.4 in their catalog for more information. Eligible students may complete the Experiential Learning Petition Form.
9. How do I request my official transcript?
Visit Parchment to order transcripts by creating a profile and user ID/password for first-time users. The fee is $25 per transcript plus a $2.25 processing fee, and you must complete a Consent to Release form; up to two additional forms (e.g., admission applications or FedEx account details) in accepted formats can be attached to your request.
10. How do I find or change my Academic Catalog?
11. What are the Three track options for Master Degree students?
Students enrolled in the Master’s Degree Program must select one of three academic track options before completing their Core Courses. The three-track options are:
- Thesis Option: Student will be enrolled in the Master’s Portfolio. For more information, refer to the master’s portfolio manual. Students that have selected the Thesis option should complete the Thesis Approval Form and submit to their Academic Advisor.
- Non-Thesis Option: Student takes three additional courses in lieu of writing a thesis or completing an internship, and must sit for the Master’s Comprehensive Examination at the end of their program of study.
- Internship Option: Student completes an internship in lieu of the thesis and non-thesis options, and must sit for the Comprehensive Examination at the end of their program of study.
After discussing with an Academic Advisor, students should complete the Three-Track Option Form and email to [email protected].
12. What information do I need to know about the Master’s degree comprehensive exam?
Master’s Comprehensive Examinations are offered off-campus only on the third Thursday and Friday of each month, except for December. The examination is not offered in December. See the academic calendar for more information.
Application Process for Master’s Off-Campus Comprehensive Examination:
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- Fill out the Master’s Off-Campus Comprehensive Exam Application
- Provide the appropriate information and pay the necessary fees.
- The student will be emailed a confirmation from the Registrar’s Office stating the student is registered for that examination date.
- Student will be notified when the examination course shell is open.
- Students who schedule an examination and do not show up will forfeit all fees.
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Note: Taking the Comprehensive Examination or being enrolled solely in the Doctoral Portfolio does not retain a student in an enrolled status and thus, a student cannot request a student loan deferment based on taking the comprehensive exam or being enrolled solely in the Portfolio.
13. Information about Doctoral Dissertations.
14. What is the Degree completion checklist?
Undergraduate
- Complete all degree requirements as stated in the academic catalog under which you are governed.
- Clear all financial obligations to the University.
- Apply for graduation in My Student Portal and submit the graduation application fee.
- You must apply for graduation within one year of completing your last academic course.
- Complete the Exit Survey. Exit surveys are available in the Canvas Learning Management System within 24-48 hours after you submit your graduation application.
- Complete the financial aid exit interview at studentaid.gov/exit-counseling (financial aid recipients only.)
- You will receive one complimentary official transcript.
- You will receive your diploma 6-8 weeks after conferral.
- If you wish to have your picture taken in graduation regalia with the president, you contact Student Services at [email protected].
- Don’t forget to join the Alumni Association and our Facebook group!
Graduate
- Complete all degree requirements as stated in the academic catalog under which you are governed.
- Clear all financial obligations to the University.
- Apply for graduation in My Student Portal and submit the graduation application fee.
- You must apply for graduation within one year of completing your last academic course (master’s students), or your final successful dissertation defense (doctoral students.)
- Complete the Exit Survey. Exit surveys are available in the learning management system (LMS) within 24-48 hours after you submit your graduation application.
- Complete the financial aid exit interview at studentaid.gov/exit-counseling (financial aid recipients only.)
- You will receive one complimentary official transcript.
- You will receive your diploma 6-8 weeks after conferral.
- If you wish to have your picture taken in graduation regalia with the president, you contact Student Services at [email protected].
- Don’t forget to join the Alumni Association and our Facebook group!
15. How do I apply for graduation?
Students that are ready to apply for graduation should complete the Graduation Application for their degree level.
1. How do I apply for financial aid?
To apply for financial aid, you will need to complete the Free Application forFederal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov.
2. What is your federal school code?
USSU’s Federal School Code is 021706.
3. When are tuition and fees due?
Tuition and fees are due no later than the drop/add date for each semester. Please reference the academic calendar for specific dates.
4. How do I set up a payment plan?
USSU provides flexible payment plans to accommodate various financial situations. Payment plans can be set up with our billing department. Students that wish to utilize a payment plan should complete the Tuition Payment Plan Credit Card Authorization Form.
5. Where can I find scholarship opportunities?
There are many different scholarship opportunities available to help USSU students succeed. All scholarships can be found under the Scholarships section of the Admissions tab.
6. How do I check the status of my financial aid?
You may visit www.studentaid.gov and login using your FSA ID to check the status of your FAFSA Application. After you complete the FAFSA application and your application has been processed successfully, you will receive notification to the email address you used on your FAFSA application.
7. I received a notification from FAFSA that my application was processed successfully, how much aid do I have?
The letter you received from FAFSA is just a notification that your application was processed successfully. It is an estimate of what you may be eligible for based on the information you placed on your FAFSA application. It is NOT your Financial Aid Award Package. The Financial Aid Representative at USSU will determine your Financial Aid Award once your application is received by the financial aid department.
8. How do I check the status of my Financial Aid Package?
After you have completed your FAFSA Application and waited the allotted 3-5 business days, you will need to review your acceptance letter from the
admissions department with all your access information to your Student Email and Student Portal. After that, you may check your student email for notification and/or student portal under Financial Aid Status to ensure there are no missing documents to submit to the Financial Aid Department and also check for any financial aid updates about your award package.
9. How do I accept my Financial Aid Award Package?
Grants and Scholarships are automatically accepted, so students do not need to take any specific action to receive those financial aid awards. However, students must accept or reject their Direct Student Loans and you may do that on your Student Portal under Financial Aid Status and Review Financing
Tab.
10. How will I know when my Financial Aid Award Package is complete?
You will receive notification in your Student Email as well as your Student Portal for any updated status of your Financial Aid Award Package.
11. I can’t accept/decline my Financial Aid on my student portal, what do I do?
If you are unable to accept/decline your financial aid, you may send an email
to our Director of Financial Aid ([email protected]) stating you are unable to accept/decline your aid on your student portal and would like to accept/decline your aid with the specific amount placed in your email.
12. What are the differences between Subsidized and
Unsubsidized Loans?
Subsidized direct loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. It does not accrue interest while you are enrolled. Unsubsidized loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students with or without financial need. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest during all periods of enrollment.
13. What is MPN and Entrance Counseling and where do I complete it?
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department
of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s).
Entrance counseling is a mandatory process by the United States Department of Education for student loan borrowers to best understand their responsibilities when taking on federal loans. Both documents must be completed in order to receive your Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan. You must complete this on www.studentaid.gov.
14. What is a Dependent Verification Worksheet and how is it used?
The Dependent Verification Worksheet is required for certain students selected for financial aid verification. It collects information about household size, college attendance, and income to confirm FAFSA accuracy and ensure proper financial aid awarding.
V1 or V5 Dependent Verification Worksheet
15. What is a Independent Verification Worksheet and how is it used?
The Independent Verification Worksheet is required for certain students selected for financial aid verification. It collects information about household size, college attendance, and income to confirm FAFSA accuracy and determine financial aid eligibility.
V1 or V5 Independent Verification Worksheet
16. What is a Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose Form and how is it used?
This form is required for certain students selected for financial aid verification. It confirms the student’s identity and intent to use federal aid only for educational purposes. Students must complete the form in person or with a notary, providing valid identification.
V1 or V5 Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose Form
17. What is a Professional Judgement Request and how is it used?
A Professional Judgment Request allows students to appeal their financial aid eligibility due to special circumstances, such as significant income changes, medical expenses, or other hardships. The financial aid office reviews the request and may adjust aid eligibility based on the documentation provided.
18. What is a Unusual Enrollment History Appeal and how is it used?
This appeal is required for students flagged for unusual enrollment patterns while receiving federal financial aid. It allows students to explain their circumstances and provide documentation to maintain or regain financial aid eligibility.
Unusual Enrollment History Appeal
19. What is a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Form and how is it used?
This form is used by students who fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards to appeal for continued financial aid eligibility. It requires an explanation of the circumstances affecting academic performance and a plan for improvement.
20. What is a Statement of Understanding Veterans Educational Benefits Recipients Form and how is it used?
This form is required for students using VA educational benefits. It outlines the terms and responsibilities for maintaining eligibility, ensuring recipients understand their obligations while receiving benefits.
21. What is a Student EFT Form and how is it used?
This form authorizes the electronic transfer of financial aid refunds directly to a student’s bank account, ensuring fast and secure disbursement of funds.
1. Is housing available on or near campus?
While USSU currently does not offer on-campus housing, students are 100% responsible for securing their accommodations. To assist in your search, we highly recommend the following local apartments:
Grande Point Apartments (2.7 miles from campus) | grandepointeapts.com
Bay Breeze Apartment Homes (1 mile from campus) | baybreezeapartments.com
East Bay Apartment Homes (0.4 miles from campus) | eastbayapartmenthomes.com
The Daphne (1.3 miles from campus) | windscapeatdaphne.com
10X Audubon Park (3.9 miles from campus) | 10xaudubonpark.com
2. Does the college offer on-campus dining?
At this time, our college does not offer on-campus dining services or have a dedicated dining hall. However, students can take advantage of nearby dining establishments and grocery options located within close proximity to campus. We encourage students to explore these local resources to meet their dining needs.
3. How do I get involved in clubs, sports, or student organizations?
While our university does not currently have established clubs or student organizations, we are rapidly growing, and students are encouraged to start their own. Our supportive environment and staff are here to help you launch and organize clubs or activities that align with your interests. Contact [email protected] to learn more about starting a student organization.
4. Where can I find a list of campus events?
You can stay updated on campus events by visiting our Student Life Instagram page. Follow us to see upcoming activities, announcements, and ways to get involved.
5. How do I reset my password?
Students that have locked themselves out of their student portal and need to reset their passwords can follow these directions.
1. What is FERPA, and how does it affect me?
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students are notified annually of their rights regarding educational records. FERPA grants students the right to:
- Inspect and review their educational records,
- Request amendments to inaccurate or misleading records, and
- Limit disclosure of certain information from their records.
Students that wish to withhold release of directory information must complete and submit the FERPA Withhold Release of Directory Information.
2. How do I grant access to my records for parents/guardians?
If students wish to allow designated individuals access to their educational records, they must complete and submit the FERPA Release to Third Party Form.
3. How can I update my personal or academic information?
Students that wish to update their personal information should complete and submit the Student Personal Information Change Form and email to [email protected].
Students that wish to update their academic information should complete and submit the Student Academic Information Change Form and email to [email protected].
4. How do I request a grade appeal?
Students that wish to appeal a grade should contact their academic advisor. Undergraduate and Graduate students can find more information about the grade appeal process in their respected catalog, under policy 8.15.3.
5. How do I request a leave of absence?
USSU recognizes that from time-to-time circumstances might compel students to interrupt their enrollment. These breaks in enrollment are formally recognized as leaves of absence (LOA). A leave of absence might be voluntary or involuntary, might occur while a student is in good standing or on academic probation, and might be associated with a medical condition. Students planning any leave should promptly consult with their Academic Advisor regarding the Leave of Absence. Students should then fill out the Request For Leave of Absence Form and email to [email protected].
6. How do you verify a degree or enrollment and why?
A Degree/Enrollment Verification Form confirms a student’s enrollment status or degree completion. It’s used for employment, loan deferments, insurance, or other official purposes requiring proof of enrollment or graduation. Students in need of a degree/enrollment verification should complete the Degree/Enrollment Verification Form and email to [email protected].
7. How do I order a replacement diploma?
Students that need to replace their original diploma may fill out the Replacement Diploma Order Form email to [email protected].
8. How do you accommodate students with disabilities?
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), students requiring accommodations must provide appropriate Disability Documentation. If accommodations are needed, students may complete the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Application Form and submit the necessary documentation for review to [email protected].
9. Why do you need a model release form?
USSU requires a Model Release Form to obtain legal permission to use a student’s image, likeness, or voice in photographs, videos, or other media for promotional, educational, or marketing purposes. Students that wish to participate in USSU marketing efforts should complete the Model Release Form and email to [email protected].
