FAQs about COVID-19

(Updated Jan. 5, 2021)

Health and Wellness | Academics | Student Services, College Operations | Admissions | Advising | Enrollment Services/Records | Financial Aid | Veterans | Student Life | Athletics | For Employees | CARES Funds

Health and Wellness

Are masks required at CF locations?

CF has implemented a Temporary COVID-19 Mask Procedure, which requires masks for all students, faculty, staff and visitors — unless exempt per Centers for Disease Control guidelines. View the mask procedure here.

What should I do if I have tested positive for COVID-19?

Employees and students are required to notify the college immediately if they are identified as positive for COVID-19. Students should contact Registrar Alton Austin at Austina@cf.edu or 352-854-2322, ext. 1751. Employees should contact Director of Human Resources Jenny Klepfer at Klepferj@cf.edu or 352-854-2322, ext. 1291. Full information is available in our Temporary COVID-19 Procedure.

What preventive measures should I take to stay healthy?

• Wash hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick, and avoid others if you are sick.
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.
• Avoid grasping shared surfaces such as door handles, gas pumps, grocery carts, elevator buttons, etc., with your hands. Use your knuckles or hips or a paper towel or disposable glove.
• Avoid shaking hands.

What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19?

• Stay home, avoid others and contact your health care provider immediately. 

Academics

What is the format for Spring Semester classes at CF?

The College of Central Florida is offering Spring Semester classes in a variety of online formats. Career and technical programs and some specialized courses have selected classes on campus following safety protocols. Some additional course sections are meeting in person in larger spaces to allow for required distancing. Some online classes are offered in a synchronous format, meaning that the instructor and students meet and interact at a set time through Zoom or other online meeting platform to allow for greater interaction.

The decision to continue Spring Semester classes mostly online came after much discussion on the risks and benefits of bringing thousands of students, faculty and staff to our locations while COVID-19 continues to affect our community. In the end, the health and safety of our CF family outweighs the inarguable benefits of face-to-face interactions in our classrooms, advising sessions, student life and other day-to-day activities.

How do I know if my classes are online or will meet in person?

Your class format is reflected when you login to your MyCF student portal. Instructors will reach out to their students through Canvas email (which will also go to your Patriot’s email) before classes begin each term with specific details about what students need to do for class.

How do I access Canvas?

You may access Canvas by logging into your MyCF student portal, clicking on the Academics tab, and clicking on Go to Canvas. For assistance with your MyCF login, call 352-854-2322, ext. 1378. After you have successfully logged in, if you need assistance with Canvas, contact the CF E-Learning Help Desk, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at DLhelp@cf.edu or 352-854-2322, ext. 1317. You may also use the 24/7 help link in Canvas. If you are not familiar with Canvas, we recommend you access the Getting Started in Canvas course, found under the Courses tab on the Canvas navigation pane.

How can I connect with my instructor? 

Faculty will continue to maintain regularly scheduled office hours, which are on your syllabus. Your instructors may offer office hours in Canvas Conferences or Chat or via email or phone. Please contact your instructor with course-specific questions.

How will I complete tests for my online courses?

In most cases, testing will be completed through Canvas. Your instructors will provide guidance. Students who work with the Disability Services Office for accommodations should contact the office if they are not able to test online. Call 352-854-2322, ext. 1564, 1572, 1463, 1322, or 1430.

How do I receive help or resources from the Learning Resources Centers?

The Stearns Learning Resources Center (LRC/Building 3) at the Ocala Campus is open to students and the campus community. The Information Desk, Learning Commons, and the Learning Support Center is staffed 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Computers, WiFi, printing, and quiet study space for individuals are available.

Access to electronic reserve items and arrangements to check out and retrieve circulation items may be requested through library@cf.edu.

Free tutoring is available in person in the Ocala Campus LSC by appointment only. Email tutoring@cf.edu or call 352-854-2322, ext. 1246, for more information or to request an appointment. Online tutoring with CF tutors and national tutors continues virtually through the Smarthinking link in each of your Canvas courses.

Learning Resources Centers services are also available remotely. The E-Learning Help Desk may be reached at DLhelp@cf.edu or at 352-854-2322, ext. 1317, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. In addition, the 24/7 Canvas help desk is available to faculty and students who have specific questions and is accessed on most screens in Canvas by clicking on the Help icon. Most library resources and services are available online, including tens of thousands of e-books, streaming videos, and guides to citing sources as well as other tutorials.

Reference assistance is also available by email, phone, and chat.

• Contact the Ocala Campus Library at library@cf.edu or 352-854-2322, ext. 1345, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• At the Citrus Campus, call 352-746-6721 for information.
• At the Levy Campus, call 352-658-4077 for information.
• Library chat reference is available through AskALibrarian.org.

What about students who don’t do well with online classes?

We will make every effort to provide support through your instructors, our online Canvas resources for faculty and students, and our help desks, including 24/7 help in Canvas, via phone, and online. We will also provide free online tutoring. Please see details above.

What can I do to be most successful as an online student?

The primary thing you can do to ensure your own success in an online course is to avoid procrastination. Some specific suggestions for doing well online include scheduling time to work in your class online that accounts for your usual time in class as well as time for homework, reading and studying (plan for a minimum of 6 hours per week); actively participating in any discussions, collaborations, conferences or chats in your class in Canvas; and asking questions to help you with any difficulties.

What should I do if I don’t have technology or internet access at home to complete my courses?

CF offers WiFi hotspots in parking lots at the Ocala Campus, Citrus Campus and Levy Campus. Please login with your CF student ID for access. Students who lack a computer at home may be able to borrow one from the college. There are limited supplies available. A student that needs a laptop may send an email to Dr. Saul Reyes, vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, at reyess@cf.edu. Please include your name, student ID, and the best cell phone or home number where you can be reached.

What if I need new disability accommodations for an online course?

Students requesting disability accommodations should contact Disability Services to discuss new requests or changes to existing accommodations. Disability Services staff will work with students and faculty to determine reasonable accommodations. Email disability@cf.edu or call 352-854-2322, ext. 1430, 1574, 1372.

Is the Learning Lab School open?

The Lab School is operating with limited capacity and with strict safety precautions in place. Please contact the school with any questions, 352-873-5806.

Student Services

What is the best way to reach staff in student services areas?

You may call or email college offices and staff for services. Consult the employee directory to find the department you are trying to reach. You may call 352-873-5800 to reach the operator to assist you in directing your call.

What is the contact information for student services departments at CF?

Please include your name and CF ID in all emails.

• Admissions – admissions@cf.edu, 352-873-5801
• Advising – eadvise@cf.edu or advising@cf.edu, 352-873-5850
• Athletics/Student Wellness – 352-854-2322, ext. 1322, for Athletic Business Manager or ext. 1325 for Athletic Director
• Cashiers Office – 352-854-2322, ext. 1213
• Disability Services – disability@cf.edu, 352-854-2322, ext. 1430, 1209, 1421, or Henri Benlolo 352-442-5911.
• Enrollment Services – registrar@cf.edu, 352-873-5801
• Financial Aid – askfinancialaid@cf.edu, 352-873-5801, https://www.cf.edu/lobby
• International Student Services – international@cf.edu
• Student Accounts – studentaccounts@cf.edu 352-854-2322, ext. 1213
• Student Life – studentlifeocala@cf.edu, 352-291-4416
• Testing Services – testing@cf.edu, 352-291-4419, or Wanda Lee, 352-854-2322, ext. 1463
• Veterans Services – veterans@cf.edu, 352-854-2322, ext. 1720, https://www.cf.edu/lobby

Where can I drop off documents for Admission, Financial Aid, Enrollment Services and Testing?

A student records drop box is available at the Ocala Campus in the Bryant Student Union near the Financial Aid office and at the Citrus Campus in the Citrus Learning and Conference Center near the café.

How can I meet with representatives from CF?

All CF offices are open for visitors, though appointments may be required. Some services will continue to be offered remotely. Please email the person or department you wish to meet and they will set up a meeting, either in person or via Zoom. Admissions, Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, and Veterans Services are also serving students in the CF Virtual Lobby at https://www.cf.edu/lobby.

I attend classes at the Citrus Campus or Levy Campus. Who should I contact with specific questions about these campuses?

For information about Citrus Campus programs and services, call 352-746-6721 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information about Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus programs and services, call 352-658-4077 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Is the Testing Center open?

The Ocala Campus Testing Center is open Monday-Friday 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments are required and walk-ins will not be permitted. To make an appointment visit the Testing Center web page here, or directly through https://www.picktime.com/cftesting. At the Citrus Campus, call 352-746-6721. At the Levy Campus, call 352-658-4077.

Are there counseling resources available for students?

This may be a difficult time for you but you don’t have to face it alone. CF can help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing stress, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, depression, or other issues you can get professional and confidential counseling by calling BayCare Life Management at 1-800-878-5470 or by calling 352-873-5800 and ask for Madelyn Ballard or Dr. Henri Benlolo. The services are free.

As an F1 international student, what happens if I need to travel?

You may continue your online classes somewhere else within or outside the United States, but you must report your change of address to your designated school officer within 10 days. Email your advisor/ designated school officer at feliciaa@cf.edu.

Is the Patriot Café open?

The Patriot Café is open for business Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Admissions

How do I apply to the college?

The CF application is online and you can find more information at www.CF.edu/apply. If you have questions about the process, please email admissions@cf.edu.

Where should I submit admission documents?

Documents can be submitted via email to admissions@cf.edu or fax (352-873-5821). We will forward to whomever you indicate should receive it. A student records drop box is also available at the Ocala Campus in the Bryant Student Union near the Financial Aid office or at the Citrus Campus in the Citrus Learning and Conference Center near the café.

I want to be a dual enrollment student. How do I apply and submit my documents?

Apply on the website at www.CF.edu/apply and submit documents to your high school counselor. A home school student should email documents to dualenrollment@cf.edu.

Do I need to come to campus for dual enrollment registration?

Registration will be handled remotely. Send your request to your high school counselor and the counselor will contact the CF dual enrollment office; home school students should email the registration form to dualenrollment@cf.edu.

Can I tour the college?

Please view our Ocala Campus video tour. We are not conducting in-person tours at this time.

Advising

What are my options for contacting Advising?

Your assigned advisor should be your first point of contact. Please email from your Patriots email. New students will receive Patriots email information 24 hours after first registration (use your personal email until Patriots email is established). Include your name and student ID number. Transient and adult enrichment students should contact eadvise@cf.edu or advising@cf.edu. You may also call the Ocala Advising Center at 352-873-5850. At the Citrus Campus, email Susana Islas (islass@cf.edu) or Rebecca York (yorkr@cf edu). At the Levy Campus, contact Kat Davis (davisk@cf.edu) or Krystal Skelly (skellyk@cf.edu).

How can I meet with my advisor?

Advisors will meet with you via telephone or online. Email or call your advisor at their campus extension to request an appointment.

How do I register for classes?

New students are required to meet with an advisor before first registration. Contact your advisor to request a meeting. You will find registration instructions here. Transient and adult enrichment students will need to contact eadvise@cf.edu.

Enrollment Services

Is the Enrollment Services office available to assist me?

For Enrollment Services assistance, call 352-873-5801 or email registrar@cf.edu. Please make sure your PIN is set up so that we may speak to you by phone. You may also meet with us using Zoom in our Virtual Lobby at www.cf.edu/lobby.

How can I get official transcripts?

Students and alumni can order paper or electronic copies of transcripts on the Academics tab on the MyCF student portal. You can find more information about this process here.

How can I get an enrollment verification?

Send an email to registrar@cf.edu with all of the details necessary for the verification. If you have a specific form to be completed, please attach it to your email.

How do I update my personal information in my student records account?

Please submit the requested change(s) to registrar@cf.edu from your Patriots email account and attach any necessary supporting documents (copy of license, etc.). We will acknowledge receipt.

How can I submit transcripts/proof of residency for my admission?

We will accept college and high school transcripts via mail or electronically from the original institution. Proof of residency documents can be sent via email to registrar@cf.edu; we will acknowledge receipt. Additionally, a student records drop box is available at the Ocala Campus in the Bryant Student Union near the Financial Aid office and at the Citrus Campus in the Citrus Learning and Conference Center near the café.

How do I submit an appeal form?

Appeal forms can be found here. Download, complete and submit the appropriate appeal form and any necessary supporting documents (letter of explanation, budget, etc.) via email to registrar@cf.edu; we will acknowledge receipt and advise if further information is needed.

Financial Aid

Is the Financial Aid office available to assist me?

For financial aid assistance, visit our Virtual Lobby at www.CF.edu/lobby, visit one of our campuses during business hours, call 352-873-5801 or email askfinancialaid@cf.edu. Please make sure your PIN is set up so that we may speak to you by phone.

How can I submit my verification documents to the Financial Aid office?

Students who need to submit verification documents can scan the documents and upload the electronic file through their MyCF student portal by selecting the Financial Aid tab, My Financial Aid, Missing and Received Documents, then the document upload option. Other documents, such as Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals, Petitions for Dependency Status and Professional Judgement Petitions can be scanned and emailed to askfinancialaid@cf.edu or placed in the drop box at the Ocala Campus outside the Financial Aid Office in the Bryant Student Union or at the Citrus Campus in the Citrus Learning and Conference Center near the café.

Where do I send my account information if I have a Florida PrePaid Plan?

Submit your Florida Prepaid documents to Student Accounts at studentaccounts@cf.edu. Include a current Florida Prepaid account information statement, your student ID number, phone number, how many credit hours you would like to apply, and to which semester. Once we apply your Florida Prepaid, you will be protected from having your classes dropped due to nonpayment. We will email you at your Patriots email with the details of the Florida Prepaid being applied and if there is any remaining balance left to pay. If you have a balance, proceed to make your payment through the MyCF student portal. If you have questions, please call 352-854-2322, ext. 1213, and select option 5.

Veterans

How do I submit VA documents and course schedules for GI Bill Benefits?

For assistance with VA documents, visit our CF Virtual Lobby at https://www.cf.edu/lobby, call 352-854-2322, ext. 1720, or email veterans@cf.edu. Veterans may scan VA documents and course schedules and email them to vaasst@cf.edu or place them in the drop box at the Ocala Campus outside the Financial Aid Office in the Bryant Student Union or at the Citrus Campus in the Citrus Learning and Conference Center near the café.

Student Life

What Student Life activities are available to online students?

Student Life is currently offering online opportunities for engagement, leadership development and connecting. Find Student Life and Ocala SAB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @CFStudentLife and @SABOcala, and Citrus Student Life and Citrus SAB on Instagram @CFCitrus and Facebook @CFCitrusStudentLife.

Can student clubs meet online?

Yes. All club advisors have access to Canvas to create a club page. Please contact your club advisor. You can participate in live video chats and threaded discussions, share documents and maintain contact with your fellow club members via Canvas.

Are the game rooms and student lounges open?

The Game Rooms and Student Lounges on all campuses are currently closed.

Athletics/Student Wellness

Where can I get information about student wellness programs?

Athletic Office – zelinskib@cf.edu or altanys@cf.edu, 352-854-2322, ext. 1322 or 1325

Who can I contact for information on joining the baseball or softball team or getting a tryout?

• Baseball – Coach Marty Smith, smithm@cf.edu, 352-854-2322, ext. 1571
• Softball – Coach Mike Lingle, linglem@cf.edu, 352-854-2322, ext. 1533

CARES Funds

The College of Central Florida is disbursing Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act Higher Education Emergency Funds to eligible CF students whose lives have been disrupted, many of whom are facing challenges and struggling to make ends meet. The CARES Acts funds are being distributed according to guidance from the U.S. Department of Education. For information on the Internal Revenue Service tax implications, please visit the IRS website.

Who will receive the funds?

Students enrolled at CF who are eligible for federal financial aid are eligible to receive CARES Act funds. If a student has not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, the student may do so at FAFSA.gov. Students who are not eligible to receive federal financial aid (dual enrollment, international, and those not meeting standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress) are not eligible for CARES Act funds. Further, students who received federal financial aid for the spring semester, but who have withdrawn from all courses are not eligible.

How much will students receive?

A total of $2.53 million will be distributed to eligible CF students.

Spring 2020 and Summer 2020: Enrolled students who receive Federal Pell grant funding will receive a one-time payment of $600; enrolled students who are eligible for financial aid but not for Federal Pell grant funding will receive a one-time payment of $300. If enrolled students need additional assistance, they may apply for the CF CARES Act Emergency Fund. The application is available in the MyCF student portal.

Fall 2020: Enrolled students who receive Federal Pell grant and have not received CARES Act funds in the past will receive a one-time payment of $550. No additional payments will be available as the funds will be exhausted.

Are there restrictions on how I use the funds?

The funds are intended to be used for course materials, technology, food, housing, health care and child care.

Have I been awarded funds?

Students may view the amount they receive on the Financial Aid tab of the MyCF student portal by selecting My Financial Aid, then My Financial Aid Awards. Also, students who receive CARES Act funds will be notified in an email to their Patriots email account.

I’ve been awarded funds. How do I receive my money?

Funds were distributed to students through the normal college refund process. For information on the process, please click here.

What if I didn’t receive an award and I think I am eligible?

Students must be eligible for federal student aid, which includes meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards. You can view your Satisfactory Academic Progress status on the Financial Aid tab of the MyCF student portal by selecting My Financial Aid. If you believe you are eligible but were not awarded you may submit an inquiry here to have your eligibility reviewed.

What is the process for receiving additional Emergency Grant Funds?

If you are not eligible for CARES Act funds, you may be eligible to apply for emergency assistance through the CF Patriot Fund.

CARES Act 30-Day Report | CARES Act 75-Day Report | CARES Act 120-Day Report  | CARES Act Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting

For Employees

What is the Families First Coronavirus Response Act?

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through Dec. 31, 2020. View full information about Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Are CF Printing and Postal Services currently operating?

The CF Post Office is maintaining daily courier services at the Ocala Campus and regular delivery schedule to other locations. Mail delivery continues to the paid mailboxes, though the Postal Services office will be closed to outside customers. Faculty and staff can call ahead (ext. 1396, 1567, 1588) to arrange for package drop off or pick up. The Print Shop is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

What mental health resources are available for full-time employees?

The CF Employee Assistance Program is a voluntary, work-based free and confidential program that helps full-time employees address or cope with a broad range of issues affecting mental and emotional well-being, stress, family problems, finances, trauma, child or elder care, and more. For assistance call CF at 352-873-5800 and ask for the Human Resources Department.

Is the Learning Lab School open?

The Lab School is operating with limited capacity and with strict safety precautions in place. Please contact the school with any questions, 352-873-5806.