Computer Requirements and Competency

According to the University’s Student Computing Requirements policy, all UF students must have access to a computer that allows them to complete all coursework and general curriculum requirements.  Students are responsible for knowing how to operate the computer systems and the software packages required, including the Canvas online course management system (UF e-Learning).

If you are not knowledgeable in the use of the Internet, e-mail, word processing software, or Canvas, on-campus and community education and/or self-study programs should be used and completed before beginning the program. The University has several supports in place to assist students who need this type of training, including:

The UF Computing Help Desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 392-HELP or helpdesk@ufl.edu. Find links to the Help Desk, UF IT, and training options at elearning.ufl.edu.

Students may acquire access through the most appropriate option to match their individual circumstances.  These include, but are not limited to, computer purchase, lease, loan, etc.

The OTD and BHS-OTD programs follow the College of Public Health and Heath Profession’s Computer Requirements policy, which states that all students must have access to a computer with the following capabilities:

  • Computer accessibility to the World Wide Web
  • Current/Supported Operating system (Windows or Mac)
  • Minimum system resources to run all required applications
  • An Office Suite (e.g. MS Office or Open Office). MS Office can be downloaded through UF.

Students are responsible for any repair necessary to their computers and are expected to complete assignments in a timely manner regardless of the state of repair of their individual computer system. It is likely that over the course of a student’s program, computer upgrades will be necessary. Students are responsible for upgrades required for curriculum completion. Individual coursework may require additional specialized software not already delineated.  In this case, the faculty members will delineate those requirements in the class syllabus.  Students are then responsible for acquiring the specialized software necessary to complete specific course requirements.