Such flexibility is difficult because the majority of students enter the University of Florida as juniors transferring from the community college system. Since these community colleges do not have animal science offerings, all animal science education must be concentrated into the junior and senior years. Numerous faculty participate in student advising and a high priority is placed on this activity. Student evaluations consistently rank the Animal Science faculty well above the college average. Exit interviews with seniors indicate strong teaching and advising efforts by the faculty.
Graduate programs are individualized to meet the respective needs of the students.
Emphasis is placed on research training in the Ph.D. and M.S. programs, while the M.A. program is designed for students receiving a terminal graduate degree where a research base is not required for employment. State general revenue supported assistantships are in short supply. Traditionally, funds came to the department designated and no flexibility in funding existed at the departmental level. Beginning this year, however, departmental flexibility has been authorized. Both graduate and undergraduate coordinators serve as contact persons for the respective programs in the department.