“My experience: What? So what? Now what?” FAQs
What is a University Recognized Experience (URE)? A URE is a non-credit, career-related experience that gives you hands-on, real-world experience as a valuable part of your learning journey. These internships go beyond the classroom, allowing you to develop key skills, apply what you’ve learned, and expand your professional network while working in a meaningful role. The URE meets UF’s standards for high-impact experiential learning and gives you official recognition for your professional experience and skill development outside the classroom.
Who is eligible to submit?
To qualify as a University Recognized Experience, you must be currently enrolled at UF, and the experience must have been completed while you were enrolled as a UF student.
What information is required for submission? You will need to provide:
Experience details, role title, organization, start/end dates, hours, and a description of your responsibilities.
- Supervisor information, name, title, and contact information.
- Skill development summary, a brief reflection on what you learned and how the experience contributed to your growth.
What documents are required for submission? You may be asked to upload:
Proof of experience: offer letter, position description, or confirmation of participation. Verification materials: any document that confirms your role, dates, or supervisor.
Can I submit multiple experiences?
Yes. Multiple submissions are allowed, and each experience should be submitted separately.
What happens after I submit through the Gator Experiential Learning Hub?
Your submission review begins. UF staff evaluate your experience to ensure it meets URE criteria. You may be contacted if clarification or additional documentation is needed.
How long does it take for my URE to be processed?
Processing typically takes a few weeks, depending on volume and whether additional information is required. You can check your submission status in the Gator Experiential Learning Hub.
Will my supervisor be contacted?
Supervisors are not routinely contacted. They may only be reached if verification is needed to confirm details of your experience.
Can international students submit experiences completed outside the U.S.?
Yes. International experiences are eligible as long as they meet URE criteria and were completed while you were enrolled at UF.
What if I am unsure whether my experience qualifies?
Staff will determine whether it meets URE standards.
How does the URE submission benefit me?
A URE recognition strengthens your professional profile by documenting your experiential learning in an official UF record. It highlights your skills, competencies, and real‑world experience for employers, graduate programs, and scholarship committees.
What is the Gator Experience Record, and how does it relate?
The Gator Experience Record is UF’s official document that showcases your involvement, leadership, experiential learning, and skill development. Approved UREs appear on this record, giving you a verified, university‑endorsed summary of your professional experiences.
Please email us at uf-uri@ufsa.ufl.edu for more University Recognized Experiences Resources.
