Happiness Course Counselor’s Guide — Spring 2027
IDS 2935 – What Can Social Science Tell Us About Happiness and Living a Happier Life?
I. Introduction
- This course offered through UF Dual Enrollment supports Broward County Public Schools’ social-emotional and mindfulness initiatives.
- The UF Happiness Course gives eligible high school students an opportunity to explore what social science can teach us about happiness and living a happier life through a university-level learning experience.
II. How UF DE Supports Students
UF Dual Enrollment provides students with guidance and support throughout their participation in the Happiness Course. Each student has a dedicated UF Dual Enrollment coordinator who serves as a point of contact for questions and concerns. Students can contact their coordinator by phone or email for assistance with courses, Disability Resource Services, or other needs that may arise during their time as a UF DE student.
III. Eligibility
- 3.0 cumulative unweighted high school GPA
- Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing in high school
- No Test Scores required
IV. Registration Process
- Initial meeting with school counselor
The student meets with you to discuss interest in taking the UF Happiness Course. View the UF Happiness Course description and sample syllabi. URL: dualenrollment.ufl.edu/happiness/ - Online application
The student completes the online application and receives a confirmation email within 24 hours of submission; this application serves as the request for admission to the Happiness Course. - Counselor eligibility verification
After the application is submitted, you will receive an email with a link to verify the student’s eligibility via an online form; no login is required to complete it. - Admission decision and next steps
After eligibility is verified, the application is reviewed and processed. Students receive application decision during their designated Decision Release Day; if accepted, the letter outlines next steps for course registration. - Spring 2027 Decision Release Days: November 12, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
- Registration confirmation
Our system will email both the student and counselor listed on their UF DE application as a courtesy to confirm that student has been registered. Students are also instructed to provide a copy of their official UF schedule to their counselor upon confirmation.
V. School Counselor Responsibilities
- Advise students and parents about the UF Happiness Course.
- Provide recommendation for admission by completing the online Counselor Verification Form (emailed to counselors within one week after student applies).
- Explain university-level academic expectations, including course rigor, the impact of grades on academic records, and the consequences of course withdrawals.
- Schedule adjustments: Students are responsible for notifying you of any dual enrollment course changes prior to the add/drop deadline.
- Withdrawal requests: After discussing course withdrawal requests with the student, submit approval via email dual-enrollment@dce.ufl.edu
VI. UF Dates and Deadlines — Spring 2027
- Application is now open and closes on: November 6, 2026.
- Decision Release Day: November 12, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
- First day of classes: January 11
- Add/drop deadline: January 15 by 5:00 p.m. Before this deadline, students may request changes without counselor approval. After January 15, any course changes (including drops) require emailed counselor approval and are considered official withdrawals recorded with a “W” on the UF transcript.
- Withdrawal deadline: April 9 by 5:00pm with counselor’s emailed approval.
- Last day of classes: April 21
- Exam week: April 24–30
VII. Resources
Academic Accommodations as a UF Dual Enrollment student via the Disability Resource Center (DRC):
Students with disabilities who experience learning barriers and would like to request academic accommodations should connect with the Disability Resource Center.
It is important for students to share their accommodation letter with their instructor and discuss their access needs, as early as possible in the semester.
Contact Information
- Litza Echeverria Rubio — Director of Operational Services
- Sara Tilli — Associate Director of Operational Services
- Allison Costa — Senior Dual Enrollment Coordinator
- William Clouser — Dual Enrollment Coordinator
Office: 352-273-4155
Email: dual-enrollment@dce.ufl.edu
Website: https://dualenrollment.ufl.edu/