Navigating Your Academic Journey: Understanding the UCF Degree Audit

The myKnight Audit at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is a crucial tool designed to guide students toward successful degree completion. It provides a comprehensive record of a student’s academic progress, outlining completed courses, those in progress, and transferred credits accepted by UCF. This article delves into the intricacies of the UCF degree audit system, explaining its purpose, functionality, and how students can leverage it to make informed academic decisions.

Introduction to myKnight Audit

As part of UCF’s commitment to enhancing student services, the myKnight Audit serves as an improved advising experience. It meticulously tracks a student’s academic journey toward fulfilling the requirements for their chosen degree or certificate program. The audit system compares a student's official academic record against the computer-coded degree requirements outlined in the UCF undergraduate catalog. Degree requirements in the new myKnight Audit are programmed for students following the catalog year 2010 and forward.

Accessing Your myKnight Audit

Students can easily access their myKnight Audit through the myUCF portal. By logging in with their NID and NID password and selecting "Student Self Service," students can view their personalized audit.

Key Features and Functionality

The myKnight Audit offers several key features that empower students to take control of their academic planning:

Comprehensive Course Overview: The audit displays all courses taken, current registrations, and transfer credits accepted by UCF.
Progress Tracking: Students can clearly see which courses have been completed, are in progress, or have been transferred, providing an up-to-date snapshot of their academic standing.
Requirement Outlining: The audit outlines all courses within each section that are required to complete the chosen degree.
"What-If" Scenarios: The "What-If" report allows students to explore hypothetical changes to their degree, major, or track, enabling them to make informed decisions about their academic path.

Understanding Repeat Checking and Grade Forgiveness

UCF's policies regarding repeated courses and grade forgiveness are important considerations for students using the myKnight Audit.

Read also: Comprehensive UCLA Degree Audit

Repeat Checking

Repeat Checking refers to how the University treats classes that you have taken more than once. If you repeat a class, there are implications for your GPA and academic level (freshman, sophomore, etc). A course that is non-repeatable is a course that cannot count more than once towards your graduation requirements. Most courses are not repeatable, and the catalog will confirm those classes that can be repeated

For example, if you take ENC 1101 more than once, only one the last attempt will be reflected on your degree audit. There are a small number of courses that are repeatable and thus, can count multiple times towards graduation. Currently, UCF counts all attempts of a class equally. If you take a class three times, you will receive 9 credits for the class on your academic transcript even though only 3 credits count towards graduation on your degree audit.

Since repeated courses will not count more than once as earned credits on your transcript, your total credits earned that appear on your transcript may change. Your degree audit information will not be affected by this, nor will your progress towards graduation. The degree audit has always managed repeat checking.

Grade Forgiveness

The Grade Forgiveness policy remains unchanged. You will not receive credit for both occurrences of the same class on your transcript. You will usually have the option to repeat a course if you need to. Although most courses are not repeatable, students have the option to take them again. Transfer credits will be evaluated for repeated classes.

Utilizing Success Pathways

Success Pathways are designed to guide students in selecting the right courses and tracking their progress toward degree completion. These pathways are particularly useful for students preparing for admission to their intended major at UCF. The semester curriculum suggested below assumes that the student: a) has earned an A.A., b) has completed required lower-level courses and academic milestones, c) will be enrolled full-time at UCF.

It is important to note that Success Pathways do not substitute for your advisor, degree planning tools, and degree audits. Once you enroll at UCF, Pegasus Path (degree planning) and myKnight Audit (degree audit) are the official tools at UCF. Students should choose their major of choice early and follow Success Pathways in consultation with their advisor or academic success coach.

Seeking Guidance and Support

While the myKnight Audit provides valuable insights, seeking guidance from academic advisors is crucial. Advisors can review information, address concerns, and work collaboratively with students to find solutions.

Students should also consider the following:

Financial Aid: Review your Financial Aid to anticipate what you might be eligible for. You can also visit their office and speak with a counselor.
College Graduation Requirements: Have you completed your college’s graduation requirements? If not schedule an appointment to visit with your advisor.
Career Services: Make sure to visit UCF’s Career Services for resources on career readiness.
Financial Literacy: Don’t forget about preparing for finances after college by reviewing the Cent$ible Knight$ Financial Literacy program and workshops.

Training and Resources

To help students navigate the myKnight Audit system effectively, UCF offers training resources. To use the "What-If" report, you must complete the Exceptions webcourse (ACS002). The prerequisite for this course is the PSAA Degree Audit webcourse (ACS001).

Face-to-face training was offered during the Spring 2016 semester, and students should revisit for specific times and locations.

University Audit at UCF: Ensuring Accuracy and Accountability

The University Audit department at UCF plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of university processes, including those related to academic records and degree audits. The department is staffed by experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds in auditing, investigations, and internal controls.

Key Personnel and Their Roles

Robert (Chief Audit Executive): Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all internal audit operations at the university. His responsibilities encompass managing internal audit activities using both internal and co-sourced audit resources, coordinating external audits, and supporting the university’s strategic initiatives and desire for process excellence. Robert holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Relations from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science in Accounting from the State University of New York at Albany. In addition to his professional achievements, Robert has actively contributed to the internal audit profession through leadership roles, including serving as President of the Albany, New York Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and currently serving as a board member of the Orlando Chapter of the IIA.
Tina: Leads University Audit’s investigation function and, under the direction of the CAE, oversees the university’s Antifraud Framework and fraud risk management. She provides essential leadership on the Fraud Risk Assessment Committee, working closely with chair to drive its initiatives. With more than 40 years of experience in audits, investigations, and strengthening internal controls and processes, Tina brings deep expertise and a proven record of advancing assurance and accountability. A dedicated mentor, Tina advised the first Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) student chapter at UCF and launched University Audit’s student internship program in fraud investigation. She continues to support the profession through leadership and service, currently as Secretary/board member of the Central Florida Chapter of the ACFE, and previously as Treasurer and board member of the Association of College and University Auditors (ACUA). Tina holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, both from UCF. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Inspector General (CIG).
Vallery Morton (Associate Director, UCF Audit and Advisory Services): With over 40 years of experience in accounting and tax preparation, external auditing, and internal auditing. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Economics and Business Administration from Saint Mary’s College of California before camping across the United States from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Vallery began her career at a CPA firm in Richmond, Virginia before moving to a Fortune 500 company as an internal auditor and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Virginia. In 1993 she joined the University of Central Florida as a Senior Auditor. She obtained an MS in Taxation in 2000 and became a CPA in Florida in 2001. Over her tenure at UCF, she has served in the roles of Senior Auditor, Audit Manager, and Assistant Director, Audit before being promoted to her current role. Outside of work, Vallery is a creative artist in painting, writing, embroidery, and crochet.
Vicky Sharp: Performs operational and compliance audits and provides advisory services to departments. She has a Master of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Internal Auditor.
Mary Dailey: Investigates allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and other related wrongdoings while identifying opportunities to enhance internal controls and improve organizational processes. She is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a Certified Inspector General Investigator (CIGI). She has a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Mathematics from the University of Central Florida.
Chase: Is responsible for supervising and conducting investigations of allegations of wrongdoing and identifying recommendations for corrective action and process improvements. He has over 8 years of experience in performing both criminal and internal investigations. Chase has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology from UCF. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner. Prior to joining University Audit, Chase worked 3 years for BB&T Now Truist as a Corporate Investigator and over 5 years with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office as a sworn law enforcement officer specializing in the investigation of economic crimes.
Tanya: Performs operational and compliance audits and provides advisory services to departments. Prior to joining University Audit, Tanya led the internal control function in an energy sector company DTEK; worked 4 years for Coca-Cola as internal control and compliance expert for Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia; has 5 years of experience in banking - held a position of Senior Compliance Project Manager on OFAC project and internal control specialist of Compliance department.
Mónica: Performs operational and compliance audits and provides advisory services to departments. She has a Master of Business Administration with Finance Concentration from the Inter American University in Puerto Rico and a Bachelor of Business Administration with Accounting Concentration from the University of Puerto Rico. She is a Certified Fraud Examiner. Mónica has over 25 years of experience working in the federal government and private industry as an auditor and as a financial analyst, respectively.
Alex: Assists the Audit department with administrative duties. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Vanderbilt University.
Tanya: Joined the University Audit team as a Data Analyst II, where she supports audit and advisory efforts through data analytics, visualization, and risk-based insights. Before coming to UCF, Tanya built her analytical expertise through roles in both higher education and law enforcement sectors. She is skilled in data mining, data modeling, analytics, and dashboard design, using Tableau and Power BI to bring data to life through engaging visualizations.

Audit Functions and Responsibilities

The University Audit department performs a range of functions to ensure accountability and improve university processes:

Operational and Compliance Audits: Evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of university operations and ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
Investigations: Investigating allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and other wrongdoings.
Advisory Services: Providing guidance and recommendations to departments on internal controls, risk management, and process improvement.
Data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies that may indicate areas of risk or opportunity.

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