About USF

Administration

In 2018, the Florida Board of Governors designated USF as a Preeminent State Research University, placing USF in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities.

For additional Administrative areas, visit https://www.usf.edu/about-usf/administrative-units.aspx

Mission and Goals

Mission

Commitment to Honor & Living the Commitment

As an ethical community, the University of South Florida is dedicated to the ideals of excellence in student development, academic learning, scholarship and research. By joining this community, each member is expected to accept and live these commitments.

I resolve to maintain the honor and integrity of the university community in pursuit of student development, academic learning, scholarship and research.

Living the Commitment: A commitment to this resolution upholds our core values of honesty, diligence and trust within our academic and professional lives. This means that authentic and sincere efforts motivate our work while we strive for genuine, trustworthy interactions.

I resolve to respect the dignity and intrinsic value of all persons.

Living the Commitment: A commitment to this resolution requires appreciation for another’s personal right to explore freely, to express oneself responsibly, and to participate actively in building an environment of mutual respect and inclusion for each individual. This means that we will support equal rights and opportunities for all people, while exhibiting behaviors which are compassionate and considerate to others.

I resolve to contribute to the progress and greater good of the community.

Living the Commitment: A commitment to this resolution motivates us to serve the University with words and actions that generate a positive impact on the future of the whole community. This means that active and creative thought and contributions within a collegial environment will expand both the nature and scope of knowledge and the quality of community life.

I resolve to strive for excellence and discovery for myself, others, and the University.

Living the Commitment: A commitment to this resolution confirms the shared values that make the University a strong community. We hold high expectations for our own academic and professional work. Concurrently, we endeavor to support the success of others as we all seek to contribute to the mission of the University.

About the University of South Florida

USF is the fastest-rising university in America, according to U.S. News and World Report’s (U.S. News) 2021 Best Colleges rankings. Over the past 10 years, USF has risen 78 spots among all universities and 54 spots among public universities, more than any other university in the country. This is the second consecutive year USF is among the top 50 public universities in the nation, according to U.S. News. Learn more about USF Points of Pride.

For more information about USF, visit https://www.usf.edu/about-usf/index.aspx. Students can visit https://www.usf.edu/about-usf/student-consumer-information.aspx for student-specific information.

Campuses/Locations

For information about each USF campus, visit Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota-Manatee.

For more maps, see https://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/parking/maps/

Accreditation

The University of South Florida (USF) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctorate degrees.

Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of South Florida. 

Normal inquiries about the institution, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to the institution and not to the Commission’s Office.

For more information, visit https://www.usf.edu/about-usf/accreditation.aspx.

In addition to SACSCOC accreditation, which applies to the institution, many academic programs are accredited by specialized accreditors that focus on specific academic disciplines.

The University of South Florida and all colleges, departments and programs therein establish certain academic requirements that must be met before a degree is granted. These requirements concern such things as curricula and courses, majors and minors, and academic residence. Advisors, directors, department chairs, and deans are available to help the student understand and meet these requirements, but the student is responsible for fulfilling them. At the end of a student’s course of study, if requirements for graduation have not been satisfied, the degree will not be granted. For this reason, it is important for all students to acquaint themselves with all regulations and to remain currently informed throughout their college careers and to be responsible for completing requirements. Courses, programs, and requirements described in the catalog may be suspended, deleted, restricted, supplemented, or changed in any other manner at any time at the sole discretion of the University and the USF Board of Trustees.

University Libraries

4202 E. Fowler Ave. LIB 122
Tampa FL 33620
813-974-1611
https://www.lib.usf.edu/

The University Library for the Tampa campus offers access to an extensive selection of print and electronic resources, including books, maps, e-journal, e-books, and countless databases. There is also a collection of audio/visual materials including videos, CDs, DVDs, and even LPs. Students and faculty also have access to specialized research assistance and information literacy instruction from our librarians. Assistance is available from research and reference librarians either by appointment, on-line via our website, by phone, or in a classroom setting.

The University Library for the St. Petersburg campus is home to the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, and serves as a partner in teaching, learning and research. The St. Petersburg campus Library connects students and faculty to a variety of information sources, innovative opportunities, and diverse perspectives.

The University Library for the Sarasota-Manatee campus Library offers students, faculty, and staff access to the extensive holdings of the University Libraries, which include: over 1.3 million print books; over 52,000 e-journal subscriptions; over 443,000 e-books; and over 800 databases containing articles, media and other materials. Our librarians provide reference and research assistance in all courses of study, and can help you to better organize and execute your search for the things you need to get the job done

In addition to the University Libraries, there are three special libraries. On the Tampa campus is the Shimberg Health Sciences Library (https://health.usf.edu/Shimberg-library/), serving the needs of USF Health, consisting of the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and Public Health; and the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI) Research Library (https://www.usf.edu/cbcs/fmhi/), serving the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. The Jane Bancroft Cook Library serves as a joint-use facility shared by New College and the Sarasota-Manatee campus.

Intercollegiate Athletics

University of South Florida Athletics Department
4202 E. Fowler Ave., ATH 100
Tampa, FL 33620
813-974-2125
https://gousfbulls.com/

The University of South Florida Athletic Department is committed to providing all student-athletes with opportunities to receive a world-class education, win championships, and develop into the leaders of tomorrow while embracing our partnerships within the Tampa Bay community. Programs include:

Points of Pride

• USF Athletics serves nearly 450 student-athletes that train and compete in the athletic district located on the east end of the Tampa campus.
• USF fields 19 men’s and women’s varsity teams competing in 11 different sports, 18 at the NCAA Division I level in the American Athletic Conference.
• USF has won 19 conference titles since joining the American Athletic Conference in 2013, including at least three in five of the previous six seasons.
• USF has claimed 120 conference titles since it began intercollegiate competition in 1965.
• Bulls received 11 Conference Coach, Player or Rookie of the Year awards in 2018-19 and five were named All-American.
• 11 USF programs reached national post-season competition in the 2018-2019 season.
• Six USF programs achieved a Top 25 national ranking during the 2018-19 season and also the 2017-18 season, including the football program that posted a program record string of 20 straight weeks ranked in the Top 25. The Bulls had nine teams ranked in 2016-17.
• USF softball coach Ken Eriksen was named the head coach of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Softball Team for the 2020 Games in Tokyo.  
• The USF football team posted a pair of 10-plus win seasons, three straight seasons appearing in the Top 25 rankings and four straight bowl game appearances between 2015-18.
• Head Football Coach Jeff Scott came to USF after serving as co-offensive coordinator at Clemson and helped lead the Tigers to five straight College Football Playoff appearances, two national titles and a 70-5 record while he led the offense.
• The USF men’s basketball team won a program record 24 games in 2018-19 and the CBI postseason championship. The women’s basketball team has earned a postseason appearance in 15 of the last 16 seasons.
• USF Athletics has posted a combined annual grade-point average over 3.0 for each of the last four years and is currently in the midst of a program record string of 10 straight semesters with a combined term GPA over 3.0.
• USF Athletics has posted a Graduation Success Rate of 80 percent or better for six straight years. 
• USF has seen more than 300 student-athletes earn their degree since 2016-17.
• USF student-athletes, coaches and staff contributed 4,277 hours of community service in 2018-19 and have logged more than 14,000 hours over the past three years.
• The Lee Roy Selmon Athletic Center is the hub of USF Athletics and includes state-of-the art space for academic support services, life skills training, mentoring and team-building.
• USF has invested more than $70 million in recent years in renovating and maintaining some of the top athletic facilities in the nation and is currently raising funds for the construction of a new multi- million-dollar USF Football Center.
• USF student support is a big part of the Bulls’ athletics success with an average of nearly 8,000 students per game attending home football games in recent seasons and student attendance increasing across all USF sporting events.

USF Alumni

USF Gibbons Alumni Center
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ALC100
Tampa, Florida 33620-5455
813-974-2100
800-299-BULL (2855)
alumni@usf.edu
https://www.usfalumni.org

The USF Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization composed of former students and friends of the University of South Florida. The mission is to provide meaningful ways for USF Bulls to support, protect and promote their university. Additionally, the USF Alumni Association supports several student programs, including: Student Alumni Association - the largest student organization at USF; USF Ambassadors - student representatives for the university; and, Order of the Golden Brahman - USF’s newest student service and leadership organization. There are more than 365,000 USF graduates worldwide who are critical to USF in achieving its goals.

Advancement/USF Foundation

USF Policies

The Office of General Council website has helpful links to University of South Florida regulations and University policies. We hope that you will find these resources beneficial and we actively seek your input regarding additional content. For more information, visit http://regulationspolicies.usf.edu/

Undergraduate Academic Integrity Policy Statement

USF Regulation 3.027 - Academic Integrity of Students
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfregulation3027

Academic integrity is the foundation of the University of South Florida’s commitment to the academic honesty and personal integrity of its university community. Academic integrity is grounded in certain fundamental values, which include honesty, respect and fairness. Broadly defined, academic honesty is the completion of all academic endeavors and claims of scholarly knowledge as representative of one’s own efforts. Knowledge and maintenance of the academic standards of honesty and integrity as set forth by the university are the responsibility of the entire academic community, including the instructional faculty, staff and students.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Policy

USF Policy 0-007 Diversity and Equal Opportunity: Discrimination and Harassment
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy0-007

The University of South Florida is a diverse community that values and expects respect and fair treatment of all people. USF strives to provide a work and study environment for faculty, staff and students that is free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information, as provided by law. USF protects its faculty, staff, and students from discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, as well as gender identity and expression. USF is also committed to the employment and advancement of qualified veterans with disabilities and veterans protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act, as amended (VEVRAA). As part of the effort to maintain an environment that is comfortable for all people and to ensure consistency with state and federal laws, the USF establishes this policy.

Discrimination, harassment and retaliation are prohibited within USF, and complaints of such conduct are to be filed with one of the two designated offices within the USF, specifically the Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Equal Opportunity (https://www.usf.edu/diversity/) or the Student Conduct and Ethical Development Office (https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-conduct-ethical-development/index.aspx​). The designated office will review such complaints and provide appropriate response including counseling, mediation, and/or referral for disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment and/or expulsion from the USF.

In addition, DIEO and OSRR will, as part of their internal processes, report any conduct that may be criminal in nature, such as bias-motivated crimes, to the appropriate law enforcement entities as set forth in section [IV.B]

Additionally, discriminatory conduct in the form of sexual misconduct/sexual harassment is also prohibited. (Please see USF Policy 0-004, Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment (Including Battery).

Examples of prohibited conduct* include, but are not limited to:

1. Requesting or coercing sexual intercourse or sexual favors, or attempting to or actually engaging in a sexual assault or sexual battery.
2. Inappropriate and unwelcome sexual attention or touching, including-but not limited to-leering, patting, fondling, pinching, and attempted or actual kissing.
3. Making actual or implied threats to impede or interfere with employment or educational opportunities or benefits for failing to agree to or engage in sexual activity.
4. Making actual or implied promises of an employment or educational opportunity or benefit in exchange for sexual activity.
5. Inferring or displaying favoritism that benefits or adversely affects another based on sexual involvement or a sexual relationship.
6. Making sexually explicit or suggestive gestures or sounds.
7. Gender-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, non-verbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

*Prohibited conduct does not include verbal expression, written or other material that is relevant and appropriately related to the subject matter of USF course/curriculum or to an employee’s duties.

Students and staff can get more information on filing a complaint in the Diversity and Equal Opportunity: Discrimination and Harassment Policy 0-007.

For more information on the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity, please visit their website at: https://www.usf.edu/diversity/.

Title IX Policy

The University of South Florida community is most successful when it is based on respect and fair treatment of all people. USF strives to provide a work and study environment for faculty, staff and students that is free of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual violence. As part of the effort to maintain an environment that is comfortable for all people, USF establishes this Policy.

Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is prohibited within USF, and complaints of such conduct are to be filed with the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity. The designated office will review such complaints and provide appropriate response including counseling, mediation (in limited circumstances), and/or referral for disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment and/or expulsion from USF.

Pursuant to Title IX, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities that it operates. Such protection extends to both employees and students. Any questions or inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, the Title IX Senior Deputy Coordinator, to any of the University’s Title IX Deputy Coordinators, or to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The most up-to-date information on the University’s Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Coordinators can be found in the webpage for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity, located at https://www.usf.edu/diversity/.

The Title IX Coordinator is:
Araiña Muñiz
USF Title IX Office
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ALN 172
Tampa, Florida 33620
(813) 974-9901
arainamuniz@usf.edu

Discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or veteran status are also prohibited. (Please see USF Policy Number 0-007, Diversity & Equal Opportunity: Discrimination & Harassment https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy0-007).

When appropriate, the University will take steps to prevent the recurrence of harassment, including sexual violence, and to correct any discriminatory effects of harassment on the complainant and others.

Student Accessibility Services

USF Policy: 0-108 Disability and Accommodations (Public/Employees/Students)
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy0-108

Student Accessibility Services
813.974.4309 (Office)
sa-sds-information@usf.edu
https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-accessibility/

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, Student Accessibility Services is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities to ensure full participation in all aspects of USF campus and student life. Reasonable accommodations are provided for students with temporary or permanent disabilities.

The student initiates the process by identifying herself/himself to the SAS Office and completing an application. Students must provide documentation of a disability. Please visit our website for guidelines and verification forms. All documentation is reviewed by the professional staff of SAS and, when necessary, reviewed by consultants with expertise in specific disability areas. In some cases, students are requested to provide more documentation than originally submitted. In cases where documentation is not available, please consult with SAS. Once approved, the SAS coordinator and the student will sign an accommodation plan outlining academic accommodations.

Each semester the student is responsible for giving each of her/his professors a memorandum of accommodation. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, note taking services, extended test time, books in electronic/audio format, and assistive technology. The accommodations should maintain the academic integrity of the course and never alter the level of ability or mastery the individual is required to demonstrate.

Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free Schools Policy Statement

USF Policy 0-610 Drug-Free Workplace
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy0-610

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited on the property of or in connection with any of the activities of the USF. No employee/student is to report to work/class while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. Any employee or student determined to have violated this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action for misconduct. Violation of this policy by an employee/student will be reason for evaluation/treatment for a drug/alcohol use disorder or for disciplinary action up to and including termination/expulsion in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, policies, and procedures, or referral for prosecution consistent with local, state, and federal law.

Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus

USF Policy, 6-026, Tobacco and Smoke-Free Policy
https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy6-026

The University of South Florida is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning, living, and working environment for the campus community. This Policy intends to reduce the health risks related to smoking, tobacco, and related products, as well as to reduce the smoking and tobacco-related waste from USF.

STATEMENT OF POLICY
Smoking, tobacco use, and use of related products are prohibited on all property owned, leased, or operated by USF. This includes, but is not limited to, all indoor and outdoor areas and properties. Additionally, no smoking and/or tobacco products will be sold or advertised on USF campuses. This Policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, vendors, and visitors.

The President or designee may allow smoking in specifically designated areas of campus for clinical treatment purposes, including smoking cessation programs, or research-related purposes.

ENFORCEMENT
The success of this policy relies on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers, not only to comply but to encourage others to comply with the Policy. Any student who repeatedly refuses to abide by this Policy may be considered in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will be handled accordingly. Repeat violations by any faculty or staff member will be handled through normal University processes.

All attendees at public events, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, social and cultural events using USF facilities and grounds are required to abide by this Policy. Organizers of such events are responsible both for communicating and enforcing this Policy with attendees.

Visitors, contractors, and other individuals on campus who are in violation of this Policy should be reminded of the Policy and asked to comply by discarding the smoking/tobacco product. Continuing violations may also result in disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by University officials.

Campus Alcoholic Beverages Policy

USF Policy 30-023 Alcohol Policy
(https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy30-023)

As an open public university, the USF does not prohibit the legal consumption of alcohol on its campuses. We recognize that as part of a well-planned and structured program, the serving and consumption of alcohol may take place. Therefore, the intent of this Policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for the legal and responsible use of alcohol at USF campus events. The use of alcoholic beverages by members of the USF community is at all times subject to the applicable alcoholic beverages laws and ordinances of the State of Florida, and the city and county of each USF campus location. No person may sell, furnish or give alcohol to any person under the age of twenty-one (21).