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Dear Students:
Welcome to the University of South Florida family! As USF Bulls, you will find wonderful opportunities here to learn, grow and create lasting memories as you form friendships and find new interests in a stimulating environment.
As a proud USF alumna, I know from personal experience how much of an impact our university has on the lives of our students. I credit much of my own personal and professional success to the opportunities provided to me at USF. I am delighted that you have chosen our great university to shape the future and make your mark on the world.
This is a particularly exciting time at USF, as we continue to introduce new programs and services that help our students flourish; open state-of-the-art buildings, including our new Student Health and Wellness Center; and earn further recognition for our world-class research and innovation. We are proud of the fact that over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News & World Report’s national university rankings than USF.
Across our university’s 13 colleges, you can choose from more than 200 majors, minors and concentrations regardless of which of our three campuses you are studying at — Tampa, St. Petersburg or Sarasota-Manatee. On our website, you’ll find a complete list of those offerings, from the arts to cybersecurity, from criminology to microbiology, and so much more. I urge you to review the full list to find the course of study that suits your interest and puts you on a path toward a rewarding career.
Opportunities for learning abound at USF, and you can pursue your academic interests at a university that is committed to excellence — and continually recognized for achieving it. As one of only three Preeminent Research Universities in Florida, a designation reserved for institutions that meet stringent metrics in such areas as graduation rates, student retention rates and research expenditures — we are focused on preparing our students for rewarding careers and partnering with a wide variety of businesses and organizations that provide invaluable hands-on experiences to our students.
You can be proud that the degree you will earn from USF will carry weight and respect, because it was earned at a vibrant university making an impact at the state, national and global levels. As a Top 50 research university in the United States, we have our sights set on reaching the Top 25 – and thanks to your continued pursuit of excellence both in the classroom and beyond, we will get there!
In addition to expanding your knowledge, there is so much to experience outside the classroom. USF is home to approximately 800 student organizations across our three campuses, and I am confident you can find one or more that complements your interests. By staying active and involved on campus, you will form lasting friendships and further hone your interests as you also take advantage of everything the Tampa Bay region has to offer — including cultural, recreational and social opportunities, award-winning beaches and exciting collegiate and professional sports.
At USF, we are fully committed to inclusive excellence, and to providing a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is encouraged to think boldly about the future. We are focused on fostering student and faculty success and remain steadfast in our commitment to making a global impact. Always remember that our university’s faculty and staff are here to support you, and please don’t hesitate to ask for help as you explore your options.
I wish you all the best in your studies, and, as you will no doubt find yourself saying often from now on — Go Bulls!
In Bull Pride,
Rhea Law
USF President
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