Bull Family
CONNECT Tampa Campus
2020–2021
About This Guide CollegiateParent has published this guide in partnership with the University of South Florida. Our goal is to share helpful, timely information about your student’s college experience and to connect you to relevant campus and community resources. Please refer to the school’s website and contact information below for updates to information in the guide or with questions about its contents. CollegiateParent is not responsible for omissions or errors. This publication was made possible by the businesses and professionals contained within it. The presence of university/college logos and marks in the guide does not mean that the publisher or school endorses the products or services offered by the advertisers. ©2020 CollegiateParent. All rights reserved.
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For more information, please contact Parent & Family Engagement University of South Florida Tampa Campus Marshall Student Center, Room 3200 Phone: 813-974-2896 Website: usf.edu/families Email: family@usf.edu
Table of Welcome to the University of South Florida
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The Office of Parent & Family Engagement
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Partnering with USF: Letting Your Student GROW New Student Connections Go Bulls Guides
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Academic Success at USF Tampa Campus Exploring Campus Life
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Community Expectations Campus Safety
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Top Tips for Maintaining Wellness Money Matters
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Parent and Family Notification
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Student Notification and Emergency Communication Family Member Checklist
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Additional Services to Identify as a Family Key Tampa Campus Contacts Notes
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Welcome to the
Welcome to our Bull Family! We are thrilled your student has selected the University of South Florida for their college experience. Your family will find that USF is a special place filled with faculty and staff ready to help, coach, and support your student. We have designed this handbook to assist you in your transition by providing information, resources, and expectations surrounding the new student and family experience. You’ll find information that will deepen your understanding of the university community and assist you in supporting your student’s college experience.
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Research shows that family involvement is critical to student success. We view you as a valued partner here at USF. We find that students benefit when they have family supporters who encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and experience. To help guide some important conversations you’ll likely want to have with your student throughout the year, check out the “Family Conversation Starters” located throughout this handbook.
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University of South Florida
Your Campus Support
The Office of Parent & Family Engagement provides families on the Tampa campus support throughout your student’s time at USF. We are here to assist, guide, and walk alongside you during your journey as a USF family member. We are only an email or phone call away! Our team looks forward to the moments we will share throughout your student’s time at USF.
Go Bulls!
Tura Magley Parent & Family Engagement
Because of the geographic distribution of our campuses, USF supports our students’ family members from three offices. The Office of Parent & Family Engagement is located on the Tampa campus and provides programs and services to students enrolled at that location. usf.edu/families For comparable programs and services at St. Petersburg, please visit the COMPASS Office: usfsp.edu/compass For comparable programs and services at Sarasota-Manatee, please visit the Office of Student Engagement: usfsm.edu/campus-life/ student-engagement
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The Office of Parent & Family Engagement
Your Resource Throughout Your Time in the Bull Family The Office of Parent & Family Engagement assists family members on the Tampa campus in supporting their student’s college experience by providing education about campus resources, support during the transition, and connection to the campus community. We provide families with the following opportunities to engage:
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Build Community • Join the official USF Families Facebook Group to engage with other new and returning parents, family members, and our Parent & Family Engagement team: facebook.com/groups/USFfamilies • “Like” USF Parent & Family Engagement on Facebook to stay informed on campus information, student and family events, and resources: facebook.com/USFparents
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Stay Informed and Educated • Subscribe to the Parent & Family BULLetin, an e-newsletter and portal full of great information specifically for family members. Sign up at usf.edu/families • Download the New Student & Family Guide in the Go Bulls Guides app on the Apple or Google Play Store. The app is your student and family’s go-to guide for USF events! guidebook.com/g/ newstudentandfamilies
October 9–11, 2020
Receive Family Coaching Has your student encountered a challenge and do they need help navigating a USF process,policy, or procedure? Is your student struggling and you need to connect them to support they need? Want the most accurate information to empower your student to overcome an obstacle? Fill out our Family Coaching Form so you can receive direct follow-up from your family coach. tinyurl.com/usffamilyintake
Connect with USF & Other Families Throughout points in your student’s USF journey, we look forward to hosting you on campus at various events and programs for the whole family. Learn more at usf.edu/families • Family & Friends Fall Welcome Reception: Join us Thursday, August 20 for a Family Welcome Reception! Unwind after moving in your student, connect with USF faculty and staff, and meet other Bull families. • Family & Friends Weekend: Join us October 9–11 for a weekend of fun with the entire family! Enjoy USF Homecoming, more than 30 events with your student, and make memories to last a lifetime. Registration opens July 6th at usf.edu/families.
• From there, we help equip you with knowledge, tools, and strategies to assist your student. • For resources, frequently asked questions, and information, visit usf.edu/families. • You can also call 813-974-2896 or email family@usf.edu for guidance and support in navigating your student’s questions, concerns, or sitution.
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Partnering with USF: Letting Your Student GROW The transition to college is an ongoing adjustment — for you and your student.
USF shares many of the same goals you have for your student to prepare them for life after college.
As most college students quickly transition into successful and happy Bulls, we know much of this journey can feel like “letting go” for their families — a feeling that can bring emotions of pride, excitement, anxiety, and even frustration. We are here to assure you these emotions are normal and are a part of acclimating to a new version of your role as a family member to a college student.
Some of these include becoming independent, learning how to solve problems and take action when faced with a challenge, taking advantage of opportunities that will aid them in the future, being healthy, happy, and succeeding in their academic pursuits. As your student enters college, they are also likely beginning their journey into adulthood. You will quickly learn that as you begin to “pass the baton” of adulthood responsibilities to your student, USF will work with them as adults from the onset of their collegiate career. At some point during your student’s USF experience, they will encounter a challenge — one they may turn to you to solve for them. As we partner with families, we believe together we can help your student to GROW into confident, self-advocating, independent Bulls. When your student tells you about a challenge or problem, we recommend following the steps on the next page to empower your students’ problemsolving and confidence in taking action independently.
Remember, it’s not about you letting go…it’s about letting your student GROW!
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Letting GROW A Conversation
Guide to Support Your Student
Together, we can help your student GROW into confident, self-advocating, independent Bulls. Has your Bull contacted you about an obstacle or challenge they’ve encountered? We recommend you follow these steps to coach & guide your student. Remember, it’s not about you letting go…it’s letting them GROW!
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ather your own emotions and thoughts before immediately beginning to fix things for your student. Obstacles and challenges present an opportunity for your young adult to build confidence, independence, and problem solve! Take a breath and ask yourself these questions:
• If my student works through this, how could they learn and grow? • If I fix this for my student, does it help them reach the long-term goals of developing independence and problem-solving skills? • Is this something my student is unable to solve on their own?
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eflect with your student. College is a time when roles and dynamics shift between students and their families. Your support and care remains import to how they will continue to develop into adulthood. Show them your believe in them by asking them questions so they are heard, while affirming their strengths and ability to make positive personal change. • What situation are currently facing? • What steps have you taken to navigate this situation so far? • How would you like things to be different?
• What obstacles are in the way? • How high are the stakes for you?
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ffer opportunities and options for your student to explore. There are countless resources and people at USF who can support your Bull through a situation. Need help knowing what options are available? Parent & Family Engagement is here to help. • • • •
What offices or resources could assist you in navigating this situation? What immediate options do you need to explore? What about long-term options? What could get better by exploring your options? What could happen if you don’t explore these options? What do you want to do next?
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ays forward. After walking alongside this situation with your student, empower them to take action and problem-solve on their own. You have prepared them for this moment! Allow them time to solve this problem on their own. Circle back to them in a few days and ask them about the steps they have taken and what they learned throughout the process. As you navigate these situations over time with your student, you will both gain confidence in their ability to work through the peaks and valleys of their college experience.
• How can I be supportive to you as you work through this? • I believe in you. You are capable of getting through this! *Adapted from Sir John Whitmore’s GROW Model (1992) and Gonzaga University Parent & Family Relations’ Pause Reflect Guide (2019).
Gone through this process and still need assistance? Parent & Family Engagement is here to help guide you and your student. We are just an email (family@usf.edu) or phone (813-974-2896) call away!
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New Student Connections New Student Connections helps your student start their USF experience on the right path. From Week of Welcome to the Network, each student will begin to find their space on campus! For some students, the adjustment to college may not be as exciting. They may struggle to find a connection with new friends or need assistance navigating their transition. New Student Connections (NSC) and their Peer Advisor Leaders (PALs) can help! PALs outreach to students and provide one-on-one coaching.
usf.edu/newstudent // 813-974-2896 // MSC 3200
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5 Ways to Connect with New Student Connections! Fall & Spring Campus-wide celebration featuring 100+ activities to help you meet new people, explore opportunities, and discover key campus resources.
Summer, Fall, & Spring Connect with peers, discover your new home, identify campus resources, and navigate your new environment.
Fall & Spring Make new friends who share your interests and passions! Get advice from a peer advisor leader who can help you get plugged in.
Summer, Fall, & Spring Get advice from a USF student who can help you create strategies for managing challenges (i.e. study skills).
Summer, Fall, & Spring Download the Go Bulls Guides App and refer to the New Student and Family Guide to stay up-to-date on campus events.
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Go Bulls Guides
YOUR GUIDE TO: x
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Academic Success at USF Tampa Campus USF offers resources to support your student as they navigate college courses and progress academically. Encourage your student to take advantage of the Academic Success Center located on the second floor of the library. Find more information about services offered in the center by visiting usf.edu/asc
Tutoring Hub The Academic Success Center offers students tutoring assistance in a wide variety of subjects. Help is available on a drop-in basis or via appointments in a collaborative peer-to-peer group setting. In the drop-in tutoring areas, students enrolled in Calculus and Chemistry courses can receive learning assistance from peer tutors. A list of tutored courses can be found at usf.edu/asc.
Writing Studio The Writing Studio is a place for writers of all skill levels to take chances, ask questions, and develop their abilities. The studio’s writing consultants are qualified to assist all levels of writing from a first-year undergraduate to a doctoral level student. Appointments are highly encouraged and can be scheduled by phone or in person.
SMART Lab The SMART Lab is an innovative learning environment dedicated to supporting students in introductory math courses through tutoring assistance and technology. In the 324-computer lab, students enrolled in SMART Lab courses use software to complete assignments at their own pace, receive instant feedback as they learn mathematics by doing, and get on-demand assistance from instructors, tutors, or teaching assistants. .
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Academic Success at USF Tampa Campus
Tips for Students Using Academic Success Services: • Students can secure a time to meet with a tutor or writing consultant by making an appointment early. These can be scheduled in person or over the phone. • Drop-in tutoring is on a first-come first-served basis. Best times to stop in to work with a tutor are at opening and closing times. • Improve study habits by scheduling Study Skills Mentoring sessions. To find out more about Study Skills Mentoring visit our website: usf.edu/ undergrad/academic-success-center/tutoring/study-skills-mentors.aspx • Are they In an introductory math course? Your student will get the most out of the SMART Lab by attending a SMART Lab orientation during the first week of classes.
Family Conversation Starters: • “What do you hope to learn?”
We encourage beginning these conversations focused on learning rather than on grade performance to help reduce any pressure your student may feel to define their worth or motivation by a grade.
• “What are you doing to manage your time and study for classes?”
Offer your own strategies for how you manage time and encourage them to track how they spend all of their time, from homework to social outings, and rest.
• “What is your approach to overcoming academic challenges?”
Having this conversation early on will normalize that there will be some sort of adjustment to their academic life at USF. Talking about this earlier than later can empower your student to create a proactive plan for success.
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Exploring Campus Life Students who are involved outside of the classroom develop valuable leadership skills and learn how to maintain a great balance between their social and academic life. If your student tells you “There’s nothing to do on campus!” remind them about some of these events and resources:
Attend Events Take part in USF traditions on campus. There are many celebrated USF traditions, including Week of Welcome (WOW) Kickoff, USF Photo & Pep Rally, Homecoming, Movies on the Lawn, and more! Cheer on the Bulls. Attending athletic events is a great way to generate school spirit and have a great time with friends and classmates. The schedule for all Bulls® teams can be found at gousfbulls.com. Experience USF’s amazing arts. An abundance of talent on campus means there is a full schedule of concerts, recitals, and exhibits for your student to attend. Visit usf.edu/arts for a listing of events.
Stay Informed Encourage your student to join the “USF Class of 2024” Facebook group facebook.com/groups/USF2024.
Remind them to read the Note-A-Bull News, a weekly e-newsletter that arrives in their email every Sunday, with information about events, programs, activities, and important deadlines. usf.edu/studentsuccess/note-a-bull-news/
Get Involved Explore student organizations. With 600+ student organizations, there is an organization for nearly every interest. Your student can visit usf.edu/BullSync and log in to explore. Learn about employment and internship opportunities. Visit Career Services, usf.edu/career-services, which offers career assessments, career counseling, job search coaching, resume critiques, practice interviews, career fairs, internships, and part-time and full-time professional employment opportunities.
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Top Tips for Maintaining Wellness
Encourage Your Bull to Live Well to Be Well Did you know eight out of the top ten reasons why students struggle in their first year of college are health and wellness related? Concerns like stress, sleep problems, depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse can create barriers to academic success and overall well-being. Our Wellness USF team focuses on helping students adjust to college life. There is something for everyone, addressing all aspects of health and well-being so your students can Be Well and Excel!
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Tampa Wellness Services • Recreation & Wellness — stay active, meet people, and explore new activities. • Center for Student Well-Being — health and wellness resources and education related to stress management, sleep, alcohol, and other drugs. • Counseling Center — free drop-in and online counseling, support and meditation groups, calming apps, and more. • Student Health Services — wellness check-ups, immunizations, urgent care, STI testing, Feed-a-Bull food pantry, nutrition counseling, and on-campus Bulls Country Pharmacy. • Student Outreach and Support — provides help navigating university systems, community referrals, and removing barriers to student success.
Family Conversation Starters: • “How do you cope with stress?” • “What are your plans to manage your health and wellness?” • “When things get challenging, who will you talk to?” • “When will I know you feel overwhelmed?” • “How well are you?”
This guided process helps students assess their overall wellbeing and provides links to resources if needed. usf.edu/student-affairs/ wellness/about-us/howwell-are-you.aspx
• Success and Wellness Coaching — a self-directed, personalized process that empowers students to achieve their individual and academic goals with the help of a personal coach. • Wellness Centers — stress reduction, relaxation, and health resources including massage chairs, nap pods, sleep packs, free fruit, and more. To learn more about wellness services on the Tampa campus, go to usf.edu/wellness. Stay up to date by following our Wellness USF social media sites and our Be Well blog.
• Remind your student they do not have to struggle. It’s about being able to ask questions, determine what they need, and take action. We have many resources on campus to help.
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$MONEY$$$ We know money matters for families. Whether you are helping your student pay for college or assisting them in navigating what can feel complex about financial aid and paying for college, USF has several resources to help your student navigate their needs throughout the process. USF directly interfaces with students regarding their financial aid and educational records, so we encourage family members to help their students identify their questions or needs so they are equipped with the most accurate information.
Review Tuition and Fee Deadlines
Financial Aid Tutorials
The Bull2Bull Financial Education Program (B2B) is a peer-to-peer financial education program. It is designed to enhance the financial wellness of undergraduate students. Learn more at usf.edu/financial-education.
You and your student can review step-bystep instructions and tutorial videos for each aspect of the financial aid process by visiting usf.edu/financial-aid and reviewing the “How To Videos.”
Florida Bright Futures Make sure USF is listed as your student’s school choice for Florida Bright Futures. Your student should review usf.edu/financial-aid/brightfutures for more details.
Florida Pre-Paid A short tutorial to learn how Florida Pre-paid works at USF along with related information can be found at usf.edu/business-finance/controller/ student-services/student-accounting/ florida-prepaid.aspx
Tuition and fees must be paid by the fifth day of the semester in the student’s OASIS account. Your student can review their total amount due in OASIS once they have registered for classes. If students are receiving a financial aid deferment or have an active FL Prepaid Plan they will get an extended bill due date. usf.edu/business-finance/controller/ student-services/deadline-dates.aspx.
Financial Education
Financial Aid Access for Third Party (Including Parent and Family Members) In order to discuss your student’s financial aid awards with the university, your student must contact the Office of Financial Aid and request the Privacy Release for Dependent Students form to be posted to OASIS. The form must be completed online. Please note your student must update this form on an annual basis. For more questions, visit usf.edu/financial-aid/questions
Student Loans Students will need to complete Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov if they will be borrowing federal loans. Please note: international students do not need to complete this step.
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$$MATTERS Family Conversation Starters: • “Who is financially responsible and accountable for college?”
Every student and family’s decisions look different, so establishing the expectation from the onset of your student’s collegiate experience is beneficial to drive decision-making and budgeting.
• “Do you plan to work? Do you need to work right away or are you able to wait until you’ve adjusted?” • “How much spending money do you need?” • “How do you plan to stretch your money throughout the entire semester/year?”
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Community Expectations USF is a learning community designed to foster collaboration, open communication, mutual respect, and inclusiveness among students, faculty, and staff as they engage in the education process. As members of this community, all students are entitled to certain rights and privileges. In order to protect these rights and privileges, there are guidelines for conduct that are intended to facilitate the desired environment and educational goals of the university and its students. It is important each student becomes familiar with the rights and responsibilities afforded to them at this university. The following provides an overview of important policies relating to our community expectations. We encourage you to talk with your student about these expectations.
Code of Conduct The Student Code of Conduct is a document that describes prohibited behavior that is counteractive to the goals and mission of USF and how the university will hold Students and Student Organizations accountable. Students are responsible for knowing the information, policies, and procedures outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Students and Student Organizations are responsible for their guest’s compliance as well. Students are encouraged to check regulationspolicies. usf.edu for the most updated versions of all policies and regulations.
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Hazing USF prohibits any form of hazing of its students, including hazing by students or other persons associated with any student organization or group, at any time and at any location. Hazing can be extremely detrimental to a community. It is important to know the policies and laws regarding hazing, the resources available to create organizations and teams that have strong community without hazing, and how to report actions that could violate these policies and cause harm to our community. For more, visit usf. edu/student-affairs/dean-of-students/ policies/student-conduct-policies.aspx.
Alcohol and Drugs As an open, public university, USF does not prohibit the legal consumption of alcohol on its campuses. However, behaviors and practices regarding the use of alcohol and drugs must comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The intent of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for the legal and responsible use of alcohol. For more information and resources regarding USF alcohol and drug policies, visit usf.edu/student-affairs/ wellbeing/health-topics/alcohol-andother-drugs.aspx.
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Family Conversation Starters: • “What are your personal boundaries and values?”
Starting this conversation with your student is helpful in empowering them to align their behaviors with their beliefs, as well as communicating boundaries with others.
• “How will you decide whether to drink or do drugs?” • Discuss various scenarios regarding alcohol, drugs, and decision-making with your student so they can begin deciding what their approach to these situations could be. Scenarios could include their personal use and limits, a roommate or friend’s use, or situations where they may observe someone in danger.
Medical Amnesty Policy
Responsible Computing
USF encourages students to make responsible decisions in seeking medical attention in serious or life-threatening situations that result from alcohol and/ or other drug use or misuse. Students can report alcohol-related emergencies without fear of university-imposed disciplinary consequences. For more, visit usf.edu/ student-affairs/dean-of-students/ policies/student-conduct-policies.aspx.
Students are responsible for being aware of the policies regarding appropriate computer use on the USF network, including wireless connections and virtual private networks (VPN). Students should also be aware of the applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding responsible computer usage, including copyright laws. Copyright law protects the rights of creators of several different types of materials, including movies, music, television, and published works, including textbooks. Downloading materials through peer-to-peer (P2P) software or other means for the purpose of obtaining copyright-protected materials is prohibited. For more, visit usf.edu/it/ documentation/acceptable-use-policy.aspx.
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Campus Safety
USF makes every effort to provide a safe and secure environment conducive to living, learning, and working on campus. We encourage conversations with your student regarding safety on campus.
Family Conversation Starters: • “What are your most prized valuables and what is your plan to secure them?” • “Have you registered your bike?”
Bike registration helps USF Police identify your student as the correct owner in the event of theft.
• “What is your plan for personal safety on and off campus?” • “What is our plan in the event of a hurricane at USF or in our hometown?” 24
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Emergency Management The Department of Emergency Management (EM) coordinates activities to protect, prevent and mitigate against; respond to; and recover from disasters and emergencies affecting USF. Emergency Management provides a unified approach to all public safety and emergency resources, provides effective and timely communications between all safety units, and serves as USF’s single point of contact and management for emergency and crisis situations. Learn more at usf.edu/administrative-services/ emergency-management/index.aspx
Hurricanes Hurricane season is from June 1 through November 30. We highly encourage families and students to design a plan so that you are prepared should a storm impact the Tampa Bay area, State of Florida, or a community that your student calls home. Please visit usf.edu/em for the campus hurricane guide and other campus safety initiatives
University Police (USFPD) USFPD is dedicated to providing a safe environment for and in partnership with the community. USF’s highly trained police officers are very sensitive to the needs of our students and strive to establish relationships based on trust and mutual problem solving. They also offer a number of educational programs, including self-defense,
bicycle registration, crime alerts, and theft prevention to empower the USF community in personal safety, home, and property security plans. Learn more about the USFPD by visiting usf.edu/police.
SAFE Team SAFE Team is an on-campus safety escort program supported and operated by Student Government on the Tampa campus. Students can call 813-974-SAFE to have an escort accompany them by foot or golf cart to their destination (while classes are in session, from 6:30pm until 2:00am). Students may encounter a short wait until the phone dispatcher is available and may encounter wait times for their escort depending on the call volume. SAFE Team offers students safe rides home through UBER, which can be utilized while supplies last. For more information about SAFE Team and their offerings, visit usf.edu/student-affairs/studentgovernment/services/safe-team.aspx
Blue Light Emergency Telephones The Blue Light Emergency Telephones located throughout campus connect callers directly to the USFPD and automatically indicate the location of the caller. A student can activate a phone at any one of the blue light locations on campus and report their emergency to the USFPD Communications Center.
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Parent and Family Notification As your student makes the transition to USF, you will notice that the communication between the school and the family may be different from what you may have expected. USF considers the student the primary contact for university communication and may restrict communication from the university to students only. As required by federal and state laws and out of respect for your adult student, the university will limit contact with the parent, guardian, or emergency contact unless the university determines that notification is necessary to protect or safeguard the health, safety, or the wellbeing of the student or others.
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Families and students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and Florida Statute §1002.225 as they prohibit the university from disclosing a student’s educational records to any third party, including a parent, without the written consent of the student. USF has the discretion to disclose, to any parent or legal guardian of a dependent student (as provided in FERPA) under the age of 21, information about a violation of any federal, state, or local law, or any rule or policy of the institution governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, if the institution has determined that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession. Visit regulationspolicies.usf.edu and search “Parent Notification Policy” under Policies to learn more. For information on FERPA, visit usf.edu/registrar.
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Student Notification and Emergency Communication The university considers the student the contact for university communication and does not have a notification system for family members. Please review the ways which information will be communicated to your student and have a conversation with your student regarding how you hope they will share that with your family. You can learn more about these resources at: usf.edu/emergencymanagement
AlertUSF Active students, faculty, staff, and eligible campus tenants in the USF community can participate in AlertUSF, which allows participants to receive emergency notifications through text messages. At this time, this tool is not available to family members.
USF Safe App The USF Safe App is available as a free download. Smartphone users now have the ability to make emergency calls and other helpful functions to help improve their personal safety and security. USF Safe can trigger Mobile BlueLight to alert Police. An interactive map helps students and others navigate on campus and the toolkit contains a flashlight, alarm and more.
Campus Safety Emergency Hotline During extended emergencies affecting the Tampa campus, recorded information and updates may be available by calling the Campus Safety Emergency Hotline at 1-800-992-4231.
Parent & Family Engagement
USF Website The most thorough, accurate, and up-todate information during an emergency will be posted on the USF homepage at usf.edu, which is available to students, families and the USF community.
The Office of Parent & Family Engagement does not send emergency notification emails to family members. When available and appropriate, we will share community bulletins and alerts through social media, special email messages, or in the BULLetin to those who have subscribed to receive our email communication.
Family Conversation Starters: • “How often and how will we communicate? When will I know to be concerned about your safety?” • Ask your student what experiences they consider to be an emergency to them. • Share your expectations for when and how your student would communicate to you about an emergency on campus that impacts them. Share that your expectation comes from a place of love and concern for their safety.
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Family Member Checklist Utilize this checklist as a helpful resource as you navigate this transition alongside your student! After Orientation
During Their First Year
Make plans for transition, for example: sibling night, family dinner, and your departure from campus on move in day. Support your student in identifying healthy snacks and a wellness routine. Create a monthly budget with your student and locate the banking options on campus. Review tuition and fees. Make note of payment, deferment, and disbursement dates. Set your student up for success to manage their new living environment (i.e. laundry, ways to clean, purchasing essentials, etc.). Establish expectations for which method(s) and how often you will communicate with your student.
Send text messages, emails, and mail with words of encouragement. Note that during midterms and finals or times of stress, communication may look different from your student. Make note of key events and deadlines but allow your student to take responsibility for these areas. Encourage your student to stay on campus to create a sense of belonging (even if it is tough for you!). Plan a time to visit campus to experience your student’s life as a Bull. Give yourself permission to grieve, celebrate, or both (sometimes, at the same time!). Identify the support network you’ll have as you adjust to your new role in your student’s life.
Identify plans for school breaks, family vacations, and your student’s desired travel plans.
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Additional Services to Identify as a Family As your student transitions to college, they are also learning to navigate life outside of the classroom. Many students struggle to manage the routine or unexpected life events during the semester, but with some preparation and identification of resources, you can set them up for success. Take time with your student to research and identify businesses or individuals to support your family in these areas:
Car Care
Personal Care
Auto mechanic
Clothes shopping
Car dealership
Grocery store
Car wash
Hair salon/barbershop
Oil change
Nail salon
Tire repair
Place of worship
Medical
Travel
Counseling/psychiatric services
Hotel for family visitors
Dentist
Tampa transportation options (bus, Uber, Lyft)
Dermatologist
Transportation (i.e. airport, bus, train)
Hospital
Additional Services
Medical specialist for ongoing health care
Banking
Oral surgeon
Dry cleaner
Pharmacy
Local entertainment options
Urgent care
Special occasion deliveries (i.e. birthdays, well wishes)
Technology
Storage facility
Computer maintenance Phone repair University of South Florida
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Key Tampa Campus Contacts
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Topic
Department
Phone
Tutoring and learning assistance
Academic Success Center
813-974-2713
Athletic tickets and schedules
Athletics
813-974-2125
Prescriptions and over the counter medications
Bulls Country Pharmacy
813-974-2071
Physical wellness and fitness opportunities
Recreation & Wellness
813-974-7084
Career, internships, and employment opportunities
Career Services
813-974-2171
Payment
Cashier’s Office
813-974-6056
Adjusting to college, mental health
Counseling Center
813-974-2831
Meal plans and dining experience
Dining Services
813-974-4499
Studying abroad
Education Abroad
813-974-4314
Financial aid and scholarships
Financial Aid
813-974-4700
Housing, on-campus mail
Housing & Residential Education
813-974-0001
On-campus events and hours of operation
Marshall Student Center
813-974-3180
New student events, programs, and transition
New Student Connections
813-974-2896
Academic, financial, progression barriers
Office of Academic Advocacy
813-974-2645
Student advocacy, intervention, and emergency
Office of the Dean of Students
813-974-6677
Academic policies, curriculum, programs
Office of Undergraduate Studies
813-974-4051
Veteran, active duty, and dependents
Office of Veteran Success
813-974-2291
Parent or family assistance from USF
Parent & Family Engagement
813-974-2896
Parking information, passes, and regulations
Parking & Transportation Services
813-974-3990
Accessibility and disability support
Student Accessibility Services
813-974-4309
Health concerns
Student Health Services
813-974-2331
Concern for student well-being
Student Outreach and Support
813-974-6130
Safety and security
University Police
813-974-2331
www.collegiateparent.com/school/university-of-south-florida
Notes Follow Up Conversations
Tasks for Family Members
Tasks for Students
University of South Florida
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