University of South Florida

Overview

History, Ranking & Affiliation

The University of South Florida, abbreviated as USF, is a public research university located in Tampa, Florida. Established in the year 1956, the University of South Florida is a member institution of the State University System of Florida. With an enrollment of over 50,000 students every year, it is the fourth largest public university in the state of Florida. There are three institutions under the USF system: USF Tampa, USF Sarasota-Manatee, and USF St. Petersburg. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has separately accredited each of the three institutions. The University of South Florida has 14 colleges which offer more than 80 undergraduate programmes and more than 130 graduate, specialist, and doctoral-level degree programmes. As per the rankings of the National Science Foundation, USF has been given the 43rd position in the United States for the total research expenditure among all public and private universities.

Infrastructure, Campus & Courses

The campus of the University of South Florida is spread over an area of 1,913 acres. It is well equipped with all the amenities for the personal and academic use of students. Under the Division of Student Affairs, the students of USF have been given access to involvement opportunities, recreational outlets, on-campus housing, health and wellness services, dining facilities, and much more. The courses offered at the University of South Florida are one of a kind and they prepare students for their professional ventures. New approaches of teaching are experimented so that the students are at par with the best universities in the world.

Accomplishments & Alumni

The University of South Florida has several accomplishments to its name and the number is on a constant rise. Some major achievements of this university include Grassroots Leadership Program with more than 485 community graduates, Central American Youth Ambassadors (CAYA) and Cooperative Association of States for Scholarship (CASS) Programs-partnership with Georgetown University from which over 90 students from six Central American and Caribbean countries have graduated, etc. The University of South Florida has a long list of notable alumni who have become experts in their respective fields.

Student Diversity & Visiting Companies

Diversity is an integral part of of the University of South Florida. 42 per cent of the total student strength of the university comprises students who are Asian, African American, Native Hawaiian, American Indian, Hispanic, or Other Pacific Islander, or multiracial. A total of 141 countries are represented at the University of South Florida and multi-cultural learning is always encouraged. The university also gives students the opportunity of learning under the leading organisations through internships and provides best placement options for them.

COVID-19 Response

With the safety and health of students, faculty and staff is their foremost priority, the University of South Florida  has been working closely with the state government. USF continues to connect with the local, state and federal agencies for latest updates and information and taking the necessary measures accordingly.

• From the week of May 17, the university has started offering Covid-19 vaccines at all of its campuses.

• International GA/TA/RAs with appointments must live and work in Florida. They would not be allowed to continue their on-campus job from outside of the US.

• An international student is allowed to take up an internship outside of the US. However, they will need permission for the same and complete a dedicated form.

• All USF residence halls are open for international students.

• The university is also offering financial assistance to international students affected by the pandemic. They can apply for USF's  severe economic hardship, use the USF Food pantry and also explore options to work in the US.

• F-1 and J-1 students may enter the US up to 30 days before the start date of the semester.

• A student should not drop a course from a previous semester without speaking with an International Services Advisor.