Mission

USF St. Petersburg offers distinctive graduate and undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences, business, and education within a close knit, student-centered learning community that welcomes individuals from the region, state, nation and world. We conduct wide-ranging, collaborative research to meet society’s needs and engage in service projects and partnerships to enhance the university and community’s social, economic and intellectual life. As an integral and complementary part of a multi-campus university, USF St. Petersburg retains a separate identity and mission while contributing to and benefiting from the associations, cooperation, and shared resources of a premier national research university.

Values

• We value a collegial, inviting, and safe learning environment that stresses excellent teaching, encourages intellectual growth, and rewards academic achievement.
• We value an education rich in both theory and practical experience that enables our graduates to pursue careers and professions with competence and confidence.
• We value collaboration throughout the campus community in scholarship, research, and service.
• We value individuals, respect their diversity and varied perspectives, and insist on tolerance of divergent views.
• We value academic freedom and responsibility, creative expression, and the unfettered pursuit of truth.
• We value deliberative dialogue in making decisions and solving problems.
• We value shared governance and shared responsibility in the operation of the university and the allocation of its resources.
• We value honesty, integrity, and openness while promoting ethical behavior.
• We value lifelong learning and recognize our responsibility to contribute to civic well-being.
• We value longstanding, continuing partnerships that unite and benefit both the campus and community.
• We value efficient, trustworthy and able stewardship of our university.

Vision

Guided by its mission and values, USF St. Petersburg commits itself to leadership in education, research, and outreach on behalf of the people and communities it serves.

USF St. Petersburg will develop academic programs known for excellence and distinctiveness that focus on interdisciplinary study, creativity, and exploration. We will provide the means and environment to ensure that our graduates acquire the skills and aptitudes for lifelong learning and achievement.

USF St. Petersburg will move aggressively and strategically to enhance existing academic programs and anticipate and address future needs by developing new initiatives determined by community-based educational priorities.

Our vision includes:

• Graduate and undergraduate degree programs known for accomplishing defined learning outcomes that strive to meet the highest of academic standards
• Academic, student, and support operations that are caring, personal, and service-oriented
• Enhanced opportunities for community-based research, service, and learning
• Campus and community participation in decision-making and planning
• First-class, up-to-date learning facilities and technology
• Increased external support for scholarships, grants, and academic initiatives

Goals

• Strengthen governance structures and processes, achieve academic autonomy, and earn separate institutional and program accreditations that signify the campus meets the highest standards of higher education.
• Establish a national and international academic reputation by developing distinctive programs; by enhancing established, existing academic programs; and by establishing new initiatives based on educational priorities.
• Create a campus life that challenges, supports, and encourages student involvement in activities and programs that will enrich and enhance students’ university experience and empower them for lifelong success.
• Promote, strengthen, and support research as a pathway to learning, discovery, solving problems, and contributing to the public good.
• Create a campus culture that in its composition, attitudes and actions, respects, encourages, and embodies diversity.
• Increase the enrollment of students with the credentials and commitment to excel and provide them with the instructional support and services to allow them to realize their fullest potential.
• Provide for new and enhanced facilities and technology that support the campus’s mission and that advance teaching, learning, and discovery.
• Increase individual, corporate, and foundation support to accomplish strategic goals for the benefit of both students and the community.

USF St. Petersburg is the oldest and largest regional campus of USF, and it offers a wide range of complete programs in undergraduate and graduate studies. Classes are small and students receive individual faculty attention and a full array of services. Flexible scheduling and affordable tuition allow students of all ages to accommodate family, work, and school in a balanced fashion.

• USF St. Petersburg values each and every individual it serves, creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for all who come to campus.
• Located along the waterfront of Bayboro Harbor, USF St. Petersburg is considered one of the loveliest and most inviting campuses in the nation. The campus also borders the downtown area’s museums, galleries, performing arts venues, and theaters. Its cultural programming is outstanding, with frequent public lectures and exhibits. Additional events often are sponsored through the Florida Humanities Council that is headquartered on campus. USF St. Petersburg also is at the center of a medical and scientific research hub that includes pediatrics and marine science.
• USF St. Petersburg’s honors program challenges and enhances the quality education normally generated by the campus. Through the Science Journalism Center, USF St. Petersburg offers exciting programs that merge both disciplines to convey the latest scientific breakthroughs to the public.
• The campus is known also for its ethics programs. The Program for Ethics in Education and Community infuses the teaching of ethics throughout the curriculum and beyond through a popular public lecture series. It also actively engages with the school system and the Stavros Institute in providing character education to all Pinellas students. Through its service learning program, the campus creates many community service opportunities that build character as well as résumés.
• The Nelson Poynter Memorial Library is known for its quality collections and excellent customer service. As part of the USF Library System, it offers cooperative access to over 1,500,000 volumes as well as outstanding electronic resources. Its special collections include signed documents of U.S. presidents, fine first editions of the writings of Mark Twain, a renowned collection of natural history illustrations, and significant archives in local and regional history.
• As a research university, USF is a catalyst for economic development and for the application of new knowledge to industry. The College of Marine Science, located adjacent to USF St. Petersburg, is recognized nationally and is one of the top research and grant award recipients in the entire State University System.
• The campus, in cooperation with the YWCA of Tampa Bay, opened a much-needed day-care center so students with children can have their child-care needs met while they attend class. USF St. Petersburg students majoring in early childhood education also intern at the center so they can apply in a practical way what they learn in the classroom. The YWCA/USF Family Village is a terrific example of a university/community partnership that benefits both groups enormously.
• The USF women’s sailing team is establishing a national reputation and ranking. It is the first varsity team based at USF St. Petersburg.

Equal Opportunity Policy

All University programs, events, and services are open and available to persons with disabilities. The University of South Florida is committed to the principles of Equal Educational and Employment Opportunities without regard to disability.

Academic Assistance for Students with Disabilities: Student Disability Services (SDS) exists to ensure that students with disabilities have the technical, academic, and emotional support necessary to achieve academic and personal success at the University of South Florida. Course related assistance and academic accommodations are provided to eligible students with documented disabilities. Services may include advocacy, reader services, interpreters, alternate exam administration, and note takers. Adaptive equipment, such as FM systems, large print computer access, and Visualteks, is available for student use in Poynter Library. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Disability Services (TER 200 – Phone (727) 553-4990) as early as possible prior to enrollment to make arrangements for appropriate services.

Admissions: Students with disabilities apply under the same guidelines as other students. If a student believes that his/her disability has had an impact on grades, course choice, or standardized test scores for admission, he/she may request consideration of this in the admissions process.

Course Substitution: Students with disabilities requesting substitution of course work for General Education, foreign language requirements, or CLAST should contact the Coordinator of Student Disability Services. Students with declared majors requesting substitution of departmental graduation requirements will need to contact the chair of their department. In either case, students will be requested to submit documentation to support their requests for exceptions.

Disabled Parking: Students with state parking privileges need only supply their state card as documentation for eligibility for a USF disabled parking hangtag/sticker. Students without state privileges need medical documentation to be considered for on-campus disabled parking.

Students with disabilities are encouraged to participate fully in all University events, programs, and other campus activities. Information on whom to contact to request accommodation or assistance should be listed on program information and advertisements. Anyone who is unable to secure the requested assistance or need additional help with accessibility, should contact the Office of Student Disability Services.

The following offices arrange academic accommodations and assistance for students with disabilities:

USF St. Petersburg sits on 46 acres, much of it bordering tranquil Bayboro Harbor. The campus features many inviting walkways and outdoor alcoves in which to study. Students can enjoy an outdoor pool that is heated in the winter or take part in the waterfront program that includes sailboats, kayaks, and canoes. A full-service fitness center, racquetball courts, and a gymnasium are available as well. The campus atmosphere is informal. On occasion some classes are even held outside to take advantage of the area’s extraordinary climate (average annual temperature is 72°F). Most buildings have open hallways, which blend colorful interiors with spacious exteriors, symbolically and architecturally suggesting the casual accessibility that has become a USF St. Petersburg trademark.