ACADEMICS AND CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT

Strategy Two

Promote the intellectual, cultural, personal, and social development of all students through high-quality

academic and student-life programs.

  (supports USF St. Petersburg goals 3, 5, 6)

Overview

USF St. Petersburg is committed to creating a student-focused learning community that inspires the pursuit of academic excellence. The University will structure programs and services to foster high achievement and to distinguish USF St. Petersburg as an institution of top quality students and faculty. The University will reflect an atmosphere that values diversity and nurtures academic interchange and active involvement in learning.

Actions

1. Enhance student recruitment, retention, and campus life through construction of student facilities.

• Develop a residence life program.
• Establish a student health center.
• Develop programming and operational procedures for the student center.
• Renovate and expand the Student Multicultural Center.
• Renovate and expand student recreation facilities.

2. Provide increased opportunities for students' intellectual and ethical growth.

• Establish a student leadership program focusing on developing critical-thinking abilities.

• Develop and enhance USF St. Petersburg's reputation for interdisciplinary ethics-infused academic programs in association with the College of Business's Corporate Social Responsibility program, College of Education's Leadership Studies program, and College of Arts and Sciences' Journalism Ethics and Environmental Sciences program.
• Establish a mentoring program for students utilizing faculty, staff, alumni, and upper-division students. Expand volunteer and service learning programs, including the Citizens Scholars program.

3. Expand career-development services for students.

• Increase professional support and resources focused on career development.
• Utilize career counseling to improve student selection of majors and careers, particularly those who are “undeclared.”
• Expand internship and co-op programs for academic credit through the three academic colleges.
• Increase the number of non-credit internships and co-op programs.
• Increase the number of graduate teaching assistantships.
• Increase the number of graduate research assistantships.
• Increase the number of graduate tuition waivers.

4.  Increase student engagement through expanded and enhanced opportunities for student involvement.

• Introduce Greek Life to USF St. Petersburg.
• Develop a student alumni association.
• Provide resources and funding for a daily campus newspaper and electronic publication.
• Increase professional support of student organizations to provide for quality and stability.
• Investigate the introduction of Intercollegiate Athletic programs that complement the USF system.
• Continue the development of intramural and recreational programs.
• Create campus traditions through the establishment of events and programs.
• Plan and implement strategies to increase diversity in student organizations.
• Establish an Honors Council, Honorary Societies, and related programs.

5.  Expand Student Services to Foster Academic Success.

• Develop a comprehensive Academic Success Center.

• Secure federal and state programs to serve under-represented student populations (such as TRIO programs).
• Expand accommodations for students with disabiltiies.
• Implement a comprehensive retention program in collaboration with the three academic colleges.
• Enhance the new student orientation program.
• Develop substance abuse, sexual assault, and character development programs.