As USF St. Petersburg assumes greater responsibilities and roles in the next five years, its strategic planning statements set a responsible course for fulfilling our obligations as a state-supported, fiscally and academically autonomous public university dedicated to the highest standards of teaching, research, and service.

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-institutional system, 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 commit ourselves to 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 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 that 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.