Academics

Honors at USF Sarasota-Manatee campus

At the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, opportunities abound for Honors students to develop highly personalized academic experiences on this small, tight-knit campus. Located directly on Sarasota Bay and less than a mile from the Ringling Museum of Art, there are occasions for outdoor exploration, cultural adventures, as well as innovation in the classroom at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. A new Honors lounge provides a dedicated space for students of the Judy Genshaft Honors College to meet and connect.

Students accepted to the Judy Genshaft Honors College will receive the benefits of academic and study abroad scholarships, priority registration, small class sizes, and personalized academic advising, as well as a variety of opportunities to learn and grow both inside the College and throughout the community.

Admission

First Time in College (FTIC) Admissions

First Time in College (FTIC) Admission is for high school seniors actively applying for admission to USF. All FTIC students interested in joining the Judy Genshaft Honors College must submit an FTIC application, with the exceptions noted below.  If admitted to the Judy Genshaft Honors College, students must confirm their spot in the college. 

Nationally recognized students in the following categories who are admitted to USF will be directly admitted into the college and will not need to submit an FTIC application:

National Merit Scholarship Program:

  • Semifinalists
  • Finalists

College Board National Recognition Programs:

  • African American or Black
  • Hispanic American or Latinx
  • Indigenous

Apply


Current USF Sarasota-Manatee campus and new Transfer Students

The Judy Genshaft Honors College welcomes a diverse community of scholars and there is also an opportunity to enter the College as a transfer or continuing student. Whether transferring from another college or university, or continuing their studies at USF, transfer/continuing students must meet the below requirements to join the Judy Genshaft Honors College.

  • 3.5 college GPA
  • At least 30 college credits earned after graduating high school
  • At least 3 semesters remaining until graduation

Please note that students entering USF with an AA degree received as a dual enrollment student while in high school are considered First-Time-in-College students, and are considered for admission through the First Year Admissions process, which is outlined on this page.

Sign up for an information session to learn more about the college and decide if we can help you achieve your goals!

College Leadership

The program is directed by Cayla Lanier. Ms. Lanier has worked with the Judy Genshaft Honors College for more than 10 years, and is a graduate of the program. She holds a BA in Marketing from USF, an MA in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin, and is currently working on her dissertation to complete a PhD in Communication from USF.