USF Parent & Family Engagement
PARENT & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
As the parent or family member of a USF student, we want to make sure you have the support you need to help your student be successful and earn their degree.To accomplish this mission, the Office of Parent and Family Engagement offers USF families support and experiences throughout their students tenue at USF. We encourage families to take advantage of the opportunities below:
Stay Informed: Join the USF Parent/Family Bulletin!
The USF Parent & Family BULLetin is a platform and e-newsletter for family members on the Sarasota-Manatee campus
that provides ongoing campus updates on student life, support services, upcoming events
and deadlines, and family-specific resources. Hundreds of resources are available
to support yourstudent’s continued enrollment and success. Activate your profile today to customize your experience to receive the types of information you want at
the frequency that works best for you and your family.
Familiarize Yourself with the Family Checklist
The Family Checklist serves as a tool for our newest USF family members so they can help their student
prepare for a successful transition to USF. The Family Checklist is divided into three
sections: once admitted, post deposit, and prior to classes starting. The student
in your family can access their USF Student Checklist here.
Register & Attend Orientation
Orientation is the perfect way for families and guests to familiarize themselves with USF and
available resources to assist in the student and family transition. This experience
introduces families and guests to USF services, resources, and support networks, as
well as provides an opportunity to hear firsthand from current USF students what it
means to be a Bull.
Register and Attend Family and Friends Weekend
Family & Friends Weekend takes place each fall in partnership with USF Homecoming. The weekend is open to all family members and friends of USF students who register.
Activities are offered on each of USF’s campuses, and we invite our families and guests
to reconnect with their student while making new memories!
FAMILY & FRIENDS WEEKEND
USF Family & Friends Weekend took place on the Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses on October 13-15, 2023, and it was a highly successful weekend! Please note that the Sarasota-Manatee campus did not host any campus-specific events or activities, but was invited to reconnect with their student at the other campuses while making new memories during USF Homecoming week. USF families had the opportunity to attend engaging programs and activities, to explore popular attractions throughout Tampa Bay, and to register for exclusive add-on experiences at discounted rates—including the USF Homecoming football game.
Why Participate in Family & Friends Weekend?
Each year, Family & Friends Weekend is offered midway through the fall semester. USF family members consistently share
that Family & Friends Weekend is the perfect time to re-connect with their students
and get a feel for how they are doing, while exploring where your student calls home,
meeting other families, and getting a feel for how other families are supporting their
student.
Registration
All family members and friends of USF students are invited to participate in the weekend.
Registration is required to participate in the official weekend activities, including
your USF student. More online registration information will be provided in 2024 for
the Fall 2024 Family & Friends Weekend activities. No on-site registration is available.
Pricing
Adults (12 years and older) are $30 each; USF Students are $20 each; Youth (11 and
under) are free of charge.
Discuss Your Plans with Your Student
We are thrilled that you and your student are excited about Family & Friends Weekend.
Please know that your student will likely still have class responsibilities, exams,
and study groups during the weekend. Some students also have organization commitments
based on it being Homecoming Weekend. We have plenty of events taking place for families
during those times! We encourage you and your student to discuss their academic schedule
according to their syllabi and any organization commitments prior to booking to ensure
you have a positive experience during the weekend. Unfortunately, we do not offer
refunds for these conflicts.
Arrival Information
We encourage guests to arrive on Thursday evening or Friday morning in order to take
full advantage of the events being offered. We have several events on Friday afternoon
- Saturday evening with Sunday open for families to navigate quality time with their
student and safe travels home.
Travel, Accommodations, and Meals
Guests participating in the weekend are responsible for coordinating their meals,
travel, and accommodations. For local hotel guides near all three campuses, please
click here.
Cheer on the Bulls at the USF Football Game!
After you register for the weekend, a link will be provided in your confirmation email
to purchase football game tickets at a discounted rate. Please note: students receive free admission to the student section. If you would like your student to be seated with you, a ticket will need to be purchased
for your student.
Campus Life & Experiences
The University of South Florida provides additional campus life experiences for our
students to get to know one another, feel connected to our community, and learn more
about what makes each campus so special. Learn more below!
USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus
The Department of New Student Experiences provides programs and services to students enrolled on the Sarasota-Manatee campus,
and their families.
Phone: (941) 359-4330
Email: sar-orientation@usf.edu
USF Tampa Campus
The offices of New Student Connections and Parent and Family Engagement provide programs and services to students enrolled on the Tampa campus, and their
families.
New Student Connections
Phone: (813) 974-2896
Email: newstudent@usf.edu
Parent and Family Engagement
Phone: (813) 974-2896
Email: family@usf.edu
USF St. Petersburg Campus
The COMPASS Student Experience office provides programs and services to students enrolled on the St. Petersburg
campus, and their families.
Phone: (727) 873-4003
Email: usfsp-compass@usf.edu