About USF St. Petersburg

     USF St. Petersburg is a separately accredited institution that is part of the USF system. 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.

·    The USF women’s sailing team is establishing a national reputation and ranking. It is the first varsity team based at USF St. Petersburg.

Facilities and Atmosphere

     USF St. Petersburg sits on 50 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.

Equal Opportunity Policy

     It is the goal of the University to create and maintain a work and study environment free of discrimination.  Discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, Vietnam or disabled veteran status, handicap, or age is prohibited by University policies, and federal and state laws.  Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination may file a complaint with the Manager of Equal Opportunity, BAY206.  The telephone number is (727) 873-4684.  It shall be prohibited for any employee of USF St. Petersburg to discriminate or take retaliatory action against any individual who, in good faith, has opposed an alleged unlawful practice or has made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under the provisions of applicable law.

Guide to Resources for Students With Disabilities

     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 St. Petersburg.  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) 873-4990) 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 St. Petersburg 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
Student Disability Services Office
Location/Phone:  TER 200   (727) 873-4990
Florida Relay 711
Hours:  Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.