The University of South Florida is implementing several changes designed to provide relief for incoming students and their families whose lives are being disrupted by effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
USF will waive the $200 deposit requirement for accepted students who have experienced a change in their financial situation due to coronavirus. Families interested in the waiver should contact USF’s Admission’s Office by email: admissions@usf.edu.
In addition, USF has extended deadlines for summer transfer students and freshmen to submit applications by two weeks to April 17, 2020. The deadline for accepted freshmen to submit a deposit has also been pushed back by two weeks to May 15, 2020.
In order to maintain a healthy campus environment and help reduce the spread of coronavirus, USF will transition this summer’s freshman and transfer orientations for all domestic students to virtual sessions conducted remotely. The exact orientation format for international students is still being determined.
For new and current students, USF will deliver a full schedule of courses online, along with remote delivery of essential student support services, throughout the summer, including sessions A, B and C.
“USF is committed to doing all we can to support our students and their families during this unique and challenging situation,” USF Dean of Admissions Glen Besterfield said. “We hope to provide some relief, especially for families experiencing unexpected financial hardships.”
USF previously announced a variety of other measures to offer additional support to students.
A fundraising initiative, the USF United Support Fund, will provide monetary assistance to students in need. As of Thursday morning, more than 750 donors had contributed a total of more than $132,000 to the fund.
USF is also coordinating a drive for non-perishable food items and toiletries to supplement student food pantries on the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee campuses.
In addition, students living on campus who moved out of their residence hall will be issued a refund for rent from March 23 through the remainder of their housing agreement.