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Undocumented Resources

This page is designed to help undocumented students navigate through the university and to connect with campus resources to assist you in your pathway to success at USF.

We are proud to be a Partner College of TheDream.US.
Incoming DREAMers are able to attend USF using the scholarship funds provided by TheDream.US. Please visit TheDream.US for eligibility requirements and application guidelines. Application closes: February 27, 2020 at 11:59 PM PT.

ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AID

USF Admissions

Students can visit the USF Admissions Office to speak to the campus DACA and undocumented liaison about the out-of-state tuition waiver, application questions, and any other admissions related topics.

Immigration Paperwork – USF World

Students should contact USF World for international travel, immigration paperwork, and documentation questions.

Funding - Office of the Registrar - USF HB-851

Through Florida House Bill-851 undocumented students who graduated from a Florida High School may apply for a Non-Resident Tuition Waiver that could provide a waiver of out-of-state tuition and fees.

On June 9, 2014, Governor Rick Scott signed into law Bill HB 851- Postsecondary Education Tuition and Fees. The law allows students, including but not limited to, undocumented students who meet certain guidelines, to receive waivers to attend college at the Florida residency rates. For requirements, please click here. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid with additional questions.

USF Sarasota-Manatee Tuition Waivers & Exemptions
Scholarship & Financial Aid Office: 941-359-4330

USF Scholarships

The SOL (Status of Latinos) Scholarship was established as a renewable scholarship for students of the university who are undocumented or whose parents are undocumented. The scholarship was established by the USF Presidential Advisory Committee Status of Latinos. (For the purposes of this scholarship undocumented shall mean residing in the U.S. without an official immigration status.)

All applications for USF Foundation Scholarships are done electronically.

For more information and/or to apply, please visit the Office of Financial Aid. Visit our USF Foundation Scholarship Office social media accounts for other scholarship opportunities.

USF UNITED SUPPORT FUND

USF United Support Fund - Students can visit the Office of Financial Aid's webpage and click on the USF United Support Fund image to apply for financial support (supplied by donors), up to $1,000. This Fund is open to all USF degree seeking students.

To Apply: Applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and funding is not guaranteed. The application requires documentation of their financial need. Examples include but are not limited to loss of employment, remote transition expenses, hardship at home of a family member, unexpected fee, food insecurities, due to COVID-19, etc.

National Scholarships

EDUCATION & ADVOCACY

UndocuALLY

UndocuALLY was created to educate the University of South Florida community on the history, relevant legislation, and current realities of the undocumented community. These trainings strive to cultivate a more supportive environment for undocumented students in higher education. Once training is completed participants will serve as knowledgeable campus resources for undocumented students seeking support.

There is a list of on campus UndocuALLY-trained allies from different departments across the Tampa campus that have agreed to help in whatever way they can, which is accessible on OMA's Campus Allies page. Along with these allies, counselors in the USF Counseling Center and academic advisors have completed the UndocuALLY training. For additional questions about the UndocuALLY program, please contact Laurie-Ann Spencer.

USF Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA)

The Office of Multicultural Affairs on the Tampa campus serves as a safe space for all students on campus. Students can come and engage in meaningful conversations as well as participate in educational programs. OMA is the department that coordinates the UndocuAlly program and can be a resource to help you navigate university resources. OMA is located in the Marshall Student Center, Room 3300.

Student Organization(s) - UndocUnited Student Organization

UndocUnited was created to support undocumented students, DACA students, and students whose parents are undocumented. They execute events meant to educate the USF community about the realities of undocumented students and strive to create strong allies.

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)

The Florida Immigrant Coalition is a statewide alliance of more than 62 member organizations, including farmworkers, students, service providers, grassroots organizations and legal advocates, who come together for the fair treatment of all people, including immigrants. They accomplish their mission through coordination of immigrant organizations and community education, organizing and advocacy.

Hispanic Services Council

Hispanic Services Council is a community-based organization working to improve the quality of life of all Hillsborough County residents by promoting academic success of children and youth, providing immigration legal services, supporting the development of healthy communities and promoting leadership and engagement among Latinos.

Students Working for Equal Rights (SWER)

Students Working for Equal Rights is an organization that works to raise awareness in the community about social justice and equal access to education by means of grassroots organizing, political education, alliance building, nonviolent direct action and civic engagement.

United We Dream, Tampa Bay

United We Dream seeks to address the inequities and obstacles faced by immigrant youth and believe that by empowering immigrant youth, they can advance the cause of the entire community—justice for all immigrants.

Young American Dreamers

The Young American Dreamers empowers our youth by instilling in them 3 core principles: Charity, Community Service, & Social Justice.

LEGAL SUPPORT IN THE COMMUNITY

Catholic Charities of St. Petersburg

The Catholic Charities of St. Petersburg program provides assistance with applications such as affidavit of support, adjustment of status, naturalization, replacement of immigration documents, extension of non-immigrant visas, change of status, petitions for family reunification, political asylum and other services.

Gulfcoast Legal Services

Gulfcoast Legal Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the legal needs of vulnerable individuals, families and communities.

Hispanic Services Council

Immigration Law Group of Florida

The Immigration Law Group of Florida is focused solely on immigration law. They believe in providing compassionate and effective representation to their clients.

National Immigration Law Center

The National Immigration Law Center is an organization that is exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants.

UNO Immigration Ministry

UNO Immigration Ministry offers legal services relating to legal status including DACA. Their goal is to welcome newcomers to the United States.

ARTICLES & USF SUPPORT FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Statement from President Genshaft

President Judy Genshaft of the University of South Florida joined a long list of college presidents in signing an open letter urging support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. For more information, visit the Tampa Bay Times article.

NATIONAL RESOURCES

CollegeBoard Repository of Resources

CollegeBoard contains list of resources that are useful to undocumented students, including scholarships from across the country.

Educators for Fair Consideration

Educators for Fair Consideration mission is to empower undocumented young people to achieve their academic and career goals and actively contribute to society.

Immigration Advocates Network

Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) is a collaborative effort of leading immigrants' rights organizations designed to increase access to justice for low-income immigrants and strengthen the capacity of organizations serving them. IAN has lists of resources that are useful to both immigrants and undocumented students.

Immigrants Rising

Immigrants Rising is an organization committed to empowering young people to achieve their educational and career goals. It provides resources and support for undocumented people to be able to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

US Department of Education Resource Guide: Supporting Undocumented Students

US Department of Education Resource Guide contains tips and useful information for educators and counselors working with undocumented students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are USF employees required to report information regarding the citizenship of a student?

State employees are NOT legally obligated or required to report information about a student’s undocumented status

Is the citizenship of a USF student public record?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student educational records and generally prohibits disclosing those records without the student’s written consent.

What is HB 851?

HB851 is a bill signed into law in 2014 by Governor Rick Scott, with bipartisan support. HB 851 allows for undocumented students to be classified as a non-florida resident with an out-of-state waiver allowing them to receive tuition fee pricing equivalent to in state Florida residents.

What expenses will I encounter at USF?

The Office of Financial Aid has provided estimated cost of attendance for USF students. USF Admissions also provides information on total cost of attendance.

Who can I speak in confidence to about my documentation status?

Discussing your documentation status can invoke many feelings. At USF, we want to make sure you feel confident and supported in the person you share your experience with. Below you can find more information about some trusted professionals on campus that can help you.

I'm not undocumented, but one of my loved ones is undocumented. How can I help support them?

We encourage those that aspire to allyship to take our UndocuALLY training. Also take a look at Immigrants Rising's list of the top 10 ways to support undocumented students.

USF Counseling Center

USF Office of Multicultural Affairs

What financial support help is available at USF?

Food Pantry

Feed-A-Bull is a Tampa campus food pantry initiative spearheaded by Student Health Services and Feeding America Tampa Bay. Feed-A-Bull is available to students enrolled on the USF Tampa campus. It was created to address food insecurity by providing supplemental food to students in need, as well as education and resources to students related to purchasing and preparing balanced food on a budget.

The SOL (Status of Latinos) Scholarship

The SOL Scholarship is for students of the University who are undocumented or whose parents are undocumented. This scholarship is for full or part-time students in all academic levels, pursuing all majors, in all colleges, on all campuses. It is restricted to students who are the first generation in their family to attend college.

Suit-A-Bull

Suit-A-Bull, organized by Enactus at USF in partnership with the office of Career Services, is a free suit rental service for USF students. Suit-A-Bull has over 600 items including suits, jackets, pants, shirts., skirts, and dresses.

Suit-A-Bull is located in the Student Services Building in room SVC 2060, just down the hall from Career Services. Students can visit Suit-A-Bull during the store hours listed on their website to borrow attire for interviews, events, or other occasions where professional clothing is required. Students may borrow the clothing for up to two business days, or for longer periods of time if needed.