Engage
USF Family Experience
FAMILY EXPERIENCE
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 Tampa 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 yourfamily.
Follow Parent & Family Engagement on our Facebook Page
Office of Parent and Family Engagement sharesupdates from campus including, activities and events, emergency and safety notifications, important dates & deadlines, and key campus support services.
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.
Buy Your Pride Pack!
There is nothing better than being part of the Bull Family and supporting your student and USF with PRIDE! Each year, the office of Parent & Family Engagement creates an exclusive Bull Family Pride Pack so families and friends can sport their USF pride wherever they go. Purchase your today!
Participate in Opening Weekend Activities
(offered summer, fall and spring terms)
Families are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities to explore campus resources and finalize any outstanding campus business. To support your student's transition to campus, we encourage families to create space for their student to build community with their new peers, on their own, at the events offered. To learn about the activities offered, explore our Week of Welcome series.
Register and Attend Family and Friend Weekend
(offered each fall semester)
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!
Connect With Us to Get The Support You Need
Has your student encountered a challenge and do they need help navigating a USF process, policy, or procedure? Is your student struggling and you need to connect them to supportthey need? Want the most accurate information to empower your student to overcome an obstacle? Connect with the Office of Parent and Family Engagement by filling out our Family Coaching Form so you can receive direct follow-up from your family coach.
Attend the Class Ring Ceremony
Students who've successfully completed at least 75 hours toward their degrees are eligible to purchase class rings. Each fall and spring semester the USF Bookstore hosts Ring Week where students are able to meet with representatives of Herff Jones to order their official USF class ring. Those who order during Ring Week, or by the designated deadline, will be invited to attend a special Class Ring Ceremony with their families and friends, where they will receive their rings.
Attend Commencement
Celebrate this milestone with your student and family. Visit the Commencement website to learn more about the ceremonies and how to purchase regalia and sashes. Be sure to show your Bull Pride with the USF Grad Kit.
Pay It Forward: Donate to the USF Parent and Family Fund
USF services and events for families are made possible by generous donations to the USF Parents Fund (590013). Your gift allows us to subsidize our current offerings and support the growth of new opportunities for families and students. Donate today to make a difference! Check to see if your company has a matching gift program.
Engage with the Parent and Family Giving Leadership Council
Learn about how you can participate in giving and directing funds to support students’ needs. Deeper engagement with USF provides the opportunity for your insight to guide how private gifts can shape the student experience. Learn how you can make an impact as a supporter or member of the Leadership Council.