What is it you remember most about your college years?
Perhaps it was that glorious moment when your intramural flag football team won the championship, when you chaired that great fundraiser for your favorite student organization, or when you proudly joined your fraternity (or sorority). Or was it the inspiring words of a guest lecturer, those intense late-night debates in your residence hall lounge, or simply hanging out with your friends in the student union taking in a local band?
Isn’t it interesting that some of the most memorable moments of your college years didn’t take place in the classroom? They may not have been “academic,” but they certainly were learning experiences that enhanced your confidence, skills and development.
They helped make you the well-rounded, accomplished person you are today. At the University of South Florida, the Division of Student Affairs is focused on creating those memorable out-of-classroom experiences and valuable opportunities to ensure that USF students’ education is more than courses and tests. Our many departments build on what students learn in the classroom by offering a spectrum of services, programs and opportunities to enable students to realize their strengths, discover their passions and prepare them to become leaders in their communities and the world.
Providing a supportive environment USF students come from all over the state, country and world, and many are living on their own for the first time. Our resident students quickly find a home in convenient, comfortable living quarters in our residence halls, staffed by caring professionals, but Division of Student Affairs Student Affairs works to help all students feel at home and confident. We do this by offering services and programs to help create supportive on-campus communities for all students, including first year students, transfer students and even our mature non-traditional students.
We kick off each semester with more than 100 activities just to make sure every student has opportunities to learn about all USF has to offer and meet new people that just might become lifelong friends.
Students quickly realize that the Marshall Student Center (MSC) is their living room on campus, providing an abundance of both formal and casual space for them to study, meet or just hang out with friends.
In addition to being home for numerous Student Affairs departments, Student Government and nearly 600 student organizations, the MSC is the destination for students to participate in educational programs, learn new skills, take in guest lectures and enjoy entertaining events.
Whether dining in the food court, shopping, studying or snoozing, students make the MSC their home away from home. Developing leadership and global citizenship Student Affairs believes that students who are prepared to lead will be productive citizens of the world. Our leadership trainings, workshops and programs teach students the qualities necessary to take charge—but leadership skills require practice to perfect.
Employment in our departments and engagement in student organizations provide students with many opportunities to gain leadership and organizational experience.
As future leaders, it is important for USF students to understand the significance of community engagement in their personal development. By volunteering through our service programs on a local, national and international level, USF students gain firsthand insight into pertinent issues and witness how much difference one person can make, whether mentoring children at a local elementary school, working at a free clinic in New York City or building homes in Ghana. It is our hope that, after volunteering, students will commit to lifelong engagement in their communities.
Creating multicultural competencies
Imagine in today’s world of increasing global connectivity the cultural education that can be gained on a campus as diverse as USF.
Our students come from 51 different countries and represent many different ethnicities, religious beliefs, political views and sexual orientations. This provides students with an amazing opportunity to learn about different cultures directly from their peers and through the many programs and events that Student Affairs facilitates. By providing multicultural forums, we help break down barriers, unite students and create culturally competent global citizens.
Setting a path for lifelong wellness
Just like in your college years, adjusting to life away from home can lead to some poor health choices for students today. Student Affairs’ Wellness professionals are dedicated to improving students’ mental and physical well-being. We do this not only to increase students’ capacity for success while they attend USF, but also so they form a lifelong commitment to healthy living.
Our Wellness team provides multiple avenues to lead students to a positive lifestyle. Student Affairs medical specialists aid students with their day-to-day health needs, and our counselors and victim advocates help USF students overcome difficulties in their lives. In addition, we host health-related educational workshops, screenings and events. Our recreational fitness facilities, sporting fields and pools play host to a range of exercise opportunities for all levels, including numerous intramural sports and competitive sports clubs. With our full service offerings, we empower students to live a healthy life.
So how can you help?
Student Affairs understands that an education is more than a degree—it is the result of students’ efforts in the classroom and the experiences and skills that they gain through out-of-classroom opportunities that we help to create. This integrated student experience is among the top priorities prospective students consider when choosing a college. They want what you had—a college experience that provides a foundation for a successful life, and great memories.
Your gift to the Division of Student Affairs will help to ensure that the next generation of USF alumni will have equally memorable experiences and a well-rounded education. It will allow us to continue to promote successful outcomes beyond the classroom, whether it be through enhanced programs and services or new facilities.
Student learning and success is our greatest priority, and your committed investment makes it possible for today’s students to learn, succeed and positively influence the world—just as you have.
