Located along the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus offers the perfect blend of city life and campus charm. With state-of-the-art facilities, access to academic resources, American Athletic Conference athletics and a vast alumni network, you’ll discover a world of opportunities here. Stick around to discover why the USF St. Petersburg campus might just be the perfect fit for you.
History
The St. Petersburg campus, also known as the “Bay Campus” was established in 1965 as a satellite campus of the University of South Florida (USF). The campus welcomed its inaugural class of 257 freshmen that fall and over the years, this campus made significant contributions to the community, including the establishment of the USF Marine Science Program and housing the Florida Institute of Oceanography in 1967.
As part of its expansion, USFSP inaugurated its library in 1969, offering degrees to its first batch of 51 elementary education graduates. It was in the same year that the State Legislature passed a bill, officially establishing USFSP as a branch of the University of South Florida. Notably, in 2006, USFSP achieved separate accreditation from the University of South Florida, marking a significant step toward its autonomy.
Academic Excellence
After 2006, they gained more autonomy within the University of South Florida system which enabled them to grant bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The College of Business and the Program of Accountancy at USFSP have earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, a distinction held by only a select few business schools globally.
Similarly, the Department of Journalism and Media Studies boasts accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), making it the sole journalism program in central and south Florida with both undergraduate and graduate degree programs accredited.
Athletics
The USF Sailing Team is a source of pride for the campus, boasting a rich history of success. Coached by Allison Jolly, a gold medalist in the first Olympic women’s sailing event at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, the team has garnered national recognition. Although sailing is not an American Athletic Conference or NCAA sanctioned sport, USFSP competes in the South Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Conference within the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association.
The team’s home base, the Haney Landing Sailing Center on Bayboro Harbor, is a testament to their commitment to the sport. Over the years, they have secured impressive victories, including the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association Sloop National Championship in 2009 and consecutive ICSA Offshore Large Boats National Championships in 2016 and 2017. USFSP also hosts athletic club teams in various other sports including baseball, sailing, basketball and soccer.
Campus Life
Student life at USFSP is dynamic and engaging. The Student Life Center, located conveniently near Residence Hall One, offers fitness facilities, recreation areas, and more, enriching the student experience. The Department of Student Life & Engagement and the Student Life Center often work together to offer various opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom.
Additionally, The Crow’s Nest, a student-run newspaper, has been a staple on campus since its first publication in 1969. It has grown substantially over the years, distributing 800 copies of the paper every Monday on campus and maintaining an active online presence. Funded by a portion of Activities and Services fees and advertising revenue, The Crow’s Nest plays a crucial role in the day-to-day campus life at USFSP.
Nelson Poynter Memorial Library
The Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, established in 1996, serves as a cornerstone of USFSP’s commitment to academic excellence. Named in honor of Nelson Poynter, a key figure in the campus’s history, the library houses a collection of over 200,000 volumes spanning a wide range of different subjects. Special Collections within the library house rare books, oral histories, and local historical materials, including the John C. Briggs Collection of Ichthyology and Natural History and the Papers of Nelson Poynter.
The library’s commitment to research extends to its extensive periodical and newspaper subscriptions, with access to over 800 publications, including esteemed journals like Science and The Economist. Moreover, the library offers access to over 10,000 electronic journals and newspapers, ensuring that students have the resources they need to excel academically.
Residence Hall One
Residence Hall One, a seven-story building that can accommodate 354 students in 95 apartments, represents a significant addition to the campus. It caters to first-year students living more than 30 miles from the USFSP campus, offering them a supportive and vibrant community.
Each apartment in Residence Hall One features two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen equipped with modern amenities. The facility provides a sense of community, with Resident Assistants on every floor to support and organize student activities. Moreover, the building offers stunning views of Tampa Bay and downtown St. Petersburg, adding to the allure of campus life.
The University Student Center
In 2012, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg unveiled its impressive University Student Center. This 81,000 square-foot facility, partially funded by a student fee approved by the Florida Legislature, serves as a central gathering place for the campus community.
The center not only provides housing for students but also houses The Reef, a dining hall open to the public. It offers a range of amenities, including wireless internet, laundry facilities, a student lounge, and outdoor basketball courts, making it a vibrant hub of campus activity.
Notable Faculty and Upcoming Events
USFSP boasts a distinguished faculty, including historians, media ethics experts, and accomplished scholars. Notable faculty members include Raymond Arsenault, Deni Elliott, and Gary Mormino, who contribute to the campus’s academic excellence.
USFSP also offers a range of events, including open houses, art exhibitions, workshops and more. Here are some of the upcoming events at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus:
Open House
Date: September 30
Time: 9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Location: Campuswide
Join them for the Open House event and get a firsthand experience of what it means to be a Bull. Explore their beautiful campus, learn about academics, admissions, financial aid, and much more!
SPEAKER SERIES: Forces of Nature
Date: October 4
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Lynn Pippenger Hall
Don’t miss this insightful Speaker Series event. Author Clay Henderson will discuss the fascinating history of Florida’s land conservation.
THE ARTS: GENERATOR Opening
Date: October 6
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Harbor Hall Art Gallery
Go check out the inaugural exhibition of GENERATOR, featuring the renowned Danish artist collective SUPEREFLEX for a memorable evening celebrating the arts.
Get in Touch
For more information about the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, you can reach out to them at:
General Address: USF St. Petersburg campus 140 7th Ave. South St. Petersburg, FL 33701
General Phone Number: 727 873-7748 (USFSP-4-U)
Campus Tours Visit the Campus Visitation Office at Bayboro (BAY) 111, contact them at 727-873-4562 or via email at visitstpete@usf.edu.
In summary, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus offers a vibrant academic community with a rich history and a promising future. If you’re eager to learn more about them, consider attending their upcoming Open House event.
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FAQs
Q : What are some highlights of the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library?
A : The library houses over 200,000 volumes, including rare collections, and provides access to numerous periodicals and electronic journals.
Q : What can students expect in terms of campus life?
A : USFSP offers vibrant student media, a Student Success Center, and excellent on-campus housing options like Residence Hall One.
Q : What upcoming events can I attend at USF St. Petersburg?
A : You can join the Open House on September 30, the Speaker Series event on October 4, and the arts exhibition on October 6.