New Student Connections
Connecting students to the USF community
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New Student Connections Programs
Peer Advisor Leaders (PALs)
The PALs are USF experts that are here to serve the needs of all students. Have a question about how to use OASIS or Blackboard? Contact a PAL. Need help navigating the campus? Contact a PAL. The PALs program events throughout the year with the goal of making your experience at USF a great one. They also coordinate street teams that pump up the spirit at Week of Welcome events. Do you want to join the WOW Street Team? Contact a PAL. The PALs even know the questions you should ask, but haven't. Contact a PAL Today >>
Week of Welcome
Week of Welcome is the... week of welcome! During the first 11 days of the fall semester, the entire USF student body is engaged with kick-off events, numerous programs, welcome tents and more. First-year and transfer students have opportunities to network at the new student social, learn the campus by taking a walking or shuttle tour, and meet representatives from the hundreds of USF student organizations! In the spring semester Week of Welcome is 5 days long, but is still jam packed with events. Learn More >>
UConnect (Exclusive to First-Year Students)
Have you been admitted to USF? Have you just arrived on campus? It is never too late to sign up for the first-year student USF social network, UConnect. After you create your profile, you will have access to articles about the USF experience, numerous student leaders who will answer your questions (get those housing questions answered!), student groups, and discussion boards. Why are you still reading this? Sign Up Today >>
First 8 Weeks
The first 8 weeks of your first semester at USF are critical for establishing your connection to campus. Building friendships, developing skills and adjusting to the academic rigor are important factors at this time. We know that a successful start to your semester will lead to prosperous first year. After the Week of Welcome concludes you may be asking, "What's Next?" This is what's next... Read the Brochure (PDF) or Visit the 8 Weeks Website
New Student Network
The New Student Network provides the opportunities to meet other students who are new to USF. All students are welcome to get involved with our educational and social opportunities. Every year we add more opportunities for you! Learn More >>
New Student Connections Events
Homecoming Float
If it's fall, it's football season. When it comes to homecoming parades, the Bulls don't mess around. New Student Connections enters a float every year and you are invited to show your spirit and offer your creativity as we build and ride on the greatest parade float in the land! You bring your brain and we'll supply the beads. You want in? Contact Us Today >>
College Colors Day
If you read this and guess that this day has something do to with wearing green & gold, then you are right! Since the best color combination on any day of the week is green & gold, every day should be college colors day. However on this one special day of the year, we get painted up, weigh ourselves down with beads, dye our hair, and cheer as if it were game day. Our office hosts college colors day on the third floor of the Marshall Student Center. Free food, plenty of fun. Just follow your ears and nose!
Honor Societies and Organizations
Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society
Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society that encourages and recognizes high scholastic achievement among first year students. Phi Eta Sigma is the third most senior member of the Association of College Honor Societies and has chapters at over 350 universities across the country. Those elected to membership include those who have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the end of any first year, full-time curricular semester, provided they have carried a normal academic load (at least 12 credit hours) acceptable toward a bachelor’s degree and rank in the upper 20 percent of their class.
**Members graduating in Spring 2012, if you want to purchase on honor cord for graduation, please make a check out to "Phi Eta Sigma at USF" for $8 and send it to Phi Eta Sigma's mailbox in the Student Orgs office on the 3rd floor of the Marshall Student Center by Monday April 2, 2012. You will be notified once the cords arrive to come by the New Student Connections Office (MSC 3200) to pick up your cord. If you have any questions, please contact Corey Bates at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Checks can be sent here:
Phi Eta Sigma at USF 4202 E. Fowler Avenue MSC 4100, Box #274 Tampa, FL 33620
National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS)
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars recognizes outstanding academic achievement among first and second year college students and offers a wide variety of opportunities for involvement on the campus and national level. The society was founded on the principles of scholarship, leadership, and service. To learn more about the USF chapter, visit their Facebook page, chapter website, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Get Connected on Campus!
Are you interested in developing your leadership skills? Each year, the Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement selects 50 first-year student applicants to participate in a weekend excursion aimed at building your strengths as a leader. Learn More >>
Residence Hall Association (RHA)
Will you be living on campus? Do you want to represent your fellow resident students? If this is you, consider getting involved with RHA. This student-run organization is a great opportunity for you develop your leaderships skills and program events for your fellow Bulls.
Center for Student Involvement (CSI)
There are hundreds of student organizations at USF. If by chance, there isn't an organization that suits your interests, you can create one! In addition to providing a searchable database of all registered USF student organizations, the Center for Student Involvement gets you involved through workshops, programs, and events.
Campus Recreation
Let's face it, Florida is sunny and there is tons to do outside! Plus, the sun provides all that vitamin D goodness. Sign up for a sport club or intramural team, go on an adventure trip, or enhance your wellness knowledge in a fitness class. Learn More >>
University Experience SLS 1101
With so much happening on campus, it is important to develop solid skills that help you to be successful in both the social and academic environments at USF. The University Experience Course (UE) is offered exclusively to first-year students every fall. This two-credit elective course teaches money management, degree & career planning, research skills and more. Give yourself the tools to be successful and enroll in UE 1101. Learn More >>
New Student Connections Publications
The Bull Connection (2011-12 Edition Available!)
The Bull Connection is published annually by New Student Connections for all USF students. Inside, you will find valuable information on, well - everything! From campus traditions to computer lounges and USF offices to important dates, the Bull Connection has it all. Pick up your copy today in our office. Prefer to stay digital? Read the Online Version (PDF)
Newsletters
Our office publishes newsletters for the first-year and transfer populations of Bulls here at USF. Inside, you will find information specifically tailored to your needs that includes important dates, resources on and off campus, as well as tips to help with your transition to USF. Just send us your email and we put you on the mailing list, it's that simple! |
