Moving to college is a huge adjustment for every student. Many students don’t know where to start when they are on their own and free to make their own decisions when it comes to eating habits, health, and wellness care. Luckily, USF has many programs that can help students with that transition as well as other aspects of health and wellness. Through USF Health and Wellness, students are not only connected to various resources around campus but also receive numerous resources directly in their office. USF Health and Wellness specifically focuses on physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and environmental well-being. The university has identified these care topics as the most important in the success of college students.

Some of the care programs offered include psychological services, wellness coaching, time-management courses, outdoor recreation, nutrition coaching, and personal training. To find out more about all of the programs Wellness USF offers, you can visit their office in the Marshall Student Center on the first floor or visit their website. If your student is new to USF, they are encouraged to connect with other students through USF’s New Student Connections program. New Student Connections puts on programs to connect new students with other new students as well as get them acclimated to the university.

USF takes campus safety and security very seriously. From underage drinking and the use of drugs to sexual misconduct and hazing, there are written policies as well as a Center for Victim Advocacy. The center provides free and confidential services to USF students who have experienced crime, violence or abuse on or off-campus. You can also find a guide to campus resources here. The bottom line, USF is a large institution and campus programs offer a safety net should students and/or any other caring person choose to get involved.

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Before you leave…

Before you leave to take your kid to college, there are a few items you will want to take care of that are extremely important. Most college students are 18, although a few are younger, which means they are considered to be legal adults. With that comes a whole lot of independence from their parents, regardless of who is footing the bill for their education.

Unless they give you permission or their login information, you will be unable to have access to their health records, grades, pretty much anything that has HPPA laws behind it. Talk to your student about signing over permission for the college to speak with you. Make certain they understand that without that signed permission, everything, and we mean everything, pertaining to the college. From medical records to financial aid, it cannot be discussed with any other person but themselves. While you may be footing the bill for your college student, remember, the vast majority of them are over the age of 18, thereby affording them certain protections, including the sharing of any information.

HaveUHeard that when a child turns legal age (18), if something catastrophic were to happen, which we all hope and pray does not unless you have specific legal documents, your hands will be tied? The last position you want to be in is making decisions, or not being able to make decisions, in a crisis situation. You can often find these documents free online or you may be able to get them from an attorney, but we are sharing them with you.

Designation of Health Care Surrogate – this legal document allows for your child to designate a surrogate to provide informed consent for medical treatment, surgical or diagnostic procedures should they become incapacitated. There are many other aspects of this document,
but without having a family member or some other person your child knows and trusts, you may lose valuable time as a court-appointed guardian may be named. Laws differ by state so it is best to research each state’s individual laws as it applies to who would make these decisions for you should this form not be executed.

Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), you will want to have all health information available so proper treatment may be made. You should name the same person you name as your surrogate so that there is continuity especially when time is of the essence in a medical crisis.

Declaration of Living Will – Most of us operate under the premise that a will is not drawn up until you are older or have children. In fact, there are many who still do not have wills. If your child is incapacitated or has an end-stage terminal condition, as a legal adult, you should want them to make their desires known and be able to direct that process while they are of sound mind and body. The mere mention of a will to an eighteen-year-old may seem ridiculous but by having an open and honest discussion, you are taking their wishes into consideration. Perhaps they may not want a feeding tube or other artificially provided method for nourishment and fluids. They may or may not want to donate their organs. You may have had this discussion when they went for their driver’s license as that is an item listed on the
license. This discussion is one of the mature discussions you will have with your child and as such, should be approached with knowledge and compassion. The document also allows for one or two persons to be named as agents regarding the Living Will allowing them to act inconsistently with their intentions should it be in their best interest and they are incapacitated.

Durable Power of Attorney. This allows your student to appoint one or two persons that represent and act for them in all matters in order to expedite handling all of their business, property, and affairs.

The university ensures the confidentiality of student records in accordance with the provisions of various federal, state, and university regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, also known as the Buckley Amendment. The statutes and regulations also provide certain rights to students concerning their education records. Your student can provide a signed FERPA Release of Information.

Under FERPA, when a student reaches 18 years of age or enroll at a postsecondary institution such as the University of South Florida, the rights afforded to the parents of a student automatically transfer to the student. However, a parent still may have access to the education record if:

The information requested is directory information and there is no privacy hold on the student’s record.
The student provides a signed release to the university. The student may specify what information should be released, including the timeframe for the authorization to remain in effect. Additional authentication of the student’s signature may be required.
The parents can demonstrate that the student is a dependent, as defined by the IRS.
The information is released in response to a lawful subpoena.

Insurance. Your homeowners’ insurance policy may not cover them while they are living on or off-campus (many will cover if they are living in an on-campus residence at no extra cost).  Check the terms of your home insurance policy. Most of the large insurance companies offer separate renters policies at a reasonable rate. You may also want to look at two of the more reputable college student insurance companies.collegestudentinsurance.com and National Student Services, Inc.

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The Best Places to Study at USF

Just when we get our high schoolers into a routine of studying, they now have to learn to adjust their habits to fit college life.  Finding the best places to study that fit the student is a challenge. Strange class times, social activities, and sports are just a few of the things that need to be worked around when finding the time and a place to study.  An obvious place would be their dorm rooms or bedrooms, but sometimes roommates, TVs, and friends can be distracting. Each dorm has a study room. But some students need background noise, while others need peace and quiet.  Depending on the time of day, my daughter used her room mostly. But when she needed an alternative place, she usually went somewhere close to her last class of the day.

There are tons of on-campus spots that are great for studying.  The most obvious is the main Library (although there are 3 on-campus) with its 6 floors and a basement.  It is a popular choice and can get very crowded. The higher the floor, the better the chance for a spot, and it is quieter the higher you go.  You can reserve study rooms here and the first floor is open 24 hours.

If your daughter is in a sorority, they will probably use their chapter house a lot.  Many require study hours, and they are monitored there.

• The Marshall Student Center has seats on every level and some study rooms.  The Skypad Lounge has computers, tables, whiteboards, and vending machines.  The Quiet Lounge is next to the Skypad and is smaller and more private.
• Castor Beach is a mock beach with great scenery.  It has hammocks and it’s nice and warm.  You will also see many taking naps here.
• Fountains by MLK Plaza provide a quiet, shady place to study.  The sound of the fountains provides a great place to focus on. The benches at the edge of the fountain have electrical outlets as well.
• The Hub is the new dining hall on campus.  It has a lot of seating on the patio or you can bring a blanket and sit on the huge lawn to study.
• BSN – Muma College of Business Building is mostly underground, as it was originally built to be a bunker.  It is the chilliest place on campus and the first floor has tables, benches, and a deli.
• Education Building is popular.  It has many tables and a quiet atmosphere on the 2nd and 3rd floors.  It also has the iTeach lounge which is a great place to study.
• Environmental Sciences Building has first-floor study rooms with vending machines.
• ISA – Interdisciplinary Sciences Building is a 6-story science building with lots of quiet study nooks.  It’s a best-kept secret for studying.
• Champion’s Choice Patio, next to the Rec Center has outdoor tables with built-in outlets.  The cafeteria has great healthy choices as well.
• Off-campus options are plenty as well.  Some apartments are offering study lounges and computer rooms.  Besides the ever-popular Starbucks (there are 3 near/on campus), you might want to check these options out.
• Kaleisia Tea Lounge – This coffee and tea lounge has a relaxing atmosphere and is just 5 minutes from campus on Fletcher Ave.
• Felicitous – They provide “free” WiFi if you purchase something.  This funky shop has coffees, sandwiches, and desserts, and can get pretty crowded, so you may need to try out a few times to see what time is better for you.
• Panera – There are 2 locations near campus, and you will always find students at one of them studying.

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Safe, Sane, and happy, is that possible? As colleges are doing their best to come up with ideas as to how to keep our students safe and healthy as they reopen campuses, we can only hope that our students will adhere to those rules when they leave their classrooms. Let’s face it; it is not easy to enforce social distancing among a population that has a tendency to want to gather. Isn’t one of the best parts of college, socializing?

We realize we can’t replace a good frat party or tailgate, but there are alternatives to fun near campus and since outdoor fun appears to be the safest alternative these days, we have come up with open-air ideas. Given that we are living under such unprecedented circumstances; we always recommend double-checking on hours, etc. before heading out as activities may be modified or limit the number of persons in each party.

Parks

• Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park – This park is 8 acres in downtown Tampa along The Riverwalk. There are skyline views, and the Riverwalk provides miles of beautiful spots along the Hillsborough River.  There are occasional movies on the lawn, classical performances, and concerts, so check out their activities here, but most have been temporarily suspended; however, the zipline, canoes, and kayaks are still a lot of fun.
• Fort De Soto Park – The adjoining county, Pinellas, houses their largest park which is a park, beach, campgrounds, and an actual historical landmark.  The beaches are stunning with powder-like sand. You will see stingrays, dolphins, and an abundance of seabirds. Fort De Soto is about an hour’s drive south of Tampa.
• Lettuce Lake Regional Park – This park is located just down the street from USF, but you will feel like you are in the wilderness.  For just $2 per car, you can experience a beautiful atmosphere along the Hillsborough River. This park is 240 acres of nature trails, picnic areas, a playground, paved paths for bikers, a fitness course, and a 3,500 ft. boardwalk.  If you have something specific in mind, be sure to check which portions of the park are open, as some are temporarily closed.
• Rainbow Springs – About a two-hour drive from Tampa, Rainbow Springs is popular in the warmest months.  You will find many people tubing down the chilly waters. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular here too.
• Temple Terrace Riverfront Park – more nature; fishing, trails, bird watching, and picnic shelters.

Restaurants that have outdoor space for dining.

• Big Ray’s Fish Camp – be sure to check out hours have limited them to accommodate outdoor and safe seating
• Bulla Gastrobar
• Istanbul Mediterranean Grill & Market
• Rox Rooftop Bar – at the Current Hotel
• Social House
• The Mill
• World of Beer

Should you notice that your student is experiencing any type of stress or anxiety from the new rules on campus, there are resources available. Learn more in our blog The Stress Happens to All.

Here’s to a safe and healthy school year for all. Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

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Over the years there have been only a few times that I, as a parent, have felt the need to call the campus to resolve an issue. Generally, I try to get my kids to handle it themselves. However, knowing where to call for whatever the issue can be daunting. Making the call to find out the correct details or accurate information can make all the difference.

For instance, when said student accrued a certain amount of parking tickets and was having a difficult time paying them online, she called the Transportation and Parking Office to figure it out. More information and other reasons you may have to contact this office are below.

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.  850-644-9574. The director can be emailed at ccgraham@fsu.edu

Fortunately, that situation was managed, but her next step was to call the President’s office.

Dr. Steven Currall is the President of the University of South Florida. Her office is located at 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CGS 401, Tampa, Florida 33620

Phone: 813-974-2791 Email:  president@usf.edu

We realize finding the right place to call isn’t always simple so we have listed several of the offices and what they are used for to make your navigation simpler. Many of our blogs address issues that you may be looking for guidance about too so we have linked some of those too.

University Police Department

If a student sees and wants to report suspicious persons, incidents, and unsafe conditions, they can report it to at 813-974-2628. The fax number is 813-974-5616. If an emergency occurs, dial 911.

Dean of Students
Danielle McDonald
dmcdonald@usf.edu

USF Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center has over 20 full-time psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors. For a life-threatening emergency, call the University Police at 9-1-1- or 813-974-2628.

The Director is Scott Strader, Ph.D., Director, Phone: 813-974-2831. scottstrader@usf.edu

In case of a mental health emergency that is not life-threatening after regular business hours and/or on weekends, the after-hours hotline at 813-974-2831

To see a counselor, students can visit the Counseling Center Main Office, Student Services Building (SVC), Suite 2124, Monday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Counseling Center offers evening appointments at the following locations:

Student Health Services (SHS) – Monday – Thursday: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The FIT, Village Residential Complex – Monday – Thursday: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The WELL, USF Health Campus – Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 pm  – 7:00 pm

Here is our blog on the Stress of College.

Victim Advocate Program

If students or someone they care about that has been a victim of a crime confidential support is available and they can talk with someone about their options.

MaKenzie Schiemann is in charge of Student Outreach & Support and the Center for Victim Advocacy. 813-974-6130. Her email is mschiemann@usf.edu

Victim Advocate services are available 24 hours a day, including holidays. To reach a confidential advocate day or night call: 816-974-5757.

Office of Emergency Management

Email: USF-EmergencyMgmt@usf.edu

Phone: (813) 974-0870

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm

For emergencies, call 911 or contact University Police at 813-974-2628.

Director / USF System Emergency Manager, Jen Fleischman, jfleischman@usf.edu  (813) 974-0870

Emergency Coordinator: Colette Nasworthy, cnaswort@usf.edu, (813) 974-9662

Emergency Coordinator: Lance Rocks, rocks@usf.edu, (813) 974-1484

University Health Services

The Senior Director of Student Health Services is Harold Bower. He can be reached at 813-974-1817 or through email at hbower@health.usf.edu

General Info / Appointment Line: 813-974-2331

TDD: 813-974-1758

Fax: 813-974-7181

Student Medical Insurance: 813-974-5407

Immunization Compliance: 813-974-4056

Immunization: immunization@shs.usf.edu

Insurance: insurance@shs.usf.edu

See our blog on Sick at School.

Financial Aid Office

Students can go here to request information about financial aid, scholarships, withdrawal, outreach events, CARE programs, work-study, and general questions.

Phone: 850-644-0539  Address: Suite 4400A University Center, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2430

University Housing

Anna Hernandez is the Assistant Vice President of Housing & Residential Education. She can be reached at 813-974-4262 or through email at ahernandez@usf.edu

Students who are having a computer, internet, or cable issues should contact the USF IT help desk at help@usf.edu or 813-974-1222 for 24/7 support. For all cable television or Philo Edu issues, please DO NOT submit a maintenance request. All residents can receive 24-hour support by utilizing one of the following three contact methods:

24-hour Toll-Free Television Support: 844-283-6496 (Cable TV only)

Text: Text “resnet” to 84700 (Cable TV only)

Email: support@myresnet.com (Cable TV only)

Philo Edu 24-hour Support

Here is our Insider’s Guide to Living On Campus.

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

Office Phone: 813-974-9443

Office Fax: 813-974-7383

sa-studentrightsmail@usf.edu

Students with Disabilities Services

Located at 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SVC 1133, Tampa, FL 33620. The main number is 813-974-4309. Deborah McCarthy 813-974-8135. Email dmccarthy@usf.edu

Other important contacts include:

Cassandra Armato, carmato@usf.edu, Associate Director, Coordinator: Psychological Disabilities, Chronic Medical Disabilities, TBI

Peggy Kledzik, pkledzik@usf.edu, Coordinator: Deaf and Hard of Hearing, ADHD / Learning Disabilities

Dani Thiel, det1@usf.edu, Coordinator: Visual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD / Learning Disabilities

Brit Fowler, bfowler2@usf.edu, Coordinator: Mobility Disabilities, Psychological Disabilities, ADHD / Learning Disabilities

Amanda Roe, aroe1@usf.edu, Exam Coordinator, Coordinator: Temporary Injuries

Chris Georgallis, chg@usf.edu, Coordinator: ADHD / Learning Disabilities

Read more about Student Accessibility Services

Parking & Transportation Services

The Director of Parking & Transportation Services (PATS) is Raymond Mensah. Email address is rmensah@usf.edu phone 813-974-0672.

If your vehicle gets immobilized (they put a boot on your car) or they are having bus problems, then the student will want to contact the Transportation office at 813-974-3990. Located on USF Plum and USF W. Holly Drive, near the USF Water Tower and behind Central Receiving. The Fax number is 813-974-2426. Email psweb@usf.edu

Citations, when the student receives a citation and does not wish to contest or appeal it, you may pay online by credit card over the Internet. You may pay in person by credit card or debit card at our parking office at the intersection of USF Holly Drive and USF Plum Drive. Go here to appeal citations.

If it is denied at the first stage, students can request a final appeal either in person to the appropriate committee (oral argument not to exceed five minutes), or in writing on the appropriate form or web-link. Final appeal requests must be made within fourteen calendar days from the date of the appeals mediator’s letter of decision. Once a hearing is scheduled and you are unable to attend, you may reschedule for the next available hearing date. You are allowed one reschedule only. If a student is dissatisfied with the decision of the Appeals Mediator, they may make a final appeal to the USF Student Government Supreme Court within 14 calendar days of the first appeal decision.

Office of Human Resources

They are the first point of contact for questions regarding employment, benefits, compensation, payroll, employee/labor relations, and classification. The Director of HR Administration Compliance & Services is Sheri Neshiem. Email address sneshiem@usf.edu Phone: 813-974-8358. Located at Human Resources is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Services Building (SVC), Room Number 2172. Office Hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Because dealing with stress can sometimes require a little extra help:

USF Dining Services

This is who you would want to contact for meal plan issues. The business office is located at 4202 E. Fowler Avenue AXA 0094 and their phone number is 813-974-5021. Christina Visser is the Meal Plan Office Manager and can be reached at 813-974-2941. Her email address is visser-cristina@aramark.com

Safety Escort:

S.A.F.E. Team is a group of screened students that can escort anyone from one point to another.  They use golf carts and also walk with students to ensure their safety to their destination. Their hours are 6:30 pm – 2:30 am seven days a week. Their phone number is 813-974-SAFE (7233). It is run by the Student Government. Gary Manka is the Director of Student Government Advising, Training & Operations and may be reached at 813-974-4704. Email address gmanka@usf.edu

For students 21 and up, needing a taxi ride from an alcohol-serving establishment to a residence in Hillsborough County.  The service is only offered to students who attend the University of South Florida. The taxi cabs typically only allow room for 4 people. Service is paid for by Pepin Distributing Company and the cab service used is United Cab.

Information Needed: Name, Date of Birth, Driver’s License Number, Location of Alcohol Serving Establishment, and Location of Residence.

Center for Student Involvement and Fraternity and Sorority Life.  813-974-2599. The director is Monica Miranda who may be emailed at mlmiranda@usf.edu

USF Technical Support

For students who are having technical difficulties with Canvas and its surrounding technologies, this is the place to get in touch with. Call 813-974-1222 or email help@usf.edu. Students can access their live chat and self-service portal usf.edu/-support. Walk-Up Location & Hours are on the first floor of the Tampa Campus Library. Walk up tech services are available at our walk-up desk on the first floor of the Tampa campus library. Service desk technicians can provide assistance with password resets, MyUSF, Canvas, email, wireless for laptops and mobile devices, and basic troubleshooting.

If a student is in no rush and wants to meet face to face then they can schedule an appointment and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Located at 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620. The VP, Information Technology is Sidney Fernandes, sfernand@health.usf.edu. 813-974-7927.

Here is our blog on Technology Services at USF and one on Computer and Phone Repair.

If needed, here are the Department Heads for all the colleges:

Arts

James Moy
Moy@usf.edu
(813)-974-7380

Arts & Sciences

Eric Eisenberg
eisenberg@usf.edu
(813) 892-6484

Behavioral and Community Sciences

Julianne Serovich, PhD
jserovich@usf.edu

Business

Moez Limayem
mlimayem@usf.edu
Room: BSN 201
Phone: (813) 974-4281
Fax: (813) 974-3030

Education

Robert C. Knoeppel, PhD
rck3@usf.edu

Engineering

Dean: Robert H. Bishop, Ph.D., P.E.
robertbishop@usf.edu
(813)-974-3864

Global Sustainability

Dean: Govindan Parayil
gparayil@usf.edu
(813)-974-9694

Honors College

Dr. Charles Adams
chadams@honors.usf.edu
(813)-974-3087

Marine Science

Dean: Jacqueline Dixon
jdixon@usf.edu
(727)-553-3369

Medicine

Vice Dean: Bryan Bognar, MD, MPH
bbognar@health.usf.edu
(813)-974-7131

Nursing

Dean: Victoria L. Rich, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
victoriarich@health.usf.edu
(813)-974-9091

Pharmacy

Dean: Kevin Sneed, PharmD
ksneed@health.usf.edu
(813)-396-2499

Public Health

Dean: Donna J. Petersen, ScD, MHS, CPH
dpeters@health.usf.edu

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Every time I headed up to USF to see my kids, they asked that I bring our dog. Let’s face it; the pup is everyone’s favorite family member. Personally, I would rather travel with pets than have our daughter adopt one of her own that may eventually become mine too, so I often obliged. The good news is that is becoming rather common for people to travel with their pets.

Dog-friendly Restaurants:

Armature Works

Ciccio Cali

Datz

Michael’s Grill

Sparkman Wharf

Starbucks (outside)

World of Beer

Pet-friendly Apartments:

The Retreat, Halo 46, The Standard, The Union on Fletcher, and many more are pet-friendly and typically charge an upfront or monthly pet fee.

Pet-friendly Hotels:

La Quinta Inn Busch Gardens

La Quinta Inn & Suites USF Busch Gardens

Hyatt Place Busch Gardens

Holiday Inn Express USF- Busch Gardens

Embassy Suites by Hilton USF

Holiday Inn & Suites Busch Gardens

Home2 Suites by Hilton USF

Quality Inn & Conference Center

Extended Stay America

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa North

Wingate by Wyndham at USF

Tampa Inn

Be sure, when making reservations, you tell them you are traveling with a pet. Some have fees.

Perhaps while in the area you just want to let Fido get out and run a bit.

Here are a few dog parks in the area:

Rowlett Dog Park – 8401-8549 N Rowlett Park Dr, Tampa, FL. Bring Fido and enjoy a separate small dog area and large dog area, trees, benches, and agility equipment. Has fenced, off-leash dog runs at this city park.

Temple Terrace Hilltop Dog Park – 9420 Harney Rd, Tampa, FL. It has a side for small dogs and one for big dogs. Nice open space to let Fido run and play. It has water pools for your dogs and waste bags. They also have bowls and buckets in case Fido gets thirsty.

These parks are dog-friendly, but not solely for dogs:

University  Area Community Park  – 14015 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL

USF Riverfront Park – 6550 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL.

Lettuce Lake Park – 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL

Copeland Park Trail – 11001 N 15th St, Tampa, FL

Temple Terrace Riverfront Park – 7801 Capwood Ave, Temple Terrace, FL

The Retreat Apartment complex has its own dog park.

Of course, if you are traveling with a service animal, which is not considered a “pet,” you are allowed to take your service dog virtually anywhere you are allowed to go. There should be no extra fees or deposits for this. However, emotional support animals may not be allowed to accompany their owner in public places, ie. restaurants, stores, hotels, so you may want to check before you head out.

That said, if you should end up with a grand-pet, as I did, because, apparently my speeches about responsibility and cost weren’t loud enough, here are some thoughts. Encourage a fish first. This worked her freshman year, as she was in the dorms, and knew that pets were not allowed (except for small fish in a 10 gallon or less tank).  And frankly, there was no room for a tank anywhere. But alas, her second year she lived in an apartment and she and her roommate heard about some kittens that lost their mom in a hurricane.  See where I am going with this? Yep, they each took one and now we have a cat added to the family. She has it in her apartment; it is small pet-friendly, but the responsibility is a lot.

If your student really needs a puppy fix, the Center for Student Well-Being has a Paws & Relax program where they bring a variety of certified therapy dogs on campus.  It’s usually during exam time to help with the stress. They have even brought a llama before.

As for apartments, make sure they check the rules and also the consequences if an un-allowed pet is discovered. They may have a roommate that gets a pet, which could affect them as well. Some students will try to hide a pet too, which usually doesn’t end well.  Fines can be steep and you don’t want your son/daughter a part of a problem with the leasing office. So, if they absolutely need a pet-friendly apartment, start by looking at the list of apartments available. Check often, and call the offices. Rules change, and apartments do change their policies from time to time.

Whether you need a pet sitter while you are away or at classes or you want to become a pet sitter, check out Rover.

Finally, you may want to add some Bulls gear to the holiday shopping list. Show your spirit with a collar, food bowls, toys, etc. for your newest furry friend. And if you’re lucky, you may end up with some fun pics/videos like the ones I sent in return.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com. Are you new to HaveUHeard? Here is how to best use the site.

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College grading systems can be especially confusing when coming straight from high school. The biggest difference between the public school and college grading scale is the +/- addition to the traditional As and Bs. At USF, the plus/minus grading scale adds weight to the letter grade. For example, the difference between an A- and an A is 0.33 points (see USF grading scale here). You may be wondering how professors differentiate between a grade within the same range. Though every professor is different, the most traditional way they denote grades is as follows:

98% to 100% = A+
93% to 97% = A
92% to 90% = A-
89% to 87% = B+
86% to 83% = B
82% to 80% = B-
79% to 77% = C+
76% to 73% = C
72% to 70% = C-
69% to 67% = D+
66% to 63% = D
62% to 60% = D-
59 and below = F

However, not every class uses a plus/minus system. Grading scales for specific classes are at the discretion of the professor, degree program and university. As a student, you are able to find out the grading scale for your specific class by looking at the class syllabus.

USF does have standards when it comes to what constitutes passing a class. At least a C- is required to get passing credit for Gordon Rule courses. Each major has requirements when it comes to grades as well. Though each college is different, most colleges do not allow students to receive more than 2 C- grades in their major courses. If more than two C- grades are received, the student will be dropped from the respective program.

Additionally, most colleges at USF require a student to have at least a 2.5 GPA to be admitted to their college. Though the popular saying is “C’s get degrees”, the type of C received will determine if a student receives the degree of their choice. To see your specific degree program requirements, see the USF website. When it comes to graduating with honors, getting an A or A- may mean the difference between graduating Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude. USF explicitly states that they will not round grade when it comes to honors denotation at graduation. If your goal is to graduate with honors, you have to be mindful of the weight of each letter grade. See the other specifics regarding honors at graduation here.

Though it may seem that the +/- system has a lot of negative impacts on your GPA, it can sometimes be a good thing as well. As a graduating senior, I have found that many times getting a B+ instead of a B in some of my classes has boosted my GPA and made me a stronger candidate for graduate school.

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Written by Jordan Philyor, Intern, HaveUHeard

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So, your college student has been away and you and your family are getting used to your new normal.  Even though your student is busy with notes, lectures, getting enough sleep, finding their “tribe”, doing their own laundry (hopefully), and figuring out how to be an adult, they may still be missing home.  They quickly realize that they are on their own to be successful in college, and that can bring on the feeling of homesickness.

I found that a great way to interrupt the stress of college is to send my daughter a care package.  And let’s face it, sending something to our kids helps us to still feel connected to them. Now, please know that I am no Martha Stewart, so I was not looking to spend a small fortune or to get the “best package” award, but I wanted to send something.

Where to start? A great parting gift that you can leave in their room or send as a package is this package of Open When College Pack envelopes. We suggest filling them with either a message, picture, or gift cards purchased in advance but we love the messages. When you take your first big test, when you’re sick, when you’re tired of dorm food, and more. Pinterest also has tons of ideas that are really great.  You don’t have to tackle Michaels and handmake every little thing.  You just need to know your kid. Some things to think about are: what have they mentioned lately, did they get into a sorority/fraternity, is their birthday coming up, what holiday is coming, or when are their midterms or exams?

My favorite way to send a care package is the post office’s Priority Mail flat rate boxes.  I used these many times because you can fill them to the brim for one flat rate, no matter the weight.  I like the Small Flat Rate Box which is $7.15 or the Medium Flat Rate Box which is $13.60 out the door. Of course, you can use any box to ship things in, but I really like the convenience of one price for priority shipping. If using UPS and shipping in the state, Ground typically gets it to its destination in one day. If you are using UPS, a great convenience is taking your packages to CVS since they now have UPS Access Points.

What to Send

I don’t care who you are; we all like to be surprised by knowing that someone we love is thinking about us.  I found that my daughter loved the little things: socks, new pens, chapstick, a new t-shirt, candy, protein bars, magnets, her school paraphernalia, holiday decorations, and pictures of her dog.  They probably won’t admit it, but a surprise package from home can really make their week.

Dollar Tree is a great place for small trinkets and seasonal items and decorations.  My younger daughter also had fun finding silly things to put in the package. We all know that Target has great items, the “dollar section” has great things like small photo frames, tech items, etc. that are inexpensive.  These stores are where I usually found my care package items, but you can find things anywhere.

If you are so inclined, think about buying 2, 3 or 4 of the same items and then you will be the rock-star mom who is also sending love to the roommates/suitemates.  Before the holiday break, I sent my daughter a box that had 4 mugs (carefully wrapped), hot chocolate packs, and little bags of mini marshmallows. Her suitemates loved it and they planned a movie night before they left for the holidays, and even sent me a picture of them holding their mugs.

HELP!

If you need someone else to put together and send a care package for you, there are lots of sites out there, many that cater to USF students. OCM or Our Campus Market offers premade boxes filled with goodies.  They run from about $25 to around $65. GourmetGiftBaskets.com works with USF and has premade baskets that are very nice as well.  They have lots of choices like a Homesick package that is $39.99 to a Graduation box that is about $80. These can be pricey, so that is why I stuck to the postal flat rate boxes.  Again, I would check out Pinterest for company ideas and even Amazon. We also like Tetherbox for care packages.

For those of you that wish to send soup to your sick kid, the USF Hillel will deliver soup to their dorm or apartment.  They have a Matzah Ball Soup Hotline and students or parents can call it to set up a delivery. They can be reached at 813-899-2788.

Known as “The booty-call of food delivery services” (yes, that’s the company slogan) ZBaked will deliver warm cookies to your student at USF.  I am told that these are “the best ever”, and are a great surprise for birthdays or the week of finals. I haven’t personally used GrubHub, but there are many restaurants that deliver to USF listed on their site, including Mrs. Fields Cookies.

Fandango gift card is a nice option as well. It’s not food, but it is perfect for vegging out.

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When you first go off to college, you will find that there is no shortage of opportunities to participate in social activities, sports, the arts, and recreation.  It can be overwhelming trying to figure out where you fit as a Bull but have no fear; you will find your place and meet amazing people. That being said, please be sure to take advantage of the many volunteering possibilities that USF offers.  Volunteering truly changes a person. There is so much to gain from helping others and it speaks to your character as well.

Giving back to the community is important!  Let’s face it, we all have had some form of help along the way in our journeys in life.  So, why not give back your time, effort, money, or just your listening ears to those who need a little help.  Plus, volunteering looks great when applying to graduate schools.

USF posts events on BullSync so check it often for details for either yourself or your group to find volunteering events. Days of Service are held at different times of the year and are a great way to work with the community and with USF alumni.  These special days can get you involved in areas that appeal to you. Check the site often and follow the instructions to participate.

Bulls for Kids is a great event held yearly.  It is a dance marathon with all proceeds going to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.  The next event will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2019. Check their site for more information and check out our blog on the dance marathon itself.

The Bulls Service Breaks program offers travel opportunities to promote equality, healthy living, and to help with other social injustices.  Trips are planned during school breaks such as Spring Break and Winter Break. Click here to see dates and specific information.

While USF offers many great options for volunteering, don’t forget to check out other areas in Tampa that could use your help.  Big Brothers Big Sisters, local YMCA’s, Meals on Wheels, area food pantries, or the American Cancer Foundation are some great options. No matter where you choose to share your time, you are sure to learn so much about yourself.  Give back, share, and serve!

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It’s that season again – and I don’t mean hurricanes. Flu season is generally from October through May; peaking in December. Given that the flu is easily spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact – and what gets closer than dorm life and classrooms – your student may want to consider getting vaccinated. USF makes it incredibly easy and it is free too. The flu shot is included in your child’s tuition! Starting on October 3, USF Student Health Services will be administering free flu shots by appointment Monday through Friday, 8 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 3 pm. Call 813-974-2331 to schedule.

Another option to get a flu shot is at:

• CVS Minute Clinic – if you go on the CVS Minute Clinic website you can find the one closest to you as well as the wait time so you don’t have to sit around for too long. The vaccine can cost between $50 and $70, but chances are insurance will cover it.  Check first.
• Walgreens – there are quite a few near the campus. Walgreens website will help find the one closest and many are open 24 hours. There is no cost with most insurance. Appointments are not needed, but we recommend calling beforehand to find out what the wait time is.
• Publix Pharmacy – There are at least 2 that are not far from campus. Students will get a $10 gift card just for getting vaccinated.

Wherever students go for a flu vaccine they should stay around about 15 minutes afterward to be sure they do not have any adverse reactions. I generally am not one to rush right out and get the flu shot, but then again, I wash my hands constantly, don’t stay up way too late most nights, and don’t sit side-by-side in a classroom each day. I have suggested to my kids over the years that they consider getting vaccinated, but generally, as most college students do, they choose not to. Some, like two of my three kids, just hate shots. Good news; some pharmacies carry FluMist, a nasal spray that works like a vaccine. In the end, they are college students, so there is not much we can say beyond that, but I assure you, if they do get the flu, we are their first call.

Of course, there was the year that my daughter called crying because she felt like crap. She felt so sick, I even asked her if she needed me to drive up there, something out of character for me to do. There is little worse than being hours away from your students and not being able to take care of them. Here is our blog on being Sick at School.

Typical symptoms students can watch for at the onset of the flu as early detection can be beneficial are:

• Sudden onset of high fever
• Headache, muscle aches, and joint pain
• Dry cough
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion and runny nose
• Fatigue – which may last for a few weeks after the flu

If students do get the flu they should know that they can get a doctor’s note so they don’t feel compelled to drag themselves out of bed and trudge to classes. Professors not only appreciate the heads up but also are grateful that students don’t come and share their germs. The flu is highly contagious. Every school has different policies on this, but generally, students are covered with that doctor’s note.

As parents, we can hope they never get sick, but if they do, the next best thing might be to send a care package to help them feel better. Check out our blog on Care Packages.

Wishing all our Bulls a healthy semester.

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