Parents & Family

Your student is bold, elite and fearless – and we want to thank you for supporting them. Now that they’re a member of the University of South Florida community, you are too, and we’ll be here for you, from your Bull’s freshman orientation to their graduation – and beyond. Welcome to the herd!

Here at the University of South Florida, our 50,000+ students and more than 333,000 alumni are united in their mission to constantly reach new heights. And you are the loved ones that encourage them when things get tough and cheer them on as they soar higher.

As parents, family and friends, you know better than anyone that your Bull can rise to any challenge, overcome it and then come back for more. And we know that they wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

We’ll be here for you as you embark upon this journey with your student, and we welcome you to learn more about our university, our history, our student body and where we are headed.

Campus Tours

Part of being a Bull means taking advantage of being a member of all three USF campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee! During your campus visit, find out more about our top-rated facilities, campus life offerings, and support resources. Schedule your campus tour today! Can’t make it to campus? Explore USF from wherever you are with our interactive virtual tours!

A parent and child embrace as they pose for a photo

Learn About USF Offerings

As you learn about USF, receive expert advice through the Admit-A-Bull Blog hosted by the Office of Admissions.

Group of people sitting down next to each other looking towards the front of a room

Reserve Your Place & 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.

Tampa campus | St. Petersburg campus | Sarasota-Manatee campus

A student leader is talking to a group of fellow students

Stay Informed: Join the USF Parent/Family Bulletin!

The USF Parent & Family BULLetin is a platform and e-newsletter for family members, of deposited USF students, 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 your student’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 your family. 

Graphic of the Parent and Family Bulletin

Participate in Opening Weekend Activities

Families are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities to explore campus resources and finalize any outstanding campus business. To learn about the activities offered, explore our Week of Welcome series.

Two students standing behind a table underneath a "Welcome to USF" banner assist students

Register and Attend Family & Friends Weekend

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!

A family of three poses for a photo with Rocky the Bull

Attend the Class Ring Ceremony

Students who've successfully completed at least 75 hours toward their degrees are eligible to purchase class rings. Students who order their ring 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.

Rows of class rings on a table

Attend Commencement

As your student comes to an end of their USF career, 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.

A family of four pose for a photo

Because of the geographic distribution of our campuses, USF supports our family members from three offices.