Student Success

Journey Towards Justice Maymester 2026

Instructors: Prof. Amber Odirende, Dr. Tangela Serls, Jordan Battle, Nicky Luckett
    
For priority consideration, apply by March 27, 2026. Application recieved after will be concidered. 

About the course

This Maymester course provides an in-depth examination of the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. with a focus on Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama, during the tumultuous 1960s. Through interdisciplinary perspectives, students will explore the historical, social, and psychological aspects of this pivotal era in American history. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of the movement, with a focus on its contemporary impact on sociopolitical structures, criminal justice system, and individual lives.

Students enrolled in Political Science, Africana Studies, and Criminology majors and minors will receive credit toward their degree. We are also working with History and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies to grant automatic credit for those programs. Other students may request credit toward their majors/minors with their respective departments. Otherwise, students will receive general elective credit for their participation in the course.

Visit the Civil Rights Trail in Alabama May 18-22, 2026

Pack your bags because this immersive experience will include a five-day trip to historic sites in Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, Alabama as part of the course, which will be funded by the USF Racial Justice Initiative.

Information sessions

Two information sessions will be held in early March. 

In-Person only
Date: March 04, 2026
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: FAO 270 (IBL Co-working space)

Hybrid (In-person and virtual)
Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: FAO 296 (IBL Seminar Room) / Teams Link

Apply Now

Priority deadline March 27, 2026.

Funding

The transportation, accommodations, and opening and closing dinners during the Civil Rights Trail in Alabama on May 2026 has been generously funded by the USF Racial Justice Initiative for all students accepted into the Journey Towards Justice Maymester 2026 course. Students who receive financial aid should consult with confirm tuition obligations with the Office of Financial Aid.