Dear off-campus housing managers,
Over the past month, our way of life has changed dramatically due to the impact of COVID-19’s rapid spread worldwide. This is especially true for students of the University of South Florida, who have had to quickly adapt to a new way of learning and interacting with their peers and professors remotely. Many of our students and their families are also experiencing sudden and unexpected financial hardships due to impacts from the coronavirus.
As directed by the Florida Board of Governors and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, USF and all other public state universities shifted to remote instruction for the duration of the spring semester. USF has also elected to continue online instruction throughout the summer. We have directed all students who could leave campus and return home to do so, and have announced to USF residents that we will refund rent starting March 23 through the remainder of their housing agreement. These difficult decisions were made in the best interest of our campus and surrounding community, keeping the health and wellness of our students, faculty, staff and affiliates as our first priority.
We recognize that while USF does not have authority to direct students to vacate their private residences, many are electing to do so out of an abundance of caution, based on the guidance of university and government officials. This is why we are respectfully asking apartment and housing managers in the USF area to consider granting early lease terminations and flexibility with rent payment plans, security deposits and guarantees on a case-by-case basis.
We empathize with the significant disruptions your business is also undoubtedly facing during this crisis, and we are grateful for your continued partnership. We know that you share our concern for the students we serve and the community at large.
Thank you for your consideration and for your continued support of USF.
Sincerely,
Steve Currall
President and Professor