Communications

An update on off-campus housing initiatives

Dear USF community,

I am writing to fulfill a promise and update you on our actions to enhance safety for Bulls who live off campus. We have contacted nearly 50 off-campus housing providers to invite them to adopt best practices to support the safety and security of USF students. 

Off-campus property owners who adopt our standards will be able to market themselves as part of USF’s Off-Campus Housing Network. This outreach is a critical first step because while the university cannot control conditions in properties that are not owned or operated by USF, we can encourage property owners to work with us by voluntarily adopting elevated standards of safety and communication.  

To provide important context on this work, the following actions related to USF’s Off-Campus Housing Network and associated resources are being shared with both property owners and students:

  • The invitation to participate in our new Off-Campus Student Housing Initiative includes a direct email contact to facilitate and strengthen communication, enhance shared resources and promote alignment with broadly recognized safety practices that support student success.  
  • Included with our invitation to these off-campus housing providers is a comprehensive Safety Review Resource, developed by the USF Police Department.  This resource describes safety standards, such as building access, lighting, surveillance and cameras, emergency communications and resident safety practices.  
  • The university launched a USF Off-Campus Housing Resources website to provide a one-stop-shop where students can learn about how to select roommates, question landlords about services and safety, and how to reach support services if concerns arise with roommates or housing.

The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. While there is still more to do, I am encouraged by the collaboration and responsiveness we have already seen from off-campus housing providers and look forward to continuing this important work.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,
Moez Limayem, PhD
President