FAQ

Q: When does the law requiring facilities to be transferred from USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College take effect?

A: The law takes effect on July 1, 2026. However, USF students and employees should continue with business as usual until otherwise notified. More information will be shared as plans are finalized and details are confirmed.  

Q: Who is working on the transition planning?

A:

USF leadership has been in contact with New College of Florida and will collaborate with them to implement the requirements outlined in state law.
The Sarasota-Manatee Teach-Out Task Force will focus on academic continuity, student success, accreditation requirements and operational planning necessary to ensure students can complete their degrees and continue receiving the support services they need throughout the teach-out period. Kaushik Dutta and Cindy DeLuca will co-chair this task force.
The Sarasota-Manatee Transition Advisory Working Group will advise university leadership on faculty and staff transition planning, shared governance, communication, operational matters and cross-campus equity. Jess Grosholz and Jean Kabongo will serve as co-chairs for this working group.
An Operations Task Force will work on issues related to technology, facilities and other operational areas as assets are transitioned to New College of Florida. Jennifer Fleischman will lead this group.

Each group plays a distinct but complementary role in the transition.

Q: Will a taskforce be set up to formulate and implement a successful transition plan?

A: Yes: https://www.usf.edu/sm-information/index.aspx

Q: What is the status of USF’s Joint Transfer Agreement and Facility Use Agreement with New College?

A: Agreements were presented to the USF Board of Trustees on June 17 and can be found here.

Q: Will USF continue to refer to Sarasota-Manatee as a campus after July 1?

A: No, the campus will be owned by New College of Florida. As of July 1, 2026, USF will phase out references to the Sarasota-Manatee campus and having three campuses. The university will continue to operate two campuses, one in Tampa and one in St. Petersburg..

Beginning July 1 and continuing through the end of the teach-out, the former campus should be referred to as the USF Sarasota-Manatee teach-out site.

Q: When will branding change on the campus from USF to New College?

A: In the short term after July 1, USF spaces will remain branded USF. Areas that are not being used by USF and common areas may start to be rebranded. Major permanent signage will not change until after New College assumes the debt for the residence hall, which New College is legally required to do by Dec. 31, 2026.

Q: USF has indicated it will still be a strong partner for the Sarasota-Manatee community. What presence will USF maintain in the community after July 1?

A: USF leadership will continue to reach out to different stakeholders to work together to determine how the university can continue to help the region’s growth. How this will take shape is still to be determined as conversations continue. As one example, USF expects to continue to assign nursing students to healthcare facilities in the Sarasota-Manatee area.

Community leaders in the Sarasota-Manatee region received outreach from the USF Center for Career & Professional Development in June.

Q: How can I request security assistance at Sarasota-Manatee?

A:

Telephone number – (941) 993-8548 (24 hours non-emergency number -*@ midnight this telephone number connects directly to New College of Florida Police Dispatch)
New College Police Department Police Dispatcher – (941) 487-4210
Emergency – 911
Security Office Email: SAR-CampusSecurity@usf.edu
Security Office (Walk-ins) - Room B131
Security Office Hours – (7 AM to Midnight -Monday – Saturday)/(8 AM to Midnight – Sunday) -these are the hours a USF Security Officer is physically on campus; *If the office door is closed, call the Security Office number for assistance.

Q: How can I request IT assistance at Sarasota-Manatee?

A:

Phone: 813-974-HELP
Email: help@usf.edu
Chatbot: https://itchat.usf.edu/
Walk-up: SMC A308

Q: Will I continue to be a student at USF after July 1, 2026, when the law takes effect?

A: Yes. USF students enrolled at the Sarasota-Manatee campus prior to July 1 must get the highest priority for classroom and educational space use in the transferred facilities.

Q: Will I be able to continue taking classes at USF Sarasota-Manatee?

A: Students who enrolled at USF will have the opportunity to finish their desired academic program as USF students taught by USF faculty.  The teach-out is expected to be a multi-year process.

Q: Will I still be able to access the facilities on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus?

A: Yes. While the ownership of the real estate associated with the campus must be transferred from USF’s Board of Trustees to New College’s Board of Trustees on July 1, 2026, USF will receive first priority to continue using academic spaces on the campus during the teach-out process.

Q: What will change starting July 1, 2026?

A: July 1 marks the date on which ownership of the land and buildings transfers to New College of Florida and new students will no longer be admitted to USF Sarasota-Manatee. It does not mean that on July 1 the campus is shutting down, classes are ending or employees are losing access to their offices and equipment.

Summer and fall classes and student services at the Sarasota-Manatee campus will continue as planned. When space is not being used by USF, such as if a classroom is unoccupied for a day or a period of time, we expect New College will begin to use those spaces in coordination with USF.

Q: Can I choose to switch my classes to a different USF campus?

A: Yes. If you are interested in continuing classes at USF in Tampa or St. Petersburg, please contact SMStudentInfo@usf.edu.

Q: What is a teach-out?

A: A teach-out means that students who enrolled at USF prior to July 1, 2026 will have the opportunity to finish their desired academic program as USF students taught by USF faculty in Sarasota-Manatee. 

Q: How long will the teach-out process last?

A: The law requires the teach-out process to continue for up to four years so that any student who was admitted to the USF Sarasota-Manatee before July 1, 2026, has the opportunity to complete their USF degree program at the Sarasota-Manatee campus. The length of a teach-out will vary by program based on demand. For example, if an individual program no longer has any students in Sarasota-Manatee after two years, the teach-out for that program will end at that time.

Q: Will my USF parking permit work after July 1?

A: Yes. If there is any change to parking, students and employees will be notified in advance.

Q: Will the library in Sarasota-Manatee remain open after July 1?

A: Yes, the library will remain in service as long as there are students on campus participating in the teach-out process.

Q: What will happen with events for both internal and external partners that are currently scheduled past July 1?

A: Any event that has already been scheduled will be honored. New event requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis with USF students getting top priority. USF will continue to coordinate with New College on use of space.

Q: Will New College start to use the campus for events starting July 1?

A: Yes, however the law requires that USF will maintain priority with use of space for the teach-out. USF will continue to coordinate with New College on use of space.

Q: Which spaces on campus will be used by USF, which will be used by New College, and which will be shared spaces?

A: The Operations Task Force, in partnership with USF Facilities, university leadership and the Teach-Out Task Force, has been actively developing a space utilization plan that prioritizes the academic and operational needs of our students, faculty and staff, while also supporting the shared occupancy with New College of Florida.

Maps outlining space assignments between USF and New College for the Fall 2026 semester can be accessed here, and additional wayfinding resources are currently being created.

More details, which were provided in an update message on July 10, can be found here.

Space needs will continue to evolve throughout the teach-out period. Future space assignments will be evaluated and coordinated each semester in alignment with academic programming and operational requirements. As those updates occur, the maps will continue to be modified, and information will continue to be shared with faculty and staff in Sarasota-Manatee as appropriate.

If you have questions about related items, such as moving, boxes, or logistics, please email SAR-RelocationInfo@usf.edu.

Q: What resources will still be available for students in fall 2026?

A: As part of USF's commitment to helping students successfully complete their degree, students continue to have access to a wide range of resources in Sarasota-Manatee including:

Your academic advisor, who is available to help you stay on track toward graduation (view advisors or make appointments here).
In-person tutoring and other Academic Success Center resources in SMC B203 (learn more here). Online tutoring is also available (learn more here).
The Center for Career & Professional Development is available, assisting with personalized career plans, career pathways, job preparation and more (view hours and services here).
The Sarasota-Manatee Library remains open (view hours here).
Health and Wellness services are available, offering counseling and a variety of health or advocacy services in SMC A107 (view hours here).
Technology services, the Bloomberg Lab, help desk, desktop support, access to virtual apps and the on-site help desk in A303 (learn more here).
The Financial Aid Office remains open (access website here) and can help with financial aid and other questions as you prepare for the semester.
The Veterans Success Center offers a variety of location-specific services and is available to help connect veterans with university-wide programming (access the website here).
The Fitness Center remains available for fitness programming and equipment rentals, and the outdoor courts are still open (learn more here).

Q: How will someone who is scheduled to live on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus for the 2026-27 academic year be impacted?

A: New College is required to honor any existing residence hall contracts already in place with USF students until at least August 15, 2027. If a USF student voluntarily opts to vacate the residential contract before its expiration date, New College must allow the student to go free of any cancellation fee or remaining rental charge. Residential students with further questions should contact USF Housing and Residential Education: sar-housing@usf.edu.

Q: Will I continue to be employed by USF after July 1, 2026, when the law takes effect?

A: Yes. The opportunity and resources to retain our people was, and is, USF's highest priority.

Q: Do I need to vacate my office or workspace by July 1, 2026, when the law is scheduled to take effect?

A: No. USF employees should continue with business as usual until otherwise notified. More details will be shared as plans are finalized in discussions with New College. The law requires that USF receive highest priority to the facilities during the teach-out process.

Q: What will change starting July 1, 2026?

A: July 1 marks the date on which ownership of the land and buildings transfers to New College of Florida and new students will no longer be admitted to USF Sarasota-Manatee. It does not mean that on July 1 the campus is shutting down, classes are ending or employees are losing access to their offices and equipment.

Summer and fall classes and student services at the Sarasota-Manatee campus will continue as planned. When space is not being used by USF, such as if a classroom is unoccupied for a day or a period of time, we expect New College will begin to use those spaces in coordination with USF.

Q: Will I be required to relocate and how soon?

A: More details will be shared as plans are developed. Some faculty and staff will continue to work in Sarasota-Manatee as part of the teach-out process and as students continue to live in the residence hall. If relocation is required in the future, USF is committed to providing support to our employees who need it.

Q: All employees are being retained, but will my compensation change?

A: No. USF will maintain the same base compensation for faculty and staff from the Sarasota-Manatee campus.

Q: All employees are being retained, but after the teach-out needs are met, will my responsibilities change?

A: Base compensation will remain the same for faculty and staff from the Sarasota-Manatee campus. However, job responsibilities may change based on the needs of each individual department. Any changes in responsibilities would be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Q: If I am transferred to the Tampa or St. Petersburg campus, will there be workspace for me on that campus?

A: Yes, USF will identify space for Sarasota-Manatee campus employees transferring to a different campus.

Q: Would USF consider offering a USF Sarasota-Manatee employee an exit incentive package if they do not want to transfer to a different campus?

A: USF is working on an exit incentive program for faculty and staff who are not interested in a reassignment to the Tampa or St. Petersburg campus. This would only be for eligible employees who choose to participate. Details are forthcoming, with an expectation that eligible employees will make an election to participate in September.

Q: Can USF Sarasota-Manatee employees transfer to remote positions?

A: USF will continue to follow its flexible work policy. The expectation is that faculty, staff and administrators are available for in-person work on a regular basis. The university values the in-person experience for students, faculty and staff.

Q: Will shared governance be part of the transition process?

A: Yes, USF remains committed to shared governance.

Q: What will happen to equipment, such as my computer, during and after the teach-out process?

A: The university will retain its equipment. The legislation states that, "any intellectual property, intangible property, educational and research equipment that is not permanently affixed to the facilities, computers and other equipment previously assigned to personnel remaining in employment with the University of South Florida, records, and any institutional insignia or items that have historical significance to the University of South Florida which are not specifically associated with the parcels of land or facilities that will be transferred shall remain the property of the board of trustees of the University of South Florida."

Q: Should the team begin formal coordination with New College representatives on transfer of scheduled events and responsibilities?

A: Please route these items through the Operations Task Force who is keeping a list of known scheduled events for discussion.

Q: Will someone from former USFSM handle inventory assets — recording transfers to New College, disposition of assets, or transfers to USF Tampa/St. Pete?

A: The Operations Task Force is coordinating asset/equipment transfer with the Office of General Counsel.

Q: Will there be assistance with moving equipment, file cabinets, etc., to transition locations?

A: Yes, the Operations Task Force is developing comprehensive space/moving plans.

Q: What if we have a facilities issue or question, ranging from access to certain rooms or areas, plumbing or other things not working properly after July 1? Who should we talk to?

A: Faculty & Staff can continue to request maintenance work order via FAMIS for facilities-related service requests for all buildings and locations on campus. Access to FAMIS is available through the MyUSF portal > Business Systems tab > Space Survey | Vehicle Requests (FAMIS). > Business Systems tab > Facilities Work Orders (FAMIS). For questions, please contact the Facilities Management Service Center at (941) 359-4637. Facilities emergencies (are life threatening, impacting major functions, significant property damage, or building-wide utilities issue) - please contact (941) 993-8548 available 24/7.

Q: Will my USF parking permit work after July 1?

A: Yes. If there is any change to parking, students and employees will be notified in advance. If someone purchases a permit and they are later reassigned to a different campus, they will not be double charged for parking.

Q: Will I need to do anything different to access my building starting July 1?

A: No. If there is any change to building access, students and employees will be notified in advance.

Q: If there is a hurricane, who is responsible for canceling classes?

A: The USF president determines if classes will be held in the event of a hurricane or any other emergency/public safety situation. This will continue during the teach-out.

Q: How will purchasing be done starting July 1?

A: During the Summer and Fall 2026 semesters, follow your normal procedures. Before the fall semester ends, guidance will be updated for those who will be remaining on campus.

Q: Will the library in Sarasota-Manatee remain open after July 1?

A: Yes, the library will remain in service as long as there are students on campus participating in the teach-out process.

Q: When will the teach-out plan be complete?

A: The first draft of a teach-out plan was delivered to the Teach-Out Task Force on June 29. The final plan is scheduled to be complete by mid-August.

Q: Will Sarasota-Manatee staff members stay with their current college or unit?

A: Staff members will be considered for their current and other available roles across the university. Each staff member will receive a survey as well as individual outreach from HR to discuss their options and preferences. Decisions will ultimately be made in consultation with HR and university leadership.

Q: How will staff be consulted about where they will be reassigned?

A: Staff members received a survey in June to gather more information about individual preferences on items such as preferred campus for reassignment. Through HR, meetings will be coordinated with individual employees to assess the available open positions on the Tampa or St. Petersburg campuses and determine the best fit. The university will try to accommodate preferences of employees, but may not be able to in every case. Decisions will ultimately be made in consultation with HR and university leadership.

Q: What will happen with events for both internal and external partners that are currently scheduled past July 1?

A: Any event that has already been scheduled will be honored. New event requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis with USF students getting top priority. USF will continue to coordinate with New College on use of space.

Q: Will New College start to use the campus for events starting July 1?

A: Yes, however the law requires that USF will maintain priority with use of space for the teach-out. USF will continue to coordinate with New College on use of space.

Q: Once I am reassigned to the Tampa or St. Petersburg campus will I receive mileage reimbursement for travel to my new home campus?

A: No, once an employee is reassigned to a primary workplace, they are ineligible for travel reimbursements to and from their primary workplace. The university is developing a relocation assistance program for employees who move their homes and exploring a separate one-time payment for employees changing their primary workplace. Details of both programs will be available soon.

Q: Will non-full-time employees from Sarasota-Manatee be retained, such as adjuncts, OPS and other temporary positions?

A: Adjunct and OPS employees make valuable contributions to USF on specific, temporary assignments. Temporary employees, such as adjuncts and OPS employees, are not guaranteed employment beyond the length of their current assignment. If no specific length of assignment is stated, then employment is at-will and may be ended at any time by the employee or the university. Adjunct and other temporary employees are encouraged to check with their managers about continuing opportunities in the teach-out or on another USF campus.

Q: Even though the exit incentive package is not finalized yet, what can you say about how it will be structured, who will be eligible and when I’ll have to decide whether to participate?

Key Program Features

Eligibility

All employees (faculty, staff, and administration) assigned to the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus as of the Program application deadline;
Exclusions:
- Employees who:
  - are in the final year of DROP;
  - have submitted notice of resignation/retirement prior to the Program announcement; or
  - have been issued a notice of nonreappointment, notice of termination, or other terminal employment contract.

Incentive Structure

19.5-week professional development leave (Spring 2027), with full base salary and benefits;

Separation Terms

Effective resignation date: May 6, 2027 (“Resignation Date”);
General release of claims by employee;
Agreements will include all required OWBPA-compliant language providing 21 days to consider the agreement and 7 days to revoke after signing, along with required disclosures regarding the decisional unit (Sarasota-Manatee campus), including ages and job titles of all employees eligible for the Program;
If alternate employment is secured before the Resignation Date, all University employment and compensation obligations will cease as of the start date of such employment;
No Future Employment - Agreements will include a provision prohibiting reemployment with the University following separation, ensuring program integrity and avoiding unintended reinstatement scenarios.

Proposed Timeline

Early September 2026: Program announcement (including a link to an FAQ developed in coordination with UCM) and launch of the application process;
Mid-September 2026: Application deadline;
Mid-September to October 1, 2026: Eligibility confirmation and distribution of agreements for review and signature;
Early November 2026: Final participant list established (following required review and revocation periods).

This timeline enables workforce planning and next-phase actions by allowing the University to identify participating employees sufficiently in advance of the Fall 2027 semester to provide notice of changes to principal place of employment (e.g., 9 months for faculty) to remaining employees.

Q: Which spaces on campus will be used by USF, which will be used by New College, and which will be shared spaces?

A: The Operations Task Force, in partnership with USF Facilities, university leadership and the Teach-Out Task Force, has been actively developing a space utilization plan that prioritizes the academic and operational needs of our students, faculty and staff, while also supporting the shared occupancy with New College of Florida.

Maps outlining space assignments between USF and New College for the Fall 2026 semester can be accessed here, and additional wayfinding resources are currently being created.

More details, which were provided in an update message on July 10, can be found here.

Space needs will continue to evolve throughout the teach-out period. Future space assignments will be evaluated and coordinated each semester in alignment with academic programming and operational requirements. As those updates occur, the maps will continue to be modified, and information will continue to be shared with faculty and staff in Sarasota-Manatee as appropriate.

If you have questions about related items, such as moving, boxes, or logistics, please email SAR-RelocationInfo@usf.edu.

Q: If a staff member already reports to a supervisor on either the Tampa or the St. Petersburg campus, can the supervisor move the staff member to one of the other two campuses now or do they need to wait for approval by university leadership?

A: The university is trying to match staff members with comparable positions on the Tampa or St. Petersburg campuses. To support this effort, a supervisor can transfer an employee to a vacant position in their area; however, the funding for the position will not transfer. Supervisors should still communicate with their colleagues in other university departments and units, including HR, regarding such changes for continuity of services and support.

Q: Will faculty and staff reassignments to a different campus occur at the same time or will they be done on separate timelines for each college or unit?

A: Reassignments are being communicated as decisions are made, which may occur at different times depending on the college, unit or position. Faculty reassignments, including office space needs, are being handled by deans in each college. Staff reassignments are being made in consultation with HR and university leadership, following a process that has included a survey and meetings with individual employees.

Q: With the proposed structure of the exit incentive program, if an employee chooses to participate, does it prohibit only full-time future employment with the university, or does it prohibit all future compensated relationships with USF, including adjunct teaching, grant-funded appointments, OPS employment, independent contractor/consulting agreements, or other research-related engagements?

A: Employees who take the retirement incentive are ineligible for rehire by the university in any capacity.

Q: What does it mean for an employee to be "needed for the teach-out?"

A: For example, a faculty member who teaches a course in Sarasota-Manatee is needed for the teach-out. A staff member who has a role in directly serving students in person is needed for the teach-out, such as advisors, campus recreation, career services or other resources that remain available for students in Sarasota-Manatee. These decisions are being made on a case-by-case basis. Supervisors who are unsure should consult with the appropriate channels for their areas, such as vice presidents and deans.

Q: Will exit incentive and position-matching opportunities remain available to employees who continue through the teach-out period?

A: An employee who is needed for the teach-out period will still be eligible for the exit incentive program. An employee who is needed for the teach-out and has not yet been reassigned would remain employed by USF and would be reassigned when their teach-out responsibilities are complete.

What is the purpose of the transition process?

The purpose is to provide impacted employees with a consistent, transparent process for receiving updates, understanding potential position matches and accessing support during the transition.

How will employees receive updates?

Impacted employees can expect regular communications throughout the transition. Updates may include confirmed decisions, upcoming dates, available resources, and next steps. If there are no major changes during a given period, employees may still receive a brief status update to maintain transparency.

Will there be opportunities to ask questions?

Yes. The transition plan includes campus visits and office hours from USF HR, providing employees with opportunities to ask questions, receive consistent information and get guidance. Some questions may require follow-up after leadership review or HR consultation.

How will position matching work?

HR and leadership will review available positions, employee information, business needs, and role requirements to identify potential matches. Employees will receive information about any proposed match, including relevant details such as duties, reporting structure, work arrangement, compensation and, when applicable, the anticipated start date.

What happens if I am not matched right away?

If an appropriate match is not identified during the initial review period, HR will work with the employee to determine next steps. These reviews will occur on a case-by-case basis and be reviewed by USF leadership.

What if I am offered a matched position and decide not to accept it?

Employees who receive a matched position will be given written information and a defined response window once leadership confirms the process. If an employee declines a reasonable match, HR will document the decision and clarify which transition options or additional support may remain available.

What support will be available during the transition?

Support may include regular updates, campus visits, office hours, one-on-one guidance, position-matching information, benefits-related guidance, and escalation support for unique circumstances. Additional resources will be shared as they are confirmed.

Who should I contact with questions about my individual situation?

Employees should use the designated HR or transition point of contact once confirmed. Supervisors will also receive guidance on routing employee questions and on ensuring employees receive consistent information. Use HR-SMSupport@usf.edu to contact the HR support team.

Q: Will faculty remain employed by USF after July 1, 2026?

A: Yes. USF faculty will continue to be employed by the university after the law takes effect.

Q: Will faculty continue teaching USF students at the Sarasota-Manatee campus after July 1, 2026?

A: Yes. As part of the multi-year teach-out process, students will have the option to complete their programs at the Sarasota-Manatee campus. Faculty teaching needs will align with the duration of active student cohorts in each program.

Q: How long will faculty be expected to support the teach-out?

A: The teach-out may last up to four years, depending on program demand. Faculty teaching needs will align with the duration of active student cohorts in each program. For example, if an individual program no longer has any students in Sarasota-Manatee after two years, the teach-out for that program will end at that time.

Q: Will faculty still have access to classrooms and campus facilities?

A: Yes. During the teach-out period, USF will have priority access to academic spaces at the Sarasota-Manatee campus to support instruction and student success.

Q: Will faculty need to relocate or teach at other USF campuses?

A: Faculty may have opportunities to teach at USF campuses in Tampa or St. Petersburg, depending on instructional needs and individual arrangements, as students are allowed to continue their studies at other campuses.

Q: How will this impact my tenure and promotion?

A: The 2026-2027 tenure and promotion processes are already underway, and the campus transfer will not impact this process. Individualized assessments will be made if individual circumstances warrant consideration of tenure clock extensions, consistent with existing USF policies.

Q: What if I want to retire early?

A: USF is working on an exit incentive program for faculty and staff who are not interested in a reassignment to the Tampa or St. Petersburg campus. This would only be for eligible employees who choose to participate. Details are forthcoming, with an expectation that eligible employees will make an election to participate in September.

Q: What should faculty do now?

A: Faculty should continue normal teaching and service activities. Additional guidance will be shared as college and department plans are finalized.

Q: Will my USF parking permit work after July 1?

A: Yes. If there is any change to parking, students and employees will be notified in advance. If someone purchases a permit and they are later reassigned to a different campus, they will not be double charged for parking.

Q: Will I need to do anything different to access my building starting July 1?

A: No. If there is any change to building access, students and employees will be notified in advance.

Q: If there is a hurricane, who is responsible for canceling classes?

A: The USF president determines if classes will be held in the event of a hurricane or any other emergency/public safety situation. This will continue during the teach-out.

Q: How will purchasing be done starting July 1?

A: During the Summer and Fall 2026 semesters, follow your normal procedures. Before the fall semester ends, guidance will be updated for those who will be remaining on campus.

Q: Will the library in Sarasota-Manatee remain open after July 1?

A: Yes, the library will remain in service as long as there are students on campus participating in the teach-out process.

Q: When will the teach-out plan be complete?

A: The first draft of a teach-out plan was delivered to the Teach-Out Task Force on June 29. The final plan is scheduled to be complete by mid-August.

Q: What plans are in place to address tenure track and tenured faculty for lost productivity during this transition time?

A: These instances will be treated on a case-by-case basis. Individualized assessments will be made if individual circumstances warrant consideration of tenure clock extensions, consistent with existing USF policies. Anyone in this situation should contact the Provost’s Office as soon as possible.