News

Global Crises Resources

International crisis events concern the USF community deeply, and USF is dedicated to offering our students access to resources that support their continued success at the university. USF recognizes that members of the university community may be affected by global crisis events in different ways.  Whether you are a student, faculty, or staff member, it’s important to know that USF offers resources for those who feel impacted.

Student Academic Resources

Academic advisors and advocates are available to assist students experiencing academic stressors, needing to declare or change a major, view registration tutorials, etc. If you need assistance, please visit the Student Academic Resources page for information related to your specific campus.

Feed-A-Bull Food Pantries

Feed-A-Bull is the confidential Tampa campus food pantry available to enrolled students to address food insecurity by providing supplemental food to students in need, as well as education and resources to students related to purchasing and preparing balanced food on a budget. Food pantries are operated on all University of South Florida campuses; students may utilize the campus pantry most convenient for them.

Student Counseling and Ombuds Office

The USF Counseling Center stands ready to support students in need. Those affected may access walk-in counseling services at the Counseling Center in SVC 2124 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8am to 4pm. Please note that the USF Counseling Center is closed from 12pm-1pm daily for lunch. Counselors are also available to speak with students using their 24-hour number: (813) 974-2831. To speak with a licensed counselor after hours, press 3. For online support, USF Togetherall support can be accessed here.

The USF Student Ombuds Office can help you when you have any concern about USF (policies, processes, personnel, etc.). We do all of this while maintaining our ethics of informality, impartiality, independence and confidentiality. The ombuds will listen to your concerns and provide guidance on a continuum of resolution processes available to you. They can clarify policies and procedures, discuss avenues for disputing grades or other decisions, listen when you feel you have been treated unfairly, and help you manage challenging relationships with faculty or staff members. The ombuds also works closely with USF decision makers to address systemic issues affecting students. There are campus-based ombuds liaisons at the USF St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee campuses. You can learn more about scheduling appointments on any campus (or virtually) by contacting the office at 813-974-0835 or ombuds@usf.edu

financial support

If you would like to support USF’s international students by donating to our International Student Support Fund directly, you can do so here. Donations help to support students struggling to pay for everyday expenses such as apartment rent, utilities, household supplies, transportation, and in some cases, travel costs.

external resources if you want to help

When global events affect students, staff, and faculty at home, USF World often receives questions about where people can donate or otherwise offer their assistance. This page is designed to help those in the greater Tampa Bay area identify vetted organizations and funds that offer resources to those who are most affected by unexpected natural disasters, armed conflict, and disease outbreak.

Check to see if your country is now listed under Special Student Relief.