Students
First Year Experience
CONVOCATION
What is Convocation?
Convocation is the official university welcome for new students and has become a beloved
USF St. Petersburg campus tradition. During this inspiring event, the USF St. Petersburg
campus community comes together to kick off our students’ academic journey. All new
students, family members, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend; first-year students
are required to attend. Students who participate in the ceremony will receive a USF
St. Petersburg campus memento symbolizing their commitment to graduate in four years.
Make sure you use #USFSPConvocation to share your experience!
Ceremony Details – Fall Convocation – Stay tuned for information regarding our first-ever
virtual Convocation! Details to come.
PEER COACHING
The Peer Coaching program is a mentorship program that connects First Time in College
students with a student leader on campus known as a Peer Coach. Peer Coaches are
experienced USF St. Petersburg campus students who serve on the staff of the Compass
Student Experience Office. As student leaders, Peer Coaches work with a team of professional
staff members to provide educational and leadership development opportunities for
the USF St. Petersburg campus student body. Peer Coaches provide guidance for students
to succeed at USF St. Petersburg campus through one-on-one coaching and the Network.
THE NETWORK
The Network consists of a variety of interest groups that you can join to make connections
with other students who share that interest, hobby, or passion of yours. Each Network
is led by Peer Coaches who will help you connect in group activities as well as one-on-one
with other new students. Through regular meetings throughout the semester, the Network
provides flexible opportunities for you to develop meaningful connections and successfully
transition to college and to life as a Bull by the Bay.
- Meet People: The Network is a great way to meet students who share a similar interest, passion, or common experience.
- Make USF Your Home: By attending events, you can make USF St. Petersburg campus feel like home in no time. It is our hope that you feel like you truly belong here starting during your very first week at USF St. Petersburg campus.
- Get Involved: If you aren’t quite sure which of USF St. Petersburg's many student organizations is right for you, The Network is a great place to start! You can start to experience what USF St. Petersburg campus has to offer by getting involved with a variety of campus activities and making connections with both new and returning students.
- Join the Network
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Signature Programs: Throughout your first year at USF St. Petersburg campus, our office
will be offering a variety of programming options that promote student success and
help with navigating the transition to college.
Compass Adventures: Compass Adventures are peer-led activities off-campus that help new students build
connections with their peers and develop an understanding of the St. Petersburg Community.
The events are planned throughout the academic year.
Go for the Gold Workshop Series: The COMPASS Go for the Gold workshop series will provide Bulls with all the tools
they need to succeed. With specific tracks for first-year, second-year, and transfer
students, Bulls will have personalized support in a workshop format. Through this
series, we will cover topics that support students' academic, professional, and personal
growth. By attending at least six workshops throughout the semester, students will
receive giveaways that help them showcase their Bulls pride. Be a Bull. Take Charge.
Go for the Gold!
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