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!
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.
Click here to meet the Peer Coaches!
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Signature Programs: Throughout your first year at the 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 campus
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. Be a Bull. Take Charge. Go for the Gold!
Stay Connected
YOUR CAMPUS SUPPORT
Because of the geographic distribution of our campuses, USF supports our new students from three offices.
St. Petersburg campus: Visit the COMPASS Student Experience Office.
Tampa campus: Visit the Office of New Student Connections.
Sarasota-Manatee campus: Visit the Office of Student Engagement.