Regardless of the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic threw at USF Health and University of South Florida, the halls and common areas of the campus are filled with students excited to begin their school year on campus, August 23, 2021.
“We are excited for our return to activity across our beautiful campuses,” said Rhea Law, interim USF System President, in a recent welcome letter. “I have a lot of faith in our Bull nation. It’s critical that we take steps to prioritize the health and safety of our community.Doing our part, we can ensure a healthy and productive semester for all.”
In a recent townhall with USF and USF Health leadership, Donna Petersen, ScD, MHS, CPH, dean of the USF Health College of Public Health and director of the USF COVID-19 Task Force, emphasized that preventive measures, such as staying socially distant, wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, and ensuring anyone who isn’t feeling well doesn’t come to campus, have proven to be the most effective means to help curb the spread of the virus in addition to the vaccine.
Students should feel safe and informed with the many resources and information the campus has compiled to help make Fall 2021 a success. USF Health leaders and experts have emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated. Those who aren’t vaccinated can get the vaccine free of charge. For more information, visit www.usf.edu/vaccine-info. Returning students can access essential information to begin the semester on USF’s Return to Campus website at www.usf.edu/coronavirus.
Check out these stats on incoming students to some of USF Health programs
School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Doctor of Physical Therapy:
- 50 new students – 29 male, 21 female
- 18 students completed undergraduate degrees out of state
- Overall GPA – 3.73
- 20% underrepresented minority
Professional Athletic Training:
- 22 new students – 5 male, 17 female. Includes 2 international students (Japan). Recognized as one of the largest cohorts in program history
- 8 students completed undergraduate degrees out of state
- 32% underrepresented minority
Taneja College of Pharmacy
- 93 new students
- 32% first-generation college graduate
- 48% received undergraduate or master’s degree at USF
College of Public Health – 769 new students (all programs)
Largest Cohorts:
- Undergraduate – BS in Health Services Support – 391
- Graduate – Masters in Public Health – 243
- Doctoral – Doctor of Public Health – 20
Morsani College of Medicine Graduate Programs
- 331 new students (213 female, 118 male)
- 111 students completed undergraduate degrees out of state
- Average GPA: 3.36
USF College of Nursing 469 new students (all programs)
- Graduate – 292 (245 female, 47 male)
- Undergraduate – 177 (158 female, 19 male)
- 426 students are Florida residents
Additional Resources
Student Tool Kit: https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/index.aspx
Vaccine Clinic Information: https://www.usf.edu/coronavirus/returning-to-campus/vaccinations.aspx
COVID-19 News: https://www.usf.edu/news/listing.aspx?category=COVID-19
