As the University of South Florida (USF) begins the 2025–26 academic year, several new initiatives and changes are being introduced across campus. These updates span dining, academics, athletics, health services, sustainability efforts, and student engagement.
The USF Bookstore is expanding its merchandise selection with brands such as LaFavre, Cameron J., and Lululemon. Additional products from Pro Standard, Horn Legend, Hype and Vice, Peter Millar, Adidas, and Branded Bills will also be available.
Dining on campus is now managed by Chartwells Higher Education under the name USF Dining. The provider emphasizes wellness-focused meals prepared from scratch and accommodates a variety of dietary needs. Existing food outlets like Chick-fil-A and Starbucks remain in place. New features include Evolution Kitchen and Bay Features—highlighting local culinary traditions—and expanded salad bars at The Hub, Juniper, and the Nest. Mobile ordering has been added for convenience.
Local Restaurant Row has been replaced by Bay Features on both Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses to showcase local restaurants such as Jerk Hut, Wing Boyz, and Blackjack Pizza. The Sarasota-Manatee campus introduces Evolution Kitchen, Ghost Kitchen, and Market Go.
On the St. Petersburg campus, a partnership with Duke Energy is supporting sustainability through new electric vehicle charging stations and recycling bins in residence halls. Duke Energy is also investing in environmental education programs for students.
In athletics, Bryan Hodgson joins as head coach for men’s basketball after leading Arkansas State to consecutive 20-win seasons and earning recognition as a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award for top first-year head coach. Levy will now manage food services at athletic venues with an emphasis on nutrition for student-athletes and improved fan experiences at events.
USF’s beach volleyball team begins its inaugural season this spring under head coach Pri Piantadosi-Lima. The team will compete in Conference USA.
Academically, USF opens the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing—the first college of its kind in Florida—to offer degrees in artificial intelligence along with a graduate certificate in “AI and Everyday Impact.” According to USF officials: “It aims to position Florida as a global leader and economic engine in AI, cybersecurity, and computing education and research by fostering interdisciplinary innovation and ethical technology development through strong industry and government partnerships.”
The Vinik Sport & Entertainment Management Program has merged with the School of Hospitality & Tourism Management to form the School of Hospitality & Sport Management to enhance academic offerings.
New degree programs have launched in aerospace engineering (College of Engineering), exercise science/kinesiology (College of Education), health/nutrition science (College of Public Health), design (College of Design Art & Performance), FinTech (Muma College of Business), as well as graduate certificates in AI Teaching/Learning (College of Education) and Applied Lifestyle Medicine Health Coaching (College of Public Health).
Levi Thompson has been appointed dean of the College of Engineering following his tenure at the University of Delaware.
USF Libraries Digital Collections have grown by 92,000 items this year including archives transferred from other institutions such as ornithological research records from the University of New Mexico.
The USF Herbarium—one of the largest collections in Florida—has moved into the USF Libraries building where it remains accessible to students and researchers.
Campus safety sees an increase with two new explosives detection dogs joining University Police alongside a narcotics detection dog after K9 Krege’s passing earlier this year.
A Working Bulls Sick Clinic has opened to provide acute care services for faculty/staff weekdays from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., while TimelyCare continues offering virtual mental health support around-the-clock for students.
This fall marks Wellness Week on Tampa campus from Oct. 27–31 featuring activities focused on mental/physical/sexual health organized by multiple departments.
A free hearing screening clinic will be held Aug. 27 through collaboration between Student Health/Wellness Center and Speech-Language/Audiology Clinics.
Four murals created by student artists now decorate various buildings across campus: Eva Davis at Argos Center; Anne Nobrega at Bookstore Café/Juniper Hall; Teo Tavares at Student Services Building vending area.
To mark USF’s 70th anniversary since its founding in 1956, New Student Connections is launching “First 56,” an engagement campaign designed to help new students transition during their initial weeks on campus through events beginning Aug. 21 with Week of Welcome celebrations continuing until Oct. 16.
