University of South Florida (Tampa, St. Petersburg: credit, homes, neighborhood)

[sto1986]

Can anyone tell what USF is like? Does it have a good art program? Is there a good art community in Tampa? How safe is Tampa? Is Tampa LGBT friendly?

[kelly3120]

art community is pretty strong and growing. The school is upgrading but the art department and music department are last on the list. The school has a active art and music school.
contact the art department and ask for a tour.
best of luck

[InLuvWitFlo]

I have lots of friends L/G who really enjoy this area, they always seem to have lots going on.

[Lisa Build 'N Green]

USF's Contemporary Art Museum / Institute for Research in Art and Graphics Studio is recognized by the State as a major cultural institution and attracts visiting artists from all over the world. Go to their website:
USF Graphicstudio | Institute for Research in Art

The City of Tampa is GLBT friendly (annually hosts the GLBT Film Festival).If you are going to USF, definitely check out Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop on Busch Blvd (very close by). If you're looking for a place to live I am an advocate of the Terrace Park neighborhood, where I am the Secretary of the Civic Association and build green homes.We have a very diverse neighborhood and lots of housing choices.Good luck!

[sto1986]

Thanks.

[BucFan]

Attended USF for two years - business program. Switched schools in favor of a smaller university. Didn't like what seemed like a 300:1 student to instructor ratio in some of my classes (calculus, economics, etc). I don't know if your program will have the same numbers. USF has a huge population and you can get lost in it.

[sto1986]

What I'm really looking at is the graduate school. USF is a really large university, esp. compared to the university I'm coming from (which has a population of 3000 students). It seems like USF has a lot to offer though.

I'm hoping from what I've read, that there is a lot less people in graduate programs. What I mean is there won't be thousands of people in it. From what I've heard there's usually less than a hundred. I don't know if this true about USF.

[katleigh]

Graduate classes are much smaller than undergrad. I went to a small undergrad university and to USF for my masters and there were no differences in class size.

I'd estimate that in most of my classes I probably had anywhere from 15 - 30 students. (this was in the education dept)

Originally Posted by sto1986

What I'm really looking at is the graduate school. USF is a really large university, esp. compared to the university I'm coming from (which has a population of 3000 students). It seems like USF has a lot to offer though.

I'm hoping from what I've read, that there is a lot less people in graduate programs. What I mean is there won't be thousands of people in it. From what I've heard there's usually less than a hundred. I don't know if this true about USF.

[bentlebee]

I don't want to spoil this thread but I think it is only honest to let you know that USF is under probation.


USF St. Petersburg not perturbed by probation

USF St. Petersburg not perturbed by probation - News

Academic Probation and Academic Dismissal for Undergraduate Students

USF Probation/Dismissal/Hold Policies

[sto1986]

It's good to know. It says it only applies to the St Petersburg campus, and they have two years to correct it.

"Though the accreditation issue relates only to the St. Petersburg campus, USF Tampa plans to work along-side USFSP to get the issue resolved, said Vice President of Communications Michael Hoad."