For nearly every milestone in USF’s story, Melissa Armstrong knows there’s probably a pin that marks the moment. And at this moment, she's accepting pin donations. Email marmstrong3@usf.edu if you want to help her collect them all. If you or someone you know has an incredible “office find” to share, tell us about it!
Bold Bulls
USF Police K9 Units
While most USF employees can leave their work at a desk, in a folder or on a computer, USF Police Department Cpl. Chad Hill’s partner, Alma, rarely leaves his side. As a K9 handler in the department’s Special Operations Division, Hill’s work with Alma, an Explosive Ordinance Detection canine, is a 24/7 commitment that blurs the line between career and family.
Cpl. Chad Hill and K9 Alma conduct pre-event sweeps before a USF football game.
The K9 Unit, which has expanded to five teams since 2019, provides two critical specialized services to the USF community and our neighbors throughout the Tampa Bay area: detection (narcotics and explosives) and therapy. While Alma and her peers sweep arenas before major concerts and games to ensure safety, K9s like Bailey and St. Pete’s Snowbird act as "mental health crusaders," breaking the tension for students and staff facing high-stress situations.
USFPD K9 Snowbird is trained to bring comfort and provide emotional support to the USF St. Petersburg campus community.
Handlers must complete a rigorous selection process that requires incredible patience and humility. "The dog doesn't take a day off, even at home," Hill notes, emphasizing a level of responsibility that most people don't expect. Despite the constant vigilance and the high-pitched "goofy" praise required to motivate their partners, the bond is unbreakable.
(left) Officer Frankie Rodriguez-Soto and K9 Scout practice locating target odors. (right) USFPD Sgt. Mark Aristizabal trains K9 Toro at the Tampa International Airport (2024).
Over the past six years, the K9 teams have responded to nearly 1,000 calls for service and earned numerous awards. We are grateful for the tireless dedication of these officers and their four-legged partners who keep our campuses secure and our spirits high. Their commitment to community-oriented policing makes USF’s K9 Units true Bold Bulls!
Eligible USF employees may apply for the Dependent Tuition Remission Program (DTRP) for the 2026–2027 academic year during the following application periods:
March 30–May 8 July 20–Aug. 14
The program covers in-state undergraduate tuition for one eligible dependent (child, spouse or domestic partner) enrolled in courses at USF. Participants must submit a course request form each semester by the published deadlines. For eligibility details and questions, please visit DTRP, email benefits@usf.edu or call 813-974-2970, option No. 2.
EXCLUSIVE WEBINAR - Microsoft Forms: Fundamentals + Copilot Premium
May 1|10-11 a.m.
In this webinar, discover how to use Microsoft Forms to collect feedback, conduct assessments and manage data. The first half of the webinar will cover how to use Forms, and the second half will dive into the features available to users with an M365 Copilot (Premium) license. Click here to register.
Coffee & Copilot - Community Chat and Showcase
This is a monthly, interactive and discussion-driven chat where Copilot users bring questions and share their experiences. Whether you’re actively using Copilot or just starting to explore it, this is a space to learn from each other, talk openly about successes and challenges and suggest what you’d like to see next.
Giving Week runs until April 10, and there are more than 35 causes to support. Click here to learn more. Gifts of all sizes make a difference in the lives of USF students.
One Safety Minute: Fire safety starts with you
🔥 Fire safety isn’t just about alarms and extinguishers, it’s about everyday awareness. Take one minute to check:
Do you know two ways out of your building?
Is your workspace free of overloaded power strips or damaged cords?
Are exits, hallways and fire extinguishers clear and accessible?
If you discover a blocked exit, a missing ceiling tile or fire hazard, report it immediately. Small actions prevent big emergencies. Knowing your exits and keeping pathways clear could make all the difference. Stay aware. Stay prepared. Stay safe. 🔥 Learn more
Sick Leave Pool
April is the open enrollment month for USF’s Sick Leave Pool. The SLP program allows members to contribute hours from their accrued sick leave to a central pool that members can draw upon to remain in a paid status for a specified period of time due to a serious, short-term medical condition after exhausting their own leave.
April showers bring May flowers – Small fraud drips bring major losses
Fraud rarely starts with a dramatic event. Instead, it often begins withsmall drips, subtle, easy-to-miss indicators embedded in daily academic and administrative work. Just like early spring showers, these minor red flags are warning signs of something much bigger on the horizon. Read the monthly Fraud Flash Report, brought to you by the Office of Internal Audit.
Phishing, Vishing and Quishing – How hackers are using AI tools
April 22 | 2-3 p.m.
Learn how attackers use artificial intelligence to supercharge phishing emails, voice-based "vishing" scams and QR-code "quishing" attacks. This fraud awareness webinar is brought to you by the Office of Internal Audit. Register
Seeking faculty and staff volunteers
Be part of one of USF’s proudest traditions -- commencement! Faculty and staff are invited to support our graduates from May 7-10 by serving as ceremony marshals or joining the platform party. Details and registration information are provided here. The deadline to register is April 17.
Featured Events
America 250: A Discussion with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier
April 10|5:30-7 p.m. Patel Center for Global Solutions (CGS) – Auditorium 11710 USF Genshaft Drive, Tampa, FL 33620
The College of Engineering invites you and your family to attend the Engineering Expo. Experience hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative student projects and stage presentations, including NASA discussing the Artemis II mission. The event is free and open to the public.Learn more
USF Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Festival
April 11-12 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m. USF Botanical Gardens 12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
Tickets are $10 at the door. Employees get early access starting at 8:30 a.m. (USF ID required). Bring the family and shop a wide selection of rare, native and exotic plants. Connect with local growers and plant experts. Browse artisan vendors with handcrafted goods. Several food trucks will be on site. Learn more and get tickets.
Bulls & Brews by the Bay
April 17|5-8 p.m. USF St. Petersburg Waterfront
Wine, hard seltzer and non-alcoholic options.
Bulls & Brews by the Bay is back for another unforgettable evening of community, connection and cause overlooking USF St. Petersburg’s beautiful waterfront. Enjoy live music from USF student musicians, delicious food, backyard games and craft beer from local breweries, including pours that highlight our Brewing Arts program. All proceeds directly benefit scholarships for USF St. Petersburg students. Get tickets
Spring football game
April 19|3:30 p.m. Corbett Stadium
The spring football game is around the corner. Come out for a fun Sunday afternoon checking out Head Coach Brian Hartline’s first team that includes many returners you know as well as 58 new Bulls. Grab a bite from Tampa's finest food trucks and enjoy several activations around Corbett Stadium as USF football prepares for its 30th season this fall. Everyone in attendance will have the historic opportunity to sign a beam that will be installed in the new on-campus stadium. Tickets are limited. Get them before they sell out. Get tickets now
Spring cleaning? Help a student suit up: Suit-A-Bull
Commencement is fast approaching, and students are on the hunt for jobs. Professional clothing, which can be expensive, is essential for students attending job fairs and participating in interviews. Donate gently worn business clothing to Suit-A-Bull to help students take that crucial first step into the professional world. Learn more
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For reasonable disability accommodations requests pertaining to this announcement, pleasecontact one of our offices.
