Ever tried to call a repair technician from the middle of the Gulf? For Lauren Hearn, a marine technician with the Florida Institute of Oceanography supporting USF’s research vessels, problem-solving without a supply closet is just part of a typical day.
Aboard floating laboratories like the R/V Weatherbird II and the R/V W.T. Hogarth, Hearn plays a critical role in advancing marine science education and research. During her 12-hour shifts at sea, she partners with the science party (often USF students and faculty) to deploy scientific instruments, monitor data collection systems and perform on-the-fly repairs with whatever resources are on hand. Keeping operations running smoothly miles from shore requires immense adaptability.
Back on land, Hearn works tirelessly to prepare the ships, create standard operating procedures and improve data storage so institutional knowledge is preserved and easily accessible. Few know that, beyond any one project, the research vessels continuously collect oceanographic data through onboard monitoring systems, generating long-term datasets available to employees and researchers across the university.
Lauren Hearn is a bold Bull whose dedication enables researchers to investigate complex issues affecting our oceans and provides students with the learning opportunity of a lifetime, far beyond the horizon.
Terms like artificial intelligence agents, large language models, hallucinations and prompt engineering are becoming part of everyday workplace conversations. But understanding AI requires more than simply using AI tools.
USF’s new free microcourse, AI, Agents, LLMs, Prompting and More: An Overview, helps learners build a practical understanding of how artificial intelligence systems work, where they can fall short and how to evaluate their outputs.
Exclusive webinar: Improve collaboration with Microsoft Loop
Friday, Nov. 6 | 10-11 a.m.
Discover how Microsoft Loop helps teams stay connected by bringing conversations, content and tasks into a shared workspace. This introductory webinar will provide a foundational overview of Loop, including its core features and integration with Microsoft 365. You'll also learn how Copilot in Loop can help generate ideas, summarize content and streamline collaboration. Click here to register.
USF IT is taking suggestions for future webinar topics – fill out their form and let them know what you’d like to see.
Stay Informed
FBI special agent to lead fraud awareness webinar
Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 12:30-1:30 p.m.
The Office of Internal Audit invites employees to a special fraud awareness webinar featuring Franklin Guemes, special agent with the FBI Tampa Field Division / White Collar Crime. Attendees will learn about common procurement schemes, discuss an FBI tool for identifying and preventing procurement fraud and hear a real fraud case study from the FBI files. This is a great opportunity to strengthen fraud awareness and learn how to identify and address public contract corruption.
New safeguards are coming to Microsoft 365 to help prevent sensitive personal and financial information from being accidentally shared outside USF. These Data Loss Prevention (DLP) protections began rolling out on Oct. 21 and apply to external email, SharePoint, OneDrive and Teams sharing, while internal collaboration between USF accounts will remain unchanged. Click here for full details and FAQ.
Supplemental insurance plan offerings for USF employees
Gabor Financial Solutions offers Group Disability Insurance and Group Whole Life Insurance plans for USF employees. These are offered independently of the State of Florida’s annual benefits open enrollment. Eligibility applies to any faculty and full-time staff in a benefit-eligible position, or to part-time employees with .50 FTE in a benefit-eligible position.
There are no medical questions or exams during this special enrollment period that runs until Dec. 4. Learn more.
Monthly Fraud Flash Report
At USF, fraud prevention is not just for audit, cybersecurity and financial professionals. Everyone can help protect university resources, information, and each other by recognizing when something seems off and taking the time to verify before acting. Learn more in the most recent Fraud Flash Report, brought to you by the Office of Internal Audit.
Get Engaged
Webinar: Faculty Champions - Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
How do we help students think critically when AI is always available? All employees are invited to join the next Faculty Champions webinar event to explore practical strategies for responsible AI use in higher education. Hear from faculty experts, see real course examples and discover resources that can help students question, verify, reflect and make informed decisions when using AI. Register to receive the meeting link.
Employees save $150 on life membership
Employees can save $150 on a USF Alumni Association Life Membership by taking advantage of this offer by Nov. 30. And it’s easier than ever thanks to the payroll deduction installment plan. Join today and get your exclusive Life Member Spirit Box while supplies last!Learn more.
Seeking faculty and staff volunteers
Be part of one of USF’s proudest traditions -- Commencement! Faculty and staff are invited to support our graduates on Dec. 11-12 by serving as ceremony marshals or joining the platform party. Details and registration information are provided here. The registration deadline is Nov. 20.
FeaturedEvents
Claim your free football ticket
USF football vs. Memphis | Salute to Service
Thursday, Nov. 12
Kickoff at 8 p.m.
Raymond James Stadium
This is your last chance to use your faculty and staff offer, which includes one free ticket and up to five (5) additional tickets at a discount, starting at just $15 each. The Nov. 12 matchup against Memphis is USF’s Salute to Service game, honoring military members, veterans and their families in the Bulls community. Bring your family and friends and help us cheer the Bulls to victory!
Tuesday, Nov. 17 | Noon-1 p.m. Marshall Student Center Ballroom
Are you a USF alum? The Alumni Association is proud to recognize USF alumni who continue to make a difference every day as employees of our university. The Working Bulls Lunch celebrates the dedicated Bulls who give back through their work at USF.
Friday, Dec. 4 | 4-6 p.m. The Lifsey House 1820 USF Sago Drive Tampa, FL 33620
You’re invited to the annual Holiday Open House hosted by President Moez Limayem. Parking is limited at the Lifsey House. Please park in lots designated by your parking permit.
The Employee Assistance Program is a benefit that provides support 24 hours a day. Access Magellan Healthcare or call 1-800-327-8705 to speak with a trained, caring professional who can help you make the changes necessary to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, manage difficult life events, increase productivity and improve the overall quality of your life. Services are free and confidential. Additional information is available on the EAP website.
This email address is used for distribution only and is not monitored for responses.
For reasonable disability accommodations requests pertaining to this announcement, pleasecontact one of our offices.
