Courtesy of Aubrey Carr | The Crow’s Nest
By The Crow’s Nest Staff
Spring 2023 brought big changes to The University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. From transitions in administrative and student leadership, to shifts in state-wide legislature –– the university is in a time of transformation.
Many of these changes and their impacts on the community were reported by The Crow’s Nest. As the university shifts to the next academic year, we have compiled a recap of some of the biggest news from this semester.
TikTok banned at Florida universities
In early April, USF’s information technology department announced that access to TikTok and other foreign social media apps would be blocked from Wi-Fi across all campuses.
The announcement came after the Florida Board of Governors approved an emergency regulation, calling for the blockage of these apps at state universities.
New student governor and lieutenant governor
Abdul Muqeet Khawaja and Taylor Herman won the roles of St. Petersburg campus governor and lieutenant governor, respectively, in an uncontested race. On March 20, the pair took over for former leaders, Sean Schrader and Joshua Rampertab.
Muqeet Khawaja and Herman’s campaign focused on sustainability, diversity, student engagement and student wellness.
Housing comes to Sarasota-Manatee
After years known as a “commuter campus” USF Sarasota-Manatee broke ground on its first housing complex. The building is scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2024 and will house 200 students. Like St. Petersburg’s University Student Center, the complex will have offices and communal spaces for students and faculty to enjoy.
The USF Board of Trustees (BOT) approved a plan to increase the price of student housing in February. The plan will impact all three campuses, including Sarasota-Manatee when its’ first housing complex opens.
St. Petersburg’s cost will rise by 4.5% starting in the Fall of 2024. BOT attributes the extra cost to ongoing mMaintenace projects and other support renovations.
USFSP students protest anti-diversity initiatives
On the tail of Gov. Ron Desantis’ plans to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across Florida schools and universities, USF St. Petersburg students made their opinions heard. The Stand for Freedom walkout took place on Feb. 23 –– Hundreds of students and faculty walked out of classrooms and took to the streets of St. Petersburg, demonstrating for the continued support of DEI funding.
Injured Manatee found in Bayboro Harbor
In January, Kierstyn Benjamin, a junior majoring in marine biology, was shocked when she spotted a cold-shocked manatee stranded in Bayboro Harbor. The student dialed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s emergency hotline and workers rushed to rescue the manatee.
Dozens of spectators, wildlife workers and news crews gathered to ensure the animal’s safety. The manatee was saved and transferred to ZooTampa for rehabilitation and treatment for its cold stress.
Benjamin’s efforts were later given the “Bulls Leading the Way” award at USF St. Petersburg’s student leadership awards, “The Rocky’s.”
Rhea Law inaugurated as USF President
After serving as interim president since August of 2021, Rhea Law was officially inaugurated as USF’s eighth president in January of this year. Law replaced former President Steve Currall after a short two-year term.
