Spotlight

Students: First in Class

By Ann Carney | USF News

USF welcomed its strongest ever freshman class in the fall — a class prepared for success.

The average SAT score for the Fall 2011 freshman class on the university's Tampa campus was 1203, up 27 points from the previous year. Average ACT scores rose as well, up one point to 27. Grade-point average for the Fall 2011 class was up one-tenth of a point, from 3.81 last year to 3.91 for the current semester.

"As part of the Student Success initiative, we wanted to enroll a class that was prepared to succeed," says USF Vice Provost Paul Dosal, who credits strategic recruiting for the outstanding freshman class.

Dosal, who heads the Student Success initiative, says the jump in grade-point-average was most significant.

"GPA is a reflection of a student's willingness to work and be diligent."

Ensuring student success is a university-wide commitment. The Office of Student Success works to create and sustain an enriching, student-focused learning environment that empowers students to attain their goals. That means aligning everything from course load, appropriate advising, adequate financial aid, on-campus work opportunities, on-campus housing, tutoring and learning services, and opportunities to get engaged.

"There are so many factors," Dosal says. And so many opportunities to succeed.

Freshman Numbers*

*Tampa Campus, Fall 2011

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