Parent & Family Engagement

Family & Friends Weekend

The words "Family Weekend" and "Save the Date! September 20-22, 2024" overlaid on background of green palm trees

We are happy to provide a new, revamped experience this year featuring fun events, including a Bull family fun, exclusive Family Weekend swag, access to campus events, photo opportunities, and so much more.  

Family Weekend is open to families, friends, and USF students who attend any of our three campus locations. Registration is required for each participant, including your USF student, to receive Family Weekend items and to participate in official weekend activities. 

Cost: Pre-registration for Family Weekend closed on September 8th. However, tickets will be available for $75 at the door. Plus, add-on experiences. 

Accessibility: If a member of your party needs a reasonable disability accommodation to participate in Family Weekend please contact family@usf.edu

Reminder: Registration does NOT include USF Football game tickets, Rocky's Run, and other various add-on experiences; please purchase directly from our campus partners.  You will receive discounted rates for these add-on experiences including the Football game AFTER you register for the weekend.  

Refund Policy: We aim to provide the best experience for our students and family members participating in our programs. Based on our event planning and purchasing timeline for Family  Weekend, we are unable to provide refunds. All sales are final.

Family Weekend Schedule

As we plan to ensure a memorable weekend, final event details are subject to change. Registered participants will receive a final schedule with event locations and a map prior to Family Weekend.

Make your Family Weekend 2024 even more memorable by participating in add-on experiences at a discounted rate!  You will recieve links and discount codes once registered for Family Weekend. Events with the * attribute are add-on experiences that are an additional cost.


friday, september 20th

CHECK-IN 3 - 7PM

Start by checking in with us to recieve your Family Weekend t-shirt & swag.

DESSERT FOOD TRUCK RALLY 6 - 10PM

Join us for a sweet treat, games, music and family!

PARENT & FAMILY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL GALA 8PM

This is an invite only event for members of our Parent & Family Leadership Council, donors, special guests, and Family of the year! 

BULLS NITE OUT 8 - 11PM 

Join us for Rocky's Route 56 themed BNO that will take your family on a road trip down route 56 to include crafts and activities for all ages.


saturday, september 21st

*GREEN & GOLD FUN RUN  730 - 10AM

Join us for the USF Family Weekend Green & Gold Fun Run, a delightful, non-timed event perfect for all ages and fitness levels! This short walk/run is designed to be a fun and engaging experience, featuring a variety of games and activities along the route. Whether you're a serious runner or just want to enjoy a leisurely stroll with your family, this event is the perfect way to get active and enjoy the beautiful USF campus. This is an add-on experience and is not included in your family weekend registration. 

Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Tampa/USFFamilyWeekendFunRun

DONUTS WITH THE DEANS 9AM

Join the Dean of Students and other university leadership for some donuts!  

VOLUNTEER @ BOTANICAL GARDENS 9-11AM & 1-3PM

The Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement has collaborated with USF's Botanical Garden to offer a volunteer opportunity for all family weekend guests and students 16+ years of age. You can sign-up to volunteer when you register for family weekend. 

*USF CHALLENGE COURSE 9AM - 12PM & 1 - 4PM

Sling up with your friends and family for a chance to climb 3 different levels on the USF Challenge Course! If you've ever seen ziplining and wanted to try it, this is your chance! Test your balance on our log, make the leap across the Bulls Bridge, swing from rope to rope, or race across our double zip-line! Spots are limited!

*RIVERFRONT PARK 10AM - 5PM 

Come out and enjoy some time on the Hillsborough river at USF Riverfront park. We have canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards available on a first come first served basis. You can purchase this add-on experience the day of at the boathouse. 

BULL FAMILY ZONE TBD

Join us at the family zone outside Raymond James Stadium for spirited fun in preperation for the USF Football Game! 

*USF FOOTBALL GAME V. MIAMI HURRICANES TBD

Join your fellow alumni, family, and friends returning to campus for the USF football game against the Miami Hurricanes. As a thank you for your support, we have an exclusive family discount for our 2024 USF Family Weekend Football Game provided after your register for family weekend.  


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND

*USF CHALLENGE COURSE 9AM - 12PM 

Sling up with your friends and family for a chance to climb 3 different levels on the USF Challenge Course! If you've ever seen ziplining and wanted to try it, this is your chance! Test your balance on our log, make the leap across the Bulls Bridge, swing from rope to rope, or race across our double zip-line! Spots are limited!

*BINGO & BRUNCH 10AM - 1PM

Hosted by our friends in Dining, join us at the hub for bingo & brunch and win BIG!  Family Weekend guests will receieve a discounted price at the door.  

FAQ

When should we arrive to Family Weekend? 

Guests are encouraged to arrive on Friday morning in order to take full advantage of the events being offered. We typically begin experiences on Friday afternoon around 1pm, all-day on Saturday, and leave Sunday open for families to navigate quality time with their student and safe travels home. Start at Family Weekend Check-in! 

What if my student has conflicts or campus obligations?

We are thrilled that you and your student are excited about Family Weekend. Please know that your student will likely still have class responsibilities, exams, and study groups during the weekend. Some students also have organization commitments.

We encourage you and your student to discuss their academic schedule according to their syllabi and any organization commitments prior to booking to ensure you have a positive experience during the weekend. Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for these conflicts.

What is the cost to attend Family Weekend? 

Tickets cost $75 at the door. Pre-registration for tickets is closed. Remember, this ticket price does not include any add-on experiences. Any child 5 years of age or younger does not need a ticket to attend.  

Where should we look for travel accomodations? 

The University of South Florida does not guarantee, approve, or endorse any specific hotel, lodging, or transportation option. However, we encourage families while doing their research to ask about a discounted rate for USF students and families. Guests participating in the weekend are responsible for coordinating and covering costs associated with their meals, travel, and accommodations. 

Can I get a refund? 

We aim to provide the best experience for our students and family members participating in our programs. Based on our event planning and purchasing timeline for Family  Weekend, we are unable to provide refunds. All sales are final.

Where can I buy Football Game tickets with the Family Weekend discounts? 

Join your fellow alumni, family, and friends returning to campus for the USF football game on Saturday, September 21st against the Miami Hurricanes. As a thank you for your support, we have an exclusive family discount for our 2024 USF Family Weekend Football Game! You must register for Family Weekend to recieve the link. 

If you need help on purchasing tickets, please contact Shana Crespo by calling or texting (813) 974-8242 or emailing Crespos@usf.edu.

Thank you from Parent & Family Engagement! 
All of the financial support the Office of Parent & Family Engagement receives to support our staffing, programs, and operations comes from the revenue generated by Family Weekend. Your registration enables us to support families as they support their student, to keep families informed of university happenings, and to provide opportunities for families to connect with each other. Your contribution ensures that we can maintain our programs and services while paving the way for new initiatives that will benefit USF families for years to come. If you are able to further support the efforts of the Office of Parent & Family Engagement, please consider making a gift that directly supports services and experiences for you! 
 
Have Questions or Need Further Assistance? 
Please contact our office by emailing family@usf.edu.  We are happy to assist you!