Polytechnic FAQs
When did the University of South Florida Polytechnic get here?
USF Polytechnic became the institution's official name on July 1, 2008. USF established a regional campus in Lakeland in 1988. In 2007 the Campus Board of what was then USF Lakeland unanimously approved a new strategic plan for the campus, establishing a polytechnic model as the focal point of USF Lakeland. Several months later, the USF system's Board of Trustees also approved this plan unanimously. In 2008 the Florida legislature passed SB186, championed by Sen. J.D. Alexander and Rep. Seth McKeel; the legislation was subsequently signed by Gov. Charlie Crist. SB186 renamed USF Lakeland as USF Polytechnic.
Why the name change?
The name was changed to reflect both "what we do" and "how we do it" and also to emphasize the distinctive niche that the institution fills within the USF system and within the state of Florida. USFP is proud of the joint use campus it shares with Polk Community College and USFP's new campus under development on I-4, both located in Lakeland.
What does polytechnic mean?
The word polytechnic is derived from the Greek word polytechnos, meaning "skilled in many arts." When applied to a college or university, it implies a multi-disciplinary emphasis (that's the "poly" part) and an emphasis on applied teaching and research (that's the "skilled" and "arts" part). Polytechnic universities also tend to develop strengths in technology-driven fields such as information technology, engineering, applied health, business, and education (to name just a few).
What are some other examples of polytechnic universities that I could look at?
(coming soon)
Did USFP "split off" from USF?
No. USF Polytechnic is one of four dynamic campuses within the University of South Florida system. (The other three are in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. ) The same legislation that established USF Polytechnic's new name also set USFP on the path to "autonomy" within the system, but autonomy should never be confused with independence. Among other things, this status implies USFP's pursuit of separate accreditation through SACS, the prestigious accrediting body.
What does a USFP diploma get you?
Graduates of USFP receive a USF diploma, just as graduates of USF Lakeland did for years. The physical diploma will not change until USFP receives separate accreditation. It continues to represent a degree from one of the state's top-tier research universities.
What does the change mean for current students?
We anticipate that USF Lakeland students continuing at USF Polytechnic will describe their experience as "exactly the same -- only better!" All of the things that made USFL special will continue: easy access to campus and courses, small class sizes, friendly campus environment, complete-able degree programs, flexible course delivery, and an emphasis on hands-on learning. In addition, USFP students will begin to have access to a broader and deeper range of degree programs as the polytech vision is fully implemented.
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