Program supports access to higher education in the Tampa Bay region by providing students with another pathway into USF
TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 23, 2020) – The University of South Florida (USF) and eight regional Florida College System (FCS) institutions announced today the renewal of their partnership in the Fuse Guaranteed Admissions Program. Entering its fifth year, Fuse provides a seamless and timely degree path for FCS students enrolled in the program to transfer to USF. Students are guaranteed admission into specific majors at USF, provided they meet certain criteria such as earning an associate degree in less than three years and maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA.
“The University of South Florida is proud to join our partners in the Florida College System to continue support of this important program,” USF President Steve Currall said. “The Fuse program provides students a critical pathway to graduation and supports our region and state by growing the pool of workforce talent.”
The pathway degree programs available vary by FCS institution based on the local market employment trends and student interests. Students accepted into the Fuse program attend a special FCS institution/USF orientation in their first year to introduce them into the USF community and have access to resources from both schools, including Fuse scholarships, advising, academic services, activities and sporting events, while obtaining their associate degree.
There are more than 1,500 students currently in the Fuse program, with nearly 250 of those enrolled at USF. Another 26 students have completed the program and graduated from USF since it was first introduced.
“My Fuse experience at Hillsborough Community College was great. My advisors at school were very accommodating and knew exactly how to help me with specific Fuse questions,” said Kayla Stallings, a class of 2020 graduate from HCC. “I loved being a part of the program because it felt good to get ahead of the game with my transition to USF.”
Fuse was piloted in fall 2016 with 40 students starting at HCC and St. Petersburg College. The program has expanded to include: College of Central Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, Polk State College, Santa Fe College, South Florida State College and State College of Florida.
For more information about the Fuse program, visit usf.edu/fuse.
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About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating under-represented minority and limited-income students at rates equal to or higher than white and higher income students. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.