Hi Gabe,
Thank you so much for the detailed information and for the warm welcome back to the Bull family! It’s great to connect with a fellow USF alum.
I have two follow-up questions to make sure we are prepared for the upcoming term:
Preference for In-Person Classes: My son does not work very well with online learning, so we are aiming for a 100% in-person schedule. Is this generally achievable for a first-year student? Are there any mandatory freshman courses that are only offered online, or will he be able to select all-campus versions of his required classes during Orientation?
AI Curriculum: Regarding the world of AI, I understand the policies on academic integrity, but I’m curious about the learning side. At what point in the curriculum do students typically begin taking courses to actually learn how to use and develop AI tools? Is there a specific year or introductory program where this starts?
Thank you again for your help and for understanding our preference for the traditional classroom experience!"
Thank you so much for your thoughtful questions — and it’s always wonderful to connect with a fellow Bull!
I’m happy to provide some clarity on both topics.
In-Person Course Preference: It is generally very achievable for first-year students to have a fully in-person schedule, especially if that is communicated during Orientation. Most core courses required in a student’s first semester, like the standard general-education courses, are offered in multiple formats, including traditional in-person sections.
Typically, there aren't mandatory freshman courses that are only offered online. During Orientation, your son can absolutely express his preference for fully in-person coursework at that time. While availability can vary depending on demand and major requirements, in-person classes tend to be the norm.
AI: Exposure to AI and related technologies varies by major. Students in fields such as computer science, engineering, data science, or business may encounter AI-related coursework earlier, sometimes within their first or second year, depending on their degree plan.
For students in other majors, AI instruction may be introduced later through electives, specialized coursework, or interdisciplinary programs. Additionally, many departments are increasingly integrating discussions about AI tools and their responsible use into coursework across disciplines. If your son has a particular interest in learning how to develop or work with AI tools, that’s something he can discuss with his academic advisor early on to explore available pathways, minors, certificates, or related opportunities.
I completely understand and appreciate your preference for a traditional classroom experience, and your son should be well-supported in pursuing that format.
Please feel free to reach out if any other questions come up — I’m happy to help!
Good morning Rosangela,
My name is Gabe, and I serve as the Parent & Family Engagement Coordinator here at USF. I’m also a former USF student, so I’m always excited to welcome new Bulls and their families!
To answer your first question: it can be difficult to provide an exact number of online courses available to first-year students, especially during the summer term. While online options are certainly available and can be convenient, space can be limited due to the number of students beginning in the summer. There isn’t a set ratio of online to in-person courses, and schedules ultimately depend on availability and a student’s major requirements. Many incoming students are primarily pre-registered into in-person courses, but they’ll have the opportunity to review their schedule and discuss options during Orientation.
Regarding AI in the classroom: this is an evolving area in higher education. Most faculty now clearly outline expectations for AI use in their course syllabi, and policies can vary by instructor and assignment. Students are responsible for reviewing and adhering to those guidelines in each course. Academic integrity remains a priority at USF, and expectations are typically addressed at the start of each semester.
We’re so excited for you and your family to join the USF community! Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions, you can get in touch with me at gabrielvega@usf.edu.