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Mar. 23-29, 2026

Colby Valentine, Macey Baker, Michelle Rivera, and Amber Oderinde

Faculty and students from the Department of Criminology earn honors and present research at 2026 ACJS Annual Meeting


The Department of Criminology made a strong impact at the 63rd Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, where students, faculty, and honor society members were recognized for their scholarship, leadership, and engagement. Read more.

Kim Roberts speaking behind a podium

Session helps Master of Social Work students navigate path to clinical licensure


Kim Roberts, LCSW, a visiting assistant instructor in the School of Social Work, provided practical guidance to help soon-to-be graduates navigate the pathway to clinical social work licensure with clarity and confidence. Read more.

Dontavious Ellis, Marlena Bolton, and Lovisa Gunnlaugsdottir

Department of Criminology and CIBR Lab showcase research at Cyber Florida’s CyberBay Conference


The Department of Criminology and the Cybercrime Interdisciplinary Behavioral Research (CIBR) Lab had a strong and visible presence at Cyber Florida’s annual CyberBay Conference, a three-day gathering of cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and government partners held in downtown Tampa, Florida. Read more.

Timothy Stockdale

Timothy Stockdale shares dysphagia research at national events


Timothy Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP, an assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, recently shared his expertise on dysphagia (disordered swallowing) at two events. Read more.

Cary Hopkins Hall

Cary Hopkins Hall leads NAADAC webinars on process addictions and mindfulness in recovery


The National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) featured Cary Hopkins Hall, MA, visiting assistant instructor in the Department of Criminology, as the presenter for two well‑attended and highly engaging webinars focused on emerging issues and holistic practices in the substance use and addiction field. Read more.

Supervision matters for licensure, registered nurses graphic

FCBHW launches Qualified Supervisor and Registered Intern Toolkits


The Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce (FCBHW) has launched a new educational initiative to help registered interns and qualified supervisors better understand supervision requirements and avoid delays in the licensure process.


The campaign includes videos, presentations, and quick reference guides designed to support interns, supervisors, and agencies across Florida. These resources can also be useful for faculty, clinical supervisors, and training programs that support students and early-career professionals pursuing behavioral health licensure. Access the full toolkit.

CBCS In the News

Public invited to Friday’s impact event by USF Human Trafficking Lab

Catalyst

"A networking event Friday at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus will highlight accomplishments of the USF Human Trafficking Lab and its partner, the BRIGHT Network."


Publications

Ciciurkaite, G., Lee, B., Peng, S., Fekete, M., Mitchell, C., & Perry, B. L. (2026). Psychosocial stressors, accelerated biological aging, and multiple morbidities: Evidence from an age-diverse sample. PloS one, 21(3), e0343987. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343987


Upcoming Events & Deadlines

Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace graphics

Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace Course Ends June 6, 2026!


If you’ve been thinking about joining the free Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace course, now is a wonderful time to get started — or to pick up where you left off.

Food Truck - Every Wednesday


Working with USF Dining, the Tampa Bay Food Trucks are returning to campus every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a more visible location near the corner of Magnolia and Holly (Parking lot 38U). It’s a short walk from MHC and PCD. See the schedule and menus here.

Clinical Series- A Systematic Approach to Psychotherapy: Understanding Structural Family Therapy

Monday, March 23 | 7 p.m. | Online


This presentation is hosted by the School of Social Work and the School of Social Work's Corner for a Little Mindfulness. Dayna Kumar is a licensed professional counselor, EMDRIA-approved trainer and consultant in EMDR, and clinical supervisor. She is also pursuing certification in neurofeedback, expanding her work in complex trauma treatment.

DIVE-VRT Classroom Open House

Thursday, March 26 | 12-2 p.m.| 12985 North Telecom 

Parkway, Suite 104A Temple Terrace, FL | RSVP


The Delivering Innovative Vocational Education Through Virtual Reality Technology (DIVE-VRT) program uses virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies to train and certify youth and adults with lifelong and acquired disabilities in skilled trades. Please join us to see our classroom, meet DIVE-VRT staff and stakeholders, and try the virtual reality technology.

28th Annual Daniel S. Sanders Peace and Social Justice Lecture

Thursday, March 26 | 6:30 p.m. | In person (Illinois) and virtual registration


Join us for a lecture given by Jerome Galea, PhD, associate professor. The lecture, "There Is No Health Without Mental Health: What Is It, Why Does It Matter?" explores the rapidly evolving field of global mental health over the past decade and concludes with a discussion of future prospects of global mental health in the context of challenges posed by constrained global health funding.

Dementia Care Conference Graphic

Improving Care for People Living with Dementia and Their Family Care Partners

Friday, March 27 | 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Registration is now closed. | Embassy Suites (3705 Spectrum Blvd)


This conference convenes leading dementia care professionals, students and community advocates to advance high‑quality, person‑centered approaches to dementia care.

2026 Communication Sciences and Disorders Research Day

Friday, March 27 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | MHC 1201


Join us for a showcase of research and scholarly achievements featuring student poster sessions and presentations highlighting the latest discoveries in the field.

Nominations open for 2026 Dean's Awards

Deadline extended to: Friday, March 27


The CBCS Faculty Council is accepting nominations for the Dean’s Awards. Nominations are due to Heather Zerger, PhD, BCBA-D, at hzerger@usf.edu by Friday, March 27. Learn more here.

Nominations: CBCS Recognition Award Program

Nomination deadline: Monday, March 30


Nominations are now open for the CBCS Recognition Award Program, which recognizes the contributions of administrative, staff and/or OPS/temporary employees within CBCS for their extraordinary achievement in the workplace. Learn more here.

FCBHW request for proposals graphic

Duvall Conference: "Peers at the Center: Building a Modern Behavioral Health Workforce"

Wednesday, April 1 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Registration required

USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus (Student Center Ballroom & Atala Hall)


This interdisciplinary event, presented by the Duvall Initiative and the School of Social Work, welcomes Sarasota-Manatee community members and professionals, as well as USF faculty, staff and students.

National Training Institute 2026

Pre-Conference: April 6-7 and Conference: April 7-10 | Register here.


The National Training Institute on Effective Practices provides early childhood education systems leaders and professionals with an in-depth, intensive learning experience on the implementation of the Pyramid Model framework for addressing the social and emotional development and challenging behavior of young children.

CBCS Faculty International Collaboration Grant

Application deadline: April 7


The CBCS Research Council is now accepting applications for the CBCS Faculty International Collaboration Grant. This program is designed to provide financial support for scholarly activities by CBCS faculty conducted at major universities, research institutes, government agencies, and professional conferences/workshops. View more and apply here.

Fiesta by the Bay for Autism graphic

Fiesta by the Bay for Autism

Saturday, April 18 | Doors open at 6 p.m.

USF Alumni Center | Registration and sponsorships


This family-friendly event provides an evening full of fun, entertainment, food and a silent auction. Funds raised from the event support CARD-USF's Autism Services Fund. Facebook event page: 2026 Fiesta by the Bay for Autism Fundraiser.

School of Aging Studies Preceptors & Awards Reception

Thursday, April 23 | 1-2:30 p.m. | CBCS Atrium

RSVP to Rosa Diaz at radiaz@usf.edu.


Join the School of Aging Studies as they recognize community partners and scholarship recipients.

Seeds to Systems: Cultivating the Behavioral Health Workforce

Friday, April 24 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Children's Board | Register by April 10


Join the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute's annual colloquium as national and state leaders shine light on opportunities for cultivating a system-sustaining behavioral health workforce.

CJMHSA TAC Subject Matter Expert: Request for Information

Submission deadline: April 30


The Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Technical Assistance Center (CJMHSA TAC) is pleased to announce the issuance of a Request for Information to expand our network of subject matter experts.


We are seeking experienced USF faculty and staff, community-based leaders, and national experts with demonstrated expertise in criminal justice and behavioral health systems to join our multidisciplinary technical assistance network. Apply here.

CBCS Spring 2026 faculty and staff assembly graphic

CBCS Spring 2026 Faculty and Staff Assembly

Friday, May 1 | 1-2:30 p.m. | MHC Atrium and Teams


All CBCS faculty and staff are encouraged to attend in person. ASL interpreters will be provided.

Call for Papers

Submission deadline: July 1


The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, in partnership with the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce, invites submissions for a special issue focused on Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce: Research, Innovation and Policy. Learn more.

Adding News, Events, and Publications to the CBCS Website and Newsletter


If you have news/events or recent/upcoming publications you would like posted on the CBCS website and/or in the Communique newsletter, send the details and any attachments to CBCS Marketing (CBCSMarketing@usf.edu). Please send all newsletter submissions no later than Thursday for inclusion in the following week's newsletter.


Be sure to include all pertinent information (title, date, times, location, event description, and contact information) in editable digital text format. Articles included in the CBCS Communiqué may be disseminated to USF Media outlets and/or beyond.

 
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