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USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences graduate programs earn top national rankings, two No. 1 in Florida
Graduate programs in the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences are among the best in the nation, according to newly released U.S. News & World Report rankings, with two programs named the best in the state. The college is home to five graduate programs ranked within the top 100 among public and private institutions, including four programs in the top 50. Read more.
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Seen, heard and understood: peer support was the center of the 2026 Duvall Conference
When Dane Minnick assumed the role as the Evelyn Duvall endowed chair of family and community health in 2022, he found inspiration by reading letters that Evelyn Duvall wrote. Duvall conducted groundbreaking research during the 1950s and 1960s in the field of family development and her generous donation in 1986 formed the endowed chair position. Minnick shared that it felt surreal to read letters from almost 70 years ago that seemed to be written to him. Read more.
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Open house showcases job training through virtual reality
The Delivering Innovative Vocational Education through Virtual Reality Technology program hosted an open house March 26 at its classroom in the Telecom Technology Park near USF’s Tampa campus. Read more.
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USF student organization supports autism programs with donation
Fund it Forward, a student-led organization at USF, presented a $500 donation to the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF. The group raised money through several events during the academic year, beginning with a trivia night in October. Read more.
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Students honor CBCS faculty at USF women’s lacrosse 'Favorite Professor Day'
Three faculty members from the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences were recognized at the USF women’s lacrosse game on April 2 as part of the team’s “Favorite Professor Day.” Read more.
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Student employees recognized for excellence and dedication to CBCS
Two students were selected to receive Student Employee of the Year awards from the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS). These awards recognize students who demonstrate excellence, dedication and meaningful contributions to their departments and the college. Read more.
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Bird Brain: New study finds birdwatching may boost brain health and slow cognitive aging
ABC Tampa Bay 28
"Dr. Siyun Peng, an assistant professor in the School of Aging Studies at the University of South Florida who was not involved in the study, said the findings align with what scientists know about neuroplasticity and aging."
What is Florida's Baker Act, and who can be held?
The Daytona Beach News Journal
"According to the University of South Florida Baker Act Reporting Center website, Baker Act numbers have skyrocketed in recent years. There were 95,574 people Baker Acted in 2001-2002, compared to 210,992 in 2018-2019, a 121% increase. The population of Florida expanded 22% in that time period."
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USF sees 42 programs crack Top 100 in U.S. News grad studies rankings
Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.
"That includes 18 programs ranked in the Top 50 and five others in the Top 25 of their respective categories, including 14 USF programs that rank No. 1 or No. 2 within Florida. USF programs such as public health specialties, nursing, rehabilitation counseling and multiple engineering disciplines are among those that ranked in the Top 50, according to a USF news release."
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Ayres, R., Blair, K. C., & Kwak, D. (2026). Coaching school-based professionals to facilitate implementation of Prevent-Teach-Reinforce with teachers for students with externalizing behavior. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 28(2), 112-124. https://doi.org/10.1177/10983007251335913
Bilali, A., Colon, A., Laya Odales, M., & Bilali, K. (2026). A Bowenian Approach on the Intergenerational Impact of Paternal Absence in Latinx Families—A Case Conceptualization of Coco. The Family Journal, 10664807261436770.
https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807261436770
| | Cenatus, M., Blair, K. C., & Risse, M. (2026). Using contingency mapping for young Children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 28(2), 125-138. https://doi.org/10.1177/10983007251372620 | | Upcoming Events & Deadlines | | |
BRIDGE Clinic Spring Donation Drive
March 30 - April 29 | Donation box in the School of Social Work, suite MHC 1400
The BRIDGE Clinic is a student-run free clinic. Based on direct feedback from patients and families, there is a strong need for essential items such as food, hygiene products and school supplies. More info here. If you have any questions, contact Christopher Feliciano or Brooke Anderson.
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Self-Compassion and Sleep Health for Ourselves and Our Clients Workshop
Tuesday, April 14 | 2-3 p.m. | MHC 1442 and online
Presented by Kerry Littlewood, PhD, MSW, assistant professor of instruction, and BSW student Alexia Serrano. This workshop will teach you what it means to treat yourself as good as you treat your clients, why exhaustion is not a personal failure — but a biological reality, how sleep directly impacts your empathy, decision-making, and client outcomes, and practical strategies you can use immediately for yourself and your clients. This workshop is offered in-person and online. Register here.
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Supporting Survivors of Sexual Trauma Virtual Workshop
Wednesday, April 15 | 6-7 p.m. | Online |This workshop is open to all students, staff and faculty!
This virtual workshop is hosted by the School of Social Work's CALM initiative as part of our MSW Speaker Series. This workshop will be presented by Amanda Mole, LCSW, visiting assistant instructor in the School of Social Work, Cary Hopkins Hall, MA, visiting assistant instructor in the Department of Criminology, and Samantha Glendenning, MSW student. Register here.
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Seeds to Systems: Cultivating the Behavioral Health Workforce
Friday, April 24 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Children's Board | Registration closed
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.
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CBCS Faculty and Staff Open Forum
Wednesday, April 29 | 3-3:30 p.m. | MHC Atrium
RSVP to Patty Cleveland at clevelan@usf.edu.
This is a great opportunity to meet President Limayem and support his efforts to learn more about our college. This is a separate event from the President’s university-wide Town Hall meetings. RSVPs are required for the open forum as space is limited in the Atrium.
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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.
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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.
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From Research to Action: The Florida Behavioral Health Workforce Summit
Sept. 10-11 | Marshall Student Center | Register
Join the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce for our inaugural summit aimed at translating research into action to grow, retain and innovate Florida’s workforce. From researchers and service providers to policymakers, educators, students and more, this summit brings every voice in the continuum together. Continuing education credits available.
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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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