Jan. 26 - Feb. 1, 2026

New USF undergraduate degree to combine computer science and criminology

Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing threats worldwide, and a new undergraduate degree launching in August, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Criminology will give graduates a combination of computer science skills and an understanding of human behavior to help them navigate the world of modern criminology. Read more.

Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce releases 2025 Annual Report

The Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce has released its 2025 Annual Report, detailing work completed throughout calendar year 2025 to advance statewide behavioral health workforce infrastructure and strategic impact. Read more.

Christine Rover presenting to an audience with a presentation slide on the screen

Child and Family Studies faculty and staff present at statewide autism conference

Faculty and staff from the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at USF and Delivering Innovative Vocational Education Through Virtual Reality Technology presented at the 33rd annual CARD Statewide Autism Conference, held Jan. 16–18 in Orlando. Read more.

Vickie Lynn completes CSWE Program Director Academy

Vickie Lynn, PhD, MSW, MPH, assistant professor of instruction and MSW program chair in the School of Social Work, recently completed the CSWE Program Director Academy. Read more.

Proposals open for CBCS Internal Award

The application deadline for the CBCS Internal Award is Monday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. The purpose of this initiative is to provide support for CBCS faculty research that will strengthen an application for a federal grant. Learn more and apply here.

Faculty Updates from the Office of Graduate Studies

There is important information for faculty in the Spring 2026 Office of Graduate Studies newsletter. Click here to learn more about policy updates and reminders, meeting dates, deadlines and more.

Dean's Annual Staff BBQ

CBCS staff had a wonderful time last Friday at the Dean’s Annual Staff BBQ. Thank you to Dean Serovich for cooking burgers and hot dogs, and thank you to the students and staff who helped with set up and clean up!

CBCS In the News

Bellini College partnership to offer three interdisciplinary computing majors (ICM) for 2026

USF Bellini College

“'As digital threats expand, so does the need for cybercrime professionals who can tackle the latest technologies to protect the public,' said Julie Serovich, dean of USF’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. 'Our partnerships with leading cybersecurity firms and law enforcement help us tailor the classes to what is relevant in the industry.'”

USF students to crack code on cyber criminals through new criminology and AI degree

Fox 13

"'For the past 10 years or so, there’s been a growing need for students to have a background in cybersecurity,' said George Burruss, a professor of criminology and the criminology department chair at the University of South Florida.'"

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.

Advancing Counselor Education Through Relational Theory, Technology, and Empirical Inquiry

Tuesday, Jan. 27 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | MHC Atrium or online

Jessica (Jessie) Yanson, PhD, candidate for CRMHC assistant/associate professor, will present a colloquium titled Advancing Counselor Education Through Relational Theory, Technology, and Empirical Inquiry.

Multimodal Interventions to Mitigate Cognitive and Functional Impairment Associated with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)

Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. | CBCS Atrium Lobby, MHC 1200

Priscilla A. Amofa-Ho, PhD, candidate for assistant professor in the School of Aging Studies, will present a colloquium titled Multimodal Interventions to Mitigate Cognitive and Functional Impairment Associated with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD).

Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce issues request for proposals

The Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce invites proposals for projects that address workforce recruitment, training and retention needs across Florida and offer practical, scalable strategies to improve access to high-quality behavioral health care. Grants of up to $150,000 a year are available. Proposals are due Jan. 30. Learn more here.

Center on PBIS Virtual Forum

Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Register here

Hosted by Heather George, PhD, sessions are organized into blocks of single-topic breakout sessions and topic-specific strands and will provide guidance and tools for strengthening prevention-based systems that support the social, emotional and behavioral needs of students to ensure engagement in learning. Opportunities for dialogue and sharing with other implementers will be provided.

NAADAC Webinar: Process Addictions: Maladaptive Coping Across the Ages

Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 12 - 1:30 p.m. | Register

Presented by Cary Hopkins Hall, MA, CAP. The number of people experiencing process addictions such as gambling, gaming, and social media has been growing for years. The criteria, symptoms, and even neurobiology of these disorders are incredibly similar to those of substance use disorders. In this webinar, we will discuss those stark comparisons and the concern that, from young children to the elderly, the population who are addicted is diverse and vast.

This Is My Brave: College Edition at USF

Friday, Feb. 27 | 7 p.m. | Reserve your free tickets

This is My Brave: College Edition at USF will be live on stage, featuring USF students sharing stories about their lived experience with mental illness and/or substance use disorder. Join us in our movement to eliminate stigma and increase hope for college students.

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

Friday, Mar. 27 | 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Registration required | 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.

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

Wednesday, Apr. 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.

Fiesta by the Bay for Autism

Saturday, Apr. 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.

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.

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.