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Resources and information for the USF community
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of USF students Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon. Resources are available to students, faculty and staff in need during this difficult time. Students can access Timely Care 24/7 or in-person counseling services on campus. Services are available to faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program.
Additional resources, information and updates are available at usf.edu/assistance.
| | CBCS faculty and staff recognized for excellence at USF Faculty Honors and Awards Reception | |
Congratulations to Shelly Wagers, PhD; Jerome Galea, PhD, LCSW; Matthew Foster, PhD; Renee Poteet, MBA; and Justine Leigh, MSW; who were recognized along with emeritus and retiring faculty members.
| |  | Center for autism celebrates community, honors City of Tampa at Fiesta by the Bay | USF’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) hosted its annual fundraiser, Fiesta by the Bay for Autism, on April 18 at the Sam & Martha Gibbons Alumni Center. The CARD Autism Champion honoree was the City of Tampa’s Autism Friendly Initiative. | | | |
USF social work students recognized at 2026 USF Health Student Awards Ceremony
Naomi Presnall-Shvorin received the Student InterCouncil Member of the Year Award and was announced as the incoming president of the Student InterCouncil Executive Board. Sandra Accilien was recognized for her service as president of the Student InterCouncil Executive Board. Read more.
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VR job training program graduates first cohort, launches careers in HVAC
The Delivering Innovative Vocational Education through Virtual Reality Technology program marked the end of its first year with a graduation ceremony. Family, friends, staff and instructors joined the 14 participants to celebrate completion of the pilot program and their preparation for careers in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Read more.
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LAUNCH Academy prepares students with autism for employment, independence
Students on the autism spectrum are gaining the skills, confidence and real-world experience needed to navigate career pathways with greater independence through the LAUNCH transition program. Read more.
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How Does Child Identity Theft Occur?
Consumer Affairs
"'Thieves covet the clean slate that a child’s identity provides,' explained Thomas Hyslip, an assistant professor in the cybercrime program at the University of South Florida."
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Abella, A.D., Menendez, K., Greenfield, K. et al. (2026). Police and behavioral health professionals' experiences with a hybrid co-response approach to mental health crisis intervention: Qualitative findings. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-026-09995-1
King, C., Bislick, L., Nealon, K., Johnson, R., Utianski, R. L., Wambaugh, L,. & Haley, K.L. (2026). Toward a diagnostic template for acquired apraxia of speech: Insights from an Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders review. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 1-5.
https://doi.org/10.1044/2026_AJSLP-25-00433
O, S., & Lee, Y. (2026). Not just for adults: Juveniles in crime places—ranking land uses by crime across age groups. Crime & Delinquency.
https://doi.org/10.1177/00111287261434489
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Rallapalli, V., Huang, Y. H., & Corey, R. (2026). Effects of independent dynamic range compression of speech and music signals on sound quality. American Journal of Audiology, 1-15.
https://doi.org/10.1044/2026_AJA-25-00171
Yauk, J., Dobbs, D., Peterson, L. J., & Meng, H. (2026). Assisted living staff perspectives on end-of-life care for residents living with dementia: A qualitative study. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 10499091261444002.
https://doi.org/10.1177/10499091261444002
| | 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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CBCS Faculty and Staff Open Forum
Wednesday, April 29 | 3:15-4:00 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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2026 Forensic Evaluation and Juvenile Justice Virtual Workshop
June 4-5 | Virtual | Register
Offered by the Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice, the 2026 Continuing Education Forensic Training Workshop for Mental Health Professionals will focus on conducting forensic evaluations for juveniles involved in the legal system. Continuing education credits are available for Florida-licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors and psychologists.
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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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Research Study Opportunity
Are you a student or employee who wants to learn how to play piano? You may be eligible to participate in a research study. Interested? Contact Madelyn Mercado at mercadom30@usf.edu.
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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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