News Summary
The University of South Florida’s Marshall Student Center will operate under new, reduced hours starting August 17 due to budget cuts and rising operational costs. The center’s hours will change during weekdays and weekends, affecting student employment and facility availability. Students have expressed concerns about how these changes may impact their social interactions and essential activities, particularly for those working or studying at the center.
Tampa, FL – The Marshall Student Center (MSC) at the University of South Florida (USF) will begin operating under new, reduced hours starting August 17. This change affects the center’s availability and was prompted by budget cuts and rising operational costs.
The updated operating hours will be as follows:
- Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (previously 7 a.m. to midnight)
- Friday: 8 a.m. to midnight (previously 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.)
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to midnight (previously 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.)
The decision to reduce operating hours was described as difficult by MSC Director Matt Marshall. The adjustment comes amid changes in the Activities & Services (A&S) budget, along with the increasing costs associated with running the center.
The A&S fee funds the MSC’s operations and consists of a flat $7.00 charge and an additional $12.08 per credit hour each semester. Between fiscal years 2022 and 2026, the A&S budget allocation for the MSC saw an increase from approximately $3.1 million to $3.2 million. However, this increase of $100,000 is insufficient compared to the overall operational costs that have risen by around $825,000 during the same period.
This budget shortfall was further exacerbated by a cut of $72,000 in funding for essential services, such as electricity and water. As operational costs continue to escalate, particularly with the minimum wage rising to $15 per hour by September 2026 from $10 per hour in 2022, the center has had to take measures to mitigate financial strain.
The MSC offers various dining options, including Panera Bread, Subway, and Moe’s Southwest Grill, alongside amenities like lounge areas, charging stations, and the SkyPad Gaming Room. While the adjusted hours may impact some services, most offerings within the MSC will remain unchanged. However, the changes will slightly reduce the available hours for student employment, impacting more than 125 student workers who play a crucial role in its operations.
Concerns have arisen among students regarding the consequences of reduced hours. Junior information science major Jarin Anika stated that reduced hours might hinder student interactions and affect the ability of student organizations to host events. Events that were reserved before June 1 will still be honored despite the changes, and organizations can request early openings or late closings for an additional fee, depending on the room utilized.
Junior biomedical sciences major Leila Afridi highlighted that the changes could be particularly unfair to student employees dependent on their working hours for tuition and books. Similarly, junior health sciences major Givanna Solano expressed her worries, stating the hour changes would negatively affect her study routines and daily meals as she relies on the MSC as a primary space for these activities. It was also noted that international students might be among those most impacted, as they often utilize the campus facilities extensively.
The recent budget adjustments reflect a larger trend of financial constraints affecting various services that support students beyond their academic experiences. Stakeholders have raised alarms about the potential long-term implications these budget cuts could have on student wellbeing and engagement.
While the MSC staff are working diligently with various organizations to minimize disruptions caused by these changes, challenges remain as the student body adapts to the new operating hours and navigates the potential impacts on their daily campus life.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tampa’s Vibrant Art Exhibition Celebrates Black History Month
Additional Resources
- USF’s Marshall Student Center to Reduce Hours Amid Budget Constraints
- Wikipedia: University of South Florida
- USF Election Day Is Coming Up: Here’s What You Need to Know
- Google Search: University of South Florida student center budget constraints
- USF Increases Police Presence After FSU Shooting
- Google Scholar: Student engagement budget cuts
- USF Students Seek Comfort at MSC in Milton’s Aftermath
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of South Florida
- Here is a Breakdown of USF’s Undergrad Tuition Fees
- Google News: USF student center reduced hours
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
