Initiatives

Workplace and Culture

USF is advancing an Organizational Culture Initiative to identify data-informed strategies that strengthen employee engagement, recognition, community connection, and workplace support. This initiative will help USF better understand the workplace experience and translate those insights into meaningful action.

In March 2026, President Limayem tasked a Culture Analysis working group with developing an understanding of the current USF culture, exploring what the aspirational culture of the university should be, and helping develop and launch initiatives to begin the process of positive culture change at USF.

Scope

Building on the foundation laid by the Culture Analysis group, Administrative Operations will be the long-term stewards of organizational culture at USF and will serve as the model for university-wide implementation. The initiative will continue to focus on understanding the workplace experience and developing strategies that respond to identified needs and opportunities.

Areas of focus include:

  • Ongoing measurement and analysis to evaluate progress and inform future priorities.
  • Establishing recurring pulse checks to monitor workplace culture and emerging needs.
  • Developing action plans based on assessment findings and employee feedback.
  • Supporting a more proactive HR and Employee Relations service model that strengthens leadership effectiveness, promotes workplace excellence, and helps reduce organizational risk.
  • Preparing the workforce for evolving ways of working, including opportunities to use AI and other tools to enhance productivity and service delivery.
  • Evaluating workforce support needs, including staff compensation and other factors that influence the employee experience.

Project Governance

The initiative will bring together Administrative Operations leadership and other university partners whose work contributes to employee engagement, culture, and workforce experience. Rather than pursuing these efforts in isolation, the initiative will draw upon existing work and expertise across USF to identify shared priorities and opportunities for coordinated action.

Employee feedback and workplace data will provide an important foundation for decision-making, helping ensure priorities are informed by the experiences and evolving needs of USF employees.

TIMELINE

Timeline with 2 phases. The phases are described in the text below.

  • Phase 1: Culture Analysis Working Group: Assessment, Intervention Planning, Implementation 
  • Phase 2: Continuous Improvement: Cycle of Measurement, Analysis, Program Development, Implementation

What to Expect

The Culture Analysis working group will provide a plan in late 2026 that will inform the first stage of this initiative. The Organizational Culture Initiative is an ongoing, iterative effort, working continuously to build and maintain a positive and supportive culture for USF employees.

Contact for Questions

Questions about the Organizational Culture Initiative can be directed to culture@usf.edu.