Overview of the Campus
The University of Tampa is uniquely situated to provide an immersive environment, both academically and physically, for the institute participants. The University of Tampa, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, is a private, residential university located on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa. Known for academic excellence, personal attention and real-world experience in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the University serves approximately 10,500 students from 50 states and 130 countries. UT is a residentially-based campus with 12 residence halls, and about half of UT students are from Florida.
UT was founded in 1931, and two years later moved to its current site in the heart of downtown Tampa. Formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel, this building represents, and remains, an iconic symbol of the city and its history. Commissioned by railroad and shipping magnate Henry B. Plant, it was built between 1888 and 1891, at a cost of $3 million.
Among the many luminaries of historical importance who stayed at the hotel–a list that includes the Prince of Wales, Stephen Crane and Babe Ruth–was Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders, who were housed here as they prepared to ship out from Tampa Bay to lead the U.S. intervention in Cuba.
The Henry B. Plant Museum, located on the south wing of the ground floor of Plant Hall, prominently displays the history of Tampa and the building itself, which is a National Historic Landmark. Its collections feature original opulent furnishings and artifacts from the hotel collected by Mr. and Mrs. Plant on several buying trips to Europe and the Orient and serves as an excellent recreation of the leisurely culture of the Gilded Age. Special exhibits in the museum are dedicated to the early years of the city of Tampa, and to the significance of the hotel in the Spanish American War. Participants will have unrestricted access to the museum during the institute.
On-Campus Housing
Institute participants will be provided an on-campus housing option for the duration of their four-week stay. Participants will be able to rent an entire suite in Palm Apartments, located on the UT campus, at a daily rate of $57. Each suite includes a full kitchen, full private bath, living area and four single bedrooms. Pillows and basic linens (sheet, blankets and towels) are included, together with weekly laundering and housekeeping services. Residents will have internet access, and laundry facilities are available on-site. Palm Apartments is adjacent to campus dining facilities, institute classrooms, McDonald-Kelce Library, Athletic Center and pool. The UT campus is conveniently located across from downtown Tampa on the Hillsborough River, and a wide variety of restaurants, markets, pharmacies and recreational spaces are within walking distance. For those with vehicles, parking on campus will be free. View a video tour of Palm Apartments below:
Off-Campus Housing
Participants can also opt to stay at the Barrymore Hotel across the river from campus. The hotel will offer institute participants a discounted daily rate of $129 (plus $10/night for parking) for a room with two queen beds that can accommodate up to four guests. Guests will have access to a laundry room. The hotel also offers a pool and restaurant dining. Participants who choose to stay at the Barrymore Hotel will be offered free shuttle service to campus every morning and afternoon, even though the hotel is within comfortable walking distance.
Entertainment and Recreation
Institute participants will be living, regardless of the housing option chosen, at the center of the cultural hub of Tampa. Within close proximity of the dorm and hotel is the Tampa Riverwalk, Straz Center for the Performing Arts and several museums. Numerous dining options are available in the downtown area. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, a green space used as a venue for music and festivals, is also a short distance away.
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile-long open space and pedestrian trail along the Hillsborough River. It is easily accessible from campus.
For those interested in recreation, the University will provide institute participants access to UT's Riseman Fitness and Recreation Center and Riseman Aquatics Center. Walking and running trails are also available along the Tampa Riverwalk and Bayshore Boulevard. For those more adventurous, kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available in the area.
Participants will be given a short tour of campus and the downtown area and provided with a list of recommended dining options upon their arrival.