The University of West Florida, also known as West Florida and UWF, is a mid-sized public university located in Pensacola, Florida, United States. UWF is a member institution of the State University System of Florida. The University of West Florida is a Research University, which specializes in engineering and the humanities. UWF is a space-grant institution that was established in 1963. The University of West Florida sits on the third largest campus in the State University System, 1,600 acres (6.5 km), and its campus is a natural preserve that is bordered by two rivers and Escambia Bay. The University of West Florida is an exceptionally progressive university in terms of technology and environmental policy, as exemplified by their investment in the BEST house and their investments in solar powered student housing. The University of West Florida is known for its small class sizes and its intimate, private school like educational atmosphere, which distinguishes it from the larger universities in the State University System. The university's mascot is an Argonaut, and the school's logo is the Chambered Nautilus.