USF Presence Working Group

The USF Presence Working Group is exploring what it means to be meaningfully present at the University of San Francisco—and how we can continue building a community where people feel connected, engaged, and supported in service of the university’s mission and values.

Established by President Aceves, this university-wide initiative invites us to reflect on what it means to show up for one another and be actively engaged in the life of the University of San Francisco. Our presence on campus creates opportunities to connect with students, collaborate with colleagues, build meaningful relationships, and bring USF’s mission and Jesuit values to life through our everyday interactions. 

A working definition of presence:
Presence is the intentional way we engage with one another, our work, and our shared university mission and Jesuit values. It goes beyond simply showing up physically. It means participating in campus life, building meaningful relationships, and engaging thoughtfully in ways that strengthen our community.

Members

Chair: Diane Nelson, Associate Vice President, Human Resources

  • Courtney Masterson, Advisor to the Provost for Institutional Initiatives
  • Eric Groves, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management
  • Kimberly Bruno, Graduate Program Administrator - PsyD Program
  • Nicky Andrews, Associate Librarian
  • Randy Souther, Reference and Access Services Librarian
  • Sara Rinaldi, Associate Director, Development Communications
  • Spencer Rangitsch, Program Assistant IV
  • Steph Heim, Associate Director
  • Ted Matula, Term Professor
  • Tina Tsan, Assistant to the Chief Innovation Officer

What does Presence look like at USF?

Your perspective matters. Respond to our short questionnaire by 5 p.m. PT, Nov. 5.

Presence is about more than being physically on campus. It’s how we show up for one another, engage with our work, and bring USF’s mission and Jesuit values to life. We’d like to hear what presence means to you—what makes it possible, when you’ve experienced it at its best, and what can get in the way. Your perspective will help shape how USF builds a community grounded in meaningful engagement, empathy, collaboration, and care for the whole person.

There are no right or wrong answers. Share what feels meaningful; short responses are welcome. This survey is completely anonymous. 

Your feedback will help the USF Presence Working Group better understand the experiences, needs, and ideas of our campus community. We’ll use what we learn to explore practical ways to strengthen connection, support well-being, and bring USF’s mission to life in our everyday interactions.

Respond to the USF Presence Working Group Questionnaire 

Our Goal

Establish a campus culture that embraces presence as an essential element in the university’s commitment to educating the whole person. The goal is to build a culture that fosters meaningful engagement, empathy, and collaboration and is responsive to the evolving needs and well-being of all its members.

How do we define presence?

Presence is the intentional way we engage with one another, our work, and our shared university mission and Jesuit values. Presence goes beyond simply showing-up physically and involves ongoing participation in campus life, building meaningful relationships, and engaging thoughtfully in conversations that strengthen our community.

 

Guiding Principles

  1. Mission Alignment: Presence practices must reinforce the university’s academic and service mission.
  2. Consistent and Equitable Application: Policies should promote equitable access to work options and ensure consistent application across divisions.
  3. Accountability and Performance: Focus on results-oriented work.
  4. Collaboration and Culture: Balance flexibility with opportunities for community connection and collaboration.
  5. Compliance and Sustainability: Ensure compliance with HR, legal, and financial policies while supporting environmental sustainability goals.