MSP Life Preview

A Preview of Life in MSP

Why Was MSP Created?

MSP was created with First-Year, First-Generation Students in mind. We know just how meaningful and profound it is to be the first in your family to pursue a higher education. You carry with you your family's stories, struggles, and dreams. To have achieved such a monumental gesture is something that does not escape us. We are aware of how difficult it is to be the first to navigate the academic and professional, and at times personal, obstacles, on your own. It's for this reason that we have established five goals within the program for you:

1. To develop and enhance the essential academic skills needed to successfully meet the demands of the University's rigorous academic curriculum.

2. To build a bridge between the participants’ home communities and the USF learning community through exploration of the participants' cultural values and perspectives, and by gaining an understanding of one’s own unique process of growth and development.

3. To explore the values, skills, and knowledge needed to function effectively as part of a multicultural university and world.

4. To provide a collaborative and mutually supportive learning environment that recognizes and promotes the value of a college education.

5. To help participants take advantage of campus resources and opportunities in order to succeed as scholars and as student leaders.

What Does MSP Provide?

Community Service

One of the major features that program alumni consistently rate as most impactful is the community service component. Pandemic permitting, Scholars will be going to many venues in the City of San Francisco to partake in a community service activity to learn more about the City and discover the importance of service learning as a student at the University of San Francisco.

The City is Our Classroom

As much as MSP is an orientation to USF, it is also an orientation to San Francisco. We know that many students come to USF having never visited San Francisco before, so there are field trips as part of the program that help students get familiar with their new home and city.

Start Thinking about Jobs and Careers

The Career Services Center collaborates with MSP to provide feedback on resumes and guidance on preparing for the world of work through intentional planning through the four years of college. We are pleased to be able to offer MSP students with a job fair of departments from the University who are looking for applicants to staff their offices.

Networking and Resources

MSP Scholars will meet many staff, faculty, and administrators that make USF the amazing place that it is and have access to the many services that help students achieve their goals: Learning & Writing Center, Koret Student Health Center, the Gleeson Library, and many others await Scholars!

Access to Technology

In collaboration with Information Technology Services, MSP Scholars who meet financial aid guidelines will be eligible to apply for a refurbished Mac or PC laptop. This program is strictly need-based with a limited supply of computers available for donation, at no cost to the student.

MSP Testimonials

"MSP has granted me a wonderful opportunity to foster a sense of belonging. The continuous mentor support has proven immensely valuable, making the process of community building even more enjoyable and fulfilling."

"Put simply, the Muscat Scholars Program does more than just leveling the playing field for first generation students. Muscat Scholars learn about the essentials of campus life, like how to navigate campus and student resources, as well as special opportunities like tabling with potential employers—all before everyone else comes onto campus. On top of all of this, you have the opportunity to build a genuine family with your fellow scholars and leaders, and they could end up being your entire world in the coming four years."

"Without the Muscat program, I feel like I would have been lost in San Francisco; not only because it is a new environment but because I struggled to make connections. It gave me an understanding of how both college and living in the city works, especially the field trips to Japantown and other parts of San Francisco. I am proud to call myself a Muscat Scholar."