Weeks of Welcome
Surrounding the start of classes will be USF's Weeks of Welcome, or WOW.
- The first two weeks of class are called Weeks of Welcome (WOW), packed with programs, events, and services.
- WOW serves as an extended orientation and helps new students get involved, find community, and learn more about the opportunities and resources at USF.
Fall 2024 WOW Schedule:
Sunday, August 18
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Soccer vs UC San Diego | 4 - 6 PM | Negoesco Stadium | Come cheer on the women's soccer team as they take on UC San Diego |
Monday, August 19
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Disability Services Walk-In Hours | 9 AM - 3 PM | Student Disability Services Office (Gleeson Library, Lower Level 20) | Visit the SDS office to find out more about SDS resources and registration. Stop by to pick up some SDS swag and for a chance to win amazing prizes! |
| Psychology Department Open House | 2 - 3:30 PM | Kalmanovitz Hall, Ground Floor (Basement) | This is a welcome event for our psychology majors and minors. Join us in the psych dept after new student orientation (1 - 2 PM) to meet your community! We will have representation from psychology professors, 6+ psychology clubs, and research teams - plus some psychology department merch. Swing by and say hello! |
Tuesday, August 20
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers Walk-In Hours | 9 AM - 5 PM | Gleeson Library, Lower Level, Room G03 | Learn more about academic support services at USF! LWSC Front Desk are available to answer questions and assist students with making appointments. |
| Welcome Back Fest | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Privett Plaza (outside the University Center) | Explore resources and programs at USF and San Francisco - all in one place. From academic offices to the local grocer and non-profit organizations that meet your interests, this is your chance to meet members of the community and even score some free swag. |
| Meet the Greeks | 6:30 - 8 PM | McLaren 250 | Student Leadership and Engagement (SLE) invites you to meet our eight social fraternities and sororities on campus. Each organization will be sharing more about their organization and how you can join! |
| Magis Emerging Leadership Program Residence Hall Tabling | 6:30 - 8 PM | Inside the Entrance of Fromm Hall, Gillson Hall, Toler Hall, and Hayes-Healy Hall | Come meet alumni and leaders of the Magis Emerging Leadership Program to learn about how you can become a leader in your first year at USF! |
Wednesday, August 21
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math & Stats Department Tea | 2:45 - 3:30 PM | Lo Schiavo, Getty Study | Calling all math and data science students! You are invited to drop by our Math & Stats Department Tea. Enjoy food, drinks, and conversations with students and faculty in the Math & Stats Department. Our Wednesday afternoon tea has been a tradition for over 25 years! It's a great opportunity to get to know your community. |
| First Coffee Hour for International Studies & Friends | 3 PM | Rooftop at Kalmanovitz Hall (near the church) | An open social event to introduce you to our faculty, students, and programs with FREE coffee and treats! Bring a friend, stop by, and ask questions! |
| Glitter Hour | 5 - 6 PM | Gender & Sexuality Center, University Center 413 | Embark with us on a vibrant journey at ‘Glitter Hour,’ a laid-back haven curated for LGBTQ+ students and those keen on exploring their sexuality and gender! This space invites you to revel in the joy of painting your nails while engaging in enriching discussions on various aspects of sexuality and queer exploration. |
| Introduction to Emotional Intelligence (EQ) | 5 - 6:30 PM | Fromm Complex, Berman Room | Emotional intelligence (EQ) is about being smarter with feelings. Student Leadership and Engagement (SLE) offers free introductory workshops (no registration needed) to learn the value, framework, and skills to get you started on your journey. |
| Target Night | 6 - 8 PM |
Target Store 2675 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118 |
Join us for a back-to-school event with a 20% total discount for students showing their USF ID, raffles/giveaways every hour, food vendors, Student DJ, etc. The first 50 students will receive free Starbucks refreshers as well as enter into a raffle of multiple items and gift cards throughout the duration of the event.
|
Thursday, August 22
| EVENT | TIME | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLE Fall Involvement Fair | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Gleeson Plaza |
Chat with representatives from 130+ student organizations to find out how you can get involved at USF. For more information, visit Student Leadership and Engagement on the University Center 4th Floor, follow @usfsle, or learn more on the SLE website. |
| Opening Celebration for Long Distance Relationship: Asian American Comics Artists and the Complexities of Connecting | 4 - 6 PM | Thacher Gallery, Gleeson Library | Celebrate the opening of Long Distance Relationship with a reception and meet the artists. All are welcome! |
| Soccer Double Header |
Women's Game: 4 - 6 PM Men's Game: 7:30 - 9:30 PM |
Negoesco Stadium | Come cheer on the Women's soccer team as they take on Northeastern followed by the Men's soccer team taking on Cal Poly. |
| Silk Speaker Series: Trevor Noah | War Memorial Gym | 6 PM | Thought leaders, elite athletes, diplomats, inventors, and more have come to the Silk Speaker Series at USF, but this time, we invite Trevor Noah to the stage. This is your exclusive chance to hear from the former host of The Daily Show, and Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer, actor, television and radio host, Trevor Noah. Register to watch the livestream |
| InterVarsity Community Dinner | 6 - 8 PM | Romero Room (University Ministry, Toler Hall) | This is a semester kick-off event for our InterVarsity Christian Fellowship chapter. Join us for a more laid-back dinner and hear about what we will be doing this year! |
| Performing Arts Department Open House | 8 - 9:30 PM | Studio Theater, Lone Mountain, Room 148 | Interested in performing? Learn more about the Performing Arts Department and meet members from student and department-run groups to find your own creative outlet. |
Friday, August 23
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities Mellon Scholar Program Welcome Event | 12 - 2 PM | McLaren 251 | Community college transfer students are invited to learn more about the USF Humanities Mellon Scholar Program, meet the current Mellon Scholars, and get to know each other over lunch and activities. |
| CAB Rollin' Loud | 2 - 5 PM | Gleeson Plaza | Roll into the new school year with style and excitement at the Campus Activities Board (CAB)'s Outdoor Roller Rink. Come out and rollerblade, enjoy music, and create unforgettable moments under the open sky! Bring all of your friends, lace up your skates, roll out on the disco floor, and let the good times roll. This event is open to all USF students. Skates will be provided. |
| Off the Grid Fort Mason | 5 - 8 PM | Marina District | JOIN US for California's largest evening Street Food market. Off the Grid invites thousands of guests to dine, unwind, and connect at their flagship destination market at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture (FMCAC). With diverse street food from a rotating lineup of more than 30 of the Bay Area's best mobile food creators, live DJs, entertainment, and weekly themed programming Fridays at Off the Grid are a staple of the FMCAC experience. Check out all your favorite gourmet food vendors in one place!! Pre-registration is required for this event. |
| Lyricist Lounge | 7 - 9 PM | University Center, 4th Floor Lounge | Come to the first of our monthly Lyricist Lounge spaces to perform or listen to others share their spoken word poetry! Students gather to hear peers address social justice issues, identity expression, experiences of oppression and triumph, and more. |
Saturday, August 24
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Area Sneaker Pop-Up Mission Bay | 11 AM - 3 PM | Mission Bay | Over 20,000 Square Feet of The World's Top Sneaker Stores/Sellers, The Freshest Established & Upcoming Fashion Apparel Vendors, The Hottest Industry Models, The Most Talented Artists, Musicians & Performers, Our Championship Belt Sneaker Battle and the Best Food Trucks right in the heart of SAN FRANCISCO! A Ton of Shoes & Kicks & SURPRISE Special Guests and Celebrity DJs spinning the Hottest Beats & Mixes all day! Pre-registration is required for this event. |
| Men's Soccer vs UMKC | 7 - 9 AM | Negoesco Stadium | Come cheer on the men's soccer team as they take on UMKC! |
Sunday, August 25
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Gays Do Brunch | 10 AM - Noon | UC, 4th Floor Lounge | A Queer community event featuring BINGO and free brunch! Come get to know your community! |
| Sunday Streets Mission | 11 AM - 2 PM | Mission District | Sunday Streets SF will open up 1+ mile of streets in the Mission for an afternoon of car-free fun for the whole family. As one of the most visited Sunday Streets SF events of all time, Sunday Streets Mission is one of the open street destination (Ciclovía) routes to take this season. Taking place on Valencia Street between Duboce Ave and 26th Street, neighbors and visitors alike can enjoy free recreation, health resources, music, dance, and more! Pre-registration is required for this event. |
| The Gays Do Brunch | 10 AM - Noon | University Center, 4th Floor Lounge | A Queer community event featuring BINGO and free brunch! Come get to know your community! |
| Women's Soccer vs Cal | 4 - 6 PM | Negoesco Stadium | Come cheer on the women's soccer team as they take on Bay Area rival Cal. |
Monday, August 26
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| USF Part-Time Job Fair | 11 AM - 1 PM | McLaren Complex | Discover exciting opportunities at our upcoming part-time job fair! Join us on campus to explore a wide range of options as on-campus departments and off-campus businesses gather to share their openings. Don't miss this chance to connect with potential part-time employers, so bring your resumes! |
| Stitch & Bitch! | 3:30 - 4:40 PM | Gender & Sexuality Center, University Center 413 | |
| Cultural Centers Open House | 5 - 7 PM | Intercultural Center, University Center 412 | Check out the Cultural Centers' spaces and meet the new student interns! We'll be making free personalized keychains for all us folks who can never find our names on souveniers! |
Tuesday, August 27
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass of the Holy Spirit | 11:45 AM - 1 PM | St. Ignatius Church | Celebrate the start of a new academic year with this Jesuit tradition that is over 475 years old. |
| Women's Welcome Mixer | 4:30 - 6 PM | McLaren 251 | Did you know that almost 2/3 of USF students identify as women? Now you do! All students who identify as women in mind, body, or spirit are invited to stop by to meet other women students and learn about our more than 15 women's students organizations! |
| American Chemical Society Student Chapter Meeting | 6 PM | Lo Schiavo Science Center, Room 209 |
The ACS is holding its first meeting of the year! This is a great opportunity to meet fellow Chemistry lovers and get to know the club! We look forward to seeing all of you! |
| Magis Emerging Leadership Program Information Session | 6:30 - 8 PM | McLaren 250 | Want to become a leader in your first year at USF? Come meet alumni and our Magis Leadership Team to learn about the benefits of becoming a Magis Fellow! |
Wednesday, August 28
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math & Stats Department Tea | 2:45 - 3:30 PM | Lo Schiavo, Getty Study | Calling all math and data science students! You are invited to drop by our Math & Stats Department Tea. Enjoy food, drinks, and conversations with students and faculty in the Math & Stats Department. Our Wednesday afternoon tea has been a tradition for over 25 years! It's a great opportunity to get to know your community. |
| Freshman Class Representative | 5 PM (Deadline) | Online | Freshman! Looking to be a student leader? Want to get involved at USF? If you’re here to make a difference on campus and be a voice for change, run for ASUSF Freshman Class Representative! Applications are open until Aug. 28. Learn more » |
| Bachata Dance Workshop | 5:30 - 7 PM | Koret Rec Center, Aerobics Room | Come out to this beginner friendly dance workshop to learn how to dance Bachata! This session will focus on different styles of footwork and will advance from beginner to intermediate level steps. The instructor for this workshop, Diana Garcia Rodriguez, is a recent USF alumnus and received her training in bachata dance from In'Lakech Dance Academy, a Latinx dance school that centers Queer dancers in the Bay Area. |
| Sister Connection: Black Jeopardy | 6:30 - 8 PM | University Center, Fourth Floor Lounge | Join us for our Black Jeopardy General Meeting - let's celebrate our culture and power together (be sure to wear your class color). |
Thursday, August 29
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rec Sports Presents: Day on the Green | 11:30 - 1 PM | Welch Field & Gleeson Plaza | Day on the Green is open to all USF Students to learn about all of Koret's Rec Sports programs and much more! Free t-shirts will be given to all attendees (while supplies last). |
| Neurodiversity Connections (Weekly) | 4 - 5 PM | University Center, 305 | Coloring, Candy, and Community! You are welcome here! Hang out in a safe space with other neurodivergent students and allies. Share your college experiences, challenges, and success strategies. Drop-in - No RSVP required. |
| Study Abroad Craft Night and Info Session | 5 - 6 PM | McLaren 250 | Interested in studying abroad, but don't know where to start? Join us for a fun night of bracelet-making and planning study abroad. |
Friday, August 30
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETS/ITS Info Fair | 11:30 - 1 PM | Gleeson 220 | Meet the Instructional Technology and Help Desk teams ready to answer any questions regarding technology at USF! |
| Biology Department Welcome Back Mixer | 1 - 1:30 PM | Harney Social Hive | This is a welcome event for our incoming and current biology majors. Join us in the first floor of the Harney Science building to meet your fellow students and faculty over some free treats. Stop by, say hello, ask questions, get acquainted! |
Saturday, August 31
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| InterVarsity Hike Day | 10 AM - 1:30 PM | Batteries to Bluffs | Come hike with us and take in the amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge. We'll meet on campus to head to the trail together! |
| Hayes Valley Jazz Jam | 12 - 4 PM | Hayes Valley |
As seen in the San Francisco Chronicle’s BEST FREE OUTDOOR MUSIC SERIES! Join us on the last Saturday of the month in the outdoor garden for a free jazz concert & jam session. Pre-registration is required for this event. |
Sunday, September 1
| vent | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clement Street Farmers Market | 10 AM - 1 PM | Inner Richmond | The farmers market on Clement offers an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce, as well as an array of baked goods, fresh flowers, and hot foods. Pre-registration is required for this event. |
Tuesday, September 3
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to CliftonStrengths | 10 - 11:30 AM | Zoom | We are offering four Introduction to CliftonStrengths workshops aimed at enhancing leadership and professional development skills, led by Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths Coach Bob Just |
| Critical Diversity Studies Meet & Greet | 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | Kalmanovitz Hall, Room 365 | Kick off the start of the semester by joining us for our CDS Meet & Greet! Enjoy free food and participate in activities for a chance to win a USF bookstore gift card! |
| Let's TACO-ABOUT: Understanding Your Degree Evaluation for Transfer Students | 12 - 1 PM | University Center, First Floor Atrium |
Understanding your degree evaluation is crucial for transfer students at USF as it clarifies academic requirements, helps with effective course planning, and avoids redundant coursework. It enables productive communication with advisors, allowing for a personalized academic plan, and supports timely graduation by ensuring all requirements are met efficiently. This clear roadmap saves time and money and helps you stay on track to complete your degree on schedule. Free tacos and refreshments will be provided. |
Wednesday, September 4
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to CliftonStrengths | 10 - 11:30 AM | Location: TBD | We are offering four Introduction to CliftonStrengths workshops aimed at enhancing leadership and professional development skills, led by Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths Coach Bob Just. |
| Queer Solidarity & Arts Day | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Privett Plaza | Art was used by our queer elders for decades as a vessel for social justice, now we invite you to learn how! Learn about queer resistance, and how to stand in solidarity with other justice movements! |
| Introduction to CliftonStrengths | 3:30 - 5 PM | Location: TBD | We are offering four Introduction to CliftonStrengths workshops aimed at enhancing leadership and professional development skills, led by Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths Coach Bob Just |
Thursday, September 5
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology Meet & Greet | 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | Lo Schiavo, Getty Study | Kick off the beginning of the beginning of the semester and join us for our Sociology Meet & Greet! Enjoy free food and pick up some Sociology tote bags, pop sockets, and notebooks! |
| Queer Solidarity & Arts Day | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Privett Plaza (outside the University Center) | Art was used by our queer elders for decades as a vessel for social justice, now we invite you to learn how! Learn about queer resistance, and how to stand in solidarity with other justice movements! |
| Lunch & Learn Workshop: Digital Study Tools | 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | McLaren 252 |
Are you curious about digital tools that can help you study and read more effectively through text-to-speech? Join SDS and the Educational Technology Services staff for a FREE Lunch and Learn workshop about new software from TextHelp. Please bring your laptop if possible. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. FREE lunch will be provided and all attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a pair of AirPods! Questions? Email Disability Specialist Antonia DeMichiel at antoniad@usfca.edu. |
| Interfaith Ice Cream Social and Kickoff | 11:45 AM -1 PM | University Ministry (UM) Mural (outside of the UM office) | Start the year off with sweet blessings at the Ice Cream Social. Come get ice cream and join us for prayers from different faith traditions. Learn about the many programs UM has to offer such as retreats, immersions, liturgy, interfaith and social justice, then stop by tables of our ministry partners to hear about religious and spiritual programming on campus. We all scream for ice cream! |
| Welcome B(l)ack | 5:30 - 7 PM | McLaren 250 & 251 | Join us as we come together with fellow Black USF faculty, staff, and students. |
| SLE Boba & Board Game Night | 7 - 9 PM | UC, 4th Floor Lounge | Grab your friends or come by yourself for a night of games and boba! |
Friday, September 6
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to CliftonStrengths | 10 - 11:30 AM | Zoom | We are offering four Introduction to CliftonStrengths workshops aimed at enhancing leadership and professional development skills, led by Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths Coach Bob Just. |
| North Beach First Friday Art Crawl | 5 - 9 PM | North Beach | On the first Friday of every month, over a dozen North Beach galleries, museums, bars, and restaurants stay open late for a self-guided First Fridays Art Crawl with special events to showcase the ever-growing collections of art and entertainment that diversify North Beach. Pre-registration is required for this event. |
Saturday, September 7
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presidio Run | 9 AM - 1 PM | Presidio |
The Presidio is San Francisco’s national park site, with endless trails, fun events, and unforgettable views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Join members of our newest Club Sport (Running) to explore this waterfront treasure. Non-runners are invited to play in the new Presidio Tunnel Tops park space. Pre-registration is required for this event. |
| InterVarsity Picnic in the Park | 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Conservatory of Flowers | We'll be having a picnic at the Conservatory of Flowers as a part of our celebration for the beginning of the semester. Come hang out or stop by and say hi! |
Sunday, September 8
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegrass Brunch at Salesforce Park | 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM | SOMA | Enjoy this 5.4 acre public park, a living roof where a curved walking trail lined with benches surrounds grassy lawns, dancing fountains and an amphitheater hosting Bluegrass and Brunch.? Seventy feet above the Grand Hall, the Park runs the entire length of the Transit Center’s nearly four-block stretch. Home to 600 trees and 16,000 plants arranged in 13 different botanical feature areas, this iconic public park destination in the San Francisco Bay Area is open? and there’s nothing else like it anywhere. Pre-registration is required for this event. |
Tuesday, September 10
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Break Ice with BASE | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Welch Field & Gleeson Plaza | Haven't heard? We have been anitcipating your arrival! Welcome back to campus - let us start off the semester reuniting with old and new faces over old times favorites like KONA Ice! For our newest family members - first 20 students who are able to find the location of the Black Resouce Center will get a gift! |
| Honors College - 1st Treat Tuesday | 3:30 - 5 PM | Welch Field | Join the Honors College in welcoming 1st years and welcoming back our continuing students with treats and a special nature journaling activity |
| Cafe International | 4:30 - 5:30 PM | Intercultural Center, University Center 412 | Come to the first Cafe International of the year! This is our biweekly community space for international students to make friends and casually connect with each other on the USF campus. Come and enjoy a stress-free coffee and tea break and chat about food, music, pop culture, and anything and everything to help you recharge. Plus, there will be extra goodies and giveaways for this first session! |
Tuesday, September 17
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Poster Making with Favianna Rodriguez | 6:30 PM | Fromm Complex, Xavier Auditorium |
Join us for a dynamic political poster making opportunity with Favianna Rodriguez, Bay Area based interdisciplinary artist, cultural organizer, and social justice activist. Express your voice and creativity while honoring the right to free speech on Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day. This event is a unique opportunity to design powerful posters that inspire civic engagement and highlight the importance of radical imagination. Let your art speak for democracy and make your voice heard! Favianna will guide us through the creative process to ensure that everyone feels their voice is expressed through their art. Additionally, the Haight Street Art Center will curate and present an exhibit of inspiring political poster art to accompany the event, including work by Favianna Rodriguez that will be viewable in the lobby both prior to and after the event. |
Certain events will be photographed and/or video recorded for archival, educational, and related promotional purposes. By attending or participating in this event, you grant USF the full unrestricted rights to your photograph, voice and likeness in any manner or media whatsoever worldwide for educational marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed or video recorded, please inform the camera person at the start of each event.