First-Year Family Orientation Schedule
A Few Reminders:
- Learn more about our Special Orientation Programs.
- Email our office at orientation@usfca.edu with any questions.
Below you will find a First-Year Family Orientation schedule.
- NOTE: Events and activities are subject to change. Should timing need to change, per public health guidance, we will communicate adjustments as quickly as possible.
Tuesday, August 1
| Event | Time | Zoom Registration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Generation College Student & Family Program | 6 - 7 PM | Zoom | First-Generation college students and their families will learn from current USF students, families, and administrators how to thrive in college. This virtual workshop will bring awareness to on-campus resources that support students' holistic development and academic success. USF defines first-generation college students as students whose parents or guardians have not received a U.S. bachelor's degree. Some first-generation college students may have siblings who have completed a bachelor's degree. |
Thursday, August 3
| Event | Time | Zoom Registration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Speaking Family Program | 6 - 7 PM | Zoom |
Esta sesión es para familias cuyo primer idioma es el español. Conozca los recursos y consejos para ayudar a su estudiante a través de los ojos del personal, estudiantes que regresan y un miembro de la familia. Se anima que los estudiantes acompañen a sus familias. This program is for families whose first language is Spanish. Come and learn about the resources and tips for supporting your student through the eyes of the staff, returning students, and their family members. |
Saturday, August 12
| Event | Time | LOCATION | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Market Cafeteria | 8 AM - 9:30 PM | University Center, Second Floor | Whether you're helping your student settle into their new dorm or taking a break from the hustle and bustle, savor a variety of freshly prepared dishes at the cafeteria. |
| Orientation Help Desk & Welcome Center | 9 AM - 5 PM | University Center, First Floor | Welcome to USF! The USF Orientation Team and various staff will be available to assist and answer questions. |
| New Student Check-In & Residence Hall Move-In | 10 AM - 4 PM | Lo Schiavo Innovation Wing | Your student should have received an assigned check-in/move-in time before arrival. Look for the Get Oriented (GO) Team in green shirts/jackets to help guide you throughout the weekend. |
| USF Bookstore | 11 AM - 5 PM | University Center, First Floor | More than just textbooks and sweatshirts, find everything you need for your class, your dorm, or for showing off your Dons’ pride! |
| Campus Tours (Optional) | 1 - 4 PM | Meet at University Center, First Floor | Explore our beautiful USF campus with our friendly GO Team leaders. No RSVP is needed. Guided tours are available every 30 minutes for new USF students and family members. |
| Black Community Welcome | 1 - 3 PM | Kalmanovitz Amphitheatre | The Black Community Welcome is more than just an event; it's an experience that embodies the essence of unity, respect, and empowerment. Be a part of this unforgettable gathering that marks the beginning of your journey within the Black Community at USF. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided. Remember, pre-registration was a must for this event! |
| Latine Community Welcome | 3 - 4:30 PM | Tarantino Plaza | Celebrate the rich and vibrant Latine/x culture at USF. Experience a sense of belonging and community as you connect and find support on campus. Come together to forge meaningful connections where everyone is welcome to join and be in community. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided. Remember, pre-registration was a must for this event! |
| International Parent & Family Reception | 3 - 5 PM | Gleeson Library, Monihan Atrium | Join USF President Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J., and Chancellor John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J., for a reception to welcome all families who traveled from outside the U.S. to help their students settle into life at USF. Meet International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS), faculty members, and other families of international students. Bring your incoming student and the entire family. Registration required: http://rsvp.usfca.edu/ |
| Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander Community Welcome | 5 - 6:30 PM | Privett Plaza | Join us for the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Community Welcome to kick off Orientation. New students and families can connect, share experiences, and hear from members of the community. All are warmly welcomed to attend this unity-driven, empowering experience. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided. Remember, pre-registration was a must for this event! |
| New Student & Family Orientation Welcome | 7 - 8 PM | War Memorial Gym at Sobrato Center |
Join other new students and families for your official welcome to our USF community from USF President Paul J. Fitzgerald and your orientation welcome team. Families will take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of their students and learn what to expect from orientation. Mandatory for new first-year students. |
| New Family Happy Hour | 8 - 10 PM |
1785 Fulton Street
|
Join us in a warm and inviting community to connect with fellow new families. It's first-come, first-served for a delightful experience of refreshments (complimentary drink tickets for the first 150 guests) and delectable small bites to unwind after a full day. Remember, pre-registration was a must for this event! |
Sunday, August 13
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Market Cafeteria | 8 AM - 9 PM | University Center, Second Floor | Whether you're helping your student settle into their new dorm or taking a break from the hustle and bustle, savor a variety of freshly prepared dishes at the cafeteria. |
| Orientation Help Desk | 9 AM - 2 PM |
University Center, First Floor |
Welcome to USF! The USF Orientation Team will be available to assist and answer questions. |
| Navigating Food Allergies & Meal Plans |
9 AM - 9:50 AM 2 PM - 2:50 PM |
University Center, Second Floor | Transitioning to college marks a significant step. Managing a set meal plan on your own and addressing food allergies independently can be challenging. With preparation, education, and support, you can thrive while safeguarding your health, embracing newfound freedoms, and managing your money. Stop by and meet with our Resident District Manager and USF alumna, Crystal Chun Wong, to plan ahead and learn about the tips and tricks to managing a set meal plan, ways you can stay healthy, and tour the kitchen facility. |
| Campus Tours (Optional) | 10 AM - 1 PM | University Center, First Floor | Explore our beautiful USF campus with our friendly GO Team leaders. No RSVP is needed. Guided tours are available every 30 minutes for new USF students and family members. |
| College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Family Welcome | 10 AM - 11 AM | Privett Plaza | Come meet with Deans, faculty, and staff from your student's college or school. Refreshments will be provided. Remember, pre-registration was a must for this event! |
| USF Bookstore | 11 AM - 5 PM | University Center, First Floor | More than just textbooks and sweatshirts, find everything you need for your class, your dorm, or for showing off your Dons’ pride! |
| School of Management (SOM) Family Welcome | 11 AM - 12 PM | Tarantino Plaza (Malloy Hall Courtyard) | Come meet with Deans, faculty, and staff from your student's college or school. Refreshments will be provided. Remember, pre-registration was a must for this event! |
| Campus Resource Fair | 12 - 1:30 PM | Welch Field & Gleeson Plaza |
Explore resources and services at USF and San Francisco — all in one place! Banks, cell phone companies, and campus resources will be available to assist students with opening a bank account, setting up a cell phone, or asking questions. |
| School of Nursing & Health Professions (SONHP) Family Welcome | 1 PM - 2 PM | Privett Plaza | Come meet with Deans, faculty, and staff from your student's college or school. Refreshments will be provided. Remember, pre-registration was a must for this event! |
| Family Workshop #1: Campus Support & Resources |
10 - 10:50 AM 11 - 11:50 AM 2 - 2:50 PM |
Fromm Hall, Maraschi Room | Come learn about resources on campus available to you and your student to help maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle at USF. You will meet representatives from the following offices: Office of the Dean of Students, Office of Community Living, Department of Public Safety, Health Promotion Services (HPS), and the Office of Student Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities (OSCRR). These workshops are repeated 3 times - so if one workshop is full, please attend another one. |
| Family Workshop #2: Academic Success at USF |
10 - 10:50 AM 11 - 11:50 AM 2 - 2:50 PM |
Fromm Hall, Xavier Chapel | Learn how to support your student's academic excellence. The Center for Academic and Student Achievement (CASA), Student Disability Services (SDS), University Registrar, and the Learning, Writing and Speaking Centers (LWSC) will offer insight on how students can take advantage of resources at USF to develop helpful habits, lower their stress, and meet all of their academic goals. You'll also learn about the privacy of your student's records and what you need to know about FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). These workshops are repeated 3 times - so if one workshop is full, please attend another one. |
| Family Workshop #3: Families in Transition |
10 - 10:50 AM 11 - 11:50 AM 2 - 2:50 PM |
McLaren Conference Center, Room 252 | As a family prepares to send a student off to college, it marks a significant transition that affects everyone involved. This pivotal moment sparks discussions on how best to provide support throughout this thrilling new chapter. In this engaging workshop, a student panel, led by Julie Orio, Vice President of Student Life, and Lester Deanes, Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement, will openly discuss the invaluable support their own families offered, contributing to their flourishing journey at USF. These workshops are repeated 3 times - so if one workshop is full, please attend another one. |
| Family Workshop #4: From Curriculum to Career: How a USF Education Leads to Excellent Internship and Job Opportunities |
10 - 10:50 AM 11 - 11:50 AM 2 - 2:50 PM |
McLaren Conference Center, Room 250/251 | Career Services is a friendly staff of well connected professionals who are excited to work with students to explore and launch their career path, starting from their first year on campus. Learn the many innovative ways we get students' careers ready to interact with Bay Area employers who want to hire USF Dons. These workshops are repeated 3 times - so if one workshop is full, please attend another one. |
| Family Workshop #5: Mental Health and Wellness |
10 - 10:50 AM 11 - 11:50 AM 2 - 2:50 PM |
Fromm Hall, Berman Room | CAPS clinicians will provide an overview of services available for the mental health needs of USF students and will offer some suggestions and guidance around how families can support students as they make the transition to the college experience. These workshops are repeated 3 times - so if one workshop is full, please attend another one. |
| Navigating Food Allergies & Meal Plans |
9 AM - 9:50 AM 2 PM - 2:50 PM |
University Center, Second Floor | Transitioning to college marks a significant step. Managing a set meal plan on your own and addressing food allergies independently can be challenging. With preparation, education, and support, you can thrive while safeguarding your health, embracing newfound freedoms, and managing your money. Stop by and meet with our Resident District Manager and USF alumna, Crystal Chun Wong, to plan ahead and learn about the tips and tricks to managing a set meal plan, ways you can stay healthy, and tour the kitchen facility. |
| Family Welcome Mass | 3 - 4 PM | St. Ignatius Church | Members of any or no religious affiliation are invited to join USF President Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J., at this special welcome Mass. Open to all new students and families; attendance is encouraged but not required. |
| Family Mini Carnival (Optional) | 4 - 6 PM | Welch Field & Gleeson Plaza | Experience the ultimate family fun at our Carnival! Indulge in cotton candy, popcorn, ice cream, and more while enjoying exciting games like obstacle courses and corn hole. Unforgettable memories await! |
| Summer Zero Welcome Dinner | 5:30 - 7:30 PM | Tarantino Plaza | Open to all Engineering majors and their families. Enjoy a catered dinner with your new engineering classmates, faculty, staff, and a few older engineering students. Our makerspace, The Hive (located on the first floor of Harney), will also be open for the first hour or so, so pop in for a visit before grabbing some food. Pre-registration is appreciated; please RSVP here. |
| Student & Family Farewell Dinner (On Your Own) | 6 PM - Until | Various Locations | Can you believe the weekend is already over? Use this time to grab dinner, connect with your student, create a communication plan, and make sure they are all set for the week ahead |
Monday, August 14
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Asian Student and Family Reception | 4 - 6 PM | Tarantino Plaza (Malloy Hall Courtyard) | Opinder Bawa, a vice president at the University of San Francisco, along with the Office of International Initiatives, USF President Paul Fitzgerald, S.J., faculty and staff of South Asian heritage, and members of our Indian Student Organization will welcome new and continuing undergraduate and graduate students of South Asian heritage to campus. Pre-registration is required. |
Sunday, August 20
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Student Convocation | 3 - 4 PM | Livestream | Students will join their peers for their formal welcome to USF! We will take a moment to celebrate their accomplishments and journey to get to USF. In addition, students will learn the USF pledge and receive a commemorative pin designed for their class. |