USF Lingo & Commonly Used Terms

Welcome to USF!

As you embark on your journey at our university, we want to help you become familiar with the language and terms commonly used on campus. Although we try to avoid overwhelming you with jargon during Orientation, it's essential to acquaint yourself with these terms to navigate your way through campus life. Consider this your starting point in deciphering the code language at USF.

Student Organizations: 

  • ASUSF or Senate of Associated Students of the University of San Francisco: ASUSF advocates for student voices to be heard and carried forward in order to inspire progress and promote positive change in the USF community.
  • CAB or Campus Activities Board: CAB is a student-run organization responsible for planning and coordinating on-campus entertainment at the University of San Francisco. 
  • CFCC or Culturally Focused Clubs Council: CFCC is a council of culturally-focused club student representatives designed for intergroup communication and collaboration.
  • RHA or Residence Hall Association: This student organization provides leadership opportunities within residence halls, planning and executing programs that seek to provide a positive on-campus living experience.

Supportive Staff Roles:

  • GO Team or Get Oriented Team: GO Team Orientation Leaders (OLs) aid the facilitation of Orientation by providing new students and their family members with an engaging introduction to campus life and all its resources.
  • RA or Resident Advisor: RAs serve as a resource, community builders, administrators, role models, and peer educators with our residents in the residence halls and are responsible for building and facilitating a positive and effective community.
  • RD or Resident Director: Each residence hall has an RD who helps to manage the building and the hall’s community. This person is a full-time professional staff member who hosts weekly office hours where you can meet with them individually regarding most aspects of university life.
  • RM or Resident Ministers: Lay members of University Ministry who live in residence halls, supporting students' spiritual needs and connecting them to faith-based opportunities on campus.

Campus Areas/Buildings:

  • LOMO: Common nickname for Lone Mountain, which sits high on the hill, one block above the lower campus. 
  • UC: Short for the University Center, a central hub for student life, every office, resource, center, and study space students need.
  • UC4: Located on the Fourth Floor of the University Center, where students hang out and also find student organizations and the Student Engagement staff. 
  • Caf: Short for “Cafeteria.” There are two cafs located on the main campus on UC 2 or on Lone Mountain North, just in front of the residence hall entrance. 
  • K Hall: Short for Kalmanovitz Hall, located between Gleeson Plaza and Cowell Hall. Here, you will find lots of classrooms, some study spaces, and professors’ offices. 
  • Undercaf: Short for the cafe, lounge, and snack store located on the first floor of the University Center, where students hang out and study.
  • St. Iggy: Short for St. Ignatius Church. The church serves a parish of the Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco and is the university's chapel.
  • Cardiac Hill: The steep hill between the UC and dorm halls (Hayes-Healy and Gillson).
  • Harry Potter Room: The nickname for The Del Santo Reading Room. The historic Lone Mountain library is a favorite study spot for students.
  • Welch Field: The grass area between Saint Ignatius Church and Kalmanovitz Hall, Welch Field is a welcoming spot on a sunny day — and a good place for impromptu games or having a picnic with friends.

SF Transit:

  • SF Muni: San Francisco's network of fuel-efficient Muni buses, light rail Metro trains, historic streetcars, and iconic cable cars covers all corners of the city. 
  • Muni Mobile: Safe transportation is available around the city of San Francisco via buses, streetcars, and the Muni Subway. Undergraduate students who pay the Transportation Fee as part of their tuition are issued one USF Muni Pass per fall and spring semester. 

USF Software:

  • Canvas: an online learning platform where you will find your courses, instructor information, and assignments.
  • Banner Self-Service: a web-based information management tool used for students to register for classes and to view your to store and maintain student academic records and processes. 
  • Student Hub: an online, interactive platform for you to organize and manage your college life. Think of it as a virtual planner that includes your class schedule, to-do list, appointment scheduling, co-curricular events, and more.
  • myUSF: our online portal at USF where you can register for classes, pay tuition, access your USF email, view your student record, and update your contact information.
  • Degree Evaluation: an online tool that reviews any past, in-progress, and planned coursework. It provides information on completed and remaining requirements necessary to complete a degree.

Campus Events: 

  • WOW, or Weeks of Welcome: WOW serves as an extended orientation and helps new students get involved, find community, and learn more about the opportunities and resources at USF during the first two weeks of the spring and fall semesters.
  • DNO or Dons Night Out: Dons Night Out is CAB’s first major event of the year. It is a festival experience where students can expect more than just amazing Bay Area musical artists. 
  • Welcome Back Fest: The annual campus and community resource fair at USF! 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.
  • CelebrateUSF, also known as Family Weekend: This annual fall event invites Alumni, parents, families, faculty, staff, students, and friends to come to campus for a weekend of celebration.
  • Donaroo: USF’s annual spring music festival sponsored by CAB.
  • The Night Howl: USF’s oldest tradition, which is held during new student orientation. New students howl at the moon in hopes of a perfect first semester. 

One Card:

  • Mobile One Card: Your student ID. Your One Card grants you access into campus buildings and rooms. And can be used to access your meal plan, Dons Dollars, library privileges, on-campus printers/copies, and other services. 
  • Flexi: USF's room and board meal plan. All students living in on-campus housing (except St. Anne, Fulton House, and Fulton Flats) are required to be on a meal plan. 
  • Dons Dollars: funds added to your OneCard to be used at on-campus locations. It serves like a debit account and is highly recommended as you get tax savings benefits when using OneCard.