Transfer Student 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 the Transfer Student Orientation schedule.
- NOTE: Events and activities are subject to change. Should timing need to change, per public health guidance, we will communicate adjustments in as timely a fashion as possible.
Monday, July 31
| Event | Time | Zoom Registration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Student Pre-Orientation | 6 - 7 PM | Presentation | During this virtual orientation with the Center for Academic and Student Achievement (CASA), new transfer students will be given an opportunity to ask questions to current Dons and learn more about transfer resources at USF. Please Note: Transfer students and family members can also participate in the full orientation program for first-year students and families. |
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. At USF, we define 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 degre |
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. |
Friday, August 4
| Event | Time | Zoom Registration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Orientation Help Desk | 12 - 6 PM | Pop-In Here | Got questions about starting at USF? Pop into our Virtual Orientation Help Desk to chat with GO Team leaders and get your questions answered about starting at USF! |
Thursday, August 17
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Student Orientation (ISO) | 9 AM - 12 PM | McLaren Conference Center | This session is designed to address the most common questions and concerns that international students have, as well as cover important information such as immigration regulations pertaining to your visa, academic expectations, and cultural adjustment. Mandatory for new international students. |
| ISO: Student Lunch | 12:30 - 1 PM | Location TBD | Join ISSS and International Admissions for an outdoor lunch following the mandatory international orientation session. This is a great opportunity to meet your international admission counselor, the ISSS staff, and other students. Open to new international students. |
| ISO: SF and Beyond | 4 - 4:45 PM | University Center, Fourth Floor Lounge | ISSS and our student leaders will join us for a fun presentation about living in San Francisco. Learn from other students about their favorite sites, restaurants, and more. Open to new international students. |
| ISO: Student Off-Campus Dinner | 5 - 7:30 PM | Meet at University Center, First Floor | Student leaders will take a group of international students to a popular area for dinner. Students will pay for their own dinner; make sure to bring money, comfortable walking shoes, and a jacket. Open to new international students. |
Saturday, August 19
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Market Cafeteria | 8 AM - 8 PM | University Center, Second Floor | Whether you're settling into your new dorm or taking a break from the hustle and bustle, savor a variety of freshly prepared dishes at the cafeteria. |
| Transfer Student Check-In & Residence Hall Move-In | Assigned Move-In Times | Various Residence Halls | Welcome to USF! You should have received an assigned check-in/move-in time before your arrival. Please email share@usfca.edu for more specific information. |
| Orientation Help Desk & Welcome Center | 10 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. |
| 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) | 2 - 5 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. |
| Off-Campus Student Meetup | 6 - 7 PM | Fromm Hall, Berman Room | Living off-campus can feel intimidating when it comes to making friends and getting connected to campus. This event will serve as an opportunity for students living off-campus to network with their peers. |
| New Transfer Student Meetup | 7 - 8 PM | Fromm Hall, Berman Room | Are you a new or returning transfer student? Stop by and meet other transfer students and build connections. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. |
| Evening Event: Night Howl & Ice Cream Social | 8 PM - 10 PM | Gleeson Plaza | It's an annual tradition that no new student would want to miss. So meet your fellow Dons as we howl for a perfect semester at USF. |
Sunday, August 20
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Market Cafeteria | 8 AM - 8 PM | University Center, Second Floor | Whether you're settling into your new dorm or taking a break from the hustle and bustle, savor a variety of freshly prepared dishes at the cafeteria. |
| Orientation Information & Help Desk | 10 AM - 2 PM | McLaren Conference Center | Welcome to USF! The USF Orientation Team and various staff will be available to assist and answer questions. |
| Orientation Welcome: Intro to Student Services | 10 - 11:50 AM | McLaren Conference Center | Join other new transfer students and their family members for your official welcome to our USF community. Students will take a moment to reflect on their accomplishments and learn more about campus resources and services at USF. Mandatory for new transfer students. |
| 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! |
| Family Farewell Lunch (On Your Own) | 12 - 1 PM | University Center, Second Floor, Cafeteria | Use this time to grab lunch, reconnect with your parents & family members, create a communication plan, and make sure you are all set for the week ahead. |
| Campus Tours (Optional) | 12 - 2 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. |
| New Student Convocation | 3 - 4 PM | St. Ignatius Church | The university president and college deans inaugurate the incoming class and welcome new and transfer students to the USF community. Students will learn the USF pledge and receive a commemorative pin designed for their entering class. Mandatory for new transfer students. |
| New Class Picture | 4 - 4:30 PM | Welch Field & Gleeson Plaza | Smile for your official new class photo. Please wear your USF green and gold. |
| Koret Night | 6 - 8 PM | Koret Recreation Center | Explore Koret Health and Recreation Center with new friends, receive a complimentary t-shirt, and enjoy a guided tour. |
| Evening Event: Drag Show Night | 9 - 11 PM | War Memorial Gym at Sobrato Center | Drag & Dancing: What a fantastic and interactive way to liven up your weekend and have some fun with your peers. |
Monday, August 21
| Event | Time | Location | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Market Cafeteria | 8 AM - 9 PM | University Center, Second Floor | Whether you're settling into your new dorm or taking a break from the hustle and bustle, savor a variety of freshly prepared dishes at the cafeteria. |
| 7 Things College Students Need to Know Before Using AI/ChatGPT | 10 AM - 10:50 AM | Discover how AI enhances research efficiency and learning while addressing ethical concerns. Not mandatory but strongly encouraged. | |
| Welcome Week Help Desk | 10 AM - 2 PM | University Center, First Floor | Got questions before you start your first day of classes? USF Orientation Staff will be available to assist you. |
| Class Quest: Charting Your Academic Path | On Your Own | Various Locations | Take charge of your academic journey by mapping out the pathways to your classes before the semester commences, ensuring a confident and smooth start to your college experience. |
| Registration Assistance | 10 AM - 2 PM | University Center, Third Floor | The Center for Academic Achievement (CASA) coaches are available to assist in navigating the online registration system. |
| Dons Fest: Campus Resource Fair | 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM | Privett Plaza | 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. |
| Orientation To Your Major |
1 - 5 PM Major orientations will take place at specific times. |
See the link above for more specific information. |
You will hear from college/school deans and faculty who will provide you with essential information about your academic major/program. Orientations will also include a section for all undeclared majors. Mandatory for new transfer students. |
| CAB presents Dons Night Out | 7 - 10 PM | War Memorial Gym at Sobrato Center | Dons Night Out is the Campus Activities Board's (CAB) first major event of the year. It is a festival experience where students can expect more than just amazing Bay Area musical artists. You can enjoy photo booths, large-scale games, interactive experiences, great music, and more! So bring all of your friends and kick the year off right. This event is open to all USF students. |