Transfer Student Orientation Schedule
A Few Reminders:
- Register Here for Transfer Orientation
- Learn more about our Special Orientation Programs.
- Email our office at orientation@usfca.edu with any questions.
- 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.
Thursday, July 30
| Event | Time | Zoom Registration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Student Pre-Orientation Webinar | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Presentation Link | 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. |
Monday, August 3
| Event | Time | Zoom Registration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Generation College Student & Family Program | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Zoom Meeting Link | 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 degree. |
Tuesday, August 4
| Event | Time | Zoom Registration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Speaking Family Program | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Zoom Meeting Link | 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. |
Friday, August 14
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Virtual Small Group Meeting | 3 PM - 4 PM | Zoom Meeting | Meet with your GO Team Orientation Leader (OL) and Orientation Small Group to learn more about what is in store for Orientation as well as answer any questions you have about starting at USF. |
Thursday, August 20
| Event | Time | LOCATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Asian Student & Family Reception | 5:30 - 7:30 PM | Tarantino Plaza (Malloy Hall Courtyard) | Students and their families are invited to join us for a casual Meet & Greet with university leaders, members of USF's faculty and staff, and peers. Event is hosted by Opinder Bawa, Vice President & CIO, and Anastasia Vrachnos, Vice Provost of Global Education, Immersions, and Strategic Initiatives. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served. All are welcome. |
Friday, August 21
| Event | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immunization Clinic | 9 AM - 2 PM | University Center, Room 402/403 | Drop in anytime during the clinic for required immunizations, including hepatitis B and MMR vaccines, or a tuberculosis (TB) test. Students receiving a TB test must return to the Student Health Clinic within 48–72 hours to have the test read. Health Promotion Services (HPS) staff will also be available to answer questions about immunization requirements and the USF student health insurance plan. Students enrolled in the USF health insurance plan may also pick up a copy of their insurance card. |
| Virtual Orientation Help Desk | 5 PM - 7 PM | Zoom Meeting Link | 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! |
Saturday, August 22
| 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. |
| International Student Orientation (ISO) | 9 AM - 1 PM | Fromm Complex | 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. |
| 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 studenthousing@usfca.edu for more specific information. |
| Orientation Help Desk & Welcome Center | 10 AM - 4 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 | 10 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 school pride! |
| Transfer Student Social | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Fromm Hall, Berman Room | This social event is a wonderful opportunity for new transfer students to meet and connect with fellow peers, helping to build relationships and foster a strong sense of community. |
| Evening Event: Movie Night | 8 PM - 10 PM | Welch Field | Join us for Movie Night with your peers. Grab your spot, snag a free blanket (while they last!), and dive into a cinematic adventure. Don't miss out - be there early to secure your cozy corner |
Sunday, August 23
| 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 Help Desk | 9 AM - 1 PM | McLaren Conference Center | Welcome to USF! The USF Orientation Team and various staff will be available to assist and answer questions. |
| Transfer Student Orientation Welcome | 9:30 AM - 12 PM | 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. |
| Transfer Student Afternoon Tea | 12 PM - 1 PM | University Center, First Floor | Transfer students are invited to slow down, connect, and enjoy afternoon tea with fellow new transfer students, current students, and campus staff. This casual gathering offers space to ask questions and build community. |
| USF Bookstore | 11 AM - 3 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 school pride! |
| Campus Tours (Optional) | 12:30 PM - 2 PM | Meet at McLaren Conference Center | 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. |
| Koret Night | 5:30 PM - 7 PM | Koret Recreation Center | Koret Night is open to all incoming students - first-years and transfers - to explore the facilities and programs at the Koret Center. Come learn about Club Sports, Intramurals, Outdoor Adventure trips, group fitness classes, and more! All participants will receive free t-shirts and exclusive Club Sports discount codes, and will be entered into a raffle to win prizes like headphones, sports equipment, and fitness recovery gear. |
| Evening Event: Drag Night | 9 PM - 11 PM | War Memorial Gym at Sobrato Center | Drag Show Night is not just an event; it's an experience that celebrates diversity, creativity, and community spirit at USF. Join us for a night filled with fun, dance, and unforgettable entertainment. |
Monday, August 24
| Event | Time | Location | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Market Cafeteria | 7 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. |
| "Find Your Classes" | On Your Own | All of Campus | Plan ahead before the first day of classes by mapping out your schedule. The USF mobile app can give you step-by-step directions to each of your classrooms so you know exactly where to go. |
| Gender Inclusive (GI) Housing Orientation | 9 AM - 10:30 AM | Fromm Complex, Berman Room | The purpose of the Gender Inclusive (GI) Housing Orientation is to introduce students to the values, expectations, and community standards of the GI community. This orientation aims to foster a respectful and affirming environment by educating residents on the engagement opportunities available to them both on and off campus. There will be presentations, guided discussions, and community-building activities that prepare GI residents to be in community with one another. |
| Pre-Health Student Orientation | 10 AM - 10:50 AM | Cowell Hall, Room 106 | We’re excited to invite you to the Pre-Health Student Orientation, hosted by Pre-Health Professions Advising and USF’s Pre-Health Student Organizations. This session is designed for incoming pre-health students to help you start strong—offering tips from current students, an overview of the pre-health path at USF, and a chance to connect with peers who share your goals. Questions? Contact Marie Dutton at mdutton2@usfca.edu. |
| College of Arts & Sciences Transfer Student Academic Welcome | 10 AM - 10:50 AM | Sobrato Club, War Memorial Gym | Join us for the College of Arts and Sciences Transfer Student Academic Welcome, a program created to help you settle into your new academic home. Meet your Transfer Champions—faculty and staff dedicated to supporting your success—and connect with fellow transfer students who are starting their journey alongside you. You’ll also learn about key academic resources, discover opportunities within CAS, and start building the relationships that will guide and support you throughout your time at USF. |
| 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. |
| New Student Convocation | 11 AM - 12 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 | 12 PM - 12:30 PM | Welch Field | Smile for your official new class photo. Please wear your USF green and gold. |
| School of Management: Transfer Orientation Event | 12:15 - 12:55 PM | Malloy Hall, Room 129 | Join us for Mix, Mingle & Munch, a casual welcome lunch for new School of Management transfer students. Connect with other transfers who are navigating this same transition, meet your Transfer Champion Team, who is here to support you (not just answer questions), and start building the relationships and sense of community that will carry you through your time at USF. |
| Orientation To Your Major | 1 PM - 4 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. |
| Evening Activity: San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game | 5:30 PM Game time: 6:45 PM | Meet at Privett Plaza (outside University Center, Third Floor) | Join us for a night game at Oracle Park. The San Francisco Giants are an American professional baseball team based in San Francisco. RSVP here. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. |
Tuesday, August 25: First Day of Classes (FDOC)
| Event | Time | Location | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Back Fest: Campus Resource Fair | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Privett Plaza | Start the semester by connecting with campus resources, local businesses, and community organizations that reflect your interests. Whether you're looking for academic support, a go-to grocery spot, or new ways to get involved, this is a great opportunity to explore, build community, and even pick up some free swag! |