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.
- For the most up-to-date WOW information and schedule, keep checking this webpage for details as we approach August!
Monday, August 18
| Event | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Psychology Open House | 2 - 3:30 PM | Kalmanovitz Hall Ground Floor | The Department of Psychology cordially invites you to attend our open house event for incoming first-year and transfer psychology students, hosted by Professors Ochoa and Reese! We hope to see you there! |
Tuesday, August 19 - First Day of Classes (FDOC)
| Event | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thacher Gallery | Ongoing | Thacher Gallery, Gleeson Library | Get inspired. Visit What the World Needs Now Is....Brian Singer at the Thacher Gallery. Bringing together artworks from the last decade, artist Brian Singer (someguy) examines censorship, American history, culture, and his own mixed ethnicity through intimate works with books, installations, and participatory projects. Open 8/11-11/9 |
| The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers Walk-In Hours | Ongoing | 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 | Welcome Back, USF! Swing by and explore all the resources and programs USF and San Francisco have to offer — all in one spot. From academic departments and local grocery stores to nonprofits aligned with your passions, this is your chance to connect with the community, discover new opportunities, and snag some free swag along the way! |
Wednesday, August 20
| Event | Time | LOCATION | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Night | 6 - 8 PM |
Target Store 2675 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118 |
Join us for an exclusive after-hours shopping event for USF students! Show your student ID for special discounts, free Starbucks Refreshers, raffles, giveaways, live music from our Student DJ, food vendors, and tons of free swag. Don’t miss this fun back-to-school tradition! |
Thursday, August 21
| Event | Time | LOCATION | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rec Sports Presents: Day on the Green | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Welch Field & Gleeson Plaza | Day on the Green is open to all USF students! Discover everything the Recreational Sports Department has to offer— Intramural Sports, Club Sports, Group Fitness Classes, and more. Free t-shirts will be given to all attendees (while supplies last), and everyone will have a chance to enter a raffle for sports and recreation accessories. |
| Black Resource Center Welcome with BASE | 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | Privett Plaza |
Hey USF Fam, Want FREE Ice Cream? - Join your new village for some fun in the sun at the Black Resource Center (BRC) — just follow these steps:
|
| Paint & Sip with the Cultural Centers | 6 - 7:30 PM | University Center, Fourth Floor | Who said you weren’t an artist? Join the students and staff of the Cultural Centers where you'll engage in conversation, build community, and leave with your own social justice based art pieces! |
Friday, August 22
| Event | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Employment Part-Time Job Fair | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | McLaren Complex | Looking for a part-time job on or off campus? Don’t miss the Student Employment Job Fair! Meet with campus departments and local employers who are hiring for part-time roles. Whether you're hoping to build your résumé, earn some extra money, or gain valuable experience, this is the perfect place to start. Come prepared with questions, your résumé, and an open mind—you never know what opportunities you’ll discover! |
Sunday, August 24
| Event | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silk Speaker Series: Jeremy Renner | 5 - 6 PM | War Memorial Gym at Sobrato Center | The University of San Francisco is proud to welcome Academy Award–nominated actor and Marvel superhero Jeremy Renner to the Silk Speaker Series. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear Jeremy Renner share personal stories from Hollywood and powerful reflections on resilience, recovery, and the strength it takes to start again. Register Now |
Monday, August 25
| Event | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural Centers' Open House | 5 - 6:30 PM | University Center, 411/412 | Come explore our vibrant spaces and get to know our amazing new interns! They’re bringing fresh energy and creativity to our community, and we can’t wait for you to meet them. Plus, we’ve got something special just for you — personalized keychains! If you’ve ever struggled to find your name on souvenirs, this is your chance to have a custom keychain made just for you. |
Tuesday, August 26
| Event | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good Info Session: Pathways to Public Service and Community Engagement | 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | McCarthy Center, 281 Masonic, Suite 103 | Join the Leo T. McCarthy Center to learn about various programs that build your professional and civic engagement skillset through internships and fellowships such as USF in DC, McCarthy Fellows in San Francisco and Sacramento, USFVotes, Engage Literacy Tutors, and Financial Literacy Tutors. |
| 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. |
| Instant Ramen Remix Night | 6:30 - 8 PM | University Center, Fourth Floor Lounge | Join us for Instant Ramen Remix Night, where creativity meets comfort food! We'll supply a variety of flavors of instant noodle cups and you can customize them with fun, flavorful, and fresh toppings. Whether you’re a ramen purist or an adventurous eater, this is your chance to share, taste, and remix your way to a delicious bowl. Don't miss the chance to enter the spicy noodle challenge! |
Wednesday, August 27
| Event | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Studies GLOBUS Trivia Games | 11:45 AM - 1 PM | Kalmanovitz Hall, Atrium | Welcome to the Fall Semester! All are welcome to test their GLOBAL GEO SKILLS and enjoy hot beverages and BOB's DONUTS. Meet our Global Studies faculty, staff and student leaders, WIN travel coded prizes! |
| Study Abroad Craft and Info Night | 5 - 6 PM | TBA | Create charm bracelets and discover how to add some more through studying abroad! Meet with the advisors and ambassadors to get started on your study abroad journey. |
Thursday, August 28
| Event | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Involvement Fair | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Welch Field & Gleeson Plaza | Explore USF’s student organizations at the Fall Involvement Fair. Meet representatives from some of the 150+ organizations. Joining a student organization is a great way to make new friends, explore your interests, and hone your skills. |
| Thacher Gallery | 4 - 6 PM | Thacher Gallery, Gleeson Library | Join us for a reception to celebrate What the World Needs Now Is....Brian Singer at the Thacher Gallery. Bringing together artworks from the last decade, artist Brian Singer (someguy) examines censorship, American history, culture, and his own mixed ethnicity through intimate works with books, installations, and participatory projects. |
| Study Abroad Craft and Info Night | 5 - 6 PM | TBA | Create charm bracelets and discover how to add some more through studying abroad! Meet with the advisors and ambassadors to get started on your study abroad journey. |
Traditional Events Also Include:
- Bachata Dance Workshop
- Cafe International
- Glitter Hour
- Athletic Events
- SF Adventure Trips