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) and is 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.
| Event | DATE | Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAB Presents: Dons Night Out | Monday, August 21 | 7 – 10 PM | War Memorial Gym, 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. |
| CASA Registration Assistance Drop-ins | August 22-28 (except weekend) | 10 AM – 4 PM | University Center, 3rd Floor | Visit CASA on University Center 3rd floor if you have any questions about class registration or adding/dropping classes. Alternately, you can visit any CASA coaches' online drop-in hours: https://myusf.usfca.edu/casa/success-coach/hours. |
| Bagel Bananza | Tuesday, August 22 | 11 AM - 3 PM | SF Hillel House | Join us and reunite with your Hillel crew, make new pals, and dive into a sea of scrumptious eats. |
| Rec Sports Presents: Day on the Green | Tuesday, August 22 | 11:30 AM – 1 PM | Welch Field and Gleeson Plaza | Day on the Green is open to all USF Students to learn about all of Koret's Rec Sports programs and much more! Free t-shirts will be given to all attendees (while supplies last). |
| Magis Emerging Leadership Program Residence Hall Tabling | Tuesday, August 22 | 6:30 - 8 PM | Inside Entrance of Fromm Hall, Gillson Hall, Toler Hall, and Hayes-Healy Hall | Come meet alumni and leaders of the Magis Emerging Leadership Program to learn about how you can become a leader in your first year at USF! |
| Group Fitness: Strength 101 w/Hanbae | Weekly: Wednesdays | 9 AM | Koret Rec Center: Large Weight Room-Register | Strength 101 is a small group training class programmed to teach you the basics of strength training and exercise technique. You will be led by a trainer through a 12 week strength program. Learn how to move properly with progressions and modifications for each movement. You will get stronger and you will build foundational knowledge that you can carry over into your own workouts! Open to all levels of fitness. This class does require registration, please email fitness@usfca.edu for more information. |
| Drop-In Wednesdays | Weekly: Wednesdays | 9 AM - 5 PM | Lone Mountain 340 | This year, we will be having drop-ins every Wednesday at our office! If you have any questions about studying abroad, feel free to stop by for a 15-minute meeting with one of our study abroad advisors. |
| Information on the LWSC Services: Walk-in hours | Wednesday, August 23-30 | 9 AM – 5 PM | 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. |
| Museum of Craft and Design - Pay What You Can Admissions | Weekly: Wednesdays | 10 AM - 5 PM | 2569 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107 | The Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco, founded in 2004, is the city's sole museum dedicated to craft and design. As a non-collecting institution, MCD collaborates extensively with artists, designers, and institutions to offer engaging exhibitions and programs for visitors of all ages. |
| Mapping Out Your Career Path: A First Year's Guide | Wednesday, August 23 | 11:30 AM - 12 PM | McLaren 250 | Join us as Career Services provides you with the tools and resources necessary to navigate and get a head start in making the most of your time in college, enabling you to land a job quickly after graduation. Leave with a personalized checklist, which will serve as your roadmap to success. Don't miss this opportunity to map out your future. |
| Stitch & Bitch | Wednesday, August 23 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM | Gender & Sexuality Center, University Center 413 | Life’s a drag and there’s not nearly enough places to complain about it with others. Come by every week to embroider, crochet, knit, and chat with us over tea. All materials provided, or bring your own supplies! |
| Being Black in the Professional World | Wednesday, August 23 | 6 PM - 7 PM | McLaren Conference Center | Moderated by Bro. Darden, the panel features dynamic guests from different areas of the professional world! We are excited to see you there! |
| Target Night | Wednesday, August 23 | 6 - 8 PM |
Target Store 2675 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118 |
Join us for a back-to-school event with a 20% total discount for students showing their USF ID, raffles/giveaways every hour, food vendors, Student DJ, etc. The first 100 students will receive free Starbucks refreshers as well as enter into a raffle of multiple items and gift cards throughout the duration of the event.
|
| Group Fitness: Pilates w/Rosemary | Weekly: Thursdays | 8 - 9 AM |
Please click on the class link 24 hours in advance to request the class Zoom link. |
This mat class consists of exercises designed to create pelvic stability and abdominal control. It incorporates joint mobility, flexibility, and strengthening exercises. |
| Little Italy/ North Beach Walking Tour: Short History of San Francisco | Thursday, August 24 | 10 AM - 12:30 PM | 312 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 | This walking tour covers the history of San Francisco from its founding in 1775 to the present. You will learn about the major impacts on the city which include the Gold Rush, the earthquakes of 1906 and 1989 and the changing port. You will also walk away learning about the contribution of immigrants to the city. Reserve a spot here! |
| Fall Involvement Fair | Thursday, August 24 | 11:30 AM –1 PM | Gleeson Plaza |
Chat with representatives from 100+ student organizations to find out how you can get involved at USF. For more information, visit Student Leadership and Engagement on the University Center 4th Floor, follow @usfsle, or learn more on the SLE website. |
| Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good Info Session: Pathways to Public Service and Community Engagement | Thursday, August 24 | 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | McCarthy Center, 281 Masonic Ave, Suite 103, or Zoom | 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, and Community Empowerment Activists |
| Civic Center Carnival | Thursday, August 24 - Sunday, August 27 |
2:30 - 9:30 PM,Thursday and Friday 12:30 - 9:30 PM, Saturday; 12 to 8 PM, Sunday |
Fulton Street between @sfpubliclibrary Main Library and the @asianartmuseum | Civic Center Carnival, a vibrant four-day carnival that promises to infuse the heart of the Civic Center with summer delights and thrilling family entertainment. Learn more here. |
| Welcome Week Kickoff | Thursday, August 24 | 4 - 6 PM |
SF Hillel House 33 Banbury Drive |
Join us for our Welcome Week Kickoff: an epic gathering of new friendships, laughter, and community building. RSVP here. |
| Bachata Dance Workshop | Thursday, August 24 | 6 - 7:30 PM | Koret Rec Center Basement: Combatives | Come out to this beginner-friendly dance workshop to learn how to dance Bachata! This session will focus on different styles of footwork and will advance from beginner to intermediate-level steps. The instructor for this workshop, Diana Garcia Rodriguez, is a recent USF alumnus and received her training in bachata dance from In'Lakech Dance Academy, a Latinx dance school that centers Queer dancers in the Bay Area. |
| Meet the Greeks | Thursday, August 24 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | McLaren 250 | Learn more about Greek life at USF and meet members from all social sororities and fraternities. |
| Men's Soccer vs. Utah Tech | Thursday, August 24 | 7 - 9 PM | Negoesco Stadium | Prepare to cheer on your fellow Dons. Be sure to wear your green and gold! |
| Performing Arts Department Open House | Thursday, August 24 | 8 – 9:30 PM | Studio Theater, Loune Mountain 148 | Interested in performing? Learn more about the Performing Arts Department and meet members from student and department-run groups to find your own creative outlet. |
| Group Fitness: Power Vinyasa Yoga w/Aga | Weekly: Fridays | 9:30 -10:30 AM | Koret Rec Center: Combatives | Let's flow! this class will guide you through energetic and quick-flowing sequences, with a dynamic mix of postures. It will allow you to release stress while still building strength and gaining flexibility. All levels are welcome. Modifications are always offered. |
| Glitter Hour | Friday, August 25 | 1 - 3 PM | Gender & Sexuality Center, University Center, 413 | Is your nail polish chipping? Don't feel like going to a salon? Come to Glitter Hour every Friday in the Gender and Sexuality Center to paint and chat with other LGBTQ+ people. Nail files, polish, and acetone included. |
| Feel Good Fridays | Friday, August 25 | 4 - 7 PM | 601 Mission Bay Boulevard North, San Francisco, CA | We’re bringing the backyard party to you with live music, lawn games, and food trucks! |
| Welcome Black | Friday, August 25 | 6 - 8:30 PM | McLaren Conference Center | Join the Black Student Union (BSU), the Black Community Council (BCC), and the Black Achievement, Success, and Engagement (BASE) for an evening of community. Please join us as we come together with fellow Black faculty, staff, and students. |
| Cultural Centers' Open House Paint & Sip | Friday, August 25 | 3:30 - 5 PM | Cultural Centers, University Center, 411- 413 | Who said you weren’t an artist? Join the students and staff of the Cultural Centers for an open house where we'll engage in conversation, build community, learn about more Cultural Centers' events for the fall, and leave with your own social justice-based art pieces! |
| Welcome Shabbat | Friday, August 25 | 6 PM | SF Hillel House | Join us for Welcome Shabbat at SF Hillel, a magical evening of unity, joy, and spiritual connection. RSVP here. |
| Group Fitness: Spin w/Ellen | Weekly: Saturdays | 9 - 10 AM | Koret Rec Center: Aerobics | Spin will improve your aerobic capacity via HIIT, tempo, interval, or fartlek training. Depending on the instructor, you may be riding through the hills of San Francisco or racing down the emarcadero. This is a high-intensity, upbeat class that will get you to work up a sweat! Feel your heart rate increasing and your muscles burning as you endure the ride the instructor takes you on. Although it is a high-intensity class, you can bring it down a notch if needed; this class can accommodate ALL fitness levels. |
| Rec Sports Welcome Weekends: Watercolor Class by the Bay | Saturday, August 26 | 12 - 4 PM | Register here | Welcome Weekends are FREE TRIPS for incoming freshmen and transfer students ONLY. Join us to connect with new students and find communities of support on campus. You will also learn how to use your MUNI pass to explore SF. Registration opens on July 21 on ActiveNet; log in with your CWID and use coupon code 'WWFALL2023" |
| A Day in the Haight | Saturday, August 26 | All Day | Haight-Ashbury Street | Go shopping in Haight Ashbury for exclusive discounts for USF students! All participating Haight Street businesses will have a green and gold “Day in the Haight” flyer in their window, including Sockshop Haight Street, San Francisco Mercantile, Flippin Burger, Candy’s, Derby of San Francisco, and more! |
| Field Day: The BSU Olympics | Saturday, August 26 | 12 - 4 PM | Welch Field | No better way to conclude the first week of class than with a fun-filled day. We have games ready for you all to compete in and some prizes ready to give out. Meet us out on Welch Field to compete in the BSU Olympics and take home the gold. |
| The Hungry Ghost Festival | Saturday, August 26 | 4 - 9 PM | Rose Pak Station Upper Plaza | The Hungry Ghost Festival, akin to the Day of the Dead, celebrates Chinese traditions and cultural heritage. This festival provides an opportunity to honor ancestors and deceased loved ones through various rituals and blessings. Additionally, it serves as a platform to promote and support Chinese businesses by organizing events that showcase their products, services, and cultural contributions. By combining traditional customs with contemporary approaches, the festival fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture while stimulating economic growth within the community. |
| Group Fitness: CYT Dance Fitness w/Aderet | Weekly: Sundays | 10 - 11 AM | Koret Rec Center: Aerobics | This class incorporates kettlebells, TRX Suspension Trainer, battle ropes, body-weight exercises, med balls, and sprint intervals into a challenging high intensity circuit! Be prepared to be challenged and break a sweat. |
| Head West Marketplace | Sunday, August 27 | 11 AM - 5 PM | Patricia's Green in Hayes Valley Neighborhood | We’ll be taking over Patricia's Green, Linden + Octavia, making this Sunday's Marketplace one of our biggest of the year! Get ready to SHOP SMALL from over 100 Makers, Merchants, Crafters, Designers and Artists. LIVE music will be playing all day. EAT + DRINK from one of many local favorite restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries in the neighborhood. Learn more |
| Rec Sports Welcome Weekends: SF Giants Game (vs. Atlanta Braves) | Sunday, August 27 | 11:30 AM - 5 PM | Register here | Welcome Weekends are FREE TRIPS for incoming freshmen and transfer students ONLY. Join us to connect with new students and find communities of support on campus. You will also learn how to use your MUNI pass to explore SF. Registration opens on July 21 on ActiveNet; login with your CWID and use coupon code 'WWFALL2023" |
| Welcome Back Brunch w/ Sister Connection | Sunday, August 21 | 12:30 PM |
The Patio 1428 Haight Street |
Hey Sistas! We are excited to announce our first event of the year. There are limited spots, so please RSVP. We are so excited to break bread with all of you and hope to see all of you queens there! |
| Men and Women Soccer Doubleheader vs. Detroit Mercy and UC Davis | Sunday, August 27 | 1 - 6 PM | Negoesco Stadium | Prepare to cheer on your fellow Dons. Be sure to wear your green and gold! |
| Group Fitness: Zumba w/Nicole | Weekly: Mondays | 5:15 - 6 PM | Koret Rec Center: Boxing | Ditch the workout, join the dance party! Zumba will challenge your coordination, teach you easy to learn dance moves, challenge your heart rate and muscle endurance. This class is for all fitness levels. Bring a towel, some water and get ready to have some fun! |
| Mental Health Matters | Monday, August 28 | 6 - 7 PM | Kalmanovitz Hall, 111 | With the demands of academics, it's crucial not to overlook our well-being. Join us for an interactive session to explore various ways to care for mental health while at USF and learn how to support fellow Dons. Whether you come alone to meet new friends or as a group, everyone is welcome, and all will benefit. |
| Coms Olympics and Picnic | Tuesday, August 29 | 11:45 AM - 12:40 PM | Welch Field | Get excited for our first event of the semester! Join us for our COMS Olympics and Picnic! Make sure to RSVP, and don’t forget - you can bring some friends! |
| Mass of the Holy Spirit | Tuesday, August 29 | 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. |
| Time Management and "168" Prioritization Workshop | Tuesday, August 29 | 11:50 AM –12:45 PM | Zoom | While every student is different and has a unique pathway towards success, all students have at least one thing in common: there are 168 hours in each week to manage and plan for important commitments and priorities. Students bring with them a broad array of circumstances and obligations, making time management and prioritization essential. This workshop will provide tips and strategies to assist you in planning ahead in order to enhance your ability to make the most out of each week within the semester, as well as enabling you to reach consistent personal and academic success during your college years. |
| Assisting Undocumented Entrepreneurs |
Tuesday, August 29 | 3 - 4:30 PM | Zoom Webinar | If you’re part of a small business support organization or micro-entrepreneurship program, this webinar is tailored for you! Learn about vital strategies to provide capital access, and invaluable business planning services to undocumented immigrant entrepreneurs and business owners. Sponsored by Immigrants Rising and @welcomingusa. |
| Magis Emerging Leadership Program Information Session | Tuesday, August 29 | 6:30 – 8 PM | McLaren 250 | Want to become a leader in your first year at USF? Come meet alumni and our Magis Leadership Team to learn about the benefits of becoming a Magis Fellow! |
| Group Fitness: Flexibility & Function w/Ethan | Weekly: Tuesdays | 7 - 7:45 PM | Koret Rec Center: Aerobics | Increase your flexibility, work your muscles, and center your mind. |
| "Active Study" Workshop | Wednesday, August 30 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM | Zoom | Students have many different approaches to learning and studying. It is important to recognize and build upon the active study skills that work best for you and will help lead you to academic success. This workshop provides an introduction to “The Study Cycle” as well as tools to identify your current study methods that are working and those that could be improved. The aim of this workshop is to help you maximize your study efforts throughout your college career. |
| Group Fitness: Night Power Flow w/Brian | Weekly: Wednesdays | 8 - 9:15 PM |
Please click on the class link 24 hours in advance to request the class Zoom link. |
This vinyasa flow class links breath and movement closely in order to build strength, flexibility, endurance, concentration and body awareness, all within a moving meditation. The class is thoughtfully sequenced and alignment focused, allowing students to safely get into their fullest expression of each pose that builds heat. |
| Foghorn Open House | Thursday, August 31 | 11:45 AM - 1 PM | University Center, 417 | Come meet the staff of the San Francisco Foghorn student newspaper and find out how you can get involved. |
| Part-Time Job Fair | Thursday, August 31 | 12 - 1 PM | McLaren Conference Center | Discover exciting opportunities at our upcoming part-time job fair! Join us on campus to explore a wide range of options as on-campus departments and off-campus businesses gather to share their openings. Don't miss this chance to connect with potential part-time employers, so bring your resumes! |
| Group Fitness: Power Vinyasa Yoga w/Lisa | Weekly: Thursdays | 12 - 1 PM | Koret Rec Center: Combatives | Let's flow! this class will guide you through energetic and quick-flowing sequences, with a dynamic mix of postures. It will allow you to release stress, while still building strength and gaining flexibility. All levels are welcome. Modifications are always offered. |
| Group Fitness: Beginner Yoga w/Aga | Weekly: Fridays | 12 - 1 PM | Koret Rec Center: Aerobics | Beginner classes encourage students to practice with attention and intention. This class is perfect for anyone newer to yoga, or students wanting to dive deeply into each pose. Each class is sequenced to support students into a peak pose, focusing on breaking down each pose so it is accessible to all bodies. Open to all levels. If you are injured and/or new to yoga, please inform the instructor so that they may suggest modified poses. |
| Trivia Night at Mission Bowling Club | Friday, September 1 | 7 - 9:30 PM | 3176 17th Street San Francisco, CA 94110 | Come on down for some weekly trivia at MBC! There will be lots of laughs, PRIZES, and hopefully some fierce competition. Hosted by Will Juola on our heated patio. Seating starts at 6:45PM. RSVP is HIGHLY encouraged but not required. We have space for 9 teams. Teams consist of up to 4 people ONLY, no teams of 5+ please! |
| Rec Sports Welcome Weekends: Boating at Golden Gate Park Stow Lake | Saturday, September 2 | 11 AM - 2 PM and 1 - 4 PM | Register here | Welcome Weekends are FREE TRIPS for incoming freshmen and transfer students ONLY. Join us to connect with new students and find communities of support on campus. You will also learn how to use your MUNI pass to explore SF. Registration opens on July 21 on ActiveNet; login with your CWID and use coupon code 'WWFALL2023" |
| Art Walk SF | Saturday, September 2 | 12 - 5 PM | Jane Warner Plaza | Art Walk SF activates small businesses as pop-up gallery spaces and live music venues where local art and music can be showcased. Art Walk SF is a free, family friendly community event filling the streets with: merchants offering specials and hosting sidewalk sales; local artists selling their art or artisanal goods; tables and activities hosted by community organizations; live/collaborative mural-making, roller skating, &/or other activities; live performances by local musicians, dancers, and more. |
| Group Fitness: Power Vinyasa Yoga Flow w/ Brian D. | Weekly: Saturdays | 12:30 - 1:45 PM | Koret Rec Center: Combatives | Let's flow! this class will guide you through energetic and quick-flowing sequences, with a dynamic mix of postures. It will allow you to release stress, while still building strength and gaining flexibility. All levels are welcome. Modifications are always offered. |
| Group Fitness: Beginner Yoga w/Susan | Weekly: Sundays | 9 - 10:15 AM |
Please click on the class link 24 hours in advance to request the class Zoom link. |
Beginner classes encourage students to practice with attention and intention. This class is perfect for anyone newer to yoga, or students wanting to dive deeply into each pose. Each class is sequenced to support students into a peak pose, focusing on breaking down each pose so it is accessible to all bodies. Open to all levels. If you are injured and/or new to yoga, please inform the instructor so that they may suggest modified poses. |
| Rec Sports Welcome Weekends: Clement Street Farmers Market | Sunday, September 3 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Register here | Welcome Weekends are FREE TRIPS for incoming freshmen and transfer students ONLY. Join us to connect with new students and find communities of support on campus. You will also learn how to use your MUNI pass to explore SF. Registration opens on July 21 on ActiveNet; login with your CWID and use coupon code 'WWFALL2023" |
| Castro Art Fair | Sunday, September 5 | 11 AM - 5 PM | Noe Street Between Market and Beaver St. | A day full of Art, Music, Drag Show, Shops, and the best Food and Drinks from your favorite spots and restaurants in the Castro! |
| Womens and Mens Soccer Doubleheader vs Columbia and UC Riverside | Sunday, September 3 | 1 - 6 PM | Negoesco Stadium | Prepare to cheer on your fellow Dons. Be sure to wear your green and gold! |
| Study Abroad 101 | Tuesday, September 5 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | McLaren 252 | Learn about the study abroad programs available to you as an undergrad at USF, hear from students who have previously studied abroad, and learn about the application process! |
| Lyrist Lounge | Friday, Sept. 15 | 7 - 9 PM | University Center, 4th Floor Lounge | Join the Cultural Centers for a monthly open mic night of poets, MCs, and singers addressing social justice issues, identity expression, and more. |
Certain events will be photographed and/or video recorded for archival, educational, and related promotional purposes. By attending or participating in this event, you grant USF the full unrestricted rights to your photograph, voice and likeness in any manner or media whatsoever worldwide for educational marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed or video recorded, please inform the camera person at the start of each event.