Student Life Resource Toolkit

This resource toolkit is compiled by the Student Life Leadership Team. The goal is to collect bite-sized pieces of information about student life resources that faculty can copy and paste into syllabi as well as utilize for resources and referrals.

Academic Integrity

As a Jesuit institution committed to cura personalis—the care and education of the whole person— USF has an obligation to embody and foster the values of honesty and integrity. All members of the USF academic community are responsible for maintaining the standards of honesty and integrity. The honor code applies to all students (undergraduate and graduate) in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the School of Management, and the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Faculty and students in the School of Law should review their own honor code for policies and procedures. Students enrolled in distance learning (online courses) are subject to these policies as well as supplemental policies set forth by their program. All students should review and familiarize themselves with the honor code, prohibited conduct, and procedures.

Basic Needs: Food Pantry

The pantry is an intermediate, short-term solution for any registered USF student to receive food and toiletry resources. More info.

Behavioral Expectations

The University of San Francisco is committed to providing an environment consistent with the academic nature and core values of the institution in which students can participate in learning as a humanizing, social activity rather than a competitive exercise to support the full, integral development of each person and all persons, with the belief that no individual or group may rightfully prosper at the expense of others.

It is important you know what is expected of you academically and behaviorally through the published course syllabus, the Student Conduct Code, and other instructions provided by the instructor. Therefore, you are expected to uphold the following:

  • Behave in accordance with the Student Conduct Code and other USF policies
  • Refrain from disrupting the ability of fellow students to learn or the instructor’s ability to teach. Examples of disruption include:
    • Cell phone or computer use that significantly or repeatedly distracts others
    • Coming to class late, leaving early, or excessively physically relocating oneself in the classroom
    • Speaking frequently without being called on
    • Yelling, cursing, or engaging in aggressive behavior
  • When interacting online, communicate in a respectful fashion. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Refraining from name calling, profanity, or typing in all capital letters
    • Sending multiple emails with one sentence
    • Avoiding rants or discussing non-relevant topics

Open discussion and disagreement are encouraged when done respectfully and in the spirit of academic discourse. There are also a variety of behaviors that, while not against a specific University policy, may create disruption in this course. Students whose behavior is disruptive or who fail to comply with the instructor may be dismissed from the class for the remainder of the class period and may need to meet with the instructor or Dean prior to returning to the next class period. If necessary, referrals may also be made to the Student Conduct process for violations of the Student Conduct Code. 

Bias Education and Resource Team (BERT)

If you have witnessed, or been a victim of, a bias-related incident, hate crime, or microaggression, we encourage you to report to the University by calling the Office of the Dean of Students at (415) 422-5330 or here. The University will respond in an effort to support affected students, educate our community, and ideally prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Black Achievement Success and Engagement (BASE) Initiative

The Black Achievement, Success and Engagement (BASE) Initiative provides a foundation for students to grow, learn, discover and thrive. By offering high-impact, academic and extracurricular programs that center on the unique and yet varied experiences of students of African descent, BASE equips students with the knowledge, resources, skills and support necessary to turn their dreams into reality. BASE Program Components:

The Black Scholars Program  is an ambitious, rigorous, and competitive academic program, grounded in Jesuit values, that seeks to educate the whole undergraduate student and develop their potential to fashion a more humane and just world. Designed for high-achieving black students who are committed to serving the needs of underserved communities through their chosen career paths, the program builds student leadership capacity and provides students with the resources, skills and support necessary to achieve excellence and pursue rich and rewarding careers after graduation. Students who are selected for the Black Scholars Program will receive a renewable four-year full tuition scholarship. 

The Black Resource Center provides programs, workshops, and a safe physical space for Black undergraduate and graduate students to increase scholarly growth, enhance career pathways, and cultivate a sense of belonging within the USF community.

The Marshall-Riley Living-Learning Community (MRLLC) allows first-year and sophomore students to live together on campus; share an interest in the historical, intellectual, and political traditions of Black Americans, and engage with the Bay Area Black community through community-engaged learning classes. Throughout the year, students will take courses and participate in programs that examine the construction of race and racial identity, as well as the history, politics, art, experiences and intellectual traditions of Black artists, intellectuals, activists and communities. Along the way, students will explore the diverse meanings of “blackness,” the struggles of often-marginalized groups to build healthy and just communities, and how to work effectively with local African American community groups in the Western Addition to document these struggles and preserve their history.

Studies from 2013-2021, mental health disorders have increased among university students across the United States, with a more than 50% increase in 2020 (Lipson,  Zhou, Abelson, Heinze, Jirsa, Morigney, Patterson, Singh, & Eisenberg, 2022). Despite this increase, students from the African diaspora have continued to have the lowest rate in accessing mental health services. Research in this area identifies campus mental health programming through system-level change and clinical services as a significant way to increase Black student engagement in mental health. To address the mental health needs of the Black students at USF, CAPS and BASE have connected with a CAPS Staff Psychologist with a specialty focus on Black student mental health to support brief individual therapy, group therapy, consultation, and outreach events that specifically target Black student mental health. To make an appointment, students must call 415.422.6352 or request an appointment via the CAPS website.

Case Management

Case Management provides support intervention, consultation, crisis management, and education to address student success, wellness, and the campus community. 

The mission of Case Management is to:

  • promote growth in self advocacy,
  • identify and explore options to address student challenges and/or concerning behavior,
  • facilitate connection to campus and community resources, and
  • help the USF community build capacity to support students.
  • Students, faculty, staff, visitors, family and/or other community members, can identify and request support for students in need. 

Case Management works collaboratively with others to provide a caring and coordinated response to students with mental health needs. Discretion is used in communicating and collaborating with USF offices and community partners to collect available and pertinent information to assist in the identification of possible interventions, strategies, and resources to address the challenges a student may be facing.
 
Specific services provided by Case Management include:

  • Regular meetings/contact with students
  • Consultation
  • Connection to/Coordination with on-campus resources
  • Off Campus Referral Support
  • Crisis response and support
  • Workshops and presentations

Center for Academic and Student Achievement (CASA)

The Center for Academic and Student Achievement (CASA) provides compassionate academic and personal support to the undergraduate student population at USF. All students are assigned a major adviser and an academic success coach in CASA as part of their success team. Academic success coaches support students from orientation to graduation, often collaborating with faculty, in an effort to deliver the holistic student support that we are committed to at USF.   


Academic success coaches are primarily available for one-on-one academic coaching, providing a safe environment where students can discuss personal or academic challenges they may be experiencing; this can range from getting advice about changing or exploring majors, study skills, self-advocacy, personal matters (stress, homesickness, financial needs), managing a work-life balance, connecting to campus resources or preparing for graduation. We recommend all new students to meet with their academic success coach at least once before the end of their first semester at USF.


Academic Success Coaches are available to meet with students by appointment Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, or during their weekly drop-in hours. To make an in-person, zoom, or phone appointment, students should utilize the Student Hub online portal. Appointments can also be made by calling 415-422-5050 or emailing casa@usfca.edu. 

Confidential Resources for Reporting Sexual Misconduct

  • Students may speak to someone confidentially which will not generate a report to the Title IX Office by contacting Counseling and Psychological Services at (415) 422-6352 during M-F 9-4pm, or speaking to a clergy member in University Ministry at (415) 422-4463.
  • If you need to speak to a mental health clinician immediately, please call the CAPS 24/7 All Hours Line at 855-531-0761 (available daily, including weekends and holidays, and accepts international calls), Public Safety (415-422-2911), 911, the Suicide Hotline (dial 988), or go to your nearest emergency room
  • For off-campus resources and local Bay Area organizations go here.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Many college students experience mental health struggles. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a great source of support for issues such as anxiety, loneliness, struggles with relationships, stress, identity development, racial/cultural concerns, and mild depression. However, CAPS does not prescribe medication and does not have a psychiatrist on staff, so students with more severe mental health concerns will be referred off-campus for treatment. 
 
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers remote individual and group teletherapy to students residing within California.  Students seeking services are scheduled for a 15-20-minute phone triage to assess immediate risk, identify treatment needs, and provide initial recommendations. These may include a crisis intake session, brief, intermittent individual teletherapy (every 2-3 weeks), single session teletherapy, weekly individual teletherapy via UWill, weekly group therapy, or referrals to off-campus providers. There are no fees for services. To make an appointment, students must call 415.422.6352 or request an appointment via the CAPS. CAPS does not accept walk-in appointments.
 
If you are concerned about a student and would like someone to follow up, please contact the Dean of Students Office at 415.422.5330. If you know someone who is an immediate risk of harming themselves or others please contact Public Safety at 415.422.2911 in San Francisco, or out of state dial 911, or call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. In addition, CAPS All Hours line can be reached 24/7 by calling 855.531.076. All students are encouraged to check out CAPS and access our extensive online resources, podcasts, mental health apps, videos, self-care strategies, and more. 

Cultural Centers: Gender & Sexuality Center and Intercultural Center

The Cultural Centers bring students together to increase their understanding, and embrace their roles, as members of a diverse community on the local and global levels. The Intercultural Center (IC) is our campus’ center for students of color and students who are working in solidarity towards social justice at the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, and culture. The Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) is our campus’ gender justice and LGBTQ+ resource center, for student development opportunities and support.

The Gender & Sexuality Center also operates the USF Gender Affirming Clothing Closet. Students who are unable to afford or otherwise shop themselves for gender affirming clothing are able to browse a selection of clothing ranging from outerwear, workout clothes, jeans, and more via drop-in or private styling appointment. Students can take as much clothing as they need, as many times a year as necessary, all at no cost. This service is made possible by donations from our USF community of students, staff, and faculty; if you would like to make a small donation of clothing, please email djperezsornia@usfca.edu.

The Cultural Centers lounges are warm and inviting spaces for all students. They are located in the University Center building at the USF Main Campus. Visit them on the UC Fourth Floor in Rooms 411/412, and 413 as both a community space and a programming space. Many students will stop by the lounges between classes to hang out with friends or may find the lounges to be a home away from home. Their student interns are happy to greet people and can provide information about resources in the space, or information about upcoming programs.

Open hours during the school year are:

  • Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Emergency Preparedness

In case of emergency, the University’s Alert System (Dons Alert) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information within myUSF. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Disaster Preparedness Plans. Detailed information about how to prepare and respond to emergencies, emergency response and build a go kit posters is available.

Fire Alarms and building evacuations. When the fire alarm activates, do not wait for confirmation of an actual fire or assume the alarm is a false alarm. Evacuate immediately, even if fire and smoke are not apparent. Go to your designated emergency evacuation assembly area. 

For Active Shooter and Attacker situations. Three things you should do if there is an active shooter:

  • Run to safety and warn others
  • Hide in a space, lock/barricade the door, turn off the lights and silence your phones
  • Fight with improvised weapons and with a plan

The video may be disturbing or be a trigger for some members of the community. It’s an important video, but please feel free to skip the video, but please remember RUN, HIDE FIGHT. Run Hide Fight CSU.

Health Promotion Services

In the Jesuit tradition, the Health Promotion Services offers health services and opportunities that promote wellness, stimulate better health awareness, and foster a vibrant and safe campus community for student academic success and retention.  Health Promotion Services staff manage three USF health requirements for students: 

  • Immunization Requirement. All new undergraduate students and graduate students (including additional campuses) must submit their immunization requirements to HPS (except online degree students). Nursing students are only required to submit their COVID-19 vaccination. 
  • Catharsis Productions. All new students (graduate, undergraduate, international students and additional campus students) must take U Got This! or U Got This 2!, a sexual violence prevention course. In addition, undergraduate students must complete Binge Thinking, an alcohol education program. 
  • Student Health Insurance Plan. Students are required to have health insurance, whether this is an external plan or the one endorsed by the university. The HPS staff assist students with questions regarding their insurance and benefits, help them manage the waiver process, advocate for students with high medical claims, and educate students on health insurance terminology. 

Finally Health Promotion Services is the liaison office for the Student Health Clinics operated by Dignity Health Medical Group (DHMG). All registered students have access to DHMG clinics regardless of their health insurance plan during regular business hours. A valid USF student ID must be presented before receiving services. More info.

New Student & Family Programs

Welcome to New Student & Family Programs at USF! Our mission is to ensure a seamless transition for new students and their families into the university community, fostering a lasting connection between families and USF to support student success. 

We offer a range of engaging programs designed to facilitate this transition, including:

  • USF Bound: An interactive program that prepares incoming students for their USF journey.
  • Summer Meetups: Informal gatherings where new students can connect with their peers before arriving on campus.
  • Summer Send-Offs: Events held in various locations to bid farewell to incoming students and their families.
  • First-Year Student Orientation: A comprehensive orientation program introducing new students to USF's academic and social resources.
  • First-Year Family Orientation: An orientation specifically designed for families to acquaint them with USF's support systems.
  • Transfer Student Orientation: Orientation session tailored to the needs of transfer students.
  • Transfer Family Orientation: Orientation session to help families of transfer students navigate their transition to USF.
  • New Student Convocation: A ceremonial event welcoming new students and officially marking the beginning of their USF experience.
  • Special Orientation Programs: Tailored orientation sessions for specific student communities, including Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander students, Black students, Latinx students, and first-generation college students and their families.
  • Spanish Speaking Family Program: A dedicated program providing information and support to Spanish-speaking families.
  • Transfer Student Pre-Orientation: A pre-orientation session to assist transfer students in acclimating to USF.
  • Weeks of Welcome: A series of events and activities to integrate new students into the campus community.
  • Family Engagement Opportunities: Various initiatives and events that encourage families to stay involved in their students' university experience.
  • CelebrateUSF (Family Weekend): An annual event in the fall semester for families to reconnect with their student(s) and experience campus life.

For more information, please visit our website at Orientation, follow us on Instagram @goteamUSF, or email us at orientation@usfca.edu. We look forward to assisting you and your family in making your transition to USF a positive and memorable one.

Off-Campus Living Services and Resources

  • Management of database with vacant beds, rooms, and units throughout San Francisco
  • Support on budget development and identifying what price options students can look for with off-campus living
  • Managing roommate/housemate expectations
  • Help navigate tenant/landlord issues
  • Provide resources on how to navigate the city
  • More info

Off-Campus Referral Support

For students seeking off campus mental health services, Case Management (part of the Office of the Dean of Students) is available to provide information and support. More info.

Office of Community Living

The Office of Community Living is a collaborative department that supports holistic student development using a social justice framework to create inclusive living-learning opportunities; provide resources to basic needs; and develop life skills for all students in preparation for their lives beyond USF.

    On-Campus Services and Resources

    • Professional and graduate level live-in staff for building management and campus wide on-call/emergency response
    • The Resident Advisor (RA) position is a full academic year appointed volunteer student leadership position that serves as a resource, community builders, administrators, role models, and peer educators with our residents
    • Residential curriculum that guides the development of students living on-campus using the four pillars of: Life Skills; Community Involvement; Social Responsibility; Academic Pursuit

    Priscilla A. Scotlan Career Services Center

    Social Media Handles: @usfcareer (Instagram, Twitter). Overview of Services: The Priscilla A. Scotlan Career Services Center acts as USF’s primary career center, serving all of its students on the main campus. Our main goal is to assist our students in preparing for and finding internships and jobs as well as helping them figure out their career interests and goals. We also work closely with employers to produce a multitude of both hiring and career education events throughout the school year. The Priscilla A. Scotlan Career Services Center offers the following services to students:

    • 1-1 Career Counseling Sessions: Meet with a career counselor to discuss a wide variety of topics from career exploration to LinkedIn and resume writing tips to networking strategies. Use Handshake or call our front desk to schedule an appointment. 
    • Career Fairs: Every year, we host large signature events which allow you to connect with a large variety of employers interested in hiring across all majors.
    • Online Job and Internship Boards: Handshake: USF uses the popular college recruiting platform, Handshake. You’ll be easily able to upload your resume and search and apply for full-time jobs and internships.
    • On-Campus or Virtual Interviews: Recruiters from companies such as Wells Fargo Bank, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Dolby Laboratories, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC visit USF to conduct on-campus interviews to recruit students directly for jobs and internships. We host interviews in both the Fall (September to November) and Spring (February to April) semesters.
    • Employer Pop-Ups: Join us for networking Pop-Ups throughout the academic year focused on various industries of interest including Tech, Arts & Entertainment, Government and Nonprofit.
    • Company Treks: Every semester we plan multiple student treks which involve visiting up to three organizations in the Bay Area over the course of one day. The treks are focused on specific majors and change each year. 
    • Employer of the Day: Employer of the Day allows students to have a one-on-one advice session with a real-world recruiter. They can practice their interview skills, get their resumes critiqued, learn how to research a company or an industry, or ask anything about their job/internship search in an informal setting.

    Recreational Sports Department (Koret Health and Recreation Center)

    The Recreational Sports Department (RSD) offers USF students free and discounted recreational sports activities, wellness programs, and fitness services to encourage sportsmanship, teamwork, physical fitness and resilience at USF. The department also offers a variety of employment opportunities to help students build communities of support, develop leadership skills and increase engagement on campus. There is no student fee to use the facility during the academic year and winter intersession. If a student is not enrolled in 1 unit in summer, they can pay $37/month for summer access. Email KHRC@usfca.edu to request information on any program. Weekday Hours: 6am-10pm (Pool: 6am-9pm) Weekend Hours: 8am-8pm (Pool: 8am-6pm). 

    Free trips for freshmen and transfer students during the first few welcome weekends of each semester. Trip leaders guide the experience to help students identify other students who share common interests. Destinations include SF Ferry Building, Golden Gate Bridge, Off the Grid, Presidio Picnic, Mission Murals and other opportunities for newcomers to get to know the city.

    Discounted trips open to USF students, faculty and staff only. Destinations include hiking, beach yoga, sporting events, skiing, outlet shopping, zipline, kayaking, mini golf, Alcatraz and other locations throughout the bay area. In end of semester surveys 90% of Outdoor Adventure participants reported that the program made them feel more connected to USF. 

    Intramurals are open to USF students, faculty and staff only. A student can create a team or join as a free agent (we will place them on a team). Competition includes weekly games against other USF students, faculty and staff (no coach, no practice). For a $5 fee, students may play in up to 5 leagues (only one team per league). In end of year surveys 96% of IM participants reported that the program helped them meet new friends at USF. 

    Club Sports are open to USF students only. Clubs range from competitive to recreational. Most clubs have a coach and weekly practices. If a student chooses to compete (optional in most clubs) they compete against students of other universities. Dues range from $50-$430/per year (payment plans available for students with financial need). In end of year surveys 100% of participants reported that club sports helped them identify communities of support at USF. 

    We provide training for a variety of student positions including workout floor attendant, equipment desk, check-in desk, front desk, IM scorekeeper, lifeguard, swim instructor, and building supervisor, and mentoring for certified positions including personal trainer, swim coach and group fitness instructor. 

    We provide student discounts to aquatics programming including swim lessons, swim team, and lifeguard training courses. The Koret pool is 81 degrees and set-up short course (25 yards) during the academic year. Lap swim is available during all pool hours. The Pool Lane Schedule is updated daily so swimmers can check the number of available lanes by the hour. 

    We provide free, weekly group fitness classes, equipment orientations and Strength 101 workshops, and discounted personal training and small group training for students, faculty and staff. Students may also purchase a subscription to a training program (beginner weight room template or at-home, equipment-free workout plan), which includes email access to a trainer.

    Sexual Harassment and Misconduct & Gender Bias-Related Incidents

    The University of San Francisco seeks to provide an environment that is free of bias, discrimination, and harassment. 

    Student Housing

    Student Housing provides the administrative, operational, and customer service functions for all university managed student housing. Areas of responsibility include:

    • Oversight of Room assignment process and housing and meal plan fee billing
    • Track facilities issues and serve as a liaison between Facilities and students
    • Management of room change process
    • 24/7 safety and service desks in each hall
    • Summer Guest Housing (conferences)

    Student Leadership and Engagement (SLE)

    SLE's mission is to provide programs and services that support students' leadership development and promote student engagement in co-curricular activities. SLE provides the following opportunities:

    • Over 150 undergraduate and graduate student organizations
    • Student government and leadership positions
    • Greek Life
    • Fall and Spring Involvement Fairs
    • Student Elections
    • The Phoenix and Dons Connect weekly e-newsletters for campus events
    • Change the World From Here Institute: Magis Emerging Leadership Program, McGrath Scholars Program, and McGrath Graduate Fellows Program
    • Student Leadership Conference
    • Resources for student organizations and leadership development

    For more information, visit SLE, follow @usfsle, or contact sle@usfca.edu.

    Students with Disabilities

    If you are a student with a disability or disabling condition, or if you think you may have a disability, contact USF Student Disability Services (SDS) within the first week of class, or immediately upon onset of disability, to speak with a disability specialist. 

    If you are determined eligible for reasonable accommodations, please meet with your disability specialist so they can arrange to have your accommodation letter sent to me, and we will discuss your needs for this course. For more information, please visit here, email: sds@usfca.edu, or call (415) 422-2613.

    The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers

    The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers (LWSC ) at USF provide individualized support to assist students in better understanding course material and to aid them on their path to success. Services are free and include tutoring, collaborative peer support services, academic skills coaching, writing, and speaking support. Services are available in-person and on Zoom. 

    LWSC staff can be reached Monday through Thursday between 8:00am-8:00pm and Friday between 8:00am-5:00pm at LWSC@usfca.edu or through the chatbox on our myUSF webpage or by phone at (415) 422-6713. To make an appointment for subject tutoring, academic skills coaching, the writing center, or the speaking center, students should visit the Student Appointment Dashboard.

    Title IX

    The Title IX Office seeks to stop, remedy, and prevent occurrences of sex and gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. The University has a policy on Nondiscrimination based on Sex and Gender, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct. If you have experienced any of these behaviors, we encourage you to report the incident. If you report these behaviors to any staff or faculty member, they must notify the USF Title IX Coordinator.

    Students who wish to report any sexual misconduct should use the online mandatory reporting form, or contact the Title IX Office directly. Other reporting options are available by visiting Title IX. The Title IX Office is located in Lone Mountain Room 145. 

    As an employee at USF, and your Professor, I am a mandatory reporter, meaning I have to share any instances of sexual harassment or sexual violence shared with me or that become known to me. I will have to share this information, including names and any details known, to the Title IX Office to connect you with resources. If you would like more information about the resources available, you can ask me at any time this semester. You do not need to tell me why you are asking to get help for a friend, another student, or yourself.

    University Ministry (UM)

    University Ministry (UM) supports the spiritual, religious and pastoral needs of the University of San Francisco (USF) community. At University Ministry, we support and encourage USF students, faculty, staff and alumni of all religions, beliefs and identities, to connect their faith, spirituality and values with social justice and solidarity with the poor, and with care for the earth, our common home, in order to realize the fullness of our humanity, and lead lives of meaning and purpose. This is at the core of the Jesuit Catholic mission at USF and Ignatian spirituality, a spirituality for everyday life. We invite you to consider how God is present in our world and active in our lives. At UM, we provide pathways to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by keen discernment, and an active life of service to others. UM provides the following opportunities:

    • Opportunities for prayer, reflection, and discernment
    • Retreat opportunities
    • Domestic and international immersion experiences
    • Spiritual direction
    • Social justice engagement opportunities
    • Sunday student liturgies
    • Liturgical choir
    • Interfaith programs and affiliated organizations
    • Programming at the intersection of religion, spirituality, and culture
    • Resident ministers in the residence halls
    • Ignatian formation and leadership development opportunities

    For more information, visit University Ministry, follow @usf_um, or contact um@usfca.edu.