WEEKLY UPDATE – Aug. 18

Welcome to the fall 2025 semester, everyone! In this newsletter, you'll find our staff member profiles. Feel free to say "hi" if you see us around campus! We recommend that you review the ISSS Meet the Staff web page to find out who your adviser is. As always, remember that you can connect with us via email, reach us by phone at (415) 422-2654, talk online with a team member using the chat feature (Glia), or make an appointment with your ISSS adviser. 

Marcella Pitcher DeProto, assistant vice provost of International Student and Scholar Initiatives, has been working in international education since 2003 and has been at USF since 2007. Marcella holds a master’s degree in international education. She loves working with international students because it allows her to stay connected to the world’s cultures while living in the Bay Area.

Tina Ricafrente, ISSS assistant director, has worked in international education since 2008. She is a current doctoral student in the School of Education and holds a master's degree in international education. Tina is a Bay Area native but has lived and traveled across the U.S. and abroad. She enjoys learning about different cultures, especially through food, music, travel, and language. 

Christy Li, ISSS assistant director, is originally from Hong Kong and was an international student at USF. Christy holds a master’s degree in international and multicultural education and a bachelor’s degree in dance and psychology. She is delighted to be supporting international students during their time at USF.

Michelle Sun is an international student adviser at ISSS. Michelle has lived abroad for several years. She received a master's degree in international and multicultural education and is pursuing a doctoral degree to concentrate on social justice in international education. She's enthusiastic about helping international students have better school experiences. In her daily life, Michelle enjoys cooking and traveling.

Noel Hermilio Aispuro, ISSS international student adviser, serves as the staff adviser for the International Student Association (ISA). Born and raised in Southern California, he went on to receive a bachelor's of arts in International Politics and Economics from Middlebury College in Vermont. Having studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the son of Mexican immigrants, Noel is determined to give back while welcoming students to life in San Francisco and the U.S.

Marielle Lyons, program assistant for ISSS and a Bay Area native, holds bachelor's degrees in Spanish and sociology from Occidental College. After college, Marielle taught English in Spain through Fulbright. Marielle is pursuing a master’s in international multicultural education at USF. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her senior dogs, and exploring new restaurants. Marielle is dedicated to supporting USF's international students and making them feel at home.

Rashi Bhatt is an Indian international student in the International and Multicultural Education Doctorate program at USF. She is a graduate assistant for ISSS, helping with programming, events, and putting together resources like the Global Connections at USF podcast! She enjoys working out, cooking, home interiors, and art museums!

The first two weeks of class at USF are called Weeks of Welcome (WOW) and are 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. These events are open to all USF community members.

 Learn more »

Monday, Aug. 18  |  3:30–6 p.m.
Gleeson Plaza & Welch Field

For 100 years, the College of Arts and Sciences has been a hub of academic excellence, creativity, and social impact at the University of San Francisco. This fall, we’re kicking off a yearlong Centennial celebration, and you’re invited! Students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, friends, and families are welcome to join USF for an afternoon of food, music, and community as we honor our past and look to the future. This event is open to all USF community members.

Sunday, Aug. 24 | 5–6 p.m.
War Memorial Gym

The University of San Francisco is proud to welcome Academy Award–nominated actor and Marvel superhero Jeremy Renner to the Silk Speaker Series. You’ve seen him on the big screen — now experience him live at USF. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from Jeremy Renner! This event is open to all USF community members.

Register Now »

Sunday, Aug. 24 | 6–9 p.m.
 Gleeson Plaza & Welch Field

Hilltop Street Eats is the perfect way to kick off the new academic year! Come out and enjoy a delicious variety of bites from our food trucks, refreshing drinks, a beer garden, and an evening filled with great vibes and music. Follow @usfsle on Instagram to stay updated on new events and more. This event is open to all USF community members.

Thursday, Aug. 28 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Gleeson Plaza & Welch Field

Chat with representatives from 130+ 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 them on Instagram, or learn more on the SLE website. This event is open to all USF community members.

Tuesday, Aug. 21  |  11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. PDT  
Online via Zoom

Attend this virtual session to learn about on-campus employment and driving in the U.S. To attend the event, please click the Zoom Link.

ISSS is monitoring and communicating immigration updates that may affect our international students. Visit our International Student Support web page for updates and resources.

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (log into your MyISSS account, go to Requests & Documents, and select the appropriate icon on the right side of the page). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.

Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom, right corner of any ISSS webpage, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.

Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments. Find upcoming workshops on the ISSS Events and Workshops calendar.

Our podcast focuses on mindfulness, diversity, and inclusion, featuring episodes that cover diverse topics. Subscribe for engaging narratives, consistent audio quality, and a cohesive visual identity, and join us in building a mindful and inclusive USF community.

Want to submit content for future newsletters? Email our office at isss@usfca.edu for more information.