WEEKLY UPDATE – March 17

In this week's newsletter, ISSS highlights on-campus departments that offer many different resources to help students succeed. See the information below about important departments as well as upcoming events and the newest ISSS podcast episode!

The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers (LWSC) offer free subject-specific tutoring, writing assistance, and communication-related support. Their office provides opportunities for academic skill development through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and online resources.

If students are looking to develop academic skills or practice English, the LWSC can help! Students can schedule 60-minute sessions with an experienced English coach. When scheduling a session with a coach, students should note what they would like to practice ahead of time, so that coaches are prepared for any specific topics.

Students interested in taking advantage of this resource should reach out to lwsc@usfca.edu with any questions. In addition, LWSC front desk staff can be reached Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m.–8 p.m. and Friday between 9 a.m.–5 p.m. in person at Gleeson Library lower level (room G03) or via the chatbox on their website, as well as by phone at (415) 422-6713. 

Scroll down to listen to the ISSS podcast's latest episode with the LWSC!

The Center for Academic and Student Achievement (CASA) is your home for compassionate academic and personal support that promotes holistic student development. Connect with your CASA coach for personal coaching, referral to on-campus resources, course registration assistance, discussing academic options, and major and minor exploration. Explore more of the services that CASA provides by visiting their website »

Student Disability Services (SDS) at the University of San Francisco connects students with disabilities to resources and assists in determining eligibility for accommodations through an individualized intake process. SDS emphasizes early planning to ensure timely support and provides clear documentation guidelines to help students meet requirements. The office maintains strict confidentiality, only sharing information with student consent or in rare cases involving safety concerns. Explore more of the services that SDS provides by visiting their website »

Thinking about your options for remaining in the U.S. after completing your studies? Watch our H-1B workshop recording where an immigration attorney provides detailed information on employment pathways for F-1 students with a particular focus on the H-1B work visa. Learn about essential steps, timelines, and tips to help you navigate your options for extending your stay and advancing your career. Check out these H-1B resources or pick up copies at the ISSS front desk on the UC fifth floor.

Watch Now »

Wednesday, March 19 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
University Center 503

Meet CyberConnect2, a game development company in Fukuoka, Japan, best known for their works such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, Demon Slayer, and .hack. Explore game design opportunities in media, animation, and programming, including international options. Get resume reviews, interview tips, and career advice — no appointment needed. 

Register Now »

Friday, March 21 | 3–7p.m.
Gleeson Library Plaza

Holi is the festival of colors and joy! Come and enjoy this festival with the Indian Student Organization and friends. Make new friends and memories, and throw some color.

Learn More »

Saturday, March 22 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Fromm Hall

Join us in celebrating the stories and talents of our USF alumni authors. Explore a wide range of genres, from non-fiction and memoir to poetry, and meet authors who are shaping the literary world. The day includes four exciting sessions. A light lunch will be available throughout the event. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with alumni authors, discover new books, and celebrate the power of storytelling.

Register Now »

Tuesday, March 25 | 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. PST | Online

ISSS hosts a tax workshop designed to help non-residents understand their U.S. tax filing obligations. Join us to learn more about the tax filing process and the USF-provided tax software, Sprintax, which you can access through your MyISSS account. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the information you need before the tax filing deadline on April 15!

Register Now »

In our latest episode of Global Connections, we take an inside look at the Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers (LWSC) at USF! Join us as we chat with Kimberly Rutledge, Philip Choong, Jonathan Hunt, student staff members Jia Li and Wen Li, and an international student peer coach, Joy Liu, about the incredible resources available to support students academically. From tutoring and writing consultations to public speaking coaching and academic skills development, LWSC is there to help you succeed! 🌟

💡 Learn more about LWSC services »

📚 Schedule a subject tutoring appointment »

🎧 Listen to the episode now on Spotify » 

Don’t miss out on this informative episode — whether you're looking for academic support or just curious about the amazing resources at USF, this one’s for you!

During the new presidential administration, 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 web page, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.

Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments.

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.

Thank you for reading the weekly ISSS newsletter! To submit content for future newsletters, please complete the ISSS Newsletter Intake Form by 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week before the newsletter's release. While all submissions will be reviewed, inclusion in the newsletter is not guaranteed.