WEEKLY UPDATE – Oct. 27

Ever wondered about the history and tradition of Halloween? Celebrated in the U.S. on Oct. 31, the name "Halloween" comes from “All Hallows Eve,” or the day before All Saints Day, a traditional holy day for Christians. According to tradition, the spirits of the dead were able to come back to life to harm people and crops in the physical world. People tried to appease the restless spirits on Halloween, and these practices led to many of today's Halloween traditions. For example, people used to wear costumes of monsters, ghosts, and devils to scare away harmful spirits. Today, people still celebrate by wearing costumes.

When selecting a costume for Halloween, it's important to avoid cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is "the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc., of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society." (Oxford Dictionary). Learn more about cultural appropriation and Halloween »

For the best pumpkin patch experiences near San Francisco, check out Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch, a local favorite with two city locations (Sloat Blvd. and 7th Ave.) offering festive décor, live turkeys, and plenty of pumpkins close to the zoo. In the North Bay, Petaluma Pumpkin Patch features a massive corn maze (including night hours), farm animals, pony rides, slides, and food vendors, perfect for a full day of family fun. For a charming countryside vibe, head to Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch, where visitors can explore a 12-acre pumpkin field and hay mazes, visit farm animals, and enjoy weekend extras like barbecue lunches, live music, and hayrides.

Wednesday, Oct. 29 | 4:30–6 p.m.
University Center — 411/412

Cultural Centers are hosting a sugar skull decorating and papel picado-making workshop for all USF students, staff, and faculty members to partake in. All supplies are provided, and you’ll be able to add the sugar skulls and papel picado to the community altars we’ll be building or keep them for yourself!

Wednesday, Oct. 29 | 7–10 p.m.
Gleeson Plaza/Welch Field

Campus Activity Board’s annual student Halloween event, Fright Night, features carnival-style games, a haunted house, and spooky fun all night long!
This event is funded by the ASUSF Student Activity Fee.

  Oct. 29 – Nov. 7

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to submit a photo from a place outside of their home country that fits into one of the submission categories. Up to two photos may be submitted. The USF community will vote for their favorite, and the photo with the most votes from each category will win a prize.

Submit your photo(s) today »

Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 6–7:15 p.m.
McLaren Conference Center

Don't miss out on the Job Success Strategies Workshop! Former international students are coming back to USF to share their triumphs in securing jobs in the U.S., offering a valuable chance to network with alumni and gain insights from current professionals. This event is open to all USF community members.

Register now »

Friday, Nov. 21 | 1–3 p.m.
Negoesco Stadium

One of the highlights of International Education Week is the International Friendly Soccer Game, which will be held at the Negoesco Stadium next to Koret. The event will be a casual drop-in-style game. This event is open to all USF community members.

Fill out the interest form »

     Friday, Nov. 21 | 6–9 p.m. 
McLaren Conference Center

Join us for Culturescape 2025, one of USF’s most anticipated cultural showcases, presented by the International Student Association (ISA). The Culturescape Committee and ISA executive board have worked together to bring you this year’s theme, “Threads of Peace,” celebrating how our diverse cultures, traditions, and identities are beautifully interwoven through shared values of harmony and understanding. Ticket sales coming soon! This event is funded by the ASUSF Student Activity Fee.

Krisha is a sophomore from Mumbai, India, majoring in business analytics. She is passionate about blending creativity and strategy, which drives her interest in marketing and communications. As a member of the Women In Business executive board, she is dedicated to fostering connection and engagement within the community. She hopes to use her role to amplify student voices and highlight the achievements of women in business. Her goal is to inspire and support others while developing her own leadership and professional skills.

For Krisha's office hours, click here »

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 requests are processed within 10 business days. 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. Find upcoming workshops on the ISSS Events and Workshops calendar.

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Want to submit content for future newsletters? For a student feature, fill out this form, and for all other contributions, email our office at isss@usfca.edu for more information.