WEEKLY UPDATE – March 16

💐 Spring break is here! 💐

Whether you're traveling, relaxing, or catching up on projects, we hope you take time to recharge and enjoy the week ahead. Also, a friendly reminder that this week, the ISSS front desk hours are 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and ISSS phone hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

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 activities.

The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers (LWSC) offer free subject-specific peer tutoring, writing support, and communication-focused services to help students succeed academically. The Learning Center also provides opportunities for academic skill development through one-on-one academic skills coaching, group workshops, and online resources.

In addition, the LWSC offers academic English support for international students seeking guidance on navigating academic life and strengthening their learning strategies. Through one-on-one sessions with a dedicated coach, students can receive support with cultural adjustment, effective communication, collaborative learning, study strategies, and time management.

LWSC staff are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached via email or through the chat box on the Learning Center website.

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, referrals 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. Additionally, you can check their drop-in hours on this web page or schedule an appointment.

Graduate students should reach out to their program advisers in their department with program or course questions.

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 and shares information only with student consent or in rare cases involving safety concerns. Explore more of the services and resources SDS provides by visiting their website.

Considering 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.

Tuesday, March 25 | 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. PDT | 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! Open to USF students.

Register Now »

Wednesday, March 25 | 6–7 p.m. 
University Center 411/412

Cafe International is a space to build community and conversation with international students! Come join us for our fourth Cafe International; this week's theme is Movie Night! Discover and converse about films from around the world! Free food and activities will be provided! There will be new themes for each meetup! Open to the USF community.

Thursday, March 26 | 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Welch Field, USF Hilltop Campus

If you’re on campus, stop by Welch Field to celebrate #DayOfTheDons! Enjoy interactive activities, friendly challenges, games, music, and plenty of Don pride. Come experience the spirit of generosity in action and celebrate what happens when our community comes together. Show your Don pride and help plant the seeds for a brighter future! Open to the USF community.

Learn More »

Thursday, March 26 | 5–7 p.m.
Fromm Hall 115 

The Center for Asia Pacific Studies is delighted to welcome TakeRoot to campus for a hands-on gimbap-making workshop exploring the meaning of “soul food” in Korean history and culture. Using gimbap as a case study, presenters will reflect on how food carries memory, resilience, and a shared sense of belonging. This event is free but limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Open to the USF community.

Learn More »

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 in to 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.

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