We apologize for any confusion caused by today's newsletter, which was incorrectly labeled as coming from the Center for Global Education. Thank you for your understanding.

WEEKLY UPDATE – March 3

ISSS encourages all of our students to dedicate some time to prioritize their health — physical, social, psychological, and spiritual. The university offers a variety of services to help you navigate your own self-care and learn the best ways to stay healthy. Please know that your well-being is our top priority and we are here to support you in any way we can. Check out some self-care tips below and be well this semester!

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) can help with sadness, anxiety, loneliness, college adjustment, relationship struggles, and other concerns not requiring medical intervention. The CAPS All Hours line is an additional resource available for students who need immediate support or want to speak with a mental health clinician outside of CAPS office hours — call (855) 531-0761 anytime to get connected. If a student is experiencing a mental health emergency, please call Public Safety at (415) 422-2911, 911, the Suicide Hotline (dial 988), or go to your nearest emergency room.

Visit the CAPS website for more information about CAPS programs and services. Learn more » 

Lots of college students experience mental health struggles. We encourage you to stay connected with friends and loved ones and engage in extra self-care. Therapy Groups for Spring 2025 are currently accepting interest forms. CAPS also has a drop-in workshop this Spring: Melanated Mental Matters.

USF students are invited to participate in the National College Health Assessment (NCHA), a confidential survey designed to assess student health behaviors and improve campus wellness programs. Organized by the American College Health Association (ACHA) on behalf of the Title IX Office and Health Promotion Services, the survey is open until March 14.

To participate, please search for "USF NCHA Survey" in your USF email inbox.

After completing the survey, you'll be entered into a drawing for six exciting prizes. Five winners will receive a $50 Flexi gift card or a $100 gift card to the USF Bookstore (also valid at Barnes & Noble) and one lucky winner will receive two tickets to see the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center on April 13. 

We have recently shared reminders about documentation requirements and demonstration safety via email. We have also posted information about the updated visa interview waiver criteria on our website. Please refer to our International Student Support web page for more information.

During the week of spring break (March 10–14) the ISSS front desk will be open from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. ISSS staff will also be available remotely between 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 

Students can schedule a free individual nutrition education appointment with a dietetic technician, registered, or certified peer health educator. This confidential appointment will help students identify dietary behaviors they can change to get them on track to healthy eating and a positive body image. Once scheduled, please submit a 24-hour food record prior to your appointment, or be prepared to do a 24-hour recall of your food intake on the day of your appointment. Visit the HPS website to find out more about their services and the events they host. 

Learn more »

Health Promotion Services has monthly challenges called Jumpstart Your Wellness Program, where students can take part by tracking minutes online and get a chance to win awesome prizes. 

This March, take time for yourself and live in the moment. Managing stress effectively can enhance your academic performance, well-being, and overall enjoyment as a student. Commit to reducing stress by participating in our Stress Less Challenge today!

 Learn more »

Wednesday, March 5 | 1–2 p.m.
University Center 411/412

Cafe International is a community space for international students to mingle, bond, and find support at USF. Hosted by the Cultural Centers’ international community intern, Devi! We’ll provide the space, food, and activities, you just need to come!

Thursday, March 6 | 12–1 p.m. PST
Online

In today’s digital world, someone becomes a victim of identity theft every two seconds. In this class, our fraud resolution specialist will share tips on how to build a wall of defense against identity thieves and how to lessen the impact when victimized.  

Register Now »

Thursday, March 6 | 5:30–6:45 p.m. PST Online

Want to learn about your options to remain in the U.S. after you complete your program of studies? An immigration attorney will present information on employment options for F-1 students after the completion of their studies. Information will focus on the H-1B Work Visa, but information on the TN NAFTA, L-1 Multinational Organization, and P-1 Athlete or Entertainer visas will be shared.

Register Now »

Friday, March 7 | 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Gleeson Library Atrium

The USF Food Pantry is a resource for currently enrolled USF undergraduate and graduate students who are experiencing food insecurity. Students are not expected to pay for the items that they take from the pantry. Questions about how to use the pantry? Check out their guidelines. Still not sure? Email usfpantry@usfca.edu or call {415) 422-4099. By opting in through the USFMobile app, you will receive real-time notifications when free food becomes available at events on the Hilltop Campus.

Our office wishes all students who are observing Ramadan a happy, safe, and blessed holiday. May the spirit of Ramadan stay in your hearts and illuminate you from within as you move through this celebration.

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.

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.