WEEKLY UPDATE – Oct. 13

International Education Week (IEW) 2025, a national celebration of education exchange, is coming up! Mark your calendars for Nov. 17–21 for a full week of events that aim to promote a global perspective and highlight the diversity that strengthens our community. Events are open to students, faculty, and staff. The events of the week are designed to bring our community together in celebration of the different cultures, heritages, and experiences that make us USF. See the complete list of last year's events on the IEW website »

Join us for Culturescape 2025, one of USF’s most anticipated cultural showcases, presented by the International Student Association (ISA). In collaboration, 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. Mark your calendars for Nov. 21, 6–9 p.m. at McLaren Complex!

The International Student Association (ISA) is dedicated to serving the USF international community through cultural education, advocacy, and social connection. ISA builds a strong support network for international students, fosters intercultural exchange within the USF community, strengthens alumni connections, and supports students’ global transitions — all while celebrating cultural exploration.

Follow ISA on Instagram and meet the ISA executive board »

Hours: Monday – Friday | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | University Center 5th Floor

International students traveling during fall break need a valid travel signature on their I-20/DS-2019 to re-enter the U.S. Check your I-20/DS-2019 for a valid signature before requesting one on MyISSS. For details, visit the ISSS Travel Information web page.

Oct. 16–19
Times & Locations Vary

From Oct. 16–19, join alumni, families, students, faculty, staff, and friends on the Hilltop to celebrate USF’s milestone weekend and formally welcome President Aceves home. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat festival featuring Bay Area favorites, including Bar None’s Canyon, Boudin, Eko Kitchen, Mother Tongue, and Original Joe’s. See the full summary of programs. Free for all USF students! This event is open to all USF community members.

RSVP here »

Thursday, Oct. 16 | 6–7 p.m.
University Center – 411/412 

Café International is hosting a fun night of global trivia! Make community with international students. Play trivia from around the world, win prizes, enjoy snacks, and meet new friends along the way. This event is open to all USF community members.

Saturday, Oct. 18 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
St. Ignatius Church

The Inauguration Ceremony will formally install Salvador D. Aceves ’83, EdD ’95, as USF’s 29th president. Rooted in academic tradition and USF’s Jesuit Catholic values, the ceremony will bring together members of the university community, invited delegates, and special guests to celebrate this significant moment in the life of the university. This event is open to all USF community members.

Friday, Nov. 7 | 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. University Center 1st floor

Join ISSS in serving San Francisco’s largest free clothing program, which provides clean, quality clothing to families and individuals in need. Volunteers will sort and prepare clothing, assist as personal shoppers, and help create emergency kits to ensure guests have a positive, dignified experience. Complete the required liability waiver before participating — deadline is Oct. 24.

Register now » 

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.