WEEKLY UPDATE – March 2

ISSS encourages all of our students to dedicate 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.

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) can help with sadness, anxiety, loneliness, college adjustment, relationship struggles, and other concerns not requiring medical intervention. CAPS offers free, brief single-session therapy, groups, workshops, consultations, crisis assessment, and referrals for USF students. 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 programs and services »

We encourage you to stay connected with friends and loved ones and engage in extra self-care. Therapy Groups for spring 2026 are currently accepting interest forms. CAPS is also offering several workshops and drop-in series this spring: ¡Ánimo! Latiné Well-Being and Self-Care Series, Melanated Mental Matters Workshop, and the Rest is Resistance: BIPOC Mindfulness Workshop. 

The Intercultural Center is looking for an intern to host Cafe International — a space for international students (and others) to gather, connect, and participate in fun activities. Applications for Cultural Centers internships for the 2026–27 school year are now open. Work-study and international students are highly encouraged to apply! Gain valuable experiences while making a meaningful impact in your community. The deadline for applications is March 16. Apply today »   

Given the increased vetting of international travelers at U.S. ports of entry and consulates, longer visa processing times, and current and potential country-specific visa and travel restrictions, ISSS encourages all travelers to review our travel guidance to assess individual risks and take precautions before planning any international travel.

Additionally, please note that updated Premium Processing fees will take effect beginning March 1:

Students can schedule a free individual nutrition education appointment with a registered dietetic technician 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 complete 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 their upcoming events. 

Learn more »

Health Promotion Services has monthly challenges called the Jumpstart Your Wellness Program, where students can participate by tracking their minutes online for 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 the Stress Less Challenge today!

Learn more »

Friday, March 6 | 4-7 p.m.
Gleeson Library Lawn

Join the USF community in celebrating Holi, the Festival of Colors. This vibrant event honors the arrival of spring and the spirit of joy, renewal, and togetherness. Come enjoy music, community, and the colorful traditions that make Holi a meaningful cultural celebration. Open to the USF community. Learn more »

Saturday, March 7 | 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Getty Study & Lo Schiavo

This participatory workshop introduces the theory and practice of zazen, or Zen seated meditation, along with the significance of calligraphy in Zen training. Participants will also explore walking meditation, vocalization exercises, and tai chi. This event will be led by Gina Ewing and Geoff Ashton, professor of Asian philosophy at USF. Open to the USF community. Learn more »

Thursday, April 16 | 3:30–5 p.m.
Getty Study & Lo Schiavo

Join Health Promotion Services and Off-Campus Living as they rethink drinking culture and provide tools and tips for living your BEST life off campus. Stop by to enjoy a complimentary non-alcoholic drink from Ocean Beach Cafe, educate yourself on Narcan and fentanyl, indulge in bar food and dessert, participate in fun games, win prizes, and access important campus resources. Open to the USF community.

Sunday, March 29
Fromm Complex 

The Cultural Centers and the Office of Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are excited to present the seventh annual USF Women of Color Leadership Conference. The conference is free and open to the public, featuring facilitators affiliated with the USF who facilitate various sessions grounded in women’s leadership, women and gender studies, and cross-cultural feminisms. Open to the USF community. Pre-register »

During the month of Ramadan, Bon Appétit is committed to supporting students observing the holiday. Halal, vegetarian, and seafood options are available at all meal periods. Halal items can be easily found and sorted on the dining website by selecting the “Halal” dietary preference filter.

In addition, a weekly Ramadan-themed meal is served on Mondays at the Classics Stations. These menus are inspired by past student requests and are designed to reflect community preferences.

Students are also encouraged to pre-purchase food for Suhoor during dinner the night before to help prepare for early morning meals.

For campus events and catering, Bon Appétit offers several Halal, vegetarian, and seafood options and can also create a custom menu for your group.

For additional questions or special requests, students may reach out directly to the Bon Appétit team.

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 and 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.