WEEKLY UPDATE – Sept. 29

This week, we are focusing on healthy living by highlighting departments, events, and services that can assist you in navigating your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. As always, if you have any immigration questions or concerns, please reach out to ISSS via phone, email, or make an appointment with your ISSS adviser online. Please know that your health and well-being are our top priority, and we are here to support you in any way we can.

The Health Promotion Services Department (HPS) is committed to fostering a vibrant and safe learning community. HPS offers a full range of services dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of the USF student body.

Tuesday, Oct. 1 – Monday, Oct. 30

Who is more active? Students or faculty and staff? Join October's annual Go Dons Get Fit Challenge. Check out how to register and start tracking your physical activity. At the end of the month, all minutes are accumulated, and the winner receives the Cartwright Cup. Participating students will be entered into a weekly raffle for a chance to win a $15 USF Bookstore gift card.

This event is open to all USF community members.

Thursday, Oct. 2 | 2:40–4:25 p.m.
McLaren Complex 

Join the Critical Diversity Studies program for their 15th annual forum. This year’s theme, We Keep Us Safe, highlights collective care, mutual aid, and solidarity as pathways to true safety and justice. Featured speakers include Yosimar Reyes, Terisa Siagatonu, and Zachary Norris.

This event is open to all USF community members. 

Thursday, Oct. 2 | 6–7 p.m. 
University Center — 411/412

Join Cafe International for Tea Time, hosted by Kaye Balderas. Sip and spill some tea from around the globe with international students. They will have a selection of various cultural teas and snacks to fuel the fun.

This event is open to all USF students.

Thursday, Oct. 9 | 12–1 p.m.
 Gleeson Library Wolf Statue 

Join Professor Patrick McDonnell for a one-hour walking tour inspired by Jenny Donovan’s Recipes for Urban Happiness. This interactive journey will uncover the hidden messages in our spaces and invite us to imagine new ways of connecting with ourselves and our community.

This event is open to all USF community members.

We’re kicking off the semester with an exciting conversation with new students who have just started their journeys at USF. First, we have Khaled Al-Duaij, an undergraduate student in the Entrepreneurial Studies program. We’ll then hear from Radhika Wagh, a master's student in marketing intelligence, and finally, we’ll hear from Kotaro Soyano, an exchange student from Japan.

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 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 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.