About USD
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Founded in 1949 in the heart of San Diego, USD has grown to become a premier institution dedicated to providing academic excellence, Catholic intellectual and social traditions, and a top-notch liberal arts education for scholars of all faiths. USD is committed to the intellectual, spiritual, and overall development of its student body.

USD’s mission captures the values that have made it a prominent Catholic university, a vibrant institution of quality higher education, and an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus.
Academics
A USD education combines the vibrancy of the liberal arts with academic rigor in a supportive learning community. USD offers a wide variety of majors and specializations, allowing students to pursue their passions. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and devoted teachers who promote an interactive learning environment.

Faculty collaborate one-on-one with undergraduate and graduate students on research, scholarship and creative activity, allowing students to experience the excitement of original discovery.
Admissions
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USD’s emphasis on academic excellence, intellectual rigor and global citizenship showcases our commitment to each student. USD offers the intellectual environment that will inspire you to begin shaping your future. By becoming a Torero, you are becoming part of the more than 60-year-long history of dedicated Changemakers.

Our students strive for academic excellence and take great pride in serving their communities. At USD, students learn to think critically, act globally and work collaboratively to achieve their full potential.
Experience
- Torero Life
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USD offers students endless opportunities to connect with the campus, the community, and each other. With nearly 200 clubs and organizations, countless sports and residence hall activities, guest lectures, community service opportunities and wellness programs, Toreros have every resource necessary to maximize their USD experience.

USD has an active, thriving campus community. In addition to its sublime setting — enhanced by an average 300 days of sunshine each year — USD offers students an abundance of academic programs, facilities and resources.
Directory
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Even to the casual eye, it's apparent that the campus runs like a well-oiled machine, in large part due to our hard working team members, all dedicated to making sure that the USD student experience is reflective of the distinctive quality that the university is known for.

More than 1500 full-time and 750 part-time employees worked at USD in 2011, in capacities ranging from faculty to food service to administration to groundskeeper.
Gateways
- Prospective Students
- Current Students
- Faculty
- Staff
- Parents
- Alumni
- Visitors
- Athletics
The USD community is comprised of many diverse individuals. To assist with the various aspects of personal and professional development, the university provides various offices, programs and services. Gateways provides links to some of the areas that might be of interest to you.

From the moment you step on our beautiful campus you can see that USD is exceptional.

Press Releases

Title	USD Hosts 15th Annual Character Matters Conference
Date	6.03.11
Contact	Melissa Wagoner
Contact E-mail	mwagoner, at sandiego.edu
Contact Phone	(619) 260-4659
Text	Lessons and Strategies that Change Students Lives On Monday and Tuesday, June 27 and 28, 2011 the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) Character Development Center will host the 15th Annual Character Matters Conference. The event brings together teachers, principals, and counselors, office administrators and staff, students in-training, college professors, parents and public/private service agency staff. These leaders will discuss teaching strategies and lessons that promote and nurture the character development of children and youth. Special guest speakers include: Steve Breen, Editorial cartoons and comic strip creator, The San Diego Union Tribune, “The 5W’s of Editorial Cartooning: Character and Characters.” David Hanlon, High School teacher and head of the Vista High School Character Leadership Program, discussing tips for integrating Character Education into your school culture. Emalyn Leppard, Middle School Teacher of the Year, Montgomery Middle School, SDUSD, discussing being a role model: The difference between “acting” and “being.” Linda Ellett, Program Coordinator, Poway Unified School District Support Services and Team. Marlena Uhrik, California State Department of Education consultant; Founder, Our Kids' Community Breakfast Club, a Community Engagement Model; Recipient of the US Presidential Award for Service 2009. WHO: University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, Learning and Teaching, Character Development Center WHAT: 15th Annual Character Conference WHERE: USD’s Mother Rosalie Hill Hall WHEN: June 27-28, 2011 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. COST: $200 individual, $150 for schools that send three or more teachers, $50 for students with ID. The cost includes two continental breakfasts, two lunches, handouts, book sales, book drawings, and special prizes. For more information or to register for the conference, please visit the Character Development Center website at http://charactermatters.sandiego.edu or email at character@sandiego.edu.

Public Affairs

Degheri Alumni Center
Phone: (619) 260-4681
news@sandiego.edu