Learning & Teaching

The University of San Diego promotes a learning and teaching environment that reflects its essential values of academic excellence, individual development, community, ethical conduct, and service.

The University of San Diego seeks and advances faculty who demonstrate a passion for teaching and excellence as teachers in the classroom.  It supports continued development of faculty through the Center for Learning and Teaching.  Through the Center, faculty are provided with a series of integrated programs and events, and a variety of resources in order to assist them in creating an intellectually challenging environment for learning.

Learning and teaching at USD are focused on developing the whole individual, one who will fully participate in a democratic and global society. The University of San Diego therefore strives to promote the intellectual, spiritual, cultural, social, and physical development of its students.

In pursuit of intellectual development, students are expected to become engaged citizens. They will participate in their undergraduate and graduate academic programs designed to prepare students for professional roles grounded in a liberal arts education. Students will find many resources to assist them, including programs associated with the Student Resource Center and the Tutoring Centers.

The University of San Diego fosters an exploration of faith as an academic and a living experience here on campus.  Through offices and programs such as University Ministry and the Center for Christian Spirituality, the University supports its mission statement grounded in its Catholic identity, and cultivates an active faith community by encouraging all students to develop and internalize ethical standards that will last them a lifetime.

With its location on the Pacific Rim, the University is well positioned to provide its students with a broadened sense of "community" through multicultural experiences on campus, within the San Diego community, and through its international studies programs. They may engage in Community Service Learning and the Transborder Institute as outreach to the local community. They may explore social issues through the Multicultural Center, the Women’s Center, and a variety of student activities and organizations sponsored by Associated Students . The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice has established an international forum for the campus community. International programs provide students with the opportunity to learn firsthand about cultures and their languages in ways that are fully supportive of and connected to the academic endeavor.

The University of San Diego is justifiably proud of its competitive athletes and its athletic programs, the Toreros. The high quality and easy availability of its athletic facilities encourage all students to be physically active and explore their own interests.  The University therefore promotes participation in competitive athletics for every interested student through its extensive intramural programs.

Students who attend the University of San Diego will find they are supported and expected to become actively engaged citizens.   Graduates from the University leave with a sense of the complexity of issues the world presents, and the courage and conviction to express their beliefs and opinions as they face those issues.