First Year Experience
The University of San Diego provides a unique educational experience for first-year students designed specifically to support our philosophy and desired learning outcomes. The first-year is the beginning of USD’s transformative undergraduate education program that aspires to produce graduates who will lead meaningful, healthy and fulfilled lives and contribute to the good of all humanity.
Starting before you arrive . . .
Communication by mail
Admitted students who have submitted deposits are considered new members of the USD community. During the summer, USD communicates with those students about the hopes, aspirations and expectations of our academic community.
Registration for classes and housing
Entering students will be asked to complete and promptly return a few key pieces of information: summer registration packet that will be used to place the student in fall classes and determine preceptorial class placement (see below for description of preceptorial program); housing packet that will be used to determine to place the student in a first-year residence hall
Summer Send Offs
Series of summer presentations in various cities around the country designed to help both entering students and their parents prepare for USD.
Web site portal
Information is made available online that will help answer any questions over the summer. A student portal will also allow entering students to communicate with one another and begin connecting to the new student community before arriving on campus.
Move-in
The day when the entire class of new students arrives on campus. Current students help students and their families move belongings into residence hall rooms.
Participate in Torero Days
The days before classes begin are designed to introduce students to the University and fellow students. A number of activities and experiences are facilitated by student leaders and faculty that will help new students become more comfortable in their new living environment, better understand the demands and expectations of college life at USD, and begin to connect with fellow students, faculty and staff.
Preceptorial Program (Core Component)
The preceptorial program is one of the two core components of USD’s First-Year Experience. The program involves faculty advisors for incoming freshmen in a small class called the preceptorial. The content of the preceptorial course depends on the course title and description. All preceptorial courses fulfill a core curriculum requirement and count towards graduation.
Preceptorial Assistant
As part of each preceptorial course, there will be a “preceptorial assistant.” The preceptorial assistant is a successful continuing USD student who serves as a liaison to the faculty member, mentor to new students, and general resource for USD. Preceptorial assistants also plan and implement outside of class activities to assist students with the transition to college.
Residence Life (Core Component)
Residence life is one of the two core components of USD’s First-Year Experience. Nearly all freshmen live on campus during the first year. First Year Experience Resident Assistants work with residents on their hall to establish a respectful and inclusive community. The residential living and learning experience at USD seeks to establish a strong academic community that supports student learning outside the classroom. Students in first year halls will see information and have the opportunity to attend programs designed to help them begin successful college careers.
First Year Experience (FYE) Workshops
The First Year Experience (FYE) Workshops program offers a variety of workshops designed specifically to assist students with the transition to college. New USD freshmen will have the opportunity to attend workshops of their choosing during their first semester in college. Workshop topics cover the gamut of issues that new freshmen are likely to encounter, including faculty expectations, time management, study skills, places to go and things to do in San Diego, choosing a major, health and safety at college, and the unique history and character of USD.
Liberal Arts Beyond the Classroom
The main purpose of this program is to help faculty and students find events occurring on the USD campus and in the San Diego community that provide significant liberal arts learning experiences beyond the classroom. Many faculty integrate this program into their preceptorial courses.
Additional Resources
A variety of resources and support services are offered to assist students both academically and personally.
- Customized First-Year Experience resource information is provided online for all new USD students. The information is created by USD faculty, students and staff and is designed to help USD students fulfill their goals and achieve academic and personal success at this University.
- Disability Services facilitates academic support services and accommodations for qualified students with disabilities.
- Counseling Center provides a variety of services to facilitate students growth and emotional health.
- Tutoring is available for various disciplines through specific tutoring centers, including a logic center, math center, writing center, and educational opportunity program that provides tutoring in a number of subject areas.
- Student Athlete Academic Services provides academic support for intercollegiate student-athletes.
- Career Services can provide assistance with the process of selecting a major and determining steps students can take early on to prepare for a career.
