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Dear USD Families,
As another academic year comes to a close, we thank you for your involvement in your student’s USD experience. We hope you found these newsletters informative and helpful as you support your student’s educational and personal goals. We wish safe travel to our students and families going home or abroad during the summer break and look forward to students’ return in the fall. A heartfelt congratulations to our graduates and their families! Remember, this is only the beginning of your new relationship to the university as the parent or family member of a USD alumnus/a!
Please know that university administrators continue to monitor the swine flu situation and updates will continue to be posted on the USD Web site www.sandiego.edu. We wish the best to all who have been negatively affected by this outbreak.
Commencement 2009
 More than 1,200 undergraduate degrees will be awarded on Sunday, May 24. Please note the schedule of events for undergraduate families below. For complete commencement information, please go to www.sandiego.edu/commencement.
May 23, 5 p.m., Baccalaureate Mass (Jenny Craig Pavilion) Caps and gowns will not be worn at Mass. Open Admission – tickets are not required.
May 24, 9 a.m. Commencement – College of Arts and Sciences (Jenny Craig Pavilion): Graduating students meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot between the Jenny Craig Pavilion and Cunningham Baseball Stadium. Guests must be seated in the Jenny Craig Pavilion no later than 9 a.m. (Only guests with tickets will be admitted to the Jenny Craig Pavilion.) Immediately after commencement ceremonies, free trams will run from the Jenny Craig Pavilion to the Commencement Reception on Marian Way.
May 24, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Commencement Reception – College of Arts and Sciences (East Marian Way in front of the University Center): This reception is for graduating College of Arts and Sciences major students, guests and faculty. Light refreshments will be available and the USD Bookstore will have merchandise available for purchase.
May 24, 2 - 4 p.m., Commencement – School of Business Administration/Engineering Program (Jenny Craig Pavilion): Graduating students meet at 1 p.m. in the parking lot between the Jenny Craig Pavilion and Cunningham Baseball Stadium. Guests must be seated in the Jenny Craig Pavilion no later than 2 p.m. (Only guests with tickets will be admitted to the Jenny Craig Pavilion.) Immediately after commencement ceremonies, free trams will run from the Jenny Craig Pavilion to the Commencement Reception on Marian Way.
May 24, 4 - 5:30 p.m., Commencement Reception – School of Business Administration/Engineering Program (East Marian Way in front of the University Center): This reception is for graduating School of Business Administration and Engineering Program students, guests and faculty. Light refreshments will be available, and the USD Bookstore will have merchandise available for purchase.
Guest Tickets
 Graduating students may pick up guest tickets for the May 24 commencement ceremonies at the Jenny Craig Pavilion ticket office beginning May 4. Tickets must be picked up by 4 p.m., Friday, May 22. Eight (8) tickets will be available to graduating seniors in the College of Arts and Sciences. Given the smaller size of the graduating classes in the School of Business Administration and Department of Engineering, these graduates will have ten (10) tickets available.
Children under the age of 3 who will be seated on the lap of an adult do not need a ticket. All other guests must present a ticket for admittance to the Jenny Craig Pavilion on Sunday, May 24, 2009. Guest tickets are only available to seniors for the ceremony they plan to attend. Be careful with your tickets! Lost tickets cannot be replaced.
Although the university does not have a formal process for ticket exchanges among students, a ticket trading board will be posted adjacent to the Main Dining Room in the University Center in early May.
Guests without tickets may view the ceremony by closed circuit television in the University Center (UC).
Flowers
USD has partnered with a flower vendor to make bouquets and orchid leis available at the Jenny Craig Pavilion during Commencement Weekend. Although graduates sometimes wear leis with their regalia, corsages should be reserved for guests. In addition to reasonable prices and convenience, a percentage of all sales will support ongoing university programs. Visit www.graduationleis.com for more information and to place pre-orders.
Photographer and Video Services
 A professional photography service, California Candids (www.gradphotos.com), will capture the ceremony and each graduate as the diploma is presented. Graduates will then be mailed a proof and order form for the photography. This is the best way to get a good photo of graduates onstage as they receive diplomas, as guests will not be permitted to approach the stage area. Within a week of the ceremony, graduates will be sent order cards with proofs from the ceremony and a password to view their photographs online.
A professional Commencement Video vendor, Graduation Nation, will tape the ceremonies, and on-site DVD orders will be accepted by Graduation Nation and also at www.graduationnation.com.
Caps, Gowns, Announcements and More
The USD Bookstore is one-stop shopping for commencement needs. Many items can be purchased online at www.usdbookstore.com. On May 4, students can take advantage of Grad Fest II from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is also the first day that caps and gowns are available to pick up.
Napa Valley Wine Tasting Event
 We invite you to join President Mary E. Lyons and Executive Director of Athletics Ky Snyder over Mother's Day weekend for a private wine tasting in Napa Valley.
Annual Napa Valley Wine Tasting Event
Saturday, May 9, 3 p.m.
St. Supéry Winery, Napa, CA
Click here to RSVP by May 5
Enjoy wine flights from USD affiliated wineries including St. Supéry Winery, Joseph Phelps Winery, Whitehall Lane Winery, and Charles Krug Winery (Peter Mondavi Family) on the beautiful grounds of St. Supéry in Napa Valley. The price includes wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet food stations and a USD inscribed wine glass.
This event has been made possible by the generous contributions of the following USD families and affiliated wineries:
- St. Supéry Winery
- Joseph Phelps Winery
- Whitehall Lane Winery
- Charles Krug (Peter Mondavi Family)
Please note that transportation to St. Supéry Winery will be available from San Francisco at Fort Mason's Festival Pavilion (Building D)
1:15 p.m., pick up
7:30 p.m., return (approximately)
We hope you're able to join us!
Click here to RSVP by May 5
Message from Student Affairs
 Dear Torero Parents,
The completion of coursework, finals, and graduation are just around the corner. During the next few weeks, our students will need additional support and mentoring as they prepare for finals and manage summer transitions. At the same time, it is important to recognize the accomplishments of our community members. As I collectively congratulate the USD community on a remarkable 2008 - 2009 academic year, I encourage you to take the time to congratulate your student on personal milestones and academic achievements.
As the countdown to finals begins, students often experience increased stress. If you feel your student is experiencing heightened levels of stress, there are several things you can do which may help ease the tension in his or her life. An encouraging phone call, a comforting e-mail, or a positive text message can provide that extra boost of confidence and motivation. As a parent, you may be the best person to support and encourage your student. According to the National College Health Assessment, 82 % of our USD students report that they receive their health-related information from their parents. This means that your son or daughter will very likely pay attention as you provide guidance for successfully managing stress. In some cases, simply encouraging your student to seek additional on-campus support from Student Wellness services [http://www.sandiego.edu/wellness/; phone (619) 260- 4618] can be of tremendous help.
As the academic year ends and many students prepare to return home for the summer, I encourage you to consider how you can set this transition up for success. Consider having a conversation with your student about expectations in relation to your student’s independence and lifestyle choices while at home. Also, explore how you can ensure your house feels like “home” for your student. When I ask students about returning home for the summer, students report they are most excited about experiencing the basic comforts of home.
As the academic year comes to a close, I am struck by the many accomplishments we have to celebrate – more than 1,100 first-year students will soon complete their first full academic year, our class of 2009 graduates will participate in the conferring of degrees at commencement ceremonies, and many of our students have participated in service work, leadership, and community events. All of these events foster a tremendous sense of community and Torero pride.
Thank you again for your support during the 2008 - 2009 academic year. Parents and family members are an extremely vital part of our Torero community and we are fortunate to have you as an extension of our USD family.
In Torero Spirit,
Carmen M. Vazquez
Vice President, Student Affairs
Dining Services Update
Due to construction and renovations to the University Center, the Marketplace (Deli, Bakery and Market) is now closed. Alternative UC dining options are now available through the end of the spring semester.
In front of the University Center:
Coffee Cart:
Hours: Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Friday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m
BBQ:
Hours: Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Payments Accepted: Meal Plans, Cash, Campus Cash, Dining Dollars, Visa and MasterCard.
Look for a variety of guest food vendors in front of the UC at lunch.
Main Dining Room:
The Main Dining Room, in addition to its ‘unlimited’ (all-you-care-to-eat) dining options, now also offers a variety of a la carte retail items (priced individually).
A la Carte:
- World Sushi: hand rolled sushi, bento boxes and rice bowls.
- Deli: sandwiches and Panini.
- Grab ‘n Go: wraps, salads, snacks (candy, chips, nuts, bars) and bottled beverages.
- Also available a la Carte (and/or as ‘unlimited’ dining): pasta, soup, salad, fountain beverages, desserts, and combos.
Note: Main Dining (unlimited) menus will remain the same for breakfast and late night dining (Monday - Friday 7a.m. - 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.) and for brunch and dinner (on weekends).
Prices are the same for unlimited dining (one meal plan swipe for breakfast, lunch or dinner). A la Carte items are priced individually. In addition to Meal Plans, the following payments are accepted: Cash, CampusCash, Dining Dollars, Visa and MasterCard.
There are a number of other dining locations to choose from across campus. Brand new dining and retail options will be available when the new Student Life Pavilion, and renovated University Center, open this August.
For more information, updates and hours please visit Dining Services online: http://www.sandiego.edu/dining
Dining Services Packages
Brain Food for Finals – order by May 4
Just when they need that extra brain power, send your student a super boost of treats and tools for their final exams. Includes: a stress relievertoy, Snickers bar, Rice Krispies Treats, Nature Valley and Quaker Chewy granola bars, sunflower seeds, M&M's, Sweet Tarts, gum, microwave popcorn, pretzels, Rockstar Energy Drink, Minute Maid juice, a USD pen, pencils, hi-liter and index cards, all packed in a reusable tote bag.
Get Well Package
Perfect for tiding over your sick student, or just to have on hand in their room. Includes: tissues, hand sanitizer, bottled water, orange juice, tea bags, honey and lemon packets, instant Quaker Oatmeal, Cup O' Noodles, Campbell's Chicken Soup and Sprite.
60th Anniversary Information
In 2009, the University of San Diego will commemorate six decades of unparalleled success in the advancement of education, intellectual development and community stewardship. Throughout the anniversary year, USD students, faculty, alumni, friends and corporate partners will come together for an ongoing series of community-oriented programs and events. Six decades of distinguished alumni and faculty — and thousands of the individuals and organizations touched by the university — will be inspired by how far the University of San Diego has come and the ways it will inspire the world in the future. For updates on the 60th anniversary as well as to see clips of 60th Anniversary promotional material please go to http://www.sandiego.edu/sixty.
Calendar of Events
From special faculty lectures and alumni social events to Alumni Honors and the Student Life Pavilion dedication ceremony, the University of San Diego will be hosting a myriad of campus celebrations throughout the 60th Anniversary year. The year-long celebration will culminate at the black-tie Founders Gala in November that will honor the university’s six decades.
May 9
San Francisco Alumni Chapter Event
Wine Tasting Reception
3 p.m., St. Supery Winery, Napa Valley
May 14
31st Annual Sports Banquet
http://usdtoreros.cstv.com/boosters/upcoming-events.html
5:30 p.m., Jenny Craig Pavilion
May 16
School of Law Commencement
Jenny Craig Pavilion
May 23 - 24
Commencement Weekend
Jenny Craig Pavilion
Torero Update
USD Torero athletics is completing another year of winning seasons, strong competition and successful student-athlete rankings. Several sports are still competing, with baseball in a tight race for conference championship, softball celebrating its seniors on May 3 and track and rowing looking for additional wins. USD looks to repeat as the winner of the West Coast Conference Commissioner’s Cup, an all-sports award presented at the end of each academic year to the league's top performing school in conference play. Catch all the action and highlights at www.usdtoreros.com.
2009 Family Weekend
The next Family Weekend will take place October 23 – 25, 2009. The Family Weekend Student Committee will soon meet to plan the various aspects of the weekend. If your student is interested in participating in event preparations and volunteer opportunities during Family Weekend 2009, they can contact us at parents@sandiego.edu.
USD Wine Classic
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Join the University of San Diego at the first annual USD Wine Classic to raise money for student scholarships and to be a part of the university’s 60th Anniversary Celebration. This event will feature USD family wineries and provide an opportunity to connect with alumni, parent, grandparents and friends and taste some great wines!
Taking advantage of the university’s beautiful environment, the USD Wine Classic will be held outside at the Garden of the Sea overlooking Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Sunday, July 26 2-5 p.m.
Joan B. Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice Garden by the Sea
The event will feature USD family – owned wineries poured by the owners and winemakers:
Adobe Guadalupe, Chalk Hill, Clos LaChance, Curtis Winery, Husch Vineyards, Martin & Weyrich, ROAR Wines, Sequoia Grove, St. Francis Winery, St. Sup’ery, Whitehall Lane, Villa Creek Cellars and York Mountain.
All proceeds will benefit the Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund. Click here to learn more about our Alumni Association scholarships.
Register Early! Tickets are currently $60 per person, but will increase to $75 on July 20. To register online go to www.usdwineclassic.com |
Important Dates to Remember
May 15 – 21: Final exams (Use your student’s class schedule to determine his or her individual exam schedule at http://www.sandiego.edu/search/classes/finals.php)
May 23 – 24: Commencement Weekend http://www.sandiego.edu/Commencement/
June 1: First day of first Summer Session
August 21: Last day of last Summer Session
September 2: First day of Fall Semester 2009
October 23: Fall Holiday (no classes)
October 23 – 25: Family Weekend
November 25 – 27: Thanksgiving holiday (no classes)
December 14: Last day of Fall semester classes
December 15: Study day
December 16 – 22: Final exams
For the full academic calendar, please go to http://sandiego.edu/news/academiccalendar/.
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