Orientation prepares interns for work at the University of San Diego Counseling Center by addressing the following training needs:

1. the need to get to know Counseling Center staff and to become a member of the Counseling Center team;
2. the need to build relationships with members of the intern group;
3. the need to learn about and adjust to the USD campus community;
4. the need to know campus resources; and
5. the need to didactic information and skills relevant to employment as a professional psychologist.

Didactic seminars, meetings and free time set aside for adjustment prepare interns for their learning experience.  A series of meetings teaches interns about the internship structure and the internal workings of the USDCC. 

Interns are also introduced to members of the campus community in a series of campus tours designed to provide a thorough knowledge of campus resources and to assist interns in making connections that will be useful to them.  Interns tour various offices and meet with representatives of Student Affairs, which may include the Dean's Office of Arts and Sciences, the Educational Opportunities Program, Health Services, Career Services, the Student Resources Center, University Ministry, Residence Life, and several other campus offices.

Ample free time is allowed for the intern group to bond with one another and with staff, to complete assigned readings, to choose and decorate offices, and to set up schedules.

Didactic seminars also take place during orientation month.  These seminars prioritize information deemed most necessary for interns to successfully begin professional duties at the USDCC.  Though seminar topics generally remain consistent, they may be revised according to emerging staffing, clinical or training needs. 

Crisis Intervention and Risk Management Seminar teaches interns the methods of assessing and intervening in crisis situations typical on a university campus.  Interns will be sensitized to the principles of risk management. 

Outreach and Consultation Seminar In this seminar, interns learn the principles and skills involved in outreach and consultation on a university campus.