The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Diego hosts a variety of centers and an institute that serve students, faculty and the wider community. Their work advances our liberal arts and sciences values, fosters lifelong learning and makes a significant impact on campus and in the greater community.
Expanding Knowledge, Locally and Globally
These centers in the College of Arts and Sciences host experts, events and programs to expand knowledge, address challenges faced by local and global communities, and advance our university's mission "to create a more inclusive, sustainable and hopeful world."
Center for Food Systems Transformation
The Center for Food Systems Transformation (CFST) focuses on advancing food systems that address climate change and justice issues. CFST supports campus efforts to create a more ethical food system, aligns institutional food practices with community values, and enhances USD's justice-driven Food Studies program. Guided by USD's commitment to Laudato Si', ethical leadership and compassionate service, CFST aims to foster a more just and sustainable food system.
Humanities Center
Dedicated to the exploration of the human condition and the limitless ways in which human beings understand and interact with our world, the USD Humanities Center at the entrance of Saints Tekakwitha and Serra Hall enriches the campus community with research grants, public seminars and workshops, major and minor programs, a gallery for hosting exhibitions, faculty development, an adult continuing education program and much more.
Justice in Mexico
Justice in Mexico is led by USD faculty, staff and students dedicated to improving citizen security, strengthening the rule of law and protecting human rights in Mexico. Collaborating with key stakeholders, experts and decision-makers, Justice in Mexico produces cutting-edge research, promotes informed dialogue and develops solutions to some of the most urgent and complex challenges facing Mexico, including organized crime, violence, judicial sector reform and corruption.
Cropper Center for Creative Writing
Housed in Founders Hall, the Lindsay J. Cropper Center for Creative Writing was established at USD in 2004 in memory of Lindsay J. Cropper, an alumna of USD, an English major and aspiring writer, who died tragically in 2000. The purpose of the center is to foster the appreciation and practice of creative writing at USD by hosting an annual Writers Series, sponsoring a literary journal, promoting the development of writing courses and granting awards for creative writing.
Center for Ethics, Economics and Public Policy (CEEPP)
Committed to fostering open dialogue among a wide range of competing viewpoints, and to fostering the skills of critical thinking and independent thought necessary for the development of a free and responsible citizenry, the Center for Ethics, Economics and Public Policy (CEEPP) brings together these disciplines to help students, faculty and the public better understand important issues of public policy.
Institute for Civil Civic Engagement
The Institute for Civil Civic Engagement aims to improve civility in public dialogue by fostering respectful discourse, developing educational resources and promoting community initiatives across San Diego. The institute's goals include raising awareness about the harms of incivility, encouraging civil behavior in civic and political activities, holding leaders accountable and supporting programs that teach effective and just civic engagement from K–16 and beyond.
Advancing Academic Excellence
Through tutoring for courses, advising between peers and guidance from experts, these CAS centers advance the university's commitment to academic excellence and ensure student success.
Mathematics Learning Center (MLC)
The Mathematics Learning Center (MLC) offers free, peer-to-peer tutoring services designed to facilitate the development of independent lifelong learning, and help students implement effective strategies for analytical thinking in their mathematics courses.
Writing Center
USD's Writing Center is an inclusive community serving undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines. In free, 45-minute to one-hour, one-on-one consultations, our experienced consultants provide critical reflection and constructive feedback during the multiple stages of the writing process, from planning to composing to revision. Students develop strategies for improving their writing, gaining confidence and developing educational independence.