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Human Resources

USD Policies
employees celebrating at a recent USD TEC Fest

University of San Diego

Torero Employees Connect

Engaged. Valued. Connected.

Our Purpose

At the University of San Diego, we believe that a connected and engaged community is vital for a thriving workplace. The Torero Employees Connect (T.E.C.) Program is designed to foster a sense of belonging, enhance employee well-being, and create meaningful connections, ultimately benefiting the entire USD community.

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How T.E.C. Works

Pick Up Your Journey Book

Get your T.E.C. Journey Book from the HR Office in Maher Hall 101 or during onboarding.

Attend Events

Participate in campus events, wellness activities, traditions and more.

Earn Stamps

Collect stamps throughout the year by attending qualifying events.

Win Prizes at T.E.C. Fest

Turn in your Journey Book at T.E.C. Fest for a chance to win prizes.

Attend an Upcoming Event and Earn Stamps

Stamp Categories

Upcoming Events

Aug10

QPR TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES

Monday, August 10, 2026 - 10 a.m.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. By becoming certified in QPR, you will learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer support, and connect someone to resources to help save a life. QPR is a nationally recognized, evidence-based training. All participants are eligible to earn a "Wellness" stamp - visit HR after the training to get your stamp.

Aug12

COMMUNITY BUILDING CIRCLE

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - 11 a.m.

Join us in fostering connections within USD! Community Building Circles welcome everyone, whether you're familiar with restorative justice practices or new to them. These circles provide a supportive environment for Torero employees to connect, reflect, listen, and share experiences. Participants sit together, using a talking piece to ensure everyone's voice is heard, while a centerpiece of nature elements encourages mindfulness and connection. This is a chance to slow down, engage authentically, and build community. Bring your T.E.C. Journey Book to earn a "Community" stamp.

Aug12

QPR TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - 10 a.m.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. By becoming certified in QPR, you will learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer support, and connect someone to resources to help save a life. QPR is a nationally recognized, evidence-based training. All participants are eligible to earn a "Wellness" stamp - visit HR after the training to get your stamp. This August, both in-person and virtual sessions will be offered.

Aug21

VIRTUAL QPR TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES

Friday, August 21, 2026 - 1 p.m.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. By becoming certified in QPR, you will learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer support, and connect someone to resources to help save a life. QPR is a nationally recognized, evidence-based training. All participants are eligible to earn a "Wellness" stamp - visit HR after the training to get your stamp.

T.E.C. Ambassadors

The T.E.C. Program partners with dedicated ambassadors who embody USD's values. They enhance our community by building relationships, collaborating across departments to generate new ideas, and inspiring others with their enthusiasm. Thank you to all our ambassadors for your dedication to enhancing the employee experience at USD!

Matt McIver

Wellness Center

What is your favorite part about being a T.E.C. Ambassador?

It's been a really neat experience being able to find ways to prioritize our University's employees, especially through a Wellness lens. It means a lot to connect with the employees who attend these opportunities and be a driving force for them to remember to take care of themselves. Restoration & wellness are productive, too, and reminding employees of that in different ways is a really cool opportunity!

Xiomara Pastenes García

College of Arts and Sciences

Why did you choose to become a T.E.C. Ambassador?

I became a T.E.C. Ambassador because I wanted to contribute to the kind of campus community where people feel connected and welcome. What brings me the most joy is creating moments where people can step away from their day, enjoy time together, and leave feeling a little lighter than when they arrived.

Erika Lane

Parking Services

What does being a T.E.C. Ambassador mean to you, and why do you love doing it?

Being a T.E.C. Ambassador means being part of something bigger than myself. I love having the opportunity to meet people from different departments, build new connections, and help bring our campus community together. Seeing people smile, feel welcomed, and enjoy being part of the USD community is incredibly rewarding. It is truly an honor to serve as a T.E.C. Ambassador, and knowing that I can make a positive difference, no matter how small, is what makes this role so meaningful to me.

Celebrate at T.E.C. Fest

T.E.C. Fest is USD’s annual employee celebration featuring food, entertainment, games, prizes, and community.

Frequently Asked Questions