Jewish Student Life

As a Catholic university, USD celebrates the many faith traditions represented in our community. The religious diversity of our students, faculty and staff contributes to the richness and beauty of our campus. We are fully committed to supporting Jewish students, helping you succeed and thrive in every dimension of your life.

If you are unfamiliar with being a part of a Catholic community, there are aspects of USD that may seem confusing, overwhelming or unwelcoming. Please know that you are most welcome here! We are so happy and grateful that you are a Torero.

One of our University’s core values is human dignity. We know that a diversity of people, ideas, beliefs, languages and approaches to learning are essential to education and we affirm the dignity of each individual. These fundamental convictions ground our efforts to create a culture of respect and inclusivity. These beliefs emerge from the Judeo-Christian tradition and the insistence that all people are created in the image of God.

This website provides a variety of resources intended to meet the needs of Jewish students. Here you can find more about Hillel, professor notifications, resource people, local synagogues and more.

If you don’t find what you are looking for here, please contact one of the resource people listed. They will be delighted to meet you and accompany you in securing the support you need.

Hillel of San Diego builds an inclusive community for Jewish college students throughout San Diego. We provide students with valuable tools and opportunities to be Jewish leaders. Our diverse programming brings together students of all backgrounds to form deep, personal connections to Jewish life — here and in Israel. We are deeply committed to inclusion and pluralistic Judaism.

For more information on Hillel at of San Diego, or how to get involved with Hillel at USD, please email Danielle Botvin at dbotvin@hillelsd.org.

Like all students, Jewish students will benefit from communicating intentionally, proactively and respectfully with their professors about their unique situation and particular needs. This is especially true during the High Holy Days and other religious holidays.

While the decision on how best to respond to student requests for academic accommodations is up to each professor, USD professors strive to support the success of every student and typically are very receptive to conversations about how best to enable your academic progress as well as the practice of your faith.

In order to facilitate such conversations, the email template below can be used to communicate with your professors. Parts of each are highlighted in yellow to indicate that you will need to fill in these sections with the relevant information.

Please remember that emailing your professor does not guarantee a particular response; each professor has the final authority to make decisions about their class. Most often, and most helpfully, an email is a starting point for a discussion with your professor about your needs.

Dear [PROFESSOR/INSTRUCTOR NAME],

My name is [YOUR NAME] and I am a student enrolled in your [COURSE NUMBER AND NAME] this semester. I am reaching out because the Jewish holiday of [HOLIDAY NAME GOES HERE] coincides with the [CLASS, EXAM, PAPER, PROJECT, OTHER ASSIGNMENT] on [DATE]. I would greatly appreciate the chance to meet with you to discuss how best to approach the upcoming [CLASS, EXAM, PAPER, PROJECT, OTHER ASSIGNMENT] in line with my observance of [NAME OF HOLIDAY].

When would be the best time for me to visit your office to discuss this?

Thank you.
[YOUR NAME]

Navigating the USD campus can be confusing at times. The following individuals are available to meet with you to answer questions, provide information, help find additional resources or simply to offer compassionate listening. Feel free to reach out to any of the following people who are excited to get to know you and to do all they can to support you.