Aug29-31
The onboarding process at USD starts as soon as you deposit and continues through our weeks of welcome in September. Here at USD, we use online and in-person experiences to start your Torero journey. Read on to understand what orientation entails and the opportunities you'll be offered to make connections, learn about resources and more!
Student Checklists
First Things First
Before you arrive on campus, there are a few things you need to do. Check out our step-by-step checklist that details everything you have to complete.
Required Orientation
Part 1
Online On Canvas
As part of our commitment to the well-being of our students and to creating a diverse and welcoming community, all new undergraduate students are required to complete an online education course series with a series of modules.
These mandatory courses will be released on Canvas in mid-July (the same day class schedules and housing assignments are released) and will be due August 24th, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
All students must complete this year's course series, including deferred students who might have already completed the course from last year. This ensures that all students have the most up-to-date information and that USD is complying with federal requirements.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
A $250 non-compliance fee will be assessed directly to students who do not fully comply with completing the New Undergraduate Student Education course requirements by the indicated deadline. This is a non-negotiable non-compliance fee that will be assessed directly to your Student Account.
A New Student Programs Hold (NS) will be placed on your student account should you fail to complete the Emergency Preparedness & Civil Discourse modules in Canvas AND attend in-person orientation (OLÉ! Weekend). You will be required to meet with a member of the New Student Programs team if you do not attend in-person orientation to remove this hold.
Part 2
In-Person at USD
International Student Orientation
If you are an international student, you are also required to attend the mandatory, in-person International Orientation that takes place in the week leading up to OLÉ! Weekend.
Optional
Pre-Orientation Experiences
These optional opportunities allow to meet others and begin your Torero experience prior to the start orientation.
For Parents, Families and Students
Summer Send-Offs
Summer Send-Offs are regional events throughout the summer designed to help you meet your peers and get your questions answered by current students and staff members.
Pre-Orientation Adventure with Outdoor Adventures
Pre-Orientation Adventure, run by Outdoor Adventures, is an optional program that helps ease the transition to USD by giving you a chance to connect with amazing student leaders and meet new friends in small groups.
Pre-Orientation Retreat with University Ministry
The Pre-Orientation Retreat is a three-day experience offered by University Ministry and led by upper-class students. It allows you to make great friends, move in early and find your people before classes even begin.
Black Summer Immersion
Black Summer Immersion is a free week-long initiative that works to equip incoming Black first-year and transfer students with adequate resources and tools that will prepare them for their collegiate experience.
Summer Bridge Program
A one-week program that will help incoming first-year and transfer students transition into life at USD. Additionally, students will be able to create meaningful relationships with incoming students and staff from Student Support Services.
Catalyst Research First
Incoming first-year and transfer students who are first generation are invited to apply and participate in this undergraduate research immersion program.
College Corps
USD students are invited to apply and participate in this undergraduate historic state-level investment in service that creates pathways for students who commit to serving in their communities for an academic year.
Disability Accomodations
If you are a student with a documented disability who may require a specific accommodation, please contact the Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center (DLDRC) prior to your arrival on campus. Formally registering with the DLDRC will allow USD to work with you to provide appropriate accommodations. For information on disability accommodations, please visit the DLDRC website or contact a DLDRC professional at disabilityservices@sandiego.edu or (619) 260-4655.
Questions?
If you have questions about orientation, email orientation@sandiego.edu.