FAQs for Students

For undergraduate students, the Spring 2021 semester will begin on Monday, January 25, and the last day of classes will be Monday, May 10. The last day of finals will be Wednesday, May 19. 

For graduate students, the Spring 2021 semester will begin on Monday, January 25, and the last day of classes will be Monday, May 10. The last day of finals will be Wednesday, May 19. 

Will there be an option for remote students to watch a recording of the course at a later time if they are in a different time zone?

Faculty will be recording their lectures, and students can watch these recordings asynchronously at a later time.

Will I be able to meet with my professor for office hours?

Faculty will be available for individual questions, advising and mentoring sessions -- just like any other semester.

Will fall athletic teams practice and compete?

Will students be able to attend fall competitions?

Will the JCP Fitness Center be open for non-athlete, student use?

We are committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our community and will follow guidelines outlined by the university and informed by local, state and federal guidelines. For updated hours of operation, please refer to the JCP website.

Where can I find further information?

Please visit the USD Toreros Athletics website for any updates about schedules and announcements.

Is there a bank on campus?

Yes. The full-service on campus branch is located in the University Center, Room 125. Bank with your student ID and a Student Checking account at U.S. Bank. Campus ATMs: La Paloma (Kroc IPJ), University Center and Jenny Craig Pavilion. More information can be found at usbank.com/usd; go to sandiego.edu/aux for updates.

What is the Torero ID Card?

Your Torero ID card will be your official campus identification. This card will also provide access to your residence hall, Meal Plan, library services, U.S. Bank account (if linked), and more. This year the card has a brand-new design and enhanced functionality!

What is Campus Cash and how do I add it to my card?

Campus Cash is similar to cash and may be used as payment via your Torero ID card at most campus locations and select off-campus retailers. You may add funds to your card via the Campus Card GET website or the free GET app.

Go to sandiego.edu/campus-card or sandiego.edu/aux for updates.

What will be the guidelines and/or policies for students around socializing and gathering on-campus outside of the classroom- i.e. can they sit on the grass with others so long as they are distancing? How will guidelines be communicated and who will be monitoring and enforcing?

There are 750 outdoor spaces where students can study on campus. Face coverings are mandatory while on campus. No organized activities (i.e., group study sessions) are permitted at this time.

How can students obtain a COVID-19 test if they are experiencing symptoms?

• If you live on campus, contact the SHC to arrange for COVID-19 testing or schedule online. If the SHC is closed, stay in self-isolation until the SHC opens and notify your RA or residential life (619) 260-4777 or via email after hours housing@sandiego.edu. 
• If you live off-campus, it is important to self-isolate. COVID testing can be obtained on or off-campus. If you have been tested off-campus email your results to wellness@sandiego.edu.
• The majority of cases of COVID-19 are mild and many are able to stay home as they get better under self-isolation. 
• Even if your symptoms are mild, you should still get tested (pending supply availability and public health guidelines). 
• Even if you don’t get tested, or while you are waiting for test results, you need to isolate yourself. 
• For more information: 
  • 10 Things You Can Do to Manage COVID-19 at Home
  • What to Do If You Are Sick
  • List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
  • Symptoms of Coronavirus
  • Home Isolation Instructions for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 

In collaboration with the County of San Diego, USD has a county COVID-19 testing site  open and operating near the USD west campus storage facility. This free COVID-19 testing site is open to our campus community. It is a no appointment needed site The site is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.. This partnership provides a space for the County to expand their testing reach and enables USD  support access for underserved populations in our local community in the fight against COVID-19.

What happens when there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 associated with USD?

The university works closely with San Diego County Health officials to take the necessary steps to protect our community. When a positive COVID-19 case is confirmed from an individual associated with the campus, the USD Contract Tracing Team or County Health officials will provide information to those who were in contact with the individual while also respecting the privacy of the patient under HIPPA regulations.

What if I run out of Meals or Dining Dollars during the semester?

You may purchase a new plan, add Dining Dollars, or add Campus Cash to your account any time during the semester. You may also pay for meals with cash or credit card. To add funds to your account: login to MySanDiego portal > My Torero Services > Meal Plan channel. Or, you may also do so via the Campus Card GET website or the free GET app

Can my parent or guardian add funds to my account?

Yes. You may allow a parent or guardian to add funds to your account (Campus Cash and/or Dining Dollars). The easiest way to do so is via the Campus Card GET website or the free GET app.

What will dining and eating on campus be like in the Fall of 2020, due to COVID-19?

Tu Mercado deli and market (SLP, level 2) and Pavilion Dining food court (SLP, level 1) are open seven days a week. Hours are available online and in the MySD Mobile app. View the Dining Response to COVID-19 video.

What happens to my merit financial aid if we end up going remote and I don’t do as well?

At this time, there have been no changes to the GPA requirement to retain merit scholarship eligibility. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be maintained to retain your merit scholarship. The Office of Financial Aid will contact you if your eligibility changes. Please contact the Office of Financial aid at onestop@sandiego.edu with any questions or concerns.

If I am a student coming from out of the state or out of the county will I need to self-quarantine?

Based on the current guidelines, in general, travelers from outside California are asked to self-quarantine after their arrival to California . If you have specific questions regarding self-quarantine practices, please contact the Student Health Center. USD will continue to defer to the guidance from the government and best practices across the country, but students who are living on-campus will be able self-quarantine on campus. Students coming from out of state, living off campus and have not yet secured housing can quarantine in a hotel according to December Regional Stay at Home Guidance Dec. 3, 2020 guidance.

Find a detailed guide to Frequently Asked Questions for international students here.

What is my campus address? 

Depending on where you live, most residents* obtain their campus mailing address (unit number) by logging in to MySanDiego.edu portal and completing the form within the Mail Center tab. Your mailing address should always include your full name, street address, unit number and zip code in your address, like this:

First Name, Last Name
5998 Alcalaá Park Unit #__
San Diego, CA 92110

*Manchester Village residents will receive an email from the Mail Center with a unit number (street address is the same as above) and instructions for opening mailboxes.

How and where do I get mail and packages during the semester?

Currently, all packages by all couriers are received by the Mail Center daily and are separated from USD business mail and packages for processing. We scan each piece to the student and you will receive an email when the item is ready for pick up at the Maher Annex Mail Center (Manchester Village residents will pick up mail and packages at the Village mailroom in Bldg II). Let us know when you pick-up if the mail is a letter or package (as noted in the email subject line). Please have the email available at time of pick up for ID/scanning purposes. (Process subject to change in accordance with COVID guidelines).

May I send mail and packages from the Mail Center?

Yes. The Mail Center is open Monday–Friday 8 am–5 pm; packages can be sent, and stamps for letters can be purchased. We have overnight shipping services via UPS as well as UPS and FedEx ground service options.

Do I need to wear a mask to class or while walking on campus?

As of mid-May, San Diego County required all persons to wear a mask when in public. Therefore students will need to wear a mask on campus when they are not in their private living space.

How can I prepare for move-in in advance of spring 2021?

Pack super light. Returning residents (residents that lived on-campus for the fall semester) are not permitted any support people to assist with their move in.

When is move-in for new students (first-year and transfer)? For returning students?

All students will be moving in January 22-24. In early January, Residential Life will email students a survey to select a move in date/time for the Jan 22 weekend.

When is move-in for early arrivals?

Residents permitted to move-in early will receive a confirmation from Residential Life AND the sponsoring group. 

Individual early arrival requests must be approved by Residential Life and will only be granted on special circumstances.

Please contact housing@sandiego.edu or call 619-260-4777 if you have any questions.

When will move-in directions be shared?

Move-in directions will be sent in early January.

What does move-in look like for new and returning residents (FOR ALL STUDENTS)?

1. Only new residents will be permitted to bring up to two support/family members total. Returning residents will not be permitted to have support members. Due to social distancing requirements USD cannot provide move-in assistance.  New students will need to move themselves into the residence hall.
2. New residents will receive their Torero Cards or temp key at designated check-in areas. Returning residents will update their Torero Cards at the designated check-in areas. Social distancing expectations will be in place.
3. All residents and their support person will need to quickly unload the vehicle, drop all items in the assigned space, and move the car along and in order to allow for ample space for other students assigned forthcoming times.

When will new student room assignments and roommate pairings be sent?

This information will be sent to students for the spring 2021 semester by early January, including an update if USD is unable to offer housing due to capacity.

Occupancy in on-campus housing will continue to be a de-densified model, with students in single bedrooms, but with shared bathroom/common spaces.

Students living in Pacific Ridge off-campus housing through the USD lease will be in shared bedrooms (2 residents).

USD housing in Pacific Ridge has been set up in rooms where 6 feet of separation can be provided between beds.

Students in on-campus housing are required to undergo regular (approximately every two weeks) surveillance testing for COVID-19. Students are also able to be tested on their own through local county testing sites nearby campus. If the health center/USD contact-tracers determine that students need to self-isolate or quarantine, the housing department has held certain rooms open to be used as a temporary residence for anyone awaiting results of their test, testing positive, or being exposed to someone with a positive test. Food will be delivered so there would be no need for that student to leave the isolation/quarantine housing location until cleared by the health center.

A few highlights from our housing reopening plan include increased availability of hand sanitizer stations as well as a more frequent cleaning schedule for higher-traffic areas.

What support is available for residential students?

USD will continue the 24/7 on-call staff. The staff includes Public Safety (619) 260-2222 for emergencies and (619) 260-7777 for non-emergencies), professional staff in residential life (Community Directors and Resident Ministers), and student leaders (RAs). In addition, USD Student Wellness clinicians are available during business hours as a resource and share in an on-call rotation after hours and on weekends for consultations.

What types of events/programs can I expect while living on-campus?

The Residential Education team of RAs and Community Directors will continue to offer a variety of virtual opportunities for students to meet one another and connect. A limited number of in-person events is anticipated, based on San Diego County guidelines for gatherings at the time.

Will lounges and study spaces be open for use?

Currently, our lounges are closed to promote social distancing. A variety of study spaces are available throughout campus, including the SLP & UC as well as Copley Library and new Learning Commons.

Will I be assessed a cancellation fee if I decide to leave my on-campus housing assignment for COVID related reasons?

The cancellation fees apply upon acceptance of a housing offer and the refund will follow the university schedule. Therefore a $250 cancellation fee after signing the Residential Life Terms and Conditions, a prorate per night if cancellation occurs between now and October 1, and no semester refund if cancellation occurs after October 1.

May residents have guests?

Guests are not permitted during the spring semester. We will continue to review San Diego County guidelines and will update this policy when guidance permits.

How will room change requests be processed?

Room changes will follow the typical process (discuss with the RA/Community Director of your area, then apply on the Residential Life website).

How can a resident access administrative services (i.e.: a loaner key, a vacuum, etc.)?

Residence halls desks will continue to provide services for residents to check out, such as vacuums, swiffer cleaners, and toilet paper/trash bags.

What cleaning supplies should I bring to campus/can I rent from Residential Life?

As usual, students are responsible for cleaning their own bedrooms, apartments and other non-common spaces. Students should follow CDC recommendations when cleaning their individual spaces. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces (e.g., tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, phones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls, keyboards, handles, desks, etc.) daily in their bedrooms and other non-common spaces.

The CDC recommendations provide information for cleaning different types of surfaces, including porous surfaces, non-porous surfaces and electronics. Students are responsible for bringing appropriate cleaning supplies. Also, Residential Life loans out vacuums and swiffer cleaners for short periods of time at each of the front desk areas. Tools are wiped down after every use.

Will residential laundry facilities be open?

On-campus laundry rooms will continue to be accessible for residents. USD and Residential Life has posted the CDC guidelines for clothes washing in all laundry rooms. Those areas will be cleaned more frequently to reduce risk of virus transmission. To help increase touchless transactions, students will be able to pay for their laundry via their cell phone. They can also continue to check the status of their laundry via their phone.

Will residential fitness facilities (within the residence halls) be open?

Residential fitness rooms (in Manchester Village and the University Terrace Apartments) will be closed to residents in fall 2020 based on the current circumstances. Students are encouraged to consult other opportunities through USD Recreational Sports and also consider exercising outside in a socially distant manner.

Can I move in early to the residence halls?

Early arrivals in advance of the spring housing contract move-in will only be approved based on participation in an approved group early arrival (specific dates communicated by Residential Life and your organization).

Individual early arrival requests must be approved by Residential Life (housing@sandiego.edu) and will only be granted on special circumstances.

What if I have further questions about residential life?

Questions should be directed to Residential Life (housing@sandiego.edu).

Will student organizations be able to reserve space and to meet in-person to any degree?

Currently there are no group or student organization room reservations allowed in the University Center and Student Life Pavilion (including Salomon Lecture Hall). USD’s reservation system will continue to be responsive to state and county health recommendations which may allow various size groups to gather. We encourage groups to consider virtual forms of meeting. Student organization leaders should contact the Student Leadership and Involvement Center for more information.

Will fraternities and sororities take new members in the Spring?

USD Fraternity and Sorority Life will follow all San Diego County recommendations regarding gathering sizes for Fraternity and Sorority Recruitment in Spring 2021. Please visit: https://www.sandiego.edu/fsl for the latest updates.

What is there to do on the weekends?

USD will be following the direction and advice of the CDC and County of San Diego to implement safe social distancing guidelines for all programming. Details for events can be found at: https://www.sandiego.edu/campus-life/, https://www.sandiego.edu/torero-program-board/, and by reading the weekly Blue Buzz email (undergraduates) or Graduate Student Life Newsletter (graduate students), following Torero Life (@torerolife), Torero Program Board (@usd_tpb) and Graduate Student Life (@usdgradlife) on Instagram.

What is happening with Military and Veterans Programs?

The Military and Veteran Ambassadors host office hours virtually every day 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday- Friday to provide answers to questions.

• • Contact: 
    • Zoom - 92859681006 
    • Phone 1 301-715-8592‬

 The latest updates can be found at https://www.sandiego.edu/military.

Will there be programs in The Commons?

The Commons will all be offering virtual programming throughout the fall 2020 semester. Please visit the individual area websites United Front Multicultural Commons (UFMC), Black Student Resource Commons (BSRC), LGBTQ + Allies Commons and Women’s Commons) for updates. 

Yes. Shop online for an array of laptops and tech accessories. For a great deal on a laptop bundle – consider a Torero Ready Package. Visit usdtorerostore.com > technology tab > Torero Ready.

Yes. USD Torero Store is the official campus store and has a variety of exclusive goods available both online and in-store.

Yes. For more information on renting a fridge/microwave, visit Collegiate Concepts website.

Find detailed information here.

How can I find out how a specific class will be taught?

Detailed information about your first semester classes will also be posted in Blackboard along with your onboarding materials. The Blackboard onboarding course should be available starting in late June.

How will physical distancing in classes be managed?

USD is working with County health officials to ensure that classrooms and other spaces are safe. For example, some classes may be shortened by 10 minutes to increase the time between classes to allow for a safer transition of students between classes and allow cleaning of classrooms. One of the main reasons behind combining the full-time and part-time students is to be able to offer more sections of an equal number of students so that we can comply with physical distancing, as recommended by government officials. Current regulations require everyone to wear a face mask while on campus and for us to test for temperatures each day. Anyone who does not feel well will be instructed to stay home and not come to campus.

In the time since I received financial aid information from USD, my personal circumstances have changed. What should I do?

If you have experienced a change in finances, please review and submit the 20/21 Special Circumstances Appeal form. For additional assistance, email the Office of Financial Aid at onestop@sandiego.edu.