First-Year Student
You’re Almost There, Torero.
You’ve got your classes, completed part one of your New Torero Orientation, and are a few steps away from your first semester at USD. Now, it’s time for part two of your New Torero Orientation: Opening Weekend!
Opening Weekend will offer important events to help you transition and get the remaining pieces you need to get off to a good start at USD. The events planned are listed below. Please click each one to see times, locations, and other logistical details. Also, please take a moment to review the welcome video and packet below, which will help you navigate your first few weeks of school.
Multiple campus locations
Welcome to campus! Move into your on-campus housing at your assigned time.
Ministry Center
All new first-generation students are invited to attend this luncheon event alongside your families.
Ministry Center
All Black identified students and their families are invited to join this reception with a program to welcome you to the university.
Maher Hall and Valley
Join your classmates and their families for an Ice cream social. Please select the location nearest to your residence hall location, and enjoy some ice cream to beat the heat!
Jenny Craig Pavilion
Join your peers and family members as President Harris welcomes you all to our community!
Classroom Locations
Meet your RA and your fellow residential students. Your RA (Resident Assistant) is a student leader who helps build community and provides support in your residential area. Dinner will be provided!
Commuter Commons and Tecolote Patio
Meet your CA and your fellow commuter students. Your CA (Commuter Assistant) is a student leader who helps facilitate community building and social connection. Dinner will be provided!
Various Campus Locations
Meet your Community Director and learn about residence hall community standards and the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities.
- Illuminate/Valley Apartments: KIPJ AB
- Advocate/Cam Found: KIPJ Theatre
- Cultivate/Valley A: UC Forum C
- Innovate/Valley B: Shiley Theatre
- Collaborate/Maher: UC Forums AB
Commuter Commons and Tecolote Patio
Learn about community standards and the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities.
Paseo de Colachis
Celebrate the beginning of your Torero journey at a neon party for all new students. There will be dancing, a DJ, and games! Wear white if you want to glow!
▲ First-Year Resident Event ▼ First-Year Commuter Event ★ Parents and Families Welcome
Student Life Pavilion
Drop by the SLP and grab breakfast before your BeWell session or tour.
Various Campus Locations
Engage in community building around well-being, learn about accessing wellness resources on campus, and identify ways to care for yourself and others.
Various Campus Locations
Illuminate, Collaborate, and Advocate LLCs: Explore your new home with your student leaders. RAs will have helpful tips on where to study, have fun, and enjoy campus food!
Note: Your RA will tell you where to meet them to start the tour.
Jenny Craig Pavilion
The Mass of Welcome welcomes you, our newest Toreros, and your families. The traditional USD blessing will be bestowed at the conclusion of mass. One need not be Catholic to attend, all are welcome.
Various Campus Locations
Join your SA and your LLC class for lunch. Your SA (Scholastic Assistant) is a student leader who is here to support you in your social and academic experience at USD.
Various Campus Locations
Engage in community building around well-being, learn about accessing wellness resources on campus, and identify ways to care for yourself and others.
Various Campus Locations
Cultivate and Innovate LLCs: Explore your new home with your student leaders. RAs will have helpful tips on where to study, have fun, and enjoy campus food!
Note: Your RA will tell you where to meet them to start the tour.
Commuter Commons and Tecolote Patio
Special session for commuter students to learn about key resources for them. Campus partners present and introduce themselves.
Solomon Hall
Engage in community building around well-being, learn about accessing wellness resources on campus, and identify ways to care for yourself and others.
Torero Stadium
Cheer on your fellow Toreros at the Men’s Soccer Game as they battle Lipscomb! Tickets will be provided for concessions and stadium food!
▲ First-Year Resident Event ▼ First-Year Commuter Event ★ Parents and Families Welcome
Shiley Theatre
Join the Changemaker Team at USD for a Changemaking TED Talk given by Dr. JC Rivas of the Changemaker Hub.
Camino/Founders Courtyard
Enjoy breakfast and visit the Changemaking fair to explore campus resources. Engage with your peers as you walk through and learn about how to get involved.
Shiley Theatre
Join the Changemaker Team at USD for a Changemaking TED Talk given by Dr. JC Rivas of the Changemaker Hub.
Camino/Founders Courtyard
Enjoy breakfast and visit the Changemaking fair to explore campus resources. Engage with your peers as you walk through and learn about how to get involved.
Various on-campus and off-campus locations
Choose your own adventure and learn about Changemaking in a tangible way. Engage in critical thinking, community service, and discover opportunities for how you might enact change in our community.
Student Life Pavilion
Grab some lunch at the SLP. Bring your wristband!
Various Campus Locations
Meet with your Torero Circle in person to touch base about how your transition is going. This is the same group that you were part of virtually over the summer.
Note: Your student leader facilitator will email you and let you know where to meet around campus. Please be on time!
Various Campus Locations
Changemaking takes a community! Take time to drop by offices of interest to you, or make connections with your peers.
See below for recreational opportunities offered at the Sports Center and Bosley Fitness Center.
Sports Center
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.: Informal recreation time at the pool, tennis courts and indoor basketball courts. Lounge at the pool, swim laps, play water basketball, catch some sun, or play tennis or basketball at the Sports Center.
4 p.m.: Paddleboard yoga class: enjoy a 45-min guided paddle board yoga class in the recreation pool. Limited to the first 10 to show up by the 4pm start time.
The Sports Center will close at 5:45 p.m. Please bring your own towel and also your virtual or physical Torero ID card for access.
Bosley Fitness Center
Get your sweat on at the Bosley Fitness Center. The 2nd floor is dedicated to cardio and the 3rd floor is dedicated to strength training, circuit training and free weights. Bring your own workout towel and water bottle. Appropriate attire and closed-toe shoes are required for access.
The BFC will close at 7 p.m. Please bring your virtual or physical Torero ID card for access.
La Gran Terraza Patio
LatinX students are invited to join together in celebration and community! This event is hosted by the United Front Multicultural Commons.
SLP 3rd Floor Courtyard
LGBTQ+ identified students and allies are invited to join in community and celebration. Hosted by the LGBTQ+ and Allies Commons.
Various Campus Locations
Join your SA and LLC class for another meal and community-building time.
Pick up your dinner in front of Maher and proceed to your classrooms. The link below has your classroom location.
Torero Way
Experience a taste of the events that TPB (Torero Program Board) plans. Enjoy food, vendors, and games!
▲ First-Year Resident Event ▼ First-Year Commuter Event ★ Parents and Families Welcome
Student Life Pavilion
Grab breakfast at the SLP before your LLC kickoffs. Wear your wristband!
Manchester Auditorium
Students in the honors program will attend a brief session to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the program.
Various Campus Locations
Learn about your LLC theme and how it connects to Changemaking and community. Your LLC faculty will introduce themselves and their classes to the group.
- Illuminate: Manchester Auditorium
- Advocate: KIPJ Theatre
- Cultivate: UC Forum C
- Collaborate: UC Forum AB
- Innovate: Shiley Theatre
Various Campus Locations
Meet your Faculty Advisor! Your Faculty Advisor will be your go-to person for academic advising throughout your first year and until you declare your major. During this time, feel free to ask questions about your LLC class or about academics in general.
Optional time block for you to consult with your advisor if you need your schedule changed.
Various Campus Locations
Learn more about the majors, minors, and research opportunities offered at USD. Lunch will be provided!
Commuter Commons
This tour will introduce you to various spaces on campus that are often commuter favorites.
SLP 3rd Floor Courtyard
APIDA identified students are invited to join together in celebration and community. This event is hosted by the United Front Multicultural Commons.
Use this time to get those last-minute tasks done: grab your books, school supplies, stock your snack stash, or take some time to rest before classes start.
Jenny Craig Pavilion
Convocation is an academic welcome for first-year students. Dean Norton will address your class and you will take the academic integrity pledge.
Paseo de Colachis
All students are invited to celebrate the return to campus and the beginning of the new academic year.
Note: This event serves as your meal swipe for the evening.
▲ First-Year Resident Event ▼ First-Year Commuter Event ★ Parents and Families Welcome
USD’s Torero Program Board has planned fun and engaging events throughout the first few weeks of school.
Participate in Welcome Week to meet new people, learn more about life at USD, enter their many giveaways, and have fun!