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
Move-in time! Remember to follow the schedule of arrival based on where you will be living. That information can be found in the email that was sent with your housing information.
Paseo de Colachis
Come by the Torero Resource Fair to enjoy a quick lunch, meet new people and explore the many tables representing various campus resources. It’s a great way to take a quick break, re-fuel and gather valuable information.
University Center, Forums A,B and C
Join us to grab some food and meet fellow First Generation students and families! This will be a great opportunity to connect with new people and enjoy a bite to eat.
University Center, Forums A, B and C
We hope you join us to grab some food and meet fellow Black students and families joining the USD community! This will be a great opportunity to connect with new people and enjoy a bite to eat.
University Center 119 and Patio
Join us for a fun check-in and social hour for commuter students! There will be fun snacks and plenty of opportunities to connect with other students. This is also a great chance to hear about the upcoming commuter events happening during orientation weekend. Commuter Assistants will walk with you to the President’s Welcome Event at 4:00!
Jenny Craig Pavilion
Join us at the official OLE! Weekend kick-off! All students, parents and supporters are invited to this welcome event. After hearing from President James T. Harris, student leaders and administrators, we hope you can get excited about what’s in store for you as you enter USD!
You will be saying goodbye to your families for the night at the end of this event, as you have an exciting evening ahead with your new classmates!
Classroom Locations
Make your way to your designated classroom location to meet your RA for the first time! At this meeting you will get the chance to start building connections with other students on your floor and with your new USD community. There will also be dinner provided, so make sure you come hungry!
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/Cultivate/Camino Founders: KIPJ Theatre
- Advocate/SAP: KIPJ AB
- Advocate/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.
Valley Field
Be sure to join us for a night of dancing, neon lights, and music! This party is a great opportunity to meet new students, show off your moves, or just enjoy your first official night as a USD Torero! Wear white for maximum glow up!
▲ First-Year Resident Event ▼ First-Year Commuter Event ★ Parents and Families Welcome
Enjoy this free time to catch up on dorm shopping, unpacking, or just some relaxation.
Eagan Plaza - Jenny Craig Pavilion
Stop by Eagan Plaza to enjoy some pizza and pastries to get your Sunday started. It’s a true college breakfast!
Jenny Craig Pavilion
Each year, this tradition is a highlight of move-in weekend. Students and families of all faith traditions are welcome to attend this beautiful ceremony with our special blessing at the end to wish students well in their new chapter at USD. Tissues included!
Various Campus Locations
Take some time to get to know your Scholastic Assistant and fellow classmates, all while enjoying some lunch together!
Various Campus Locations
Commuter Students in Solomon Hall (back of Maher Hall)
Be sure to attend the Be Well @ USD sessions to learn all about USD’s many Student Wellness resources. This time will also be used to take a campus tour and get to know USD a little bit better. After attending, you will walk away with important information regarding taking care of yourself and those around you.
Meet in University Center 119
This tour is specifically for commuter students and will show you key things commuters need to know on campus! Don't miss it!
Torero Stadium
Be sure to stop by Torero Stadium to catch the USD women’s soccer game versus LSU! This is a great opportunity to meet other new students and feel some school spirit before the start of the semester. Dinner will be served from local food trucks.
▲ First-Year Resident Event ▼ First-Year Commuter Event ★ Parents and Families Welcome
Student Life Pavilion
Swing by the SLP to grab some breakfast and get your day started!
Jenny Craig Pavilion
Join us in the JCP to listen to Dr. JC Rivas of the Changemaker Hub speak on changemaking, and how it will play a role in your time at USD.
Various Campus Locations
A new initiative spearheaded by Student Affairs and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Students will participate in a workshop around listening with the goal of improving and reflecting upon skills and gaining understanding on how listening is essential to dialogue and changemaking. This is the first in a series of three workshops to be delivered over the course of a year.
Student Life Pavilion
Make sure to stop by the SLP to grab some lunch!
Sometimes, you just don't know what you don't know. You will be presented with more than 20 sessions about college life. Everything from financial aid to finding a community will be covered. And the best part is - you can choose up to four sessions to attend!
Student Life Pavilion, Fourth Floor
All incoming APIDA identified students, be sure to join us on the fourth floor of the SLP! At this social you will get to meet other students, staff and faculty members who identify as APIDA and begin to build community.
Student Life Pavilion, Third Floor Courtyard
LGBTQ+ identified students and allies are invited to join in community and celebration. At this social, you will get to meet other students, staff and faculty members who identify as LGBTQ+ or ally and begin to build community.
Various Campus Locations
Enjoy dinner with your Scholastic Assistant and fellow students. This is another great chance to make new connections and continue to build community on campus.
Torero Way
A Taste of TPB is a can’t miss event in which you can play carnival games, enjoy different food stations and continue to get acclimated to USD! This carnival style event is a great way to meet new people and enjoy one of your final nights of summer.
▲ First-Year Resident Event ▼ First-Year Commuter Event ★ Parents and Families Welcome
Student Life Pavilion
Swing by the SLP to grab some breakfast and get your day started.
Manchester Auditorium
Join us for a brief session describing what the Honors Program is all about. Here you will learn the requirements of the Honor Program, and what you will gain from this valuable experience.
Various Campus Locations
Join us for the kickoff of your respective LLC. You will learn all about your LLC’s theme and the classes that match with your specific theme. On top of this, you will have the chance to see how your LLC connects to changemaking and the USD community. This LLC will be with you for the remainder of your time at USD, so take this exciting opportunity to learn more.
- Illuminate/Camino Founders: Manchester Auditorium
- Cultivate/Camino Founders: KIPJ Theatre
- Advocate/Valley A: UC Forum C
- Innovate/Valley B: Shiley Theatre
- Collaborate/Maher: UC Forums AB
Various Campus Locations
Take this time to meet with your faculty advisor to continue to learn about your LLC class, ask any remaining academic questions and get to know your faculty advisor.
Various Campus Locations
Feel free to use this time to change your schedule with your faculty advisor. This is an optional time to sort out your classes for next semester, if you need to make changes. If not, take advantage of this free time.
Camino Founders Courtyard
Knauss Center for Business Education Courytard
Take advantage of this unique opportunity during which the College of Arts and Sciences and the Knauss School of Business host an open house for you to learn more about the majors, minors and research opportunities at USD. This is especially helpful for students who are still exploring what specific subjects of study interest them the most.
University Center 107
This session will give you key information on commuter student resources and people you should know who can offer you support.
Use this free time to run errands, buy books and supplies, stock up on snacks or just relax.
Jenny Craig Pavilion
Join us for our New Student Convocation at the JCP! This is your official academic welcome to USD, and you will sit with the rest of your class to hear from Dean Norton. We are so excited to welcome you to USD and induct you into our academic community at this important ceremony.
Paseo de Colachis
Celebrate the new school year with the rest of campus at this dinner with food trucks and get excited to become a USD Torero! Enjoy a delicious dinner and connect with the rest of your class. This is the first meal plan meal - so bring your Torero ID card.
Student Life Pavilion, Third Floor Courtyard
LatinX identified students are invited to join in community and celebration. At this social, you will get to meet other students who identify as LatinX and begin to build community.
▲ 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!