Graduate and Law Student Handbook 2025-26

follows: At the time a student has completed high school or high school equivalency, their custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) had not earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. This means you are the first to attend a four-year college or university and earn a bachelor’s degree. Please know that we welcome anyone who self-identifies as a first-generation college student. Spirituality and Faith University Ministry: The University Ministry team is enthusiastically interested in serving students during their time on campus. We hope you will explore the many options for spiritual growth already available, as well as collaborate with us to respond to the emerging needs of our university community. Whatever form your USD involvement takes, we hope that your intellectual and social development will be complemented by your equally robust spiritual growth. People of all religious traditions and those still searching for their religious identity are invited to take part in University Ministry’s liturgies, immersion trips, local service opportunities, retreats, faith-sharing communities, pastoral counseling and companionship, Scripture study and All Faith Services. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what your background, you are welcome on our campus and are welcome to participate in all that University Ministry does. sandiego. edu/ministry Mass Services: We come together in prayer each Sunday evening at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., each Wednesday at 9 p.m. for the Mass for Peace, as well as at major university celebrations, receiving strength from the presence of God in the Word, Sacrament and community. During these dynamic celebrations the campus community

is renewed and refreshed to put our faith into action. sandiego.edu/ ministry/worship Retreats: University Ministry offers a variety of retreats to all USD students during which they are invited to reflect on how and where they are experiencing God, and to discern the form and direction of the fullness of life to which they are called. sandiego.edu/ministry/retreats Service and Social Justice: There are many opportunities for community engagement in the San Diego and Tijuana regions. sandiego.edu/ ministry/service-and-social-justice

Women’s Commons: Located on the 4th floor of the Student Life Pavilion, the Women’s Commons offers programs and events designed to build authentic relationships, explore who we are and develop skills for transformation. Whether attending events or hanging out in our lounge space, you are sure to find community. Programs such as the Women of Color Summit, Empower Leadership Retreat and Gender Equity Awards are designed to build community and elevate the experiences of women here at USD. sandiego.edu/womens-commons International Center: The International Center supports the USD university community in advancing global citizenship. The graduate and professional programs offer extensive international opportunities for working professionals as well as full-time graduate students. Our campus is enriched by having students and scholars from more than 70 countries. The International Center includes the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), as well as study abroad resources. sandiego.edu/ international First-Generation Students: The University of San Diego understands the unique experience of first generation students. Experiencing USD as a first-generation student is both exciting and challenging. This website is where first-generation students and their families can learn about the resources offered to them and is also intended for any member of the USD community to identify key resources to better support the growing campus first-generation student population. sandiego.edu/ first-gen/graduate.php The University of San Diego defines first-generation students as

20 UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO | GRADUATE HANDBOOK