Special Programs

Committing to USF is a huge relief after months spent taking tests, visiting schools, filling out applications, and waiting on acceptance letters. But confirming your enrollment is just the first step in your journey as a Don.

At USF, you'll have the opportunity to explore membership in organizations, seminars, and academic programs designed to personalize and enhance your individual college experience. Read on to learn more about your various options of living and learning at USF.

Black Achievement Success and Engagement

This program provides black students with a critical sense of belonging, opportunities for engagement in all aspects of university life, and the resources, skills and support necessary to achieve academic excellence and pursue rich and rewarding careers after graduation.

Learn More

Speaking of Bicycles, offered Fall 2016, considers bicycle culture, science, politics, and art in San Francisco, a global epicenter of cycling history and innovation.

First-Year Seminars

First-year seminars examine the culture, politics, environment, people, and history of the Bay Area. In small classes led by expert faculty, first-year and transfer students are introduced to new surroundings and new interests in an urban academic environment.

Learn More

Honors College

The Honors College, the first of its kind at a Jesuit university, gathers undergraduates in a diverse academic community that cuts across disciplines, providing rich learning opportunities and personalized mentoring with distinguished scholars and artists.

Learn More

Esther Madríz Diversity Scholars

This living-learning community explores issues of diversity, inequality, social justice, and social change. Students will explore the forty-year culture of hip-hop using sociological frameworks to study poverty, globalization, immigration, racism, and sexism.

Learn More

Martín-Baró Scholars

This program is a yearlong living-learning community that focuses on social justice in San Francisco. Students will perform significant service with one community partner for an entire academic year.

Learn More