Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity

General Information: Student Affairs and Campus Diversity

Student Affairs and Campus Diversity subdivisions work closely to be a student-centered partner in the SDSU learning community. Education is enhanced, both inside and outside of the classroom, through high-impact programs, cultural centers, faculty professional development, and other initiatives that are designed not only to support students academically, but socially and emotionally so that the campus is a place where all are included and valued. We aim to foster an affirming campus culture based on the core values of excellence, equity, diversity, belonging, and inclusion.

The Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity consists of:

• Associated Students

• Basic Needs Center

• CalCoast Student Financial Center

• Campus Assistance, Response, Engagement & Support (CARES)

• Career Services

• Center for Commuter Life 

• Center for Student Organizations & Activities 

• Community Centers 

• Counseling & Psychological Services

• Global Campus

• Graduate Life and Diversity 

• Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success (EOPOS)

• Esports Engagement Center

• Jeffrey W. Glazer Center for Leadership & Service

• Military and Veterans Program

• New Student and Parent Programs

• Office of the Dean of Students

• Office of the Student Ombudsman

• Pierce Greek Life Center

• Professors of Equity

• Residential Education

• SDSU Connects 

• Student Disability Services

• Student Athlete Support Center

• Student Health Services

• Student Rights and Responsibilities

• Testing Services

• Well-being and Health Promotion

General Information - Student Affairs Subdivision

The Division of Student Affairs is a student-centered partner in the SDSU learning community. Education is enhanced, both inside and outside of the classroom, through high-impact programs, and services that advance student learning, development, and success.
This subdivision facilitates the academic success, personal growth, and well-being of all students. Student Affairs transitions and connects students to the university and to their future, building communities that foster progress toward degree completion, and lifelong Aztec affinity.

Campus Assistance, Response, Engagement & Support (CARES)

The mission of CARES at SDSU is to address concerns about students experiencing or causing distress that interferes with learning, development, and success, and ensure that they are connected to appropriate resources. CARES serves as a collaborative resource for the entire university community who are concerned about students in distress. CARES is responsive to academic concerns, basic needs, medical concerns, mental health concerns, potential threats to self/others, impact of disruptive behavior on the community, and targets of violence/harm. CARES fosters a culture of information sharing among concerned parties, serving as a hub of information regarding concerns, and cultivating a community of care in which faculty, staff, and students are aware of resources and appropriate interventions available.

The CARES (Campus Assistance, Response, Evaluation and Support) Team reviews, assesses and responds to student issues that may present barriers to their personal and academic success. The CARES Team also responds to referrals involving individuals that may be exhibiting concerning behaviors that may be disruptive, erratic, or threatening. 

The purpose of the CARES Team is to provide a centralized structure for the campus community to refer concerns. We meet our goal of early intervention for individuals through collaboration and effective communication with campus departments, students, faculty, and staff. Support is provided to SDSU undergraduate and graduate students.

Career Services

Career Services supports student success by serving as the central campus resource for career exploration, development, preparation, and navigation. They work with on-campus, industry,and community partners to ensure that SDSU students build the relevant skills, experiences, expertise and network they need to successfully enter the workforce. Career Services is focused on helping students obtain work opportunities while in school and upon graduation,

Career Management

Career Services support students by offering services and resources that address a wide variety of career -related topics including career readiness, major and industry exploration, internships, networking, mentorship, and sourcing and securing career opportunities. Career Services also works with industry partners tooffer additional virtual and in-person programming and services that help students with decision-making, resume writing, networking, researching careers,  interviewing, social media presence, participating in faculty-led research, and preparing for graduate school. In doing so, Career Services empowers students to successfully enter the workforce and to obtain employment. 

Handshake (Online Job/Internship Database)

Career Services provides SDSU students with access to Handshake, the official SDSU online portal for work opportunities that may include listings for regular/permanent employment, temporary employment, seasonal opportunities, internships, externships, apprenticeships, fellowships, co-ops, service learning, volunteer opportunities, research opportunities, and part-time jobs. Students should log into Handshake (sdsu.joinhandshake.com) using their SDSU login credentials. This resource allows students to browse and register for career fairs, workshops and events. Handshake also provides free access to the following resources:

• Career advising appointments - one-on-one sessions on a range of career topics;
• TypeFocus - career assessment and planning;
• BigInterview - mock interviewing;
• Going Global - a resource for working abroad;
• On-Campus Interviews - interview with employers on-campus via scheduling.

Aztec Mentor Program (AMP)

Career Services partners with SDSU Alumni to provide mentorship and networking opportunities via the Aztec Mentor Program in Aztec Network (aztecnetwork.sdsu.edu). AMP matches students with a professional mentor to strengthen career exploration, job readiness, and professional networking. AMP is open to all SDSU students and runs on a semesterly basis.

Employer Connection Events

Career Services hosts events such as career fairs, mixers and information sessions year-round to provide students and alumni with the opportunity to connect with employers. The center also works with campus partners to provide industry-focused career fairs that include business, education, engineering/STEM, government and nonprofit disciplines. Visit the “Events” page in Handshake for the schedule of events and to find participating employers

Campus Connections

Career Services leverages campus contacts to reach out and empower students in their career journey. Career Services partners with academic internship coordinators, colleges, faculty, the Residential Education Office, campus cultural centers, student organizations, Student Disability Services, academic advisers, Associated Students, and the SDSU Alumni Office to offer relevant, accessible career education and services.

WorkAbility IV is an award-winning partnership with the Student Ability Success Center and the State Department of Rehabilitation. This service provides career-focused support to qualified students. Visit Career Services or the Student Ability Success Center to learn more.

Career Outcomes

Career Services may furnish, upon request, information about the employment of students who graduate from programs or courses of study preparing students for a particular career field. Any such data provided must be in a form that does not allow for the identification of any individual student. This information includes data concerning the average starting salary and the percentage of previously enrolled students who obtained employment. The information may include data collected from either graduates of the campus or graduates of all campuses in the California State University.

Visit Career Services

Career Services in Student Services East, room 1200, is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students can use Handshake, call or stop by to schedule appointments with a Career Management Lead. Students may also visit during drop-in hours for a 15-minute meeting with a Career Management staff member about one of the following topics: resume/cover letter review, Career Services overview, quick LinkedIn overview, or Handshake navigation. Visit career.sdsu.edu for the current drop-in hour schedule. SDSU alumni are welcome to attend career fairs, utilize Handshake and participate in workshops hosted by Career Services.  For more information, contact Career Services via email at careerservices@sdsu.edu.

Center for Commuter Life  

Center for Student Organizations & Activities 

Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS)

Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS) provides a variety of services to enrolled SDSU students. Students interested in services should call to consult with a therapist for personalized recommendations. These confidential services are covered by the Health and Wellness fee.

The Center for Well-Being offers resources designed to help students help themselves. Several stations are set up to include hands-on activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction. The center has a small library of self-help books and can be a relaxing place to spend time. The alpha chamber egg chairs and massage chair provide environments for students to experience deep relaxation.

C&PS groups and workshops address issues common to many university students. As appropriate, students are encouraged to participate in these interactive and dynamic forums:

• Everyday Mindfulness and Meditation;
• Healthy Emotional Living;
• Living with Loss;
• Body Wisdom;
• Rise (group for survivors of sexual assault);
• Students in the Helping Professions

Crisis intervention services are available at C&PS for students who are in need of immediate assistance because of a severe emotional crisis that may be life threatening or otherwise require immediate attention. Examples of urgent situations may include: being a recent victim of assault, grieving the recent death of a friend or family member, or thinking about suicide. After hours and weekend emergency assistance can be obtained by calling the office and selecting the option to speak with an emergency counselor, and also through the San Diego Access & Crisis Line at 888-724-7240 (administered by the County of San Diego). The Crisis text line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741.

Other services available at C&PS include:

• ASPIRE - individualized program designed for students to address their substance use;
• Biofeedback computer/technology-based, four-session intervention for anxiety reduction;
• Bounce Back - one unit, semester-long course designed to help students on academic probation;
• Individual, couple, and family counseling;
• Successful Community Living - workshop designed around themes of community and civility;
• Website resources - anxiety, assessment tools, and many self-help activities and information. (www.sdsu.edu/cps).

Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success (EOPOS)

The Office of Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success (EOPOS) provides innovative programs and services that facilitate the successful recruitment, retention, and development of scholars and leaders as they persist toward a university degree. EOPOS collaborates with various schools, districts, and community partners to impact the outreach and graduation goals of the university. The programs supported by the department consist of the following: Compact for Success, Compact Scholars, Early Assessment Program (EAP), Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Guardian Scholars Program, and the Price Community Scholars Program.

Compact for Success, established in 2000, is an agreement between SDSU and the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) that guarantees admission to SUHSD students (up to the class of 2030) who meet the Compact for Success admissions requirements. The EOP, Outreach and Success staff collaborates with the schools and district personnel to provide outreach and education to students and their loved ones in the district through mentoring, workshops, assemblies, and campus visits. Our department employs work-study students (Compact Mentors) who serve as mentors and role models to middle and high school students in the SUHSD.

The Compact Scholars Program is the postsecondary retention component of Compact for Success. Compact Scholars benefit from services such as academic advising, peer mentoring, tutoring, faculty-led programs and participation in high impact practices including study abroad, service learning, undergraduate research, creative activities, and internships. The goal of the Compact Scholars Program is to deepen student engagement and to promote higher graduation rates for Sweetwater District students.

The Early Assessment Program (EAP) is a collaborative effort among the State Board of Education, the California Department of Education, and the California State University (CSU). The program was established to provide opportunities for students to measure their readiness for college-level English and mathematics in their junior year of high school, and to facilitate opportunities for them to improve their skills during their senior year. The goal of the EAP program is to have California high school graduates enter the CSU fully prepared to begin college-level study. The program has three major components: early testing, the opportunity for additional preparation in the 12th grade, and professional development activities for high school English and mathematics teachers.

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is a student success program for California residents who may only be admitted prior to their first semester of attendance at SDSU. Students who meet AB 540 criteria also qualify. Eligible students are from historically low-income, underrepresented and underserved communities and are typically the first in their households to pursue a higher education. EOP students may also qualify for an EOP grant (depending on individual financial aid award and need).

EOP, Outreach and Success offers the following ongoing services and resources:

• Outreach, recruitment, and admission

• One-on-one counseling (academic and personal)

• SOAR Mentoring (peer-to-peer mentoring for incoming students)

• Financial Aid advising 

• Learning Support (a space for studying, tutoring, and workshops)

• Computer Lab with free printing (up to 10 pages)

• Support for our undocumented and mixed status students

• An intimate graduation ceremony for our students and their loved ones

EOP students at SDSU are provided with summer transitional programming to include:

• First Contact Orientation

• BEST Summer Bridge Program

• Transfer Bridge Program

Our Guardian Scholars Program serves students who identify as current or former foster youth, dependents and wards of the court, students under legal guardianship, and unaccompanied homeless youth. Guardian Scholars are provided with additional community and financial support to meet their 8 pillars of service which include: Persistence to Graduation, Housing Stability, Identity Development, Financial Competence, Healthy Relationships, Physical/Emotional Wellness, Life Skills Development, and Employment Readiness. 

The Price Community Scholars Program assists in the recruitment and support of fifteen (per cohort) high-achieving San Diego State University (SDSU) students from City Heights (primarily from Hoover and Crawford High Schools) with a scholarship of up to $8,000 per year. The Price Community Merit-Service Scholarship Committee selects prospective high achieving SDSU students to each mentor three City Heights middle school students for a period of four years. This initiative provides programs for both mentors and mentees that assists in building a community that enhances the path to higher education through academic success, self-awareness, cross-cultural exchange, and civic participation.

Additional services for EOPOS students include wellness coaching, study abroad advising, career services advising, and Cal-Fresh assistance. EOPOS students gain leadership experience through department supported student organizations and programs, to include: the Compact Scholars Students Association (CSSA), EOP Student Advisory Board (ESAB), Guardian Scholars Student Advisory Board (GSSAB), Student Parent and Allies Association (SPAA), and the EOP RISE Volunteer Program.

EOP, Outreach and Success advocates for multi- and cross-cultural activities to enhance the campus climate and increase the awareness of diversity on campus.

Housing Administration and Residential Education

The Office of Housing Administration (OHA) and the Residential Education Office (REO) at SDSU are committed to fulfilling the university’s mission of “educating the whole person” by offering students a living environment conducive to academic and personal success. According to research findings, students who live on campus enjoy an increased sense of community and campus connectedness, are better prepared academically and graduate at faster rates than those who do not.

All incoming first-year students from outside SDSU’s local admissions area are required to live on campus their first and second year at the university. Additionally, all local students in the Weber Honors College are required to live on campus during their first year. SDSU’s residency requirement is in alignment with the California State University (CSU) Graduation Initiative of 2025 to improve student academic success, retention and graduation rates.

To suit the varying needs of a diverse and dynamic student population, a variety of living environments are offered convenient to campus facilities. The housing license agreement includes a meal plan, which is optional beyond the first year. An active residential student government, the Residence Hall Association (RHA), provides students with leadership experience and opportunities to make an impact in their on-campus community.

First-Year Communities

First-year students have the option to apply to live in an academically focused Residential Learning Community (RLC). RLCs provide students with a unique opportunity to connect and learn, both inside and outside the classroom. In RLCs, students live alongside other students with shared academic or co-curricular interests and are enrolled in a connected set of academic courses to help produce smaller, more intentional communities that promote student success.

Current RLCs include:

• Adventures in Surfing and Sustainability;
• APIDA Leadership, Identity, Scholarship, and Togetherness (A-LIST House);
• Black Excellence;
• Business;
• Discover San Diego State;
• Emerging Leaders Program;
• Future Education Professionals;
• Health and Healing Professions;
• Journalism and Media Studies;
• Journey to Entrepreneurship;
• Men Engaging in Technology and Science (METS);
• Multicultural Learning Community (MLC);
• Nuestra Casa;
• Nursing;
• Physical Fitness (P-Fit);
• Pre-Law Community;
• Pride House (LGBTQIA+);
• Toltec House (for undeclared majors);
• Visual and Performing Arts;
• Weber Honors College;
• Women’s and Gender Equality House (WAGE);
• Women in Science and Engineering (WISE).

First-year students can indicate their interest in RLCs, room types and roommate(s), as well as whether they would like to live in a facility that is open during the university break periods. First-year residential communities offer traditional residence hall and suite-style living with triple and double-occupancy rooms. Single and and quad-occupancy rooms are limited.

Sophomore Communities

Sophomore students will enjoy more independence along with special programs, services and amenities designed to promote academic and personal success. Sophomore housing provides more flexible guest, meal plan and roommate policies along with specialized Sophomore QUEST programming, to include study abroad preparation, academic advising, career planning and other programs known to contribute to student success. Sophomores can select their room type, roommate(s) and whether they would like a 9- or 11.5-month license agreement. Sophomore communities offer apartment and suite-style living with single, double or triple-occupancy rooms.

Application For Housing

Incoming first-year students from outside SDSU’s local admissions area can apply for on-campus housing in early March via the Housing Portal. To access the Housing Portal, students must have accepted their offer of admission by submitting their intent to enroll in my.SDSU by the May 1 deadline.

Incoming first-year students who are from within SDSU’s local admissions area, and are not part of the Weber Honors College, may complete the Housing Interest List on the Housing Portal as early as March 1. 

Students looking for housing options while attending SDSU may find information and assistance at the Office of Housing Administration (OHA). Visit housing.sdsu.edu for a description of the various housing options and more information on the housing application process.

Jeffrey W. Glazer Center for Leadership & Service  

Jeffrey W. Glazer Center for Leadership and Service - offers programs and resources to SDSU students, faculty, staff, and community members interested in participating in community service and leadership development. The Center offers certificate programs in both leadership and community service while providing peer-led workshops and seminars focused on leadership development, personal growth, and community service engagement. The Center also has several hallmark programs, including the SDSU Leadership Summit and Aztec CORE Leadership Retreat. 

New Student And Parent Programs

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation (NSO) is for all new first-year, transfer, and graduate students. All new students are expected to attend NSO. In addition to registering and/or finalizing their fall course schedule, new students receive introductory information and instruction on the university’s resources, advising, student life, policies and procedures. Attendees also participate in activities aimed at facilitating a sense of community and belonging. NSO provides students with a strong foundation for success at SDSU. Parent and Family Orientation (PFO) runs concurrently with NSO and helps parents and family supporters through sessions and panels that focus on college and major requirements, university policies, and financial aid.

Imperial Valley

The orientation is held prior to the start of each semester to provide information and survival skills to new students in order that they have a successful academic experience. The orientation consists of presentations providing campus and program information and various workshops. All transfer applicants are invited to attend. For more information, call 760-768-5502.

New Student and Family Convocation

New Student and Family Convocation (NSFC) is a celebration that signifies the beginning of all new first-year, transfer, and graduate students’ academic journeys at SDSU. It is one of SDSU’s most time-honored traditions and serves as a bookend to commencement. Parents and family supporters are invited to attend. Attendees participate in a pinning ceremony that acknowledges this milestone and signifies their introduction into the SDSU community.

The SDSU Ambassadors

The SDSU Ambassadors are the official student representatives, tour guides and orientation leaders of San Diego State University. They are selected during fall through an application process followed by a semester of training. The Ambassadors are more than 100 students who are dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable about SDSU. They represent all colleges on campus and a wide variety of disciplines.

The Aztec Parents Association

Parent and family supporter involvement play a key role in the success of students. Parents and family supporters become members of the Aztec Parents Association (APA) through their attendance of Parent and Family Orientation (PFO), which runs concurrently with New Student Orientation. Membership makes it easy to stay involved with what’s going on at the university and provides direct invitations to all parent and family supporter events. Members have access to a knowledgeable, personal contact in the Office of New Student and Parent Programs.

• Advantages of APA

  • Invitations to engage in special events like New Student and Family Convocation, and Family Weekend.

  • Monthly newsletters specifically for parents and family supporters. 

  • Membership into the Official SDSU Parents and Family Facebook group.

  • Biannual News for Aztec Parents magazine mailed directly to you. 

  • A direct connection to the university when you have a question or need assistance through the Parent Liaison. 

  • E-mail communication regarding important university information.

  • Campus discounts during various university events.

  • Discounts at Bartell Hotels in San Diego. 

Welcome Week

Welcome Week is the first week of the fall semester at SDSU. New and returning students participate in activities that showcase the many ways to get involved in campus life, and provide free activities. More than 95% of new students participate in Welcome Week events-it is considered a “must” for students who want to know SDSU. Events include three involvement expos for students to talk with representatives from student organizations, Associated Students, and fraternities and sororities. Welcome Week also features Ask Me! Tents, interactive activities, entertainment, college tips and special events for students to enjoy.

SDSU Connects

sacd.sdsu.edu/diversity-initiatives/sdsu-connects

SDSU Connects proactively supports students in navigating their needs within a dynamic learning environment through outreach in various formats. SDSU Connects aids students in navigating university processes and addresses issues related to registration, finances, and health to ensure their success. Peer Coaches at SDSU Connects engage in individual outreach to answer students’ questions and link them to appropriate campus resources. The primary objective of SDSU Connects is to assist students in achieving their academic goals and persisting to graduation. SDSU Connects has the personnel to undertake tasks that many departments may find challenging, such as reaching out to large groups of students individually to disseminate critical information or gather data.

In addition to individual outreach campaigns, SDSU Connects Peer Coaches also serve as mentors to underrepresented minorities not currently served by other campus programs. Peer Coaches engage in one-on-one meetings with students and participate in social engagement events throughout the year. They establish personal relationships with students, guiding them to campus resources and offering support.

Office of the Student Ombudsman

Becoming a student at SDSU also means becoming a member of a special community that includes students, faculty, staff, and administrators. As a member of this community, students are responsible for knowing and complying with established rules and regulations.

The student ombudsman is an independent and impartial agent who helps individuals and groups seeking the resolution and correction of complaints. The student ombudsman acts as a liaison between students and the university, assisting students through formal grievance procedures and functioning to mediate and reinforce other means of redress when possible. This office does not supplant existing avenues of redress. It exists to encourage appropriate and timely access to those existing processes that may best resolve the problem.

Examples of student complaints that have been resolved through this process include disputes over grades, faculty or staff conduct, academic disputes, appeals or waivers, administrative policies, and institutional compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Should a complaint not be resolved at the referral level, the student ombudsman may act as a mediator and suggest compromise solutions between parties. If the problem is still unresolved, the student may file a grievance with the student grievance committee. No student grievance can be filed with this committee later than the last day of the semester (excluding summer term) after the semester during which the student was allegedly aggrieved.

Pierce Greek Life Center

Fraternity and Sorority Life consists of approximately 47 social fraternities and sororities, including general and culturally based organizations, represented by four governing councils. Social Greek-letter organizations create smaller communities in the larger university environment for the purposes of facilitating academic support, leadership development, and personal growth. Fraternities and sororities also offer educational programming and opportunities for alumni networking, campus involvement, community service, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Membership recruitment occurs at the beginning of each semester for most organizations, while some have ongoing intake processes.

The fraternity and sorority community is guided by five values:

• Academic Excellence and Lifelong Learning
• Chapter Leadership and Operations
• Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Changemaking and Social Justice

Student Disability Services

Student Disability Services (SDS) is dedicated to the following: empowering students with disabilities, ensuring they have access to appropriate support and services, and minimizing academic and physical barriers in order to promote retention and graduation. The center is responsible for providing academic accommodations for students with disabilities including, but not limited to, attention deficit disorder, deaf and hard-of-hearing, learning disabilities, physical and chronic disabilities, psychological disabilities, and visual impairments.

Services and accommodations may include course exam and assignment accommodations, note-taking, real-time captioning, sign language interpreters, housing-related accommodations, testing, and textbooks in accessible formats. At SDSU, students initiate contact with the center by completing an application for services and providing appropriate documentation in order to determine eligibility.

Specialized services provided by Student Disability Services: The Accessible Technology Center in the Love Library offers computer workstations with assistive technology, hardware, and software. For students who may need additional academic support through peer mentoring, tutoring, and writing feedback, SDS offers the TRIO-SSS Program, funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Internship and pre-employment services are available through the Workability IV program for students who are Department of Rehabilitation consumers. Students with temporary disabilities may request assistance with cart transportation service, note taking, or test taking accommodations.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services provides basic medical care through board certified physicians, certified primary care nurse practitioners, licensed nurses, and other qualified personnel to enrolled SDSU students. All enrolled SDSU students who have paid a health fee can utilize services. Questions about eligibility should be directed to Medical Records at 619-594-4325, option 8. The health fee provides students with basic medical care and therefore does not waive requirements under the Affordable Care Act.

Student Health Services is located at the Calpulli Center and is open 12 months of the year between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with the exception of campus closures.

Appointments and After Hours Care

Students are encouraged to visit HealtheConnect at healtheconnect.sdsu.edu to request advance appointments for non-urgent matters. Same day and advance appointments can be scheduled by calling Student Health Services at 619-594-4325. When Student Health Services is closed, a telephone advice line staffed with a registered nurse is available by calling 619-594-4325 and selecting the option for the Nurse Advice Line. Students experiencing a medical emergency should immediately call 911.

First Aid

First aid is defined as one-time treatment that typically does not require a laboratory, pharmacy services, physician, or x-rays. Accidents requiring treatment and/or transportation to Student Health Services or a local hospital should be reported immediately to the University Police Department, 619-594-1991. Student Health Services provides first aid during normal operating hours to all persons injured while on the campus.

Services

HealtheConnect is a convenient and secure online health portal that students can use to request prescription renewals, request advance appointments, inquire about a non-urgent medical concern, request laboratory and X-ray results, enter immunization information and store medical history online. Only students and our medical staff have access to private healthcare information. HealtheConnect can be accessed at healtheconnect.sdsu.edu.

Some Student Health Services other than basic care may include additional fees. Charges associated with services are usually significantly lower than those found elsewhere. Student Health Services accepts California’s Family PACT program designed to help low-income individuals access family planning services.

Student Health Services does not accept any other forms of insurance. Students are responsible for the cost of their healthcare whether received at Student Health Services or at an outside facility. When off-campus services are needed, Student Health Services can assist with referrals or information about community resources. Questions regarding insurance coverage for specific campus programs, institutional safety regulations, and potential risks inherent in academic programs and student activities should be directed to the responsible faculty or staff member in charge of the activity.

Immunization Records and Requirements

Students may fulfill immunization requirements by submitting medical documentation as proof of immunization online through the secure HealtheConnect at healtheconnect.sdsu.edu. Positive laboratory evidence of immunity may also be used to prove immunization status; for more information, call 619-594-4325. Students who have not complied with immunization requirements by July 15 for students starting at SDSU in the fall semester and January 5 for students starting in the spring term will have a registration hold for their second semester. To clear the registration hold, students must provide proof of immunity, receive the required immunization, or begin the required immunization series.

The following immunizations and screenings/risk assessments are required:

• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): Two (2) doses with first dose on or after first birthday OR positive titer (laboratory evidence of immunity to disease).

• Varicella (Chickenpox): Two (2) doses with first dose on or after first birthday OR positive titer. History of contracting the disease does not meet compliance.

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap): One (1) dose within the last 10 years.

• Meningococcal conjugate (Serogroups A, C, Y, & W-135): at least one dose at age 16 or beyond for students through age 21.

• Meningococcal B (Meningitis B): Students age 16 - 23. Complete series, may be 2 or 3 doses.

• Hepatitis B (Hep B): Students age 18 and younger must complete the series. Based on type of vaccine the series is either 2 or 3 doses (CA Health & Safety Code, Sec. 120390.5).

• Tuberculosis (TB) Screening/Risk Assessment: All incoming students must complete a Tuberculosis risk questionnaire. This questionnaire can be found on the Forms tab in HealtheConnect. Incoming students who are at higher risk for TB infection as determined by the screening questions, must undergo testing for TB infection within 30 days of SDSU entry.

The following immunizations are strongly recommended:

• COVID-19:  Completion of a primary COVID-19 vaccine series plus a booster, if eligible for one.

• Hepatitis A (Hep A): All students regardless of age.

• Hepatitis B (Hep B): Students age 19 and older.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV): For women and men through age 45.

• Influenza (Flu): Annually; all students regardless of age.

• Pneumococcal: For all students older than 65 and for students with certain medical conditions (e.g., severe asthma, diabetes, chronic liver or kidney disease).

• Poliovirus (Polio): Regardless of age, if the series was not completed as a child.

If students do not have a required immunization, they can obtain it through their primary care provider using their health insurance or through Student Health Services. For more information about immunizations at Student Health Services, call 619-594-4325.

Additional Requirements

Some students may be further required to present documentation to other campus officials. Students subject to this additional screening include students enrolled in dietetics, medical technology, nursing, physical therapy, student teaching, or fieldwork involving preschool-age children and/or school-age children or taking place in a hospital or health care setting. Programs involving international travel may require or recommend further immunizations in accordance with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Questions should be directed to the responsible faculty or staff member in charge of the activity.

Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)

SHAC provides ongoing advice to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity on Student Health Services, Counseling & Psychological Services and Well-being & Health Promotion regarding: 

• Those departments’ scope of services, both basic and augmented. 

• Delivery of these services. 

• Funding of services.

• Other critical issues related to these campus health and wellness services. 

Through their participation in SHAC, students will improve upon leadership, communication and collaborative skills and gain exposure to the health and wellness fields that could assist students in their career choices, as well as impact the quality of student life. Call Well-being & Health Promotion at 619-594-4133 for more information for the meeting time and location.

Medical Excuse Policy

Student Health Services (SHS) Student Health Services does not provide medical excuses for short-term absences due to illness or injury. In circumstances when the illness or injury is prolonged (an absence of more than five days) and requires medical attention or hospitalization, Student Health Services will work with students to provide appropriate documentation. When a student is hospitalized or has a serious, ongoing illness or injury, the CARES Team will, at the student’s request and with the student’s consent, communicate with the student’s instructors via the Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and may communicate with the student’s  and/or Student Disability Services.  

Students are instructed to contact their professor/instructor/coach in the event that they need to miss class, etc. due to an illness, injury or an emergency. All decisions about the impact of an absence, as well as any arrangements for making up work, rest with the instructors.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities is responsible for acting on behalf of the university president regarding all aspects of student conduct. The center receives reports of alleged student misconduct relative to Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and investigates complaints in order to determine whether university disciplinary action is to be pursued. University disciplinary action may run concurrently with civil or criminal action and/or the residence hall eviction process, which is initiated by the court system. One type of judicial action does not necessarily affect the other. In addition, sections of the Code of Conduct may be adjudicated regardless of location of incident.

Alleged campus-related violations include both academic and non-academic misconduct, specific misconduct in the surrounding community, specific misconduct regardless of location, off-campus community-sponsored or university events, and online sites.

To review information regarding the Standards for Student Conduct, the student conduct process, privacy rights, and complaints procedures, visit csrr.sdsu.edu.

Testing Services

Testing Services, within the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, supports and enhances student success by providing secure, high-quality test administration while maintaining academic integrity for SDSU students and the greater San Diego community. Testing Services is an important resource for the entire university community,  supporting the academic and professional goals of students and faculty by administering and analyzing paper- and computer-based tests for the purposes of admission, class placement, credentials, graduation requirements and make-up exams. The greater San Diego community is engaged and supported by the administration of commercial exams and distance learning education exams for the purposes of online degree requirements, licensures, certifications and career promotion.  

SDSU campus exams include:

• California Government Exam;
• Japanese Language Proficiency Test;
• Mathematics Placement Assessment (ALEKS);
• SDSU Make-up Exams as approved by professor;
• Spanish Language Proficiency Test.

The greater San Diego community is engaged and supported by the administration of commercial exams and distance learning education exams for the purposes of online degree requirements, licensures, certifications and career promotion.  Community exams  include the CLEP and TEAS. Most reservations for commercial exams  are made through the testing agencies’ respective websites.

Testing Services adheres to the professional standards and guidelines of the National College Testing Association (NCTA).

Well-being and Health Promotion

Well-being and Health Promotion supports the holistic well-being of SDSU students through one-on-one and group education, community programs and collaborations. Staffed with a knowledgeable team of health education professionals and peer educators, the department supports students with nutrition, alcohol and other drug use, sleep, healthy relationships, sexual health, sexual violence prevention, recovery support and community, healthcare coverage assistance.

Well-being and Health Promotion also offers a variety of student leadership and engagement opportunities, including our Peer Health Educators (PHE’s), Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), Recovery at State (Collegiate Recovery Program), FratMANners and SISSTER. Peer leaders plan and implement many of our campaigns and outreaches with the support of the Well-being and Health Promotion team.

Students can request one-on-one education by visiting the Well-being and Health Promotion website. Students, faculty and staff can also submit a presentation request for a class, organization or other group at sacd.sdsu.edu/health-promotion

Well-being and Health Promotion services and programs include:

• Alcohol and other drug prevention education;
• Campus and community resource sharing and referrals;
• Nutrition and healthy eating education;
• Mobile demonstration kitchen and cooking classes;
• Gynecological orientation - includes information on pelvic examinations and birth control options;
• Health insurance assistance;
• Health outreach events and campaigns;
• Healthy relationship education;
• Individual and small group health education workshops;
• Narcan Upstander Distribution Program (Training and Distribution);
• Recovery support and community;
• Sexual health education and supplies;
• Sexual violence prevention education;
• Sleep strategies.

The Basic Needs Center is located within the same suite as Well-being and Health Promotion. They aim to bridge the gap in resources for students experiencing  immediate food, housing, or unforeseen financial crises that impact student success. The Basic Needs Center supports students through crisis by leveraging a campus-wide collaboration that utilizes on and off-campus partnerships and provides direct referrals based on each student’s unique circumstances. Resource assistance includes, but isn’t limited to: food, housing, transportation, technology, financial assistance, and more. The center also provides case management to students needing ongoing support, and can coordinate between campus departments on behalf of students in crisis. Additionally, Enrollment Specialists are available to help students apply for CalFresh food assistance and health insurance.

www.sdsu.edu/ecrt

General Information- Campus Diversity Subdivision

The Campus Diversity subdivision partners with the Student Affairs subdivision to advance diversity and inclusion as the drivers of innovation and excellence, fostering a community where students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all backgrounds and identities can succeed and feel at home. Our mission is to elevate and celebrate inclusive excellence through equity-driven innovations that build and sustain structures, practices, and cultures that advance the welfare of all peoples while honoring the institution’s identity as a Hispanic Serving Institution and residence on Kumeyaay land. The subdivision works proactively to address systemic inequities through professional learning, community building, advocacy, policy recommendations, and organizational structures, while facilitating an integrated vision and shared responsibility for prioritizing and advancing institutional goals. We aim to foster an affirming campus culture based on the core values of excellence, equity, diversity, belonging, and inclusion through:

• Recruiting and retaining faculty and staff who are reflective of the diverse student body and communities served by SDSU, and recruiting students who are representative of the rich diversity of the region and the world;
• Fostering an environment that is welcoming, affirming, and empowering for students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all backgrounds;
• Enhancing career and educational pathways of a diverse student body, faculty, and staff; and
• Cultivating relationships with the local community that advance the well-being of diverse individuals and communities.

Division of Campus Diversity consists of:

• The Office of Faculty and Staff Diversity
• Campus Community Affairs
• HSI and Regional Affairs
• Inclusive SDSU
• Nine Community Centers

The Office of Faculty and Staff Diversity

The Office of Faculty and Staff Diversity aims to build the capacity of all students, faculty and staff to foster an affirming campus culture based on the core values of excellence, equity, diversity, belonging and inclusion through multiple programs. These include:

• The Center for Inclusive Excellence provides professional learning and community-building programs.

• Equity-Minded Hiring supports search committees in recruiting more diverse faculty and staff who are reflective of the diverse students and communities served by SDSU.

• Equity Analytics supports the development of benchmarks, assessments, and reporting structures to improve the efficacy of diversity-related programming and equity-minded practices across the campus.

• Student Engagement develops foundational justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion curriculum with students, for students to contribute toward fostering an inclusive campus climate and to offer opportunities of social consciousness raising.

• Diversity Councils support unit-level diversity planning and foster collaboration and alignment among and between diversity initiatives across the campus.

Campus and Community Affairs

Campus and Community Affairs includes:

• Professors of Equity in Education provides intensive, ongoing professional learning opportunities for SDSU faculty on diversity-related topics. Professional learning opportunities address unconscious and implicit bias, racial/gender microaggressions, teaching practices for underserved students, socio-cultural competency and what it means to be a Hispanic Serving Institution.

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are designed to build an inclusive environment for SDSU employees from various employment groups, with particular attention to employees from historically underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. ERGs foster an environment of inclusion for faculty and staff from underrepresented groups with a goal to enhance the career pathways of faculty and staff from these underrepresented groups. Through visibility, awareness, and/or mentorship, ERGs work to bolster the pipeline of diverse students through the pathways of higher education by cultivating relationships with the local community in an effort to advance the well-being of diverse individuals and communities.

• Office of Graduate Life and Diversity (GLaD) supports all graduate students’ success and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in our graduate programs at SDSU. GLaD offers various personal, professional, financial, and social resources to enrich the graduate student experience. GLaD offers programming and support designed to increase retention and decrease equity gaps for historically underrepresented and underserved students by fostering inclusion, equity, and intellectual growth for graduate students. 

Community Centers

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Center 

The SDSU Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Center facilitates the academic and personal success of APIDA-identifying students and allies by providing relevant and accessible programming, resources, and services that support academic achievement, community-building, on- and off- campus partnerships, and advocacy for the inclusion of APIDA people’s unique histories, cultures, and perspectives in campus programs and curriculum. The APIDA Resource Center strives to increase the visibility and voice of APIDA students, faculty, and staff. In addition, the APIDA Center seeks to enable the academic success of APIDA students by increasing belonging and promoting narrative change.

Black Resource Center (BRC)

SDSU’s Black Resource Center strives to promote Black Excellence and to provide a safe and welcoming environment where students, staff, and faculty of the African diaspora can congregate, collaborate, and cultivate a unified community. The BRC provides a space where we can reflect upon, honor, and celebrate our past and present as well as plan for our future. Through strategic and ongoing collaborative efforts, the BRC promotes intellectual exploration and academic achievement through educational, scholarship, and research initiatives; professional and career development strategies; and leadership and service opportunities.

Founded upon the principles of achievement, balance, creativity, solidarity, and love, the BRC through an ongoing series of student success programs and rich dialogues focusing on social justice issues, will dedicate its resources to addressing the intellectual, mental, spiritual, and physical needs for our Black student community and innovatively equipping them with critical skills needed to achieve academic and personal success within and beyond our campus.

Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR)

Created out of student activism in 2003, the Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR) has served as the intersectional space for students with multiple marginalized identities at SDSU. The CIR supports the academic, personal, and professional success of multiple marginalized students through: multicultural programming, intrusive advising, academic support, access to basic needs, and wellness programming. 

By eliminating barriers to student success the CIR is designed to decrease retention and graduation equity gaps for historically underrepresented and underserved students. The CIR fosters an environment where students’ cultural strengths and counter narratives are validated and celebrated. Our values are: academic and professional empowerment, identity development, community care, cultural wealth, and intersectionality. 

Project Rebound

sacd.sdsu.edu/transformative-justice​

Through student support programs, community outreach, and interdisciplinary conversations across SDSU and beyond, the Center for Transformative Justice explores justice that transforms-ourselves, our relationships, and our communities. Informed by the pioneering work of Project Rebound, the CSU initiative bridges the worlds of incarceration and higher education and informs our understanding of transformative justice, to include repairing harm in relationships and changing systems that cause harm. Whether justice is framed in terms of freedom or equity, opportunity or protection, collective responsibility or being made whole, it is a process that reveals itself in relation to our own and each other’s humanity. Transformative justice work is internal, relational, structural, and ongoing.

Latinx Resource Center (LRC)

sacd.sdsu.edu/latinx-resource​

The Latinx Resource Center cultivates a student-centered and welcoming environment for Latinx identifying students. The LRC encourages students of a Latinx background to embrace their culture through events, celebrations, programs, and services while connecting with other students, faculty, staff, and the community. The LRC provides access to culturally proficient mentors assisting students with emotional, social, and academic engagement. The LRC invites students to learn more about issues that are faced within the Latinx communities, particularly centering the voices of the most marginalized, such as low-income, LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals, students working multiple jobs, students with disabilities, transborder students, and any intersection across those lines.

Mind, Body, and Spirit Rooms

The Mind, Body, and Spirit Rooms are spaces for individuals of all religious faiths and non-religious beliefs to focus on their mind, body, and spirit, whether in prayer, meditation, or quiet contemplation. Prayer rugs, religious resources, pillows, and yoga mats are available. By providing a quiet environment,  these spaces support students in holistic ways that extend beyond the classroom. 

Native Resource Center

The Native Resource Center supports the academic and personal success of the students we serve. We offer an inclusive space to discuss Native American/Indigenous peoples’ unique histories, cultures, and perspectives through campus programs and curriculum. The NRC facilitates community building through student organizations like the Native American Student Alliance, Indigenous Social Work Association and our peer mentoring program, the Elymash Yuuchaap: Indigenous Scholars and Leaders Program. 

The Pride Center

The Pride Center creates, strengthens, and sustains an affirming, inclusive, open, and safe gathering space for persons of all gender and sexual identities and their allies. Through the facilitation of campus-wide education, awareness, dialogue, intellectual exploration, understanding, and research on issues related to sexuality and gender, the Pride Center fosters the development of student leadership skills, enhances student empowerment, personal and professional growth, and community collaboration. In addition, the center provides resources and support services to assist students in their process of sexual and gender identity development and to address the unique needs and challenges of students who may experience barriers to student success as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. 

Undocumented Resource Center

sacd.sdsu.edu/undocumented-resource

The Undocumented Resource Center at San Diego State University is open to all undocumented students (including those with mixed-status families), faculty/staff and allies as well as the community at large. We strongly advocate for creating a sense of community. The Undocumented Resource Center services are developed to improve persistence and graduation as well as offer a safe space where students can connect with one another and their allies. The Undocumented Resource Center at San Diego State University is designed to provide undocumented students guidance, support in navigating the campus and local community resources to support their well-being, enhance their educational achievement and timely progress toward a university degree.

Women’s Resource Center (WRC)

The Women’s Resource Center strives to provide a vibrant, brave, and inclusive space that educates, empowers, and advocates for womxn’s rights. The Women’s Resource Center Ccareer staff and student leaders engage students in discourse and programs that help create a campus culture rooted in gender justice. The WRC team provides students with the tools and resources necessary to cultivate feminist leadership. The WRC partners and collaborates with faculty, staff, alumni, and community members, linking SDSU with the larger San Diego community. The WRC provides support to students facing gender-based oppression by creating an environment that fosters healing, intersectional feminist activism, and enhancement to students’ academic, personal, and professional success.