WHAT’S A CHANGEMAKER?The University of San Diego was founded on the principles of Catholic social teaching, a living tradition that calls us to work for socially just and peaceful societies. Recently, USD was selected as a “Changemaker” university, one of only 14 in the world so designated by the Ashoka Foundation. It is an honor that captures the Torero spirit. We seek students who believe in social innovation and change. Students at USD are bright, but more than that, they share a passion for learning and making a difference.

The outstanding faculty we have assembled, the achievements of our alumni, our innovative sustainability efforts, study abroad programs and service-learning efforts have brought many accolades to our beautiful campus. But even more important, the Torero community fosters collaboration that prepares future leaders to meet challenges while creating genuine change to the benefit of all.

We believe the problems of humankind can be solved by humankind. We believe these solutions are found through innovation and compassion, and we work every day to create that environment for our community of scholars. Through our strong liberal arts curriculum, international experiences, collaborative undergraduate research opportunities and wide-ranging internship initiatives, we use our passion as a catalyst to make the world a better place.

USD  is  ranked  #5  for  Community  Service    Participation  by  Washington  Monthly

Sometimes Michelle Camacho’s sociology lessons happen on the streets of San Diego’s Barrio Logan. Sometimes

they come to light through the eyes of a local high school student who’s learning a trade like plumbing.

To learn about contemporary social issues, Camacho sends students into the community to see how real-life

situations relate to broader classroom discussions. Students use service-learning projects to hone

research skills and to collect the data they need to better understand what they’re learning.

In one case, students organized a conference for high schoolers with questions about college life.

Another student turned his lesson into a rap song.

“At USD, we try to understand students’ motivations and passions,” Camacho says. “I love to see students break the mold, learn in new ways and really shine.

That’s what inspires me.”

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCEEthics and intellectual inquiry are at the foundation of the USD learning experience. Our students are enthusiastic about learning, and our award-winning faculty is passionate about providing them with the resources they need to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.

The University of San Diego undergraduate model encourages interdisciplinary study and emphasizes small classes, amazing facilities and personal advising, all of which adds up to a world-class education.

The First-Year Experience is built on two core components: the Preceptorial Program and our residential Living Learning Communities (LLC). Both are designed to provide students with the skills and support they need to succeed by connecting them with faculty and fellow students who serve as mentors and liaisons with the broader university. These LLC’s encourage students to share their talents and pursue their interests with like-minded people, while building an enduring sense of community.

Our integrated core curriculum provides engaging and challenging courses that help students develop the foundation needed to graduate with the skills employers and graduate schools value. It’s no wonder that the University of San Diego produces graduates who are not just sought after, but are making a true difference to the world in which they live.

Marc Gonzales lived and breathed student government in high

school. He told himself that once he came to USD, he’d bypass

student government, get involved in other ways

and experience di!erent elements of student life.

What he didn’t realize, however, is that serving

students is his passion. It’s in his blood, a part of his

DNA. So of course, once he arrived at Alcalá Park, he jumped right in and got involved with the Torero

Program Board — the event-planning branch of

USD’s Associated Students. Gonzales planned

concerts, scheduled movie nights and arranged

activities o! campus. That year, he also made history as the first freshman ever

to be appointed as the director of intercultural

events — planning events for Diversity Week,

including the popular March of the Toreros.

“I help students feel welcome and get involved in things they’re passionate

about,” Gonzales says. “I help them find their voice, find their place and make

USD their home.”

WAIT, THERE’S MOREWe haven’t forgotten that a big part of the college experience is having fun! There are more than 150 student organizations that appeal to an array of interests. If you see something missing, we’ll help you start another one.

At USD, we are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive community. The Center for Inclusion and Diversity works to ensure that USD continues to embrace unity and equality.

than 70 countries around the world

MENBaseballBasketballCross CountryFootballGolfRowingSoccerTennis

WOMENBasketballCross CountryRowingSoccerSoftballSwimming

and DivingTennisTrack and

FieldVolleyball

Thomas Mallon was a highly regarded high school lacrosse player, looking forward to pursuing the sport he loved in college. That all changed in a moment. In

a violent collision, Mallon crumpled to the ground. Trained to get up on his own, Mallon found himself

being told not to move. A certified athletic trainer had rushed to his aid — which was a good thing. Mallon had

broken his neck. Had he attempted to get up on his own, he may not have survived.

Most horrifying to Mallon was the subsequent realization that most high schools can’t a!ord to

have trainers on the field. In response, he founded Athletes Saving Athletes, an organization to train students to become, in e!ect, first responders to

emergencies like the one he had experienced.

“Every minute counts in an emergency,” he says, “but knowing what to do counts even more.”

ATHLETICSTorero Athletics offers eight men’s and nine women’s Division I teams:

The  WCC  Commissioner’s  Cup  is  given  to  the  league’s  top  performer.  Last  year,  the  Toreros  made  history  by  winning  it  five  years  in  a  row!

Kelsey Schulte went abroad to gain a global perspective and came home with a new outlook on herself.

Studying abroad is central to the USD experience — a 2012 ranking put USD at the top of the list in

percentage of undergraduates who study abroad. And Schulte took it to a di!erent level.

“It was an eye-opening experience to see firsthand how various cultures are

di!erent than what I grew up with,” she says. “I will never be the same — and I think that’s awesome.”

A UNIVERSITY OF OPPORTUNITYWhile USD is one of the nation’s leading academic institutions, we believe that not all lessons are learned in a classroom. The complex cultural, political, social and environmental issues we face today require critical thinking and direct experience.

The University of San Diego ranks first in the nation in undergraduate study abroad participation; three of every four undergraduates study abroad at some point in their academic careers. We currently offer more than 80

to expand those opportunities.

USD  is  Ranked  #1  in  Study  Abroad    participation  by  Institute  of  International  E

ducation

Raised by a single mom, Rhea Webb ’12 lived with the constant pang of hunger, took city buses to school

and juggled part-time jobs to help pay the rent. A college prep program changed her life. With the help of

a high school teacher turned fairy godmother — who sent her o! with a new wardrobe, a laptop

and textbooks — Webb had a ball at USD.

After settling in at school, Webb couldn’t wait to get her foot in the door at juvenile hall. She was a freshman looking for a place to volunteer. She understood what

the kids there were going through and wondered, if not for family support, whether she could’ve ended up in their shoes. Webb dedicated the next four years

to helping them see their potential.

“USD was a dream come true,” she says. “These have been the best four years of my life.”

CELEBRATING DIVERSITYAt the University of San Diego, diversity is a critically important part of who we are. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive community dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of the individual.

USD values students, faculty and staff from different backgrounds and faith traditions, and strives to create an atmosphere of trust, safety and respect for all. We believe that focusing deliberate attention to world perspectives enhances our unwavering dedication to academic excellence.

The university’s commitment to social change and diversity is demonstrated by the work of our Center for Inclusion and Diversity, which takes concrete steps to recognize and celebrate different beliefs, voices and life experiences.

Our students are essential to all of these efforts; our goal is to attract those whose backgrounds broaden, enrich and ultimately strengthen our community.

A USD DEGREE IS YOUR PASSPORT TO EVERYWHEREWe have established working relationships across the broad spectrum of San Diego’s vibrant community to provide internship opportunities for most disciplines. Among the exceptional dimensions of a USD education is the chance to participate in research projects and the opportunity to co-author research papers with faculty as an undergraduate student.

Nearly 84 percent of USD graduates receive a job offer before graduation. The Torero Alumni Network extends throughout all 50 states and nearly 100 countries.

A FEW OF THE LOCAL COMPANIES WHERE USD STUDENTS INTERN

When the Semester at Sea ship carrying Bob Schultz docked in Ghana, Schultz had no idea what he

might do there. But by the time he left, he knew what he was going to do with the rest of his life.

Among his options was the chance to visit an orphanage. Most of the residents were refugees from child tra"cking in the fishing industry — child slaves. Schultz and several other students rolled up their sleeves. They started a nonprofit

organization, FindingRefuge, to increase awareness and provide assistance to the kids.

“It changed my perspective,” he says. “How can slavery still exist today? If you think

you can’t make a di!erence, come to USD.”

 

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE The University of San Diego is dedicated to bringing the best and brightest students to campus and won’t let cost stand between a dedicated, passionate student and a USD degree. In fact, seven of 10 students here receive some form of financial aid. We’re always working to increase opportunities for those students.

financial assistance including merit scholarships, need-based financial aid and athletic scholarships

www.sandiego.edu/AffordingUSD

an excellent education, as well as highly personal advising and guidance to make sure they stay on track.

within six months; 14 percent enroll in graduate or

travel abroad.

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WHAT YOU NEED

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