Division of Student Life (DSL)

The Division of Student Life (DSL) believes that every SF State student should belong and matter, has the capacity to live a purposeful life, and can positively impact the world. To that end, the Division of Student Life (DSL) team at SF State facilitates student-centered learning through personal, professional, community, and academic engagement, culminating in a transformational experience.

DEPARTMENTS

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Basic Needs

Food + Shelter + Success, SF State's Basic Needs Initiative, supports students’ ability to reach their full potential at SF State by providing food, housing, and financial crisis support programs, services, and referrals.

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Campus Recreation

Supports students being able to find their community while aiding their student success.

Students are calling it:

"The center of student life on campus"

"Not just a gym - but a place that focuses on my overall holistic health."

"A new place to go de-stress and reenergize in between my courses.

students in a residential room/dorm looking through papers

Residential Life

Residential Life is committed to providing an on-campus living/learning environment that complements the overall mission of San Francisco State University and the Division of Student Affairs Enrollment Management.

students outside learning about campus from a campus leader

New Student & Family Programs

New Student and Family Programs believes through meaningful and sincere connections, new students and their families benefit from engaging with a community of peers, staff, and faculty who facilitate the transition and support the adjustment to a university that values educational equity, academic excellence, and social justice

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Student Activities & Events

Student Activities & Events partners with students to support organizations and clubs, facilitate programs and events that create community, develop the whole person, and foster a deep sense of connection to each other and our campus.

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Associated Students

Empowering university voices through advocacy, events, and representation of student interests and rights. Associated Students often partners closely with the Division of Student Life.

a man looking at his computer and advising and talking with a student

Case Management

There are means to provide support to students who may be experiencing difficulties in navigating the university environment or being successful as a student. Currently, the group of administrators who serve in this rotation represent several areas within the Student Affairs & Enrollment Management (SAEM) Cabinet area. Each administrator comes with a wealth of professional knowledge and experience and engages in ongoing training to continue to provide the best service to students who are looking for support and guidance.

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SAFE Place

The SAFE Place is the confidential resource for survivors of gender-based violence. To get connected with a confidential advocate, please email safeplace@sfsu.edu or drop in to SSB 403 to immediate assistance. If you need after-after hours support, please reach out to our community partner SFWAR at 415-647-7273. Learn more about the SAFE Place here

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Student Conduct

Ensuring campus integrity by upholding standards, promoting accountability, and fostering a respectful environment.

PROGRAMS

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Dean-on-Call

Explore the resources available for students facing challenges in university life. Our rotating team of caring staff from Student Affairs & Enrollment Management brings diverse expertise and ongoing training to offer top-tier support and guidance tailored to student needs.

students sitting in the lawn quad laughing and talking

New & Transfer Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is your opportunity to connect with your peers and learn about the many dimensions of student life. From your major and academic department to the programs and resource centers on campus, to social events and how students have fun in the city, you'll be prepared to take on your first semester at SF State!

Ali the Gator mascot moving through a crowd of happy students and staff

Gator Mascot Program

Meet Ali the Gator Mascot, the heart of campus spirit! With Ali as our mascot, we're dedicated to bringing campus life and engagement to every corner of our university community.

Request Ali for an Event!

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GatorFest!

GatorFest! is our official welcome festival on campus. GatorFest! brings weeks of celebration and invites students to join over 8 weeks of engaging programming and numerous events. Connect with fellow students, embrace campus life, and discover San Francisco's vibrant culture.

MWC Ribbon Cutting

Student Engagement

Embark on a journey of campus engagement with our diverse programs! From student leadership programs like The Institute and Catalyst to the New Student Pinning Ceremony and Ali Awards, along with the Fraternity and Sorority Councils, Student Leader Activity Board, Registered Student Organization Summit, and dynamic student leadership programs, there's something for everyone to connect, grow, and thrive.

a bronze statue of the SFSU Mascot a gator

Presidential Scholars

Distinguished by its record of serving low-income students, first-generation college students, and underrepresented ethnic minorities, SF State strives to create pathways of opportunity for students from California, the nation, and the globe in order to make their educational and occupational dreams become a reality.  

RESOURCES & SERVICES

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Club & Organization Registration

With more than 250 clubs and organizations, students can discover a diversity of opportunities to connect with peers, facilitate programs and events that create community, develop the whole person, and foster a deep sense of connection to each other and our campus.

students walking on a main sidewalk through campus

HOPE Crisis Fund

HOPE connects SF State students experiencing a financial crisis that could potentially derail their educational success, with resources, referrals, and solution pathways. HOPE’s goals are to help students overcome an unexpected financial crisis and remain on track to graduate.

HOPE is a collaboration between the Dean of Students Office, Financial Aid, and Food+Shelter +Success, SF State’s Basic Needs Initiative.

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Freedom of Expression & TPM

The First Amendment and freedom of expression on college campuses are core to a creative, thoughtful, and respectful discourse where conflicting viewpoints are debated and discussed.

We encourage all of campus to learn about freedom of expression and free speech at SF State.

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Family Communications

Look out for a variety of resources that will introduce you to the engaging environment provided by SF State. Two of these resources, the New Student & Family Programs website, and the Division of Student Life website, are informative platforms where you can learn about student events, getting involved, family programming, and the Dean of Students services.

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Action Care Team

The Action Care Team (ACT) focus is assisting students who may be in distress. We coordinate resources and implement a centralized response, with the goal of providing the student the support they need and keeping the SF State community healthy and safe.

a student focusing on work on their computer

Reporting Student Conduct

Anytime there are concerns about student behavior or violations of the Student Code of Conduct, current students, staff, faculty or community members can report concerns to the Office of Student Conduct.