Gator Tales - December 2023

Did you know that alligators spend months in what is known as gator holes? Although alligators don't hibernate, they do go through a dormancy period during colder weather. Gator holes can be up to 65 feet long and protect the alligators when it's too hot or cold for comfort. During this brumation period, their heart rates and metabolism slow way down. Let us embrace winter break and allow ourselves an opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and recharge so we are ready for the opportunities spring semester will bring our way! 

Greetings Student Scholars! 

It is hard to believe how fast time is moving as we are now in December and Winter break is just a few days away. Your entire team in the Division of Student Life is sending you positive vibes and good energy as you complete final exams, papers, and projects for this term. Please remember to engage in self-care and include rest in your schedule as these practices will aid you in reaching your academic goals.    

As you transition from fall semester into winter break, I want to encourage everyone to be aware and pay attention to the shift you may experience in terms of how you use your time, energy, and mindset. Over the next several weeks, your routine will change from being a busy student at University to a difference pace, set of expectations, and role one plays when managing family dynamics, friend groups, and community spaces.  

During this break, I hope you will take time to reflect on how much you have grown as a student scholar in the fall semester. A few of the following questions may assist you in noticing how your progress: what have you learn about yourself over these past few months? Did you establish a new rhythm or routine during the fall semester? If so, what worked well in your approach to managing your personal and academic experiences? Building off this semester, what goals do you want to set for yourself for spring semester? 

As you consider setting goals for next semester, I want to encourage you to revisit the idea I shared back in August of this year. I believe one of the most rewarding aspects of college life is getting involved in the campus community and finding your sense of belonging. If you have not done so yet, consider joining an academic or social student club, run for student government, exploring volunteer opportunities, or cheer for your fellow Gators at athletic games (remember home games are free). Your active involvement at SF State will enhance your academic journey, introduce you to diverse perspectives, and open doors to meaningful connections and future career prospects. 

Congratulations again on successfully navigating fall semester! I hope all of you have an excellent winter break and a happy holiday season! All of us will be excited and ready to welcome you back in the new year. 

 

Go Gators! 

Athletics Home Games 

  • Women's Basketball - SF State vs Alaska Anchorage Dec. 19 at 1pm

  • Women's Basketball - SF State vs Cal State East Bay Dec. 31 at 1pm 

  • Men’s Basketball - SF State vs Cal State East Bay Dec. 31 at 3pm 

  • Women's Basketball - SF State vs Chico State Jan. 4 at 5:30pm 

  • Men’s Basketball - SF State vs Chico State Jan. 4 at 7:30pm 

  • Wrestling – SF State vs Colorado Mines vs. Fort Hays State Jan. 5 at 3pm 

  • Women's Basketball - SF State vs Cal Poly Humbolt Jan. 6 at 1pm 

  • Men’s Basketball - SF State vs Cal Poly Humbolt Jan. 6 at 3pm 

  • Women's Basketball - SF State vs Cal State Dominguez Hills Jan. 11 at 5:30pm 

  • Men’s Basketball - SF State vs Cal State Dominguez Hills Jan. 11 at 7:30pm 

  • Women's Basketball - SF State vs Cal State LA Jan. 13 at 1pm 

  • Men’s Basketball - SF State vs Cal State LA Jan. 13 at 3pm 

  • Women's Basketball - SF State vs Stanislaus State Jan. 25 at 5:30pm 

  • Men’s Basketball - SF State vs Stanislaus State Jan. 25 at 7:30pm 

  • Women's Basketball - SF State vs Cal State Monterey Bay Jan. 27 at 1pm 

  • Men’s Basketball - SF State vs Cal State Monterey Bay Jan. 27 at 1pm 

Visit the Athletics website for more information.  

Division of Equity & Community Inclusion (DECI)

  • Wellness Week & Fueling for Finals with AA&PI Student Services - at Village C, Room 141 (Asian American & Pacific Islander Student Services). Let’s take the time to embody collective care by gearing up for finals week. During this time, we welcome you to our office for our care station, art sessions, and to learn tangible skills to be grounded for your finals. We will be offering a variety of food to help you fuel for finals, be sure to follow us on social media and visit us at Village C, Room 141 for some yummy snacks and food! 

    • Dec. 11 – Pastries and Coffee/Tea, from 12pm-2pm

    • Dec. 12 – Garlic Noodles, from 12pm-2pm

    • Dec. 13 – Egg Drop Soup, from 12pm-2pm

    • Dec. 14 – Pastries and Coffee/Tea, from 12pm-2pm 

Health Promotion and Wellness 

  • Now Recruiting – Health Promotion & Wellness (HPW) is recruiting for their Ambassador Program (student volunteer program) for Spring 2024! Ambassadors will meet new people, gain new skills and build their resume. To learn more about HPW’s student volunteer program, please visit their website.  

  • Holiday Mercadito – December 9, 11, & 16, from 11am-2pm at Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts. More information here.

  • Union Square Ice Skating - Skate through the holidays at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente. General admission is $20, and children 8 and under are $15, including skate rental. Purchase tickets in advance and online here.  

  • Finals Week: Dec. 11 – 15th  

  • Extended Library Hours 

    • Closes at 9pm on Dec. 10th 

    • Closes at midnight on Dec. 11th -14th

  • Winter break - December 16, 2023 through January 24, 2024 

  • Campus will be closed – Dec. 25th – 29th   

  • First day of classes for Spring 2024 is January 24, 2024 

  • Student Health Center will be closed from Dec. 22nd - Jan 1st 

    • To refill a prescription, you can call the pharmacy at (415) 338-1710 or online through the myhealth portal. 

  • Food + Shelter + Success Office:

    • December 22nd - January 1st, Closed 

  • Mashouf Wellness Center:

    • Dec. 14 – Dec. 15, 9am-5pm 

    • Dec. 16 – Jan. 2, Closed

    • Jan 3, 2024, Reopen with Winter Hours 

    • Winter Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Weekends 9am-5pm 

  • City Eats & Bricks:

    • Dec. 15th - January 27th, Closed 

  • Cesar Chavez Student Center:

    • Dec.  23 - Jan. 2nd , Closed 

  • Student Health Center:

    • Dec. 22nd - Jan 1st, Closed  

  • Now that daylight savings has ended, please keep in mind that we offer a SafeWalk Program so students never have to walk alone. Call (415) 338-7200 and press '0' to schedule a SafeWalk.  

  • Follow us on Instagram @LifeatSFstate to stay updated on events & campus news!