Campus life

SFSU welcomed back new and returning residents Aug. 19 and 20

The San Francisco State University campus was abuzz with excitement Aug. 19 and 20 as thousands of Gators hauled suitcases, laptops, plants and snack stashes into their new homes on campus. The move-in days officially marked the start of the 2025–26 school year — bringing with them a time of fresh starts, fun and community-building.

“I’m excited to make connections, meet people, get an education,” said Business major Aidan O’Connell. 

An Oakland native, O’Connell added another reason he’s excited to move onto the SFSU campus: “I’ve always wanted to live in S.F. I can BART home. It’s really easy.”

Marketing and International Business major Lais Madi Priedols comes from a lot further away — Brazil — but she shares O’Connell’s enthusiasm for SFSU’s San Francisco location and inclusive, dynamic vibe.

“I chose to come to SF State because of the diversity. I really like the environment here. SF State provides a very welcoming place, as does San Francisco,” she said. “[There are] a lot of different people, and I really enjoy that.”

Students like O’Connell and Priedols aren’t alone. Hundreds of Gators move onto campus each fall eager to build connections and make the most of life at SFSU. The University’s seven residential communities are designed to help them find their people and succeed. With one resident assistant for every 35 to 55 students — plus Residential Life staff on call 24/7 — resources and guidance are always close by. Living on campus also puts students just steps away from classes, dining, events and everything SFSU has to offer.

And it pays off. Surveys show that 81% of students living on campus found others who share their interests, while 77% said they felt a strong sense of belonging. Living on campus also boosts academics: more than half of residents landed on the Dean’s List last year.

“Living on campus is about so much more than convenience,” said Associate Vice President of Housing, Dining & Conference Services Jeny Patino. “It’s where students build friendships, discover opportunities and create the foundation for success.”

Learn more about housing at SFSU.

SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 18, 2024) – San Francisco State University (SFSU) and San Francisco Federal Credit Union (SFFedCU), a not-for-profit financial cooperative that serves San Francisco and San Mateo counties, have teamed up as part of a strategic collaboration to enhance the programs and services offered to students and campus employees.

Through this partnership, SFFedCU will have access to a menu of sponsorship opportunities across various SFSU activities, including programming and events organized by Gator Athletics, the University’s athletics arm. Funding from the sponsorship will bolster athletic operations, scholarships, financial education programs for students and employees, as well as University fundraising priorities like enhanced career preparedness programming.

“It made perfect sense for us to work with the San Francisco Federal Credit Union as its core values closely align with ours,” SFSU Vice President of University Advancement and San Francisco State Foundation President Jeff Jackanicz said. “The credit union has a strong commitment to diversity and upward economic mobility, and deeply cares about the communities which they serve — values the University also stands by.”

Funding from SFFedCU sponsorships will support student-athletes and their success through scholarship opportunities and provide resources for Gator Athletics’ general operations and programming.

“This collaboration is based on a shared dedication to bettering our communities through accessible financial literacy and economic preparedness programs,” said SFFedCU interim CEO Ray Shams. “By partnering with SFSU, we can fund activities that will resonate with students and university employees and have widespread impact.”

“Our student-athletes invest in themselves and in the University through both their sports and academics. We are thankful that the San Francisco Federal Credit Union has taken notice and wants to invest in furthering that success,” SFSU Interim Director of Athletics Brandon Davis said. “The credit union’s support will allow our student-athletes’ performance in the classroom and in their respective sports to reach new heights.”

Specific ways the partnership will benefit the campus community also include:

• SFFedCU will offer online and in-person financial education programming to complement what the university already offers.
• SFFedCU’s Foundation will provide annual support to scholarships, including the Presidential Scholars Program.
• Funding from the sponsorship will also support the University’s overall fundraising priorities, such as enhanced career preparation programming for students.

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About San Francisco State University 

San Francisco State University is a public university serving students from the San Francisco Bay Area, across California and around the world, with nationally acclaimed programs that span a broad range of disciplines. More than 22,000 students enroll at the University each year, and its approximately 294,000 graduates have contributed to the economic, cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond. Through them — and more than 1,800 world-class faculty members — SF State proudly embraces its legacy of academic excellence, community engagement and commitment to social justice. For more information, visit sfsu.edu.

About the San Francisco Federal Credit Union

About San Francisco Federal Credit Union San Francisco Federal Credit Union has been serving San Francisco since 1954 and is not-for-profit and member owned. Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in San Francisco or San Mateo counties is eligible for membership. San Francisco Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration and is an Equal Housing Lender. We provide banking, lending and investment services to nearly 47,000 members and have assets of $1.3 billion. For more information, visit SanFranciscoFCU.com.

Through the annual festivities, new students can tour the region, go to Ikea and catch a comedy show with their fellow Gators

Starting at a new school can be simultaneously exciting and nerve-racking, especially when that school is in a big, vibrant city like San Francisco. That’s why San Francisco State University hosts its annual GatorFest! celebration, which welcomes new Gators while helping them prepare for the adventure ahead. Over the first few weeks of the academic year, dozens of events introduce new students to their peers, San Francisco State’s campus and the city.

“As an international student, the events at the beginning of the semester were invaluable in helping me learn more about the campus. They made me feel welcome and motivated me to start classes with enthusiasm and energy,” Computer Science senior Leonardo Meza Martinez said.

Events run from August through October, with festivities kicking off with Gator family receptions 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, and Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Don Nasser Family Plaza. This month alone, GatorFest! events include a movie night, an ice cream social, glow-in-the-dark hide and seek, a city tour and much more. There’s even an Ikea trip — perfect for new roommate bonding — and an SF Sketchfest comedy improv show by SFSU alumni.

“As a third-year transfer student who transferred here last fall, GatorFest! provided me with endless opportunities to get engaged, be involved and meet new people. I am so appreciative of SFSU taking the time to put on events such as these because it truly encompasses such a wonderful sense of community and belonging within our campus and within our students,” said Hannah Johnson, who studies psychology and creative writing. “I was petrified starting my first semester here, but I’m beyond grateful for events such as GatorFest! that encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there.”

The August schedule of GatorFest!’s events is below. Check the GatorFest! website, the University Calendar or GatorXperience for updated info about these events and more.

SF State participants marching in the San Francisco Pride Parade.

Nizzardini shares how the program makes a difference at SF State, why it’s important in current climate

Pride Month is celebrated every June to honor the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community, their history and the ongoing fight for their rights. To mark the moment this year, we spoke with Rick Nizzardini, Safe Zone Ally program co-founder and coordinating committee chair, to learn more about the program and how it’s making San Francisco State University a more inclusive place.

What is the Safe Zone Ally program?

The San Francisco State Safe Zone Ally program is a voluntary, unfunded campus program of trained students, faculty, staff and administrators who have completed an educational training to develop a greater awareness of issues affecting students of all genders and sexual identities. The program’s mission is to foster a welcoming, inclusive and equitable campus environment by building a support network for people of all gender and sexual identities. Safe Zone allies are active and visible volunteers who are open to talking to members of the LGBTQ+ community in a confidential and supportive environment. 

How are program members trained?

Safe Zone trainings and ongoing learning opportunities are presented through an intersectional, racial justice framework to encourage participants to engage in conversations about the impacts of heterosexism, homophobia, transphobia and racism.​ Trainings are offered each semester and range from three to six hours.

We have to work together, queer people and all allies, to fight for equity, equality and social justice. We have to serve as a constant presence that says: We’re here. We matter. Our allied communities matter. And we deserve equal rights and respect.

Learn more about SF State’s Safe Zone Ally program.

This year’s line-up includes a pinning ceremony and class photo, a comedy night, a dance and much more

Every year, San Francisco State University celebrates the start of a new academic year with GatorFest!, a weeks-long series of student-oriented events. This year’s GatorFest! kicks off with a welcome reception from 4 to 6 p.m. at Don Nasser Family Plaza Friday, Aug. 11. Dozens of events — ceremonies, performances, games and more — will follow. All students are welcome! It’s an opportunity to start strong, make new connections, join clubs and organizations, learn more about University resources and services, explore San Francisco and celebrate being a Gator.

“As SF State prepares for fall semester, our focus is to provide opportunities for students to develop a strong connection to each other and their home away from home,” said Miguel Hernández, associate vice president & dean of students of the Division of Student Life. “Events planned for this year’s GatorFest are intentionally designed to create memories, explore interests and allow friends to connect. We want to make sure everyone knows this is where they belong.”

“GatorFest! is how we make sure students start the year feeling excited, connected and supported,” added Evan Jaynes, San Francisco State’s First Year Experience – manager of student transitions. “There are amazing campus life opportunities year-round at SF State, but GatorFest! is always a very exciting time for our students.”

The schedule for GatorFest!’s Week of Welcome (WOW) is below. For more event details and the full GatorFest! schedule — which stretches all the way to a Haunted House at the Student Life Events Center Oct. 30 – 31 — go to the New Student & Family Programs website.