Campus life

SFSU Gatorfest returns with three months of events

Matt Itelson — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:49:00 +0000

SFSU Gatorfest returns with three months of events

Author: Jada Adams and Matt Itelson

August 28, 2025

Photo Credit: Juan Montes

Make art, play games and explore the Bay Area while getting to know your fellow Gators

Stay ready, Gators. At San Francisco State University, our festivities welcoming you to campus extend for three months. The annual Gatorfest, continuing through Halloween, features dances, recreational sports, game nights, art making, live comedy improv and many more opportunities to get to know your fellow Gators.

“I definitely recommend going to Gatorfest,” said Christian Flower, a student who works for SFSU Campus Recreation. “I think it’s great for students to take full advantage of all opportunities and resources and events that happen on campus. It’s a good way to not only network, but to put your face out there, make new friends and get involved on campus.”

“All of this is here for you,” said student Sam Aranibar, also from Campus Recreation. “Just have fun and I hope to see you there!”

Visit the SFSU Student Activities website for the full Gatorfest schedule and more information.

Photo by Matt Itelson

Photo by Juan Montes

Photo courtesy of Residential Life

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Gators move in and light up campus for 2025–26

Steve Hockensmith — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:55:45 +0000

Gators move in and light up campus for 2025–26

Author: Strategic Marketing and Communications

August 22, 2025

Photo Credit: Juan Montes

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.”

Photos by Juan Montes

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.

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SFSU and San Francisco Federal Credit Union team up to enhance student programming and campus life

Kent Bravo — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:24:09 +0000

SFSU and San Francisco Federal Credit Union team up to enhance student programming and campus life

Author: Strategic Marketing and Communications

September 18, 2024

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.

###

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.

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GatorFest! 2024 welcomes students to campus and the city

Kanaga Rajan — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0000

GatorFest! 2024 welcomes students to campus and the city

Author: Strategic Marketing and Communications

August 15, 2024

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.

Gator family reception
Don Nasser Family Plaza
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 5 – 7 p.m.

Gator family reception
Don Nasser Family Plaza
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 5 – 7 p.m.

University Convocation
McKenna Theatre, Creative Arts Building
Thursday, Aug. 22, 8:30 – 11 a.m.

Residential community meetings
Residential community meeting spaces
Thursday, Aug. 22, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Class photo and entering year pinning ceremony
Cox Stadium and Athletic Field
Thursday, Aug. 22, 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Academic college ice cream social
Quad
Thursday, Aug. 22, 4 – 5 p.m.

Glow-in-the-dark hide and seek
Mashouf Wellness Center
Thursday, Aug. 22, 7:30 – 10 p.m.

Find My Resources Tabling Fair
Quad
Friday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Find My People Socials
Various classrooms and locations
Friday, Aug. 23, 1 – 5 p.m.

Drag queen bingo
Mashouf Wellness Center
Friday, Aug. 23, 6 – 8 p.m.

SF city tours
TBA, check GatorFest! website
Saturday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

SFSU Ikea trip
SF Ikea, 945 Market Street
Saturday, Aug. 24, 4 – 7 p.m.

Student club and org fair week one
Malcolm X Plaza and University Quad
Monday, Aug. 26 – Friday, Aug. 30, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Bouquet bar
Malcolm X Plaza
Monday, Aug. 26, noon – 1 p.m.

DIY tie-dye
Quad
Tuesday, Aug. 27, noon – 2 p.m.

Movie night
Village stairs
Wednesday, Aug. 28, 8 – 10 p.m.

SF Sketchfest: comedy improv show
McKenna Theatre, Creative Arts Building
Thursday, Aug. 29, 7 – 8 p.m.

Back-to-school beach bonfire
Ocean Beach Fire Pits (across from the Beach Chalet)
Friday, Aug. 30, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Learn more from SFSU’s New Student & Family Programs.

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Campus life

Happy Pride Month! Interview with Safe Zone Ally program co-founder Rick Nizzardini

Kent Bravo — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:03:56 +0000

Happy Pride Month! Interview with Safe Zone Ally program co-founder Rick Nizzardini

Author: Kent Bravo

June 10, 2024

Photo Credit: Students in SF State's 2019 Pride Parade contingent

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.

What is the most memorable success story of the program during the time you’ve been involved?

The Safe Zone Ally Program is one of the longest-running LGBTQIA+ advocacy programs on our campus. We have raised awareness for issues related to gender-affirming facilities, appropriate and respectful teachings and conversations about gender in the classroom and workplace, and honoring and uplifting SF State’s queer community’s voices through programs, outreach and, above all else, education.

Several years ago, we were able to train the deans and chairs of all our campus colleges. We are incredibly proud that we have provided education to our University leaders on gender, sexuality, transphobia, intersectionality and the cross-section between queer rights and racial justice, so that they can incorporate queer-affirming educational practices in classrooms across our campus.

Why is it important to have such a program today on our campus?

Queer rights are under attack like never before during our lifetime. From bans on books that mention sexuality and/or gender, to the denial of gender affirming health care for adults and minors, to efforts to eliminate the free expression of drag artists in communities across the United States, political efforts on local and statewide levels are not only succeeding but having the effect of pushing queer people back into the shadows to find safety. Because of this, it is absolutely imperative that our voices are loud, proud and flourishing in community spaces.

Rick Nizzardini

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.

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Campus life

GatorFest! kicks off new academic year with dozens of campus events

Steve Hockensmith — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 21:51:42 +0000

GatorFest! kicks off new academic year with dozens of campus events

Author: Steve Hockensmith

August 10, 2023

Photo Credit: Paul Asper

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.

Welcome Reception
Don Nasser Family Plaza
Friday, Aug. 11, 4 – 6 p.m.

ChompFest
Centennial Way
Saturday, Aug. 12, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Family Welcome Reception
Don Nasser Family Plaza
Saturday, Aug. 12, noon – 1 p.m.

Family Farewell Reception
Don Nasser Family Plaza
Sunday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Community Stonestown and Target Trip
Meet in respective lounges, travel to Target
Sunday, Aug. 13, 7 – 9 p.m.

Find Your Campus Community
Various campus locations and times
Monday, Aug. 14 – Thursday, Aug. 17

Community Meet and Greets
Lounges/common areas
Monday, Aug. 14, 10 – 11 a.m.

Entering Year Pinning Ceremony and Class Photo
Cox Stadium
Monday, Aug. 14, 10 – 11:15 a.m.

Residential Life Resource Center (Towers)
Towers Junior Suites
Monday, Aug. 14, 4 – 6 p.m.

Kickoff Speaker: Gio Ortega
Annex 1
Tuesday, Aug. 15, 10 – 11 p.m.

Play Fair!
Annex 1
Tuesday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m. – noon

Community Floor Meetings
Various locations
Tuesday, Aug. 15 – Thursday, Aug. 17

Taste of SF State
Campus Quad and Malcolm X Plaza
Wednesday, Aug. 16, noon – 2 p.m.

WOW Week Movie Night (Associated Students)
Rec Field
Thursday, Aug. 17, 8:30 p.m.

DECI Fair
Malcolm X Plaza
Friday, Aug. 18, noon – 2 p.m.

SF SketchFest: ThemPark Improv Comedy Show at Welcome Week
McKenna Theatre
Friday, Aug. 18, 8:30 – 10 p.m.

Back to School NoiseComplaint (dance)
Malcolm X Plaza
Saturday, Aug. 19, 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Drag Queen Bingo
Mashouf Wellness Center
Saturday, Aug. 19, 6 – 7 p.m.

T'Was the Night Before Classes
Community lounges
Sunday, Aug. 20, 7 – 8 p.m.

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Campus life