August 28, 2023 & September 1, 2023
What should you bring to orientation?
A reusable water bottle is a must-have. Face coverings and laptops are optional. Comfortable shoes if you join the campus walking tour.
TIME | DAY ONE: MONDAY, AUGUST 28 | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Registration, Mingle, & Resources Expo Coffee & Light Refreshments Served | Rotunda |
| 9:30 AM | Orientation Opening & Campus Resources Partners Assistant Dean Frances Laviscount | Peace and Justice Theatre |
| 9:45 AM | Welcome from Associate Dean, Dr. Dustin Sharp | Peace and Justice Theatre |
| 9:50 AM | You in a Nutshell! | Peace and Justice Theatre |
| 10:50 AM | Break | Peace and Justice Theatre |
| 11:00 AM | Introduction to the Kroc School Institutes | Peace and Justice Theatre |
| 11:15 AM | Peer Session “Orienting Questions: Zine of Guidance” | KIPJ Conference Room A |
| 12:25 PM | Peacemaker Postcards | KIPJ Conference Room A |
| 12:30 PM | Welcome Luncheon | Garden of the Sea |
| 1:30 PM | Campus Tour (optional) | Meet at Garden of the Sea |
2:30 PM | Day one of Orientation ends |
TIME | DAY TWO: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Dean’s Breakfast 2023 Cohort Group Photo | Garden of the Sea |
| 9:45 AM | USD Case Managers & Kroc Communications | KIPJ Conference Room CD |
| 10:00 AM | Making the Kroc School Work for You & Your Career Development | KIPJ Conference Room CD |
| 10:45 AM | Program Breakout: MASI | KIPJ 249 |
| 10:45 AM | Program Breakout: MSCMR | KIPJ 247 |
| 10:45 AM | Program Breakout: MAPJ | KIPJ Conference Room H |
| 11:45 AM | Meet your Faculty Advisor | KIPJ Conference Room CD |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch | KIPJ Conference Room CD |
1:30 PM | Orientation Ends |
Session Descriptions
Day One (Monday, August 28, 2023)
Resource Expo
Arrive early for breakfast refreshments and mix and mingle with representatives from USD services available for graduate students.
Orientation Opening
Join Assistant Dean Frances Laviscount in the Peace and Justice Theatre to open orientation. Students will briefly learn about the many services offered to Kroc School students from various organizations on campus.
Dean’s Welcome
Hear from Dr. Dustin Sharp, Associate Dean and Professor of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, as he welcomes you to the Kroc School community.
You In a Nutshell
Sit back and enjoy the premiere of the “You in a Nutshell!” Video series for the 2023 Kroc School Cohort. Feel free to stand and/or wave when your video is presented.
Introduction to the Kroc School Institutes
Hear from the Kroc School’s two esteemed institutes, the Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice and Spark @ USD.
Peer-led Session: “Orienting Questions: Zine of Guidance”
A team of our continuing Kroc students will lead you in an exercise that will allow you to generate your own guiding curiosity into what you seek to learn and engage with in the context of the degree.
Peacemaker Postcards
While knowing you are surrounded by your Kroc School community, envision for yourself how you would like to remake the world. Write a postcard to your future self with your current intentions and visions for your time in your academic program and beyond.
Campus Tour (Optional)
Join Bianca as she walks you through the Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice building and across campus to become acquainted with the buildings, offices and centers at USD.
Day Two (Friday, September 1, 2023)
Dean’s Breakfast
Students are invited to get to know the Senior Vice President and Provost,
Interim Dean of the Kroc School of Peace Studies, Dr. Gail F. Baker, during this informal event. Continuing students, faculty, and staff will also be invited to mix and mingle with the 2023 cohort.
USD Case Managers and Kroc School Communications
Come and meet the USD Case Managers who promote student well-being by sharing information and resources, fostering connections, and empowering students to identify options and be their own advocates. In addition, Tony Campos, Product Marketing Specialist, will introduce the Kroc School communications and marketing efforts and how you can get involved.
Making the Kroc School Work for You & Your Career Development
This section will focus on two things. First, dive into who you are, how you want to remake the world, what tools and skills do you need to accomplish this goal and how to best use your time at Kroc to answer these questions. Second, how to shape these discoveries into your personalized career development plan.
Program Breakouts
Social Innovation, Peace and Justice, and Conflict Management and Resolution students will meet with just their programs to get to know the professors, continuing students, and their cohort.
Meet your Faculty Advisor
Your academic advisor will play an important role in your time as a Kroc School student. This meeting time will allow you to get to know the faculty member and your peers.
FAQs About Orientation
What is the face covering policy for orientation?
USD has made face coverings in indoor spaces optional for everyone. For more information on USD’s health and safety updates, please review the COVID-19 Campus Action Plan.
What is the suggested attire for orientation?
Attire for all orientation events is casual. Please bring layers as room temperatures cannot be changed. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes if you’re participating in the campus tour.
Should I bring my reusable water bottle?
Yes! Please bring a reusable water bottle — no water will be served during orientation. We encourage our students to refill their water in the multiple bottle-filling stations in the building.
What devices do I need?
Students may use their device or laptop during both days of orientation to participate in workshops, but devices won’t be required. If you bring a device, please be sure it is charged and you bring your power cord. You will need to connect to the USD wifi, eduroam, to participate.
What should I expect for parking at USD during orientation?
Parking will be limited during orientation. Please allow ample time — we suggest at least 30 minutes ahead of the start time — to search for parking and to take the USD Tram Service to the Kroc IPJ Building. For more information about USD parking, please visit this resource for students.
I’m riding my bike to campus — where can I lock it up?
USD worked with Park-a-Bike to install new bike racks as a two phase upgrade to increase bike parking and bike safety on campus. The increase in bike parking spaces is to encourage students and staff to commute to campus through cycling and alternative transportation. You can also check-out a bike for free from the USD Bike Library! Review bike safety tips before you ride.
Where can I find more information about alternative transportation?
Student and employee commuting comprises 27% of USD’s total carbon footprint. There are multiple modes of transportation that can help contribute to reducing USD’s impact on the environment. Please visit USD’s Office of Sustainability Programs website for more information.
Where will orientation be held?
All official orientation events will be held in the Kroc IPJ Building. Please visit USD’s interactive maps for more detailed directions.
What if I have special accommodations?
Please contact Louise Leu at lleu@sandiego.edu by Friday, August 18 to be sure your needs are met.
What if I have a food or beverage allergy?
Meals and refreshments served during orientation will include vegan and gluten free options. If you have a specific dietary need or allergy, please email Louise Leu at lleu@sandiego.edu by Friday, August 18 to be accommodated.
Will breakfast and coffee be served?
Yes, coffee and light breakfast refreshments will be served on both days of orientation. You can also visit the limited auxiliary services opened during orientation.