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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
SAFE Place
If you require assistance, please email The SAFE Place at safeplace@sfsu.edu or call Counseling and Psychological Services at 415-338-2208 to make an appointment. Drop-in appointments are also available. Learn more here.
If you need after-hours support, please reach out to our community partner SFWar at 415-647-7273.
Student Conduct
Ensuring campus integrity by upholding standards, promoting accountability, and fostering a respectful environment.
PROGRAMS
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.