Chapter 9: Campus Life
91影视 students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities as part of their total development. The primary educational objective in supporting student activities and organizations is to foster a community that is enriched by men and women of diverse backgrounds, wherein freedom of inquiry and expression enjoys high priority.
The following sections describe various aspects of student life and services.
Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry supports the spiritual wellness of all students at 91影视. Because we are grounded in the Catholic, Jesuit traditions, we welcome people of all faiths, religions, spiritual identities, and those seeking a relationship and connection with creation, community, and self. The professional ministry staff is committed to building a campus community and supporting the full humanity of all people by fostering spirituality, wellness, and belonging. In addition to six full-time campus ministers, the office includes student ministry interns, spirituality facilitators in the residence halls, and desk assistants who foster hospitality. Our stance in Campus Ministry reflects our shared Jesuit values that the Spirit comes alive when we work for justice in the world.
What does Campus Ministry have to offer?
- Worship: During the academic year, we sponsor three Sunday liturgies in the Mission Church, daily noon Mass, and annual Masses celebrating the University鈥檚 Catholic and Jesuit traditions. Throughout the year, the campus community is invited to participate in Misas en Espa帽ol, the sacrament of reconciliation, and prayer services across campus to mark religious and secular holidays across all faith denominations.
- Mosaic Ministry: This ministry supports a wide variety of cultural identity and faith-based student-led organizations. We also have intercultural celebrations in observance of events such as D铆a de los Muertos, Simbang Gabi, Las Posadas, la Virgen de Guadalupe, and Lunar New Year, as well as intercultural liturgies for heritage months. In addition, Campus Ministry facilitates and participates in Mosaic events, which are multicultural and multifaith gatherings of students. Mosaic gatherings include monthly dinners, wellness events, campus-wide socials, and sacred space tours.
- Retreats: 91影视 students are offered a number of retreat experiences over the course of the academic year. Some of these align with other programming, such as LEAD or Hurtado scholars; others are open to all campus community members, such as the fall Faith Formation retreat.
- Spirituality and reflection groups: Campus Ministry-organized Ignatian Life Communities are opportunities for students to explore spiritual practice and identity in small groups of their peers. Other opportunities include weekly Breaking Open the Word (reflection on the lectionary readings). Individuals and groups seeking support to form reflection groups are encouraged to come to Campus Ministry for assistance.
- Residential Life Ministry: Campus Ministry is an integral part of the university鈥檚 Residential Life Community program, through collaboration and partnership with the Office of Residential Life and Faculty Directors. In the residence halls, graduate student Spirituality Facilitators provide spiritual accompaniment, offer student community wellness, and support the needs of residents as individuals and in community. The Spirituality Facilitators host monthly Spiritual Wellness events,practice a ministry of presence, and support the Residential Life staff in programming. Full-time staff members in Campus Ministry partner closely with Student Life to support student development on a regular basis and for crisis care.
- LGBTQ+ Ministry: Our office celebrates, respects, supports, and cares for 91影视鈥檚 LGBTQ+ community. Through joining advocacy efforts for LGBTQ+ policies and programs, hosting community dinners, and partnering with the Rainbow Resource Center, we strive to provide our queer students a place of belonging and compassion. Additionally, we lead an annual delegation of students to attend IgnatianQ, a conference for LGBTQ+ students from Jesuit universities to 鈥渃reate community, develop spirituality, and build humanity.鈥� This conference has inspired the Ignatian Life Community Spiritual Queeries, a small group for queer students who are curious about the mysteries of the universe.
- Catholic Faith formation: Campus Ministry offers several opportunities for students to learn, reflect, and grow in regard to their faith through Scripture reflection, forums, seasonal devotions, and presentations. We also offer a year-long course of preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation in the Catholic Church (OCIA) in coordination with the Diocese of San Jose.
- Social justice awareness and action: Campus Ministry provides students with a variety of opportunities to live out a faith that does justice. Some key focus areas include participation in the annual Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice and service opportunities with local community organizations including, for example, Santa Maria Urban Ministry, Sunday Friends, Sacred Heart Community Center, and the Center for Farmworker Families.
- Faith-based clubs: In partnership with the Center for Student Involvement, Campus Ministry aids in the mentoring and support of all faith-based registered student organizations, including, for example, the Muslim Student Association, Students for Life, the Jewish Student Union, College Catholics, and the Sikh Student Association.
- Sacred spaces: Throughout campus, there are spaces for prayer, meditation, and reflection, such as the Mission Church, the Multifaith Sanctuary in St. Joseph鈥檚 Hall, and the Meditation Room in Benson. All are welcome to find a place of rest in these sacred spaces.
- Intern Formation: We cannot do our work without our student interns! They are ambassadors of Campus Ministry across the university: in their classes, their residence halls, and other co-curricular activities. Our interns work closely with the staff to plan and lead our programs, from liturgy and music to Catholic faith formation, to LGBTQ+ ministry, our interfaith Mosaic initiatives, as well as our justice and hospitality events. They make Campus Ministry accessible and relevant to the broader 91影视 community. To be strengthened for this work, our interns receive ongoing formation throughout the year from our staff, with retreats, reflection gatherings, and one-on-one mentorship.
We invite students to get involved with these ministries to explore their own faith, spirituality, and values. Additionally, students can develop their own leadership skills by serving and leading in all program areas, as volunteers, or as an intern.
Is Campus Ministry for everyone?
Yes! College is a particularly rich time for learning about ourselves and our world and for practicing what it means to live our commitments of faith and justice in the world. Campus Ministry welcomes all 91影视 community members to deepen their faith identities and spiritual practices, regardless of their tradition or personal stance.
Charted Student Organizations
Chartered Student Organizations are largely undergraduate student focused. However, the groups listed here have opportunities for graduate student participation.
K91影视
K91影视 FM 103.3听is 91影视's own student-operated radio station. K91影视 provides hands-on radio broadcasting experience to students and community members. The staff of K91影视 operates all aspects of the radio station providing leadership opportunities in a variety of areas including music, promotions, management, and sports broadcasting.
Multicultural Center (MCC)
The Multicultural Center听(MCC) is the multicultural programming body and racial/ethnic advocacy voice for the campus community. The MCC is an umbrella organization for 16 clubs including the African Student Association (ASA), Asian Pacific-Islander Student Union (APSU), Barkada (Filipino), Chinese Student Association (CSA), Hermanas Unidas (Latina), Igwebuike (Black/Pan African), Intandesh (South Asian), Japanese Student Association (JSA), Ka Mana`o O Hawai`i, Korean Student Association (KSA), Latinx Student Union (LSU), Middle Eastern North African Club (MENA), Queer People of Color Association (QPOCA), Together for Ladies of Color (TLC), Undocumented Students and Allies Association (USAA), and Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). Membership in any of these student organizations is open to the entire 91影视 community.
Student Resources and Services
Listed below are some of the many service centers established to meet the needs of students. Each center provides a variety of programs to encourage personal growth.
Career Center
The Career Center at 91影视 takes a forward-thinking approach to understanding our students鈥� emerging learning needs, using innovative educational and employer engagement models to facilitate and accelerate our students鈥� personal and professional development. The heart of the Career Center鈥檚 work involves a passion for helping students find their fit, discover the intersection of their talents, and discover what brings them joy and what the world needs.
The Career Center offers individual career coaching to support students in their career discernment. Additionally, the Career Center offers a variety of programs and services each year, including career fairs, employer information sessions, classes and workshops on internship and job search strategies, r茅sum茅s and cover letters, LinkedIn, networking and interviewing, and more.
Handshake, the Career Center's premier job and internship platform, connects students with over 35,000 employers by listing tens of thousands of job and internship opportunities in Silicon Valley and beyond. Students are encouraged to engage with the Career Center early and often in their exploration of Silicon Valley鈥檚 vibrant employment marketplace鈥攚ith opportunities ranging from fellowships, internships, research opportunities, and full-time jobs. The Career Center also disseminates a range of information, resources, and tools to support students in their career exploration and preparation through its听Career Center website.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)听is staffed with a diverse team of licensed therapists, graduate-level psychological trainees, and mental health professionals dedicated to promoting students鈥� well-being through short-term therapy, crisis support, groups & workshops, and more. The multidisciplinary team is committed to the values of multiculturalism and social justice, and are dedicated to providing mental health services that are open to and accepting of every student we serve.
CAPS providers strive to promote, enhance, and support students鈥� emotional and interpersonal well-being through a range of mental health services offered within a safe and confidential environment. In counseling, students work on a wide range of psychosocial and developmental issues such as depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, disturbed sleep, eating behaviors, identity development, acculturation, academic motivation, homesickness, family concerns, intimacy, and sexuality. CAPS appointments are free of charge. CAPS also offers CAPS 24/7 which is a supplemental service for 91影视 students, offering teletherapy, crisis support, referral support and more. Call (408) 554-5220 any hour of the day or night to get started or log onto 听and register through with 91影视 email address.
Office of Accessible Education
The Office of Accessible Education听is designated by the University to ensure disabled students have equitable access to all academic and University programs. We strive to support disabled students with, but not limited to, medical, physical, psychological, attention deficit, and learning disabilities, in participating fully in campus life, its programs, and activities. In an effort to build a more inclusive campus, we provide academic accommodations, support services, and disability-related educational programming for the 91影视 community. A student may register with the Office of Accessible Education by completing the online registration form and providing documentation of their disability, after which if appropriate, accommodations will be determined and implemented by the University.
Rainbow Resource Center (RRC)
As a part of the Office for Multicultural Learning, the Rainbow Resource Center (RRC)听educates, empowers, and celebrates the experiences and identities of the LGBTQ+ community at 91影视. The RRC maintains an affirming, inclusive, and welcoming environment for people of all identities. In addition, we advocate for those who self-identify within the wide spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions and educate the whole person within the context of Jesuit values.
Student Medical Services
Student Medical Services (SMS)听is staffed with a physician, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and medical assistants. A registered dietitian is available on a part-time basis. SMS provides high-quality on-site medical care including diagnosis and treatment of illness and injuries, a limited in-house medication dispensary , and medical referrals to specialists when needed. Medical visits to the Student Health, Counseling, and Well-Being鈥檚 Student Medical Services range from $10 to $50 per visit for all students. Visit fees are in addition to all other nominal associated fees, such as the cost of medications, lab/blood tests, and supplies. When SMS is closed during the academic year, an advice nurse is available by phone for students at 408-554-4880. A volunteer student emergency medical group, 91影视 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is also available after hours for medical emergencies on campus during the academic year. SMS is closed from mid-June to mid-August.
91影视 Emergency Medical Services
91影视 Emergency Medical Services (EMS)听is a student-run organization that is based out of the Student Health, Counseling, and Well-Being. These students are known as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and offer emergency medical services to 91影视 students from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. every night excluding finals, academic breaks, and holidays.
Wellness Center
The Wellness Center听promotes a holistic approach to students鈥� physical, emotional, psychological, and/or interpersonal well-being. The Center鈥檚 counseling and medical staffers are available when students believe that their well-being is being compromised in any way. Through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Student Health Services (SHS), 91影视 Emergency Medical Services (91影视 EMS), and Student Health Insurance, the Wellness Center has a wealth of health and wellness resources to support students as they navigate the academic rigors at 91影视.
Information Resources
Information Services
Computing Services
Students are supported with a variety of computing services. Students receive an 91影视 Username and password that provides access to multiple applications and resources via My91影视. Students also have access to high-speed wired and wireless networks for campus and Internet resources. Students may use the network to access their Gmail and Google Workspace account, Camino learning management system, SmartPrint, Zoom web conferencing, Portfolium, Qualtrics, and Workday.
91影视 email is used by the University to send official notifications to undergraduate students, and is also used as a frequent communication tool between and among faculty and students. Students are therefore urged to use their 91影视 email address as their primary email. Students who opt to utilize other email services are advised to check their 91影视 email frequently to avoid missing important communications.
The University provides over 120 PC and Mac workstations in the Learning Commons with a variety of software packages to support both general computing needs and multimedia production.
Free guest wireless access is also available for students鈥� visiting friends and family.
Workday
All students have access to administrative information and services at all times through Workday. Students use Workday to enroll in classes, review financial accounts, maintain personal information like addresses and phone numbers, and more.
Student employees use Workday to fill out their timesheets, view their paychecks and more.
Information Security
The Information Security Office advocates for the protection of the University鈥檚 information assets, and works with campus groups to ensure that students, faculty, and staff have access to all of the information resources they need. This office educates the 91影视 community on cybersecurity issues, identifies security risks to University networks and data, and works to protect the University against malware, virus outbreaks, and other cyberattacks with modern defense capabilities.
AV/Media Support
Located on the first floor of the Harrington Learning Commons, Media Services听offers a broad range of audio and video, online collaboration, graphics, and multimedia equipment, resources, and services. Students have access to equipment and services for class-related projects and co-curricular use. Media Services supports technology in classrooms, conference rooms, and campus events spaces; Zoom web conferencing and Panopto video recording/hosting; campus digital signage; and poster printing for academic needs. Live and on-demand television streaming in the residence halls is provided by Xfinity On Campus.
Instructional Technology Support
Located on the first floor of the Harrington Learning Commons, the Instructional Technology team supports a broad range of resources and services, including the Camino Learning Management System (91影视鈥檚 branded version of Canvas); technology tools such as VoiceThread, Hypothesis, and PollEverywhere; multimedia and multimodal student projects; and the Digital Media Lab on the third floor of the Learning Commons.
Technology Help Desk
Located on the first floor of the Harrington Learning Commons, staff are ready to help you with your computing and network needs. During the academic quarter, the Technology Help Desk is typically open鈥� seven days a week. Specific hours and contact information, as well as summer and intersession hours, can be found on the 91影视 Technology website.
Technology Training
Technology Training delivers software training and support to 91影视 students. Services include classes, office hours, LinkedIn Learning accounts, and web tutorials tailored to help users learn software applications used in teaching, learning, and scholarship. More information about the services offered through Technology Training can be found on the Technology Training website.
University Library
The 91影视 Library is a central hub for students to study and collaborate. The library has a mix of both individual and group seating, group study rooms, computer labs, outside patios, as well as a cafe on the first floor. Throughout the year the library hosts events, art exhibits, and late-night hours. Library staff are available to support student research鈥攖here is a subject librarian, for every discipline, who can meet individually with students. The library staff are available in person at the Library Help Desk, through , or through our , 鈥淎sk a Librarian.鈥�.
Library resources, which can be accessed within the library and remotely, include an online catalog (OSCAR), over 250 general and subject-specific databases, research guides for many subjects and some specific classes, and LINK+ and an interlibrary loan program. The library鈥檚 collection includes books, ebooks, magazines and journals, streaming videos, and more. Visit the University Library.
International Students and Scholars
The International Students and Scholars Program听is a program in the Global Engagement Office. The program provides assistance to graduate international students with support related to visas, intercultural and academic adjustment, and general support for their transition to, and continued success in, their studies on campus and in post-graduation employment.
U.S. immigration regulations are complex and change frequently. The University strives to maintain a website that is both current and helpful, however, 91影视 is not responsible for students maintaining lawful immigration status; this is the responsibility of the student. Further, resources and links do not constitute an endorsement by 91影视.
Writing Center
The HUB Writing Center听offers drop-in and appointment-based writing support to all undergraduate and graduate students. The HUB assists with all types of academic writing as well as public speaking projects, personal statements, cover letters, and creative writing projects. The writing center also offers students the opportunity to become writing partners/tutors and to participate in independent studies and research projects.
Office For Multicultural Learning (OML)
As a part of the Inclusive Excellence Division, the Office for Multicultural Learning听is committed to promoting social justice, building bridges between all communities, and celebrating differences of students, staff, and faculty at 91影视. In addition, we advocate for historically underrepresented populations and educate the whole person within the context of Jesuit values.
The Office for Multicultural Learning is guided by Three C's:
- Celebrate the diversity that makes up 91影视 while critically analyzing systems that exist locally, nationally, and globally.
- Contemplate through meaningful dialogue and meaningful interactions between individuals from different backgrounds.
- Commit to a deeper understanding of ourselves and others through identity development training and advocacy that advances institutional equity across 91影视 University.