Dear Triton Parents and Families,

Welcome! We are so excited to kick off a new school year and delighted to have you and your student join our community. We know the vital role parents and family members play in the lives of students, and we also know the sacrifices you have made — and the emotional adjustment it takes — to send your student to a new home away from home.

Joining a new community, whether as a first-year or transfer student, is a big transition. It’s exciting and energizing, but it can also be challenging and overwhelming. From navigating new academic expectations to building new relationships, there’s a lot to take in.

We truly believe your student will have the best possible UC San Diego experience if we partner with you and your family to support them through their educational journey. We know that when families are informed, involved and invested, students thrive. By working together, we can help your student succeed in college and beyond.

We hope you’ll be actively involved in that partnership, too! Consider joining our Triton Family Ambassadors to support events and connect with other families. Attend our virtual and in-person programs throughout the year. Or explore becoming a member of our Parents Council to make an even greater impact through personal involvement and philanthropic support. And through it all, know that the Parent and Family Programs team is here to support you as you support your student.

In the meantime, enjoy our first Triton Family Connection Newsletter of the academic year. This quarterly e-newsletter keeps you informed about important events, resources and updates, and helps you stay connected to campus and your student's experience.

And finally, thank you for entrusting us with your student. We promise they’re in good hands, and we are thrilled to have them — and you! — as part of our Triton community.

Best,
Margot

Margot Clifford
Director, Parent and Family Programs

Meet the Parent and Family Programs Team

Kick off your UC San Diego journey with a relaxed afternoon gathering! Drop by our Triton Family Welcome Social on Saturday, September 20, between 1 and 4 p.m. to meet fellow Triton families, enjoy a sweet treat and pick up helpful resources for supporting your student’s transition to campus life.

This October, join your student for an unforgettable Family Weekend at UC San Diego! Dive into campus life, explore world-class facilities and create lasting memories that bring families closer together.

To start planning your visit, visit our Family Weekend webpage! 

Bienvenida Familiar hosted by the Raza Resource Centro

Join fellow incoming first years and transfer students at the Raza Resource Centro (RRC) for an open house on Saturday, September 20! Take a break from your day to mix and mingle with other Triton familias. Student and career staff will provide tours of the space and host informational sessions. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided. Visit the RRC website for all registration and event details.

¡Únete a tus compañeros de primer año y estudiantes de transferencia en el Centro de Recursos para la Raza para nuestro Open House el 20 de Septiembre! Tómate un descanso para socializar con otras familias Triton. El personal de la oficina ofrecerá visitas guiadas y sesiones informativas. Se ofrecerán aperitivos y bebidas. Visite nuestra página web para más información y registración.

Black Resource Center Welcome Events

Welcome Webinar — Monday, September 8, 6 – 7 p.m. PT

The Black Resource Center (BRC) is a Campus Community Center open to all. We promote scholarship, foster leadership and cultivate community for students through the committed, collaborative effort and support of faculty, staff and the broader UC San Diego community.

We invite parents and families of incoming students to join us for a welcoming webinar about the Black Resource Center. Learn about the programs, resources, and community we offer to support your student’s success.

Family Get Together — Saturday, September 20, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. PT

Join us for an evening with the Black Resource Center to welcome new students and their families! Learn about our programs, hear from a student, staff, and faculty panel, and enjoy dinner while connecting with the UC San Diego community. 

Harambee Community Retreat (for Students) — Tuesday, September 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PT

First-year and new transfer students are invited to join us for the Harambee Community Retreat! This welcoming program invites new students to connect, discover campus resources, and build community while preparing for a successful year ahead. 

Connect with Hillel of San Diego — Jewish Resource Center

Open House at Hillel of San Diego — Thursday, September 19, Noon – 3 p.m. at the Glickman Hillel Center

Come one and come all to the Glickman Hillel Center, your Jewish home away from at UC San Diego! You and yours are invited to see our space and learn about the programs we offer throughout the year, including regular Shabbat dinners, holiday gatherings, Jewish learning, travel opportunities and more. Meet the incredible staff supporting your college students and grab yourself a coffee and a bite to eat — on the house. No RSVP Necessary.

Send your Triton to Shabbat and High Holidays

We know many students  are looking for ways to connect religiously or spiritually when they're away from home, especially with the High Holidays starting September 22. Hillel of San Diego is proud to offer a variety of opportunities for students to engage in their culture through our Rosh Ha Shannah dinner and High Holy Day activities. We are also lucky to have many synagogues in San Diego. If your student is looking for a synagogue or services to attend, we are happy to help connect them to the right place! Follow us on Instagram for more information on the High Holidays and Shabbat with Hillel (@ucsdhillel).

Welcome Week Events

Check out our calendar to see our slate of Week 0 and Week 1 events for students, starting with our open house on September 18!

Family Weekend with Hillel of San Diego

Triton Families are invited to join Hillel of San Diego during Family Weekend for a Saturday "Shabbat Mezze" lunch. We can't wait to celebrate our students together!

Housing Assignments

Students have received an email with an access date and time to review their housing assignment and roommate information and to select a move-in window. You can view the schedule of housing community room assignment dates online.

Students who have not yet received their assignment will be notified via their ucsd.edu email when a housing assignment has been made. If this applies to your student, check in with them to make sure they are checking their ucsd.edu emails regularly. Students without an assignment will not be able to select a move-in date and time until their assignment is confirmed.

Move In: Fall 2025

Students will be able to select their move-in date and time on or after their housing assignment access date.

Students must select a move-in date and time by September 4, 2025. General move-in begins September 17 through September 21. Week Zero move-in begins September 22 through September 26. Students who plan to arrive after September 26 must connect with their housing community's Residence Life Office to arrange a late arrival.

For more move-in information, please visit our HDH Move In Page. Your student's Residential Life Housing Office will also be emailing welcome letters to your student providing specifics on move-in logistics and office hours.

2025–26 Dining Plans

Students choose a dining plan during the housing contract process and can change it in the Housing Portal starting on their community access date for MyRoomAssignment. Final changes must be made by October 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (PT) — after that, plans cannot be lowered.

Dining plan funds for the entire academic year are available at move in. Students should budget carefully each quarter and avoid spending more Dining Dollars or Triton Cash than they’ve paid for.

Students can monitor balances anytime using the Transact e-accounts portal or app and will also receive monthly email reminders. For early contract terminations, students should contact the Triton Card Accounts team for assistance with balances.

Additional Dining Dollar or Triton Cash deposits can be made anytime. Note: Triton Cash is required for on-campus laundry facilities.

Share Your Feedback with Undergraduate Admissions Events

As a valued member of our Triton family, your perspective is incredibly important.

If your student participated in any admitted student events hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps us enhance future programming for incoming students and their families.

This short survey is an opportunity to share your experience and help us better understand how we can support families like yours, including the most convenient days and times to host events for both students and their supporters.

Thank you for being part of the Triton community!

Sending your Triton off for a new school year is a proud moment — and we’re here to help make it a smooth one. From essential supplies and UC San Diego gear to the tech that keeps them connected, the UC San Diego Bookstore has everything they need to feel prepared and supported. Here’s to a year full of growth, success and Triton pride!

New Parent Perk for Your Triton On Campus

Show your Triton some love from anywhere with the NEW Ink’d Greetings kiosk at the UC San Diego Bookstore!

No mailing, no theft, no hassle — choose from 2,000+ card designs, add your heartfelt message and include an optional gift card, all printed in just 30 seconds. You can even order online from home, and your Triton can pick it up right here at the Bookstore, in the heart of campus. It’s the perfect way to send a boost of school spirit and support from afar. Bonus: First greeting card is free for new customers!

Catch the Current: Join Triton Tide!

Be part of the best student section in The Big West — Triton Tide!

UC San Diego undergraduate students receive free admission to ALL Triton Athletics regular season home events. Follow @UCSDTritonTide on social media for the latest information on upcoming events, giveaways and more! Go Tritons!

Catch Up on New Family Orientation Webinars

If you missed any of our New Family Orientation webinars, don’t worry — you can still catch up! All recordings are available in our New Family Orientation Hub, your one-stop shop for important information and resources to support your student’s transition. From finances and student health to housing, dining, academic support and campus jobs, the Hub covers it all. The Hub will remain open through the end of October, so there’s still plenty of time to explore!

Official Banking Partner of UC San Diego: University Credit Union (UCU)

We know how important it is for families to feel confident about their student’s financial wellbeing while they’re at UC San Diego. That’s why University Credit Union (UCU) is proud to be the official financial institution partner of UC San Diego, offering a safe, reliable and convenient on-campus banking solution.

The UCU Banking Hub is located right in the Price Center and students can easily access accounts, get personalized support and build healthy money habits — all without leaving campus.

Interested in helping your student open an account or want to learn more? Visit their website or stop by the UCU Banking Hub today! No appointment necessary.

Triton CORE – UC-San Diego’s Mobile Compassionate Response Team

Triton CORE is a mobile response team offering compassionate, on-campus support to students experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Staffed by licensed mental health professionals, the team responds to nonviolent situations with trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. Through consent-based interventions, wellness checks, clinical assessments and connections to campus or community resources, Triton CORE helps guide students to the appropriate level of care — supporting their safety, well-being and academic success. Parents and family members can call Triton CORE on behalf of any student on campus.

Triton CORE is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and can be reached by calling the UC San Diego Police Department Dispatch nonemergency line at 858-534-4357. Ask to speak to the Triton CORE team.

Student's may also access Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) urgent care services during business hours by calling 858-534-3755 (Option 2 outside business hours) and asking to speak with an urgent care clinician, or by walking in to the CAPS Office (Galbraith Hall, Room 190). A counselor can connect you with various support options, including Triton CORE.

Peace of Mind in the Palm of Their Hand

As your student begins their journey at UC San Diego, you want them to enjoy every moment of college life with the confidence that safety is never in question. The Timeli™ Smart Video Safety Flashlight is that peace of mind, combining powerful safety technology in one sleek easy-to-carry device.

Key Benefits for Your Student: Supported by UC San Diego and the UC San Diego Campus Police Department

• Live Dispatcher Support – Immediate phone and live video connection to trained safety professionals day or night
• One-Touch SOS Alerts – Notify emergency contacts and responders instantly with a single press
• Always On and Ready – A reliable safety companion that’s prepared 24/7
• HD Video Recording – Capture clear video evidence to protect your student’s story
• Realtime GPS Tracking – Share live location for added peace of mind when they’re on the move

Whether they're walking across campus after dark, heading to the library or traveling with friends, Timeli keeps your student safe, connected and confident every step of the way.

Additional Webinars on Health Insurance Requirements and RAFT (Reduced Access Fee for Tritons)

To assist you and your student in understanding UC San Diego's health insurance requirements and waiver process, we will be hosting two interactive sessions about UC Student Health Insurance (UC SHIP) requirements and the Reduced Access Fee for Tritons (RAFT). These sessions will cover detailed information about UC SHIP, RAFT and other forms of insurance. They will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.

To join a session, please register using the links below. Parents and families are welcome to attend with their students. A recording or a prior session can be found on our website.

Help Your Student Make the Most of UC San Diego

Starting college can be exciting and overwhelming, which is why UC San Diego created Willo, a student life and well-being app codesigned with students. Willo curates events, resources and support based on your student’s interests and even connects with MyStudentChart for easy access to health care appointments.

Encourage your student to download Willo today and start their journey supported, connected and ready to thrive.

Get to Know Your Student's Health Care Support

The Student Health Services (SHS) clinic on campus is open to all registered students for primary care, urgent care, pharmacy services, reproductive health, immunizations, optometry and more. Learn more about SHS services on our website and how to make an appointment – including online self-scheduling in MyStudentChart. Telehealth appointments are available when students are in the state of California.

Important Reminders!
Health Requirements: The SHS nurse team is actively helping incoming 2025–26 students fulfill their specific health requirements for entering UC San Diego. This includes tuberculosis (TB) risk assessments and specific vaccines. Completing the health requirements helps students protect the campus community and reduce the likelihood of academic interruption. Failure to complete the requirements will result in a hold your student's account, impacting their ability to enroll in classes:

• TB requirement deadline: July 14; holds placed July 29 (preventing fall enrollment)
• Immunization requirement deadline: July 14; holds placed November 1 (preventing winter enrollment)
• SHS allows students the first month of their incoming quarter to receive any missing vaccines, including the seasonal influenza and COVID vaccines.

Measles Alert
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus, also known as rubeola. Measles cases are on the rise globally and nationally. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, pink eye, red spots inside the mouth and a body rash that starts at the headline and spreads downwards towards the rest of the body. In recent outbreaks, 95% of cases are in people who are unvaccinated or with unknown vaccine status. Vaccinations can slow down outbreaks and can provide protection from infection as soon as two weeks following vaccination. The measles vaccine (MMR) is one of the required immunizations for incoming students and SHS is working to ensure all students are fully vaccinated. Full vaccination includes two (2) doses of MMR on or after the age of one, with at least four weeks between doses.

Support from Your Student's Dean of Student Affairs

College can be filled with challenges that impact a student's ability to succeed. Each Undergraduate College has a dean of student affairs who is available to support students who need help navigating obstacles (both on- and off-campus) and accessing campus resources. If there are issues coming up for your student that are impacting their academic success and well-being, encourage them to reach out to their dean of student affairs.

Get to Know Your Student Employment Office

On-Campus Student Employment Fair
The Student Employment Office is hosting On-Campus Student Employment Fair on Thursday, October 9, from 10 am to 4 pm at LionTree Arena. This event is hosted in partnership with the UC San Diego Career Center as part of the 2025 In-Person Fall Career Fair.

Work-Study
If your student has been awarded work-study from the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, remind them to accept their work-study award when they receive their financial aid award letter. If your student has already accepted their financial aid, but is unsure if they accepted their work-study award, they should contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.

Handshake
Handshake is a free online career management hub that gives students access to job and internship postings, career fair and employer events, professional development workshops and more! Handshake is easy to navigate and is one of the most common job search platforms used at colleges and universities all across the country. To get started, students should go to joinhandshake.com and use their UC San Diego student email address to create their profile. After setting up their profile, they can filter and search job postings based on their interests.​

International Patient Services Program

UC San Diego Health's International Patient Concierge Services program provides comprehensive medical care and support services to international patients, including those with complex medical needs.

Support services include:

• Assistance finding the right doctors
• Scheduling appointments
• Help understanding financial coverages for medical procedures
• Assistance getting around the hospital system and city of San Diego
• Coordination of patients’ medical treatment with their hometown physicians, including telemedicine

For more information, visit their website. 

Get Involved: Triton Family Ambassadors 

As parents and family members, you play an important role in your student's educational journey, and we encourage you to take an active part in our Triton community. Consider joining our Triton Family Ambassadors to support campus events, foster connections among families and represent UC San Diego to both current and prospective parents.

Every family member has experience and insights that help enrich our community. Become a Triton Family Ambassador and help create the connections that make our Triton family thrive.

Mark the Moment. Make a Difference.

Starting college is a big milestone — for your student and for your whole family. Whether you’re sending us your first college student or your youngest, and whether they’re a first-year or a transfer, this moment has been years in the making.

As you celebrate this important step, we invite you to also celebrate and support the Triton community. A gift to UC San Diego — whether to the Greatest Needs Fund or to an area that matters most to you — is a meaningful way to honor your student’s journey and help strengthen the university they now call home.

Founded in 1960, UC San Diego is still a young public university — and the partnership of parents and families is vital to our continued growth and success. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and with your support, we can go even further. 

For more information about ways to give, please contact: 
Marla Libraty
Director of Development, Parent and Family Giving
mlibraty@ucsd.edu