USF provides students with many resources and support in order to help them succeed. However, students are not always aware of how extensive these services can be. Here are three resources that are easily accessible and help students academically, mentally, and physically.
Center for Academic and Student Achievement (CASA) — University Center, 3rd Floor
CASA is a support system that helps students receive any assistance they need with academic planning. During appointments with their CASA success coach, students can get assistance with changing or adding a major or minor, preparing for graduation, and career opportunities. To schedule an appointment, students can go to the new Student Hub and click on the green button that reads, “Make New Appointment.” After clicking that button, students will be directed to a scheduling page, which contains a calendar displaying their success coach’s appointment availability. After a student requests an appointment, CASA sends a confirmation email confirming the date, time, and any instructions for the appointment. success coaches also offer weekly drop-in hours in residence halls and in front of the bookstore for off-campus students. Students can refer to CASA’s website for a full list of times.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) — Gillson Hall, Lower Level
CAPS provides USF students with free counseling and therapy sessions to help them work through mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. CAPS offers single session therapy (SST), which can be scheduled at their office in the lower level of Gillson Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday or over the phone at (415) 422-6352 during the same hours. CAPS does their best to schedule meetings for students as soon as possible. However, CAPS’ services are often in high demand during midterm and final exams, and it is not uncommon for wait times to reach up to two weeks during those times. If students are experiencing a mental health emergency, they can be taken in for a same-day meeting. Although CAPS support is meant to be short-term, it gives students the support and resources they need to obtain longer-term treatment from other providers in the area. If students need urgent help after CAPS closes, they can utilize the After Hours line at (855) 531-0761, which is available from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. the following day on weekdays, and 24/7 on weekends and holidays. This line connects students to a free mental health consultation with a professional counselor.
Koret Health and Recreation Center— 2130 Fulton St. (Entrance at the corner of Parker and Turk)
The Koret Health and Recreation Center is a great place to relieve stress when you’re not in class. Koret boasts two floors of cardio equipment, the largest indoor pool in the city (it’s just inches short of Olympic-size), and two weight rooms in the basement. One of Koret’s lesser-known features is its variety of free exercise classes — including, but not limited to: body sculpting, boxing fundamentals, cycling, pilates, and yoga. Koret also offers personal training sessions, which students can book online for $40. Additional services include chair massages and self-defense sessions.
