How Student Affairs Supports Both Residential & Commuter Students

Through various departments and programs, the Division of Student Affairs promotes student growth and leadership development. It provides opportunities for residential and commuter students to connect and engage in the campus community while striving to provide a safe and inclusive environment. SDSU has become less of a commuter campus over the past decade, as more students lived on or near campus.

In the past decade:

In 2009, a new Honors Residential College opened, providing students in the University Honors Program a unique community. Highly motivated students encourage each other to excel as they share experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.

• In 2001, Cuicacalli opened, SDSU’s first suite-style residence hall.
• In 2003, Residential Education began infusing academics into the residence halls through the expansion of residential learning communities. These are designed to assist first-time freshmen living on campus with their transition from high school to college. They serve as high-impact educational practices” by featuring:
• Live-in faculty
• Peer mentoring
• In-hall tutors
• Academic resource centers called STAR (Students Taking Academic Responsibility)
• Service learning opportunities
• Interdisciplinary seminars


In 2008, Safe Zones was created to promote an accepting, supportive and proactive environment for the SDSU’s LGBTQ* community. The campuswide initiative was spearheaded by Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services.

• In 2010, SDSU was ranked as the No. 30 veteran-friendly university in the country by Military Times Edge.
• In 2010, students living on campus enjoyed a “Lunch and Learn” mini-presentation series by employers and alumni on career and networking topics. All took place during lunch and were sponsored by Faculty-in-Residence (FIRs), Residential Education, and Career Services.
• In 2010, SDSU ranked as one of the top 20 most LGBTQ^*-friendly campuses in the nation, according to CampusPride.org.
• A revamped International House living community was named Global Pathways. It is a living/learning community created by the International Student Center and Residential Education Office.

^*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning.