Academic and Personal Support

At SFSU, you are not alone. Starting university is an exciting new chapter in your life, but we know it comes with a lot of transitions that can sometimes be challenging. SFSU has academic and personal support programs tailored to help you. Also talk to faculty and staff in your college — there are folks all over campus eager to help you reach your goals.

We have such an amazing group of partners in this work across campus and a strong network of services and resources crucial to supporting our students holistically so they can thrive and continue to grow at SFSU.
—Sara Flynn, interim director of the Basic Needs Center, which provides food, housing and financial crisis support.

Academic advising

As the primary location for undergraduate academic advising, the Undergraduate Advising Center can help you navigate your overall transition and wellness and set you on a path to academic success. First-year, second-year and undeclared students are assigned an academic counselor while students in their third year to graduation who have declared majors or pre-majors are advised by their college advising team.

“We want our students to know they have places to go for support from the University from the beginning of their academic journey all the way through graduation and even beyond,” Vice Provost of Academic Planning and Dean of Undergraduate Education Lori Beth Way told SF State News when the new advising center opened in 2023.

Visit the Undergraduate Advising Center

Tutoring

The Tutoring and Academic Support Center (TASC) supports students on campus or online via Zoom. They offer weekly appointments with the same tutor, one-time appointments, drop-in hours and group tutoring. Some campus departments and programs offer additional tutoring tailored for their students.

Visit the Tutoring and Academic Support Center

Academic, mentoring and financial support programs

There are several campus programs that provide more comprehensive support customized to meet the needs of different student populations. Visit each program’s website to learn about eligibility and how to apply.

• Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): For over 55 years, EOPP has increased access, academic excellence and retention of historically underserved, low-income and first-generation students.
• Guardian Scholars Program: This program is for undergraduate and graduate students who are current or former foster youth. It has partners on campus and off to create a pipeline to SFSU ... and to a degree.
• Student Support Services (TRIO): TRIO is a federally funded program that offers holistic services for low-income and first-generation students. The program has a strong emphasis on community.
• Metro College Success Program: Metro is a campus-wide program that offers learning communities (aka academies) in each SFSU academic college. Program services and faculty coaches support students during their first two years, building a foundation for long-term success.
• Project Rebound: Project Rebound supports formerly incarcerated students as they enroll at SFSU and work toward their degrees. Founded at SFSU in 1967, the program provides a supportive campus community along with financial assistance, housing support and connections to internships and jobs.

Basic needs

The Basic Needs Center helps students navigate food, housing or financial insecurity via a variety of program. The Basic Needs Center has many campus and community partners, including Gator Health and Well-being.

The Center’s programs include SparkPoint, a new partnership between United Way Bay Area (UWBA) and SFSU. Financial coaches work with students to recognize behavioral outcomes, set goals, identify strategies and establish realistic action plans.

“We take pride in helping our students achieve upward social mobility, and this new SparkPoint program will ensure more students can attain that,” SFSU Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Miguel Hernández said. “That’s because when students have their basic needs met, they are more likely to perform well academically and ultimately graduate.”

Visit the Basic Needs Center

Health and Counseling Services

SFSU provides on-campus services to support students’ physical and mental health. Student Health Services offers confidential basic health services, primary care, and pharmacy and laboratory services, along with resources for preventive care, disease management and treatment.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) supports students’ mental health and well-being through counseling, same-day support, drop-in services, groups and workshops. Both CAPS and Student Health Services are located in the Gator Student Health Center, making it easier for students to find the care and support they need on campus.

Learn about Gator Health and Well-Being (HBW)

Disability Programs and Resource Center

Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC) works with students to ensure all aspects of campus life (academics, events and employment) are accessible. Accommodations include, but are not limited to, physical access, assistive technology, note-taking and more.

Visit the DPRC

LGBTQ services

Partners across campus — students, faculty and staff, organizations, clubs — provide LGBTQ services and community. Gator Health and Well-being offers inclusive primary care and mental health support. The Queer & Trans Resource Center offers various resources and events and is connected to other relevant student programs.

LGBTQ Services

Veteran services

Active-duty service members, military veterans, dependents and reservists using California state or Veterans Affairs education benefits are encouraged to connect with SFSU’s Veterans Services.

“This is a safe space for us,” former VETS at SFSU Vice President Briana Torres told SF State News about Vets Corner, a place for veterans, dependents and active-duty military members in the SFSU community.

Veterans Services