DEAN’S LEADERSHIP FUND
A Special Donor Impact Report
A MESSAGE FROM DEAN NORTON
On behalf of the University of San Diego College of Arts and Sciences, I am pleased to express our deepest gratitude for your generosity and ongoing commitment to USD. Your continued support of the Dean’s Leadership Fund enables us to invest in student success and foster a culture of innovation that spans the breadth of human knowledge. From the Arts and Humanities to the Natural and Social Sciences, you help us empower our students and faculty to make remarkable contributions to their respective fields.
I am delighted to share this report which highlights the outstanding achievements of our students and faculty over the last fiscal year.
Thank you once again. Your philanthropic spirit is truly inspiring.
Sincerely,
Noelle Norton, PhD Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
BY THE NUMBERS
This 2023-2024 school year, we welcomed over 1,600 incoming first-year and transfer students to USD’s College of Arts and Sciences.
4.1
Average GPA of incoming students
43 States represented by new students
13:1
Over 50% of new students identify as students of color.
Student-to-faculty ratio which fosters close knit connections between students and faculty members.
ARTBUILDS COLLECTIVE
The ArtBuilds collective, co-founded by four USD faculty members, displayed their sculpture, “Unfolding Humanity,” at Burning Man in Nevada in August 2023.
GRAND OPENING OF ACADEMIC DISTRICT
The College of Arts and Sciences Academic District (CAD) opened on October 20, 2023. This community center provides a vibrant environment where students can seek assistance on all academic matters. The CAD is a dynamic space designed to cater to the diverse needs of our students such as accessing resources or simply finding a comfortable spot to study.
SAN SALVADOR, BAHAMAS
Spring Break 2024 took ocean sciences students in EOSC 494: Coral Reefs, Sea-level and Climate Change to San Salvador in the Bahamas!
Students conducted groundbreaking research on the impact of climate change on coral reefs. From their base at the Gerace Research Center, they delved into the intricate dynamics of coral reef ecosystems, studying long-term changes in coral reefs and carbonate sedimentation and explored how these changes shape the island’s landscape. Led by Professors Sarah Gray and Eric Cathcart, the students immersed themselves into the study of the landscape and history of the small
learning experiences that not only broaden their academic horizons but also deepen their commitment to environmental stewardship.
VIRTUAL REALITY AT USD
Virtual reality (VR) headsets were recently integrated into COMM 335: Media Law and Policy. Students were provided with access to cuttingedge technology that enhances their learning experiences and prepares them for the challenges of our ever-changing world.
In this class, students embark on a journey of exploration, conducting rapid ethnographies and collaboratively crafting policy recommendations to ensure the safety and inclusivity of virtual experiences. This immersive approach fosters a deeper understanding of emerging technologies and instills in our students the importance of technology, society and policy with creativity and compassion.
THREE NEW ACADEMIC MINORS
Three new minors were recently introduced to the College of Arts and Sciences: Law, Justice and Society, Food Studies, and Public Relations. These new programs reflect our commitment to offering diverse educational opportunities that will empower students to address vital conte issues in our society.
Law, Justice and Society: The Law, Justice and Society minor explores the complex relationships between legal systems and societal dynami preparing students for careers in public policy and advocacy.
Food Studies: The Food Studies minor examines critical issues like ethical farming and the impact of climate change on food systems, equipping students for roles in the food industry, community organizations, health and wellness sectors, social impact companies and policy-making arenas.
Public Relations: The Public Relations minor prepares students to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their stakeholders, developing skills in communication, strategic planning, media management, and ethics applicable in various contexts including business, nonprofit, and government.
ETHNIC STUDIES CHAIR IN ITALY
Department of Ethnic Studies
Chair Dr. Alberto traveled to the International Society for Contemplative Research conference in Padova, Italy. Dr. Pulido presented his work on “Situated Contemplation” which explores how contemplative practices can address challenges faced by marginalized communities.
His research, focusing on addressing trauma and erasure, aligns with this year’s conference theme of embodied cognitions and intersubjectivity in uncertain times.
Endeavors like this highlight our faculty’s unwavering dedication to supporting marginalized communities and advancing scholarship in crucial areas.
THE FREEDOM WRITERS DIARY
On November 15, the College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Sociology, University Ministry, Student Affairs and the Career Development Center cosponsored a compelling discussion featuring Erin Gruwell of the Freedom Writers Foundation, alongside some of the original Freedom Writers.
This inspiring movement emerged from the aftermath of the LA Riots of 1992, as students at Long Beach’s Wilson High School united to confront violence, racism, and division.
The event, made possible in part by the generous support of the Dean’s Leadership Fund, delved into these still timely and pressing issues in the world, drawing on the invaluable experiences of the Freedom Writers.
Your support not only helped make this event possible but also directly benefited our students by providing them with a unique opportunity for dialogue, learning and engagement with important social issues.
PHOTOGRAPHY LAB
The Dean’s Leadership Fund and its donors transformed Camino 28, the classroom primarily used for digital photography and photography lectures.
By rerouting data cables, we were able to reorient student desks so that students can see one another during discussions, professors can see student work on computers while they instruct, and much more space remains open for demonstrations of technical equipment.
Students, faculty, and staff in the photo area in the Visual Arts program in the Department of Art, Architecture and Art History are all very grateful for the nimble way the fund responded to student needs and had a real impact on our teaching and learning environment.
