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Growth and connection: Student Success Center grand opening
USF Encounter
On Oct. 7, 2026, the University of St.Francis (USF) celebrated a long-awaited milestone: the grand opening of the Student Success Center (SSC). The SSC has been in the works since the 2025 fall semester. Located in between the two wings of Tower Hall, the building includes a student common area/dining space, the registrar's office, the Academic Resource Cent
Tom Welsh looks to soar as the head of USF Volleyball
USF Encounter
At the end of last women’s volleyball season, Cara Currier, former coach of the program for the past 24 seasons, announced that she would be retiring from the position. While searching for a new women’s coach, the University of St. Francis (USF) also introduced a men’s volleyball program to the school, further raising the qualifications of the position to ma
Sugar, pumpkin spice and everything nice
USF Encounter
I will be honest, when it comes to holidays, hot takes, or pretty much anywhere my opinion is needed, I am a hater by nature. Usually, my initial instinct is to squint and judge as if everything personally wronged me. But even I have my exceptions, and pumpkin spice is one of them. The minute the weather dips below gross and sweaty, my inner fall lover wakes
Scarlett speaks: How do we succeed through transformation?
USF Encounter
Transformation and change are surrounding us this semester at the University of St.Francis (USF). First-year students are taking their first steps into adulthood, staff and faculty are transitioning into new positions with new responsibilities and changes are being made to the physical parts of campus. We are seeing a transition at USF unlike anything we hav
Out with the old, in with the new: How students are dealing with changes on campus
USF Encounter
This year at University of St. Francis (USF), a lot of change is happening around campus with the addition of the new Student Success Center building. With the new building expanding into Tower Hall, departments have had the opportunity to move around campus. These changes have raised many questions among students and faculty. There is a shared concern among
Making a fall bucket list should be on the top of your list
USF Encounter
When it comes to being in college, there is a lot of pressure; especially during the start of the school year. On top of academic stress, the fall season comes and the shorter days and longer nights make it seem like time is going by slowly. With these two factors, college students may feel drained and unmotivated. Having a fall bucket list can help the time
Turning adversity into momentum: USF football preview
USF Encounter
As the dog days of summer are winding down, and the hum of a new academic year fills the quad at the University of St. Francis (USF), a shift signals the start of an electric fall. Saturday football games at Joliet Memorial Stadium are back. For the Fighting Saints, the return to campus brings more than lectures and lively campus life. It brings back Mid-Sta
Finding a home away from home with CTA
USF Encounter
For many college students, campus life revolves around the residence hall or around the quad. Though for commuters, the day can start with a long drive and end right after the last class.The Commuter & Transfer Assistants Team (CTA) here at the University of St. Francis (USF) has made its goal to ensure off-campus students feel just as supported and connecte
David Veenstra steps in as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
USF Encounter
As a new semester begins, students in the College of Arts and Sciences will notice a change to the nameplate on the Dean's office. Previous Dean Beth McDermott is transitioning to Provost while Professor David Veenstra is settling in as the Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Previously, Veenstra served as the department chair of the History, P
Cinema’s comeback
USF Encounter
Have you been to the movie theatre this year? Perhaps more than once? As we are already in the last stretch of 2026 and the numerous successful releases in many different genres, it is likely you have! Directors have been on a summer hot streak with movie releases this year. Cinema is back baby and it is better than ever! Let’s look at the top movies this ye
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