May 19, 2026

Commencement Ambassadors

Last chance to volunteer for our Grads!

Last chance to volunteer for Spring Commencement! We still need your support to help serve our students during the May 20–22 ceremonies. Your participation helps create a memorable experience for our graduates and is a great opportunity to connect with fellow employees. To sign up, please email commencement@sjsu.edu.

Action Items

Dr. Chris Thornberg delivers economic updates at the 2025 Economic Summit in Tower Hall.

Please join us for the 2026 Economic Summit on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The event will be held at the 91ÁÔÆæ Morris Dailey Auditorium (Tower Hall). Registration is now open.

UROP newsletter

The UROP team is excited to share our spring newsletter highlighting this year’s growth and celebrating the achievements of our students and alumni. Learn more at sjsu.edu/urop.

Employee Benefits and Sevices Fair

Save the date - Fall Benefits Fair!

Scrabble pieces

Do the GE Shuffle!

Advisors: Is your student’s GE course 'stuck' in the wrong requirement? Shuffle it to a better one to optimize MyProgress — it's simple, fast, and requires no formal approval!

Bookstore Transition

Apr. 21 - May 27, Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays 2 p.m.

Friendly reminder of our Zoom Office Hours running from April 21–May 27: Tuesdays 10:30–11:30 am, Wednesdays 2:00–3:00 pm. Please contact Rickey Pozos for email inquiries at rickey.pozos@sjsu.edu

Staff Council Spring Celebration

May 26, 1-3 p.m.

Celebrate together on May 26, 1-3 p.m. in Student Ballrooms A&B with food, refreshments and an afternoon dedicated to appreciation, connection, and community.

AI Institute

Apply by May 20

Faculty new to AI are invited to apply to a paid Summer 2026 institute to develop ideas, approaches, and course materials for using AI in teaching. $800 stipend included.

A community-driven mural honoring history of Japanese American incarceration and inspiring action today. Rooted in remembrance and solidarity, it calls us forward. Donate now to bring the mural to life.

Events and Announcements

Campus Reading Program

The 2026-27 91ÁÔÆæ Campus Reading Program selection is I, Robot by Isaac Asimov. Incoming students get a copy. Staff/faculty are invited to join CRP events exploring AI ethics and robotics.

Columbia Sportswear Discounts

91ÁÔÆæ faculty and staff are invited to shop at the Richmond or Union City Columbia Sportswear Employee Store throughout the month of May for additional discounts.

AIDS: A People's History of the Pandemic

May 24

We invite you to explore the new traveling exhibition AIDS, Posters and Stories of Public Health on the fifth floor of the King Library. On view now through May 24.

People and Culture

The Division of People and Culture launches July 1, 2026. Employees can visit the dedicated FAQ website and use the division email to access updates and important information.

the upside newsletter

Stay in the loop with the new UPside Newsletter, featuring the latest from University Personnel, upcoming events, important updates, and resources to support and celebrate our faculty and staff community.

CalPERS invites CSU employees to a May 21 webinar on understanding health benefits. Learn eligibility, coverage details, and plan options to make informed decisions. Free, virtual session at 12 p.m.

Center for Faculty Excellence and Teaching Innovation

May 19 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

A drop-in space today from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for faculty to complete grading with peer support, snacks, and instructional design help.

Leadership Course

Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

Transform your leadership through an ontological model. Attend a virtual info session (Tuesdays, 12–1 PM) to learn how to lead effectively as your natural self-expression. Open to all experience levels.

FYI: New Academic Scheduling Tool Launch

Research Foundation Annual Report

Research Foundation Annual Report Now Live

Explore the 2026 Research Foundation Annual Report, highlighting $111.3M in new awards, student research opportunities, and campus impact through RSCA and innovation.

Explorance Blue

Explorance Blue, New Course Evaluation Platform

91ÁÔÆæ will pilot Explorance Blue in spring 2026 as part of a transition to a new course evaluation platform. Courses taught by full professors will support testing ahead of rollout.

Volunteer for our students

May 13 - 18

The countdown to final exams and culminating activities has begun! Our students are closing in on the final days of the Spring 2026 semester. To support our students during the final exam period, Student Involvement will host three #91ÁÔÆæFinalsWeek stations. Your help is needed.

F vs WU Grading Guidance for Faculty

F vs WU: Use the Right Grade

Did you know assigning an F or NC grade for a student who stopped participating may be the wrong grade? Visit the F vs. WU Grades webpage for guidelines.

Student Assistant Job Example

Apply to table on Aug. 19, 1- a.m. - 1 p.m.

Free Registration Open for 91ÁÔÆæ Departments! Join the Fall '26 Part-Time and On-Campus Job Fair. Reminder: 91ÁÔÆæ Handshake is the online hub for posting student job openings in all departments and divisions.

Spartan Wellness and Recovery Meeting

Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.

Spartans take care of Spartans. All employees in need are invited to join weekly confidential and anonymous recovery meetings. All forms of recovery are welcome, including non-abstinence models. Held weekly on Thu. 12-1 p.m. in Clark Hall 412.

Faculty and Staff Spotlight

Larry Gerston

91ÁÔÆæ professor emeritus of political science Larry Gerston is interviewed on KCBS on the California Governor’s election.

91ÁÔÆæ volunteers and events team from the Synopsys Outreach Foundation at the 2026 sciencepalooza! event. Photo by Aurice Guyton.

For the fifth year in a row, 91ÁÔÆæâ€™s College of Science and the Synopsys Outreach Foundation have brought sciencepalooza! to campus, welcoming hundreds of local students and families for a hands-on celebration of STEM discovery.    

91ÁÔÆæ NewsCenter Featured Stories

Monique Howe

Monique Howe has spent much of her life carrying responsibilities far beyond the classroom — helping support her family while pursuing her education. Now, as she prepares to earn her MA in mathematics, Howe is proving what persistence can make possible.

Sam Sternstein

Sam Sternstein, ’26 BA, ’28 MA Communication Studies, encourages Spartans to make the most of their time at 91ÁÔÆæ.

Final call to enjoy new markdowns in the 91ÁÔÆæ Bookstore with up to 50% off—perfect for stocking up on T-shirts, hats, shorts, and more. The sale will last until all items run out!