September 22, 2026
It’s survey season! Your participation in this year’s California State University AI Survey is vital to informing and guiding the system’s approach to the use of artificial intelligence in curriculum and employee work. Share your insights and shape our university.
Action Items
SJSU Faculty Instructor Survey
Now until Sept. 25
For instructors, until Sept. 25 – Share your perspective on class scheduling policies and practices to help strengthen course scheduling and support student success. Check your email for the survey link.
SpartanMessenger Feedback Survey
Create clearer, more brand-aligned webpages, newsletters, social media posts, promotions and more with the SJSU Brand Partner GPT and Gem.
Staff Council meetings are scheduled on the second Thursday of each month, from 3:30-4:30pm via Zoom. Dates are subject to change; check the Staff Council calendar for details.
Seeking nominations for SJSU Faculty Award
Mon., Oct. 26
The Academic Senate and the President’s Office request nominations for the 2026-2027 Faculty Outstanding Lecturer Award, Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Professor Award, and President’s Scholar Award by Mon., Oct. 26.
Save the Date: Making WASC Meaningful
Oct. 14 2-3:30 p.m.
Join the SJSU Accreditation team in a community roundtable discussion on WASC Standard 3: Assuring Resources and Organizational Structures on Wed., Oct. 14, 2-3:30 p.m. in King Library room 225. Registration details coming soon.
Apply for Senate Committee Seat
Faculty and staff: apply for vacant Senate committee seats! Visit the Senate Committee Vacancies webpage for all the details.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports
AY 2026-27
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports provide important information about crime and fire statistics, emergency procedures, prevention programs, and resources available to members of our community. We encourage you to review these materials and become familiar with the information and resources they contain.
Mon., Oct. 5
Feel the Beat, Bring the Heat is taking over SJSU! We are seeking departments across campus that are turning up the energy and transforming their office doors into electrifying Spartan showcases brimming with school spirit.
Curriculum Deadlines/Trainings
Thurs., Oct. 1
The deadline for College approval for all curriculum proposals is Thurs., Oct. 1. Register for Zoom Trainings on Curriculum Website.
Celebrating Spartans: Staff Awards Nominations
Due: Nov. 13, 2026
Open now through Nov. 13, nominate and recognize outstanding staff achievements to be recognized at Celebrating Spartans: Honoring Faculty and Staff on Thu., Apr. 15, 2027.
Call for Award Nominations – recognize outstanding faculty
Due: Dec. 15, 2026
Recognize outstanding research and impactful industry collaboration by submitting your nominations for the 2026 Early Career Investigator Awards (ECIA) and the Industry-Sponsored Research Award (ISRA) now through Tue., Dec. 15, 2026.
Events and Announcements
Thu., Oct. 8, all day.
Volunteer at our 20th Fire on the Fountain on Thu., Oct. 8. Volunteer opportunities are available to interested employees throughout the day!
Save the Date: Fall 2026 What’s Up Presentation
Fri., Oct. 16, 9:30 a.m.
Mark your calendars! The fall 2026 What’s Up Presentation is taking place on Fri., Oct. 16 Friday, 9:30 a.m. on Zoom. Connect with Finance and Business Services (FABS) staff on the latest updates and to align on what’s ahead.
SJSU staff explored practical AI tools, shared ideas, and learned prompting strategies at the first monthly AdoptAI Drop-In session together.
Tues., Sept. 22
This new initiative piloted by the Office of Research facilitates the formation of a team to pursue large external funding opportunities. This milestone-driven program will run for three years from Fall 2026 to Sept. 30, 2029.
In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, kick back and relax as we reflect on the social issues showcased through performance art. Free food by Habana Cuba!
Spartan Wellness and Recovery Meeting
Every Thu., 12-1 p.m.
This meeting is a confidential and anonymous recovery meeting for SJSU Faculty and Staff. It is not associated with any specific recovery program and all are welcome, including non-abstinence based models. For more information, GChat or email Van @ evan.jacobs@sjsu.edu.
Tuesday Night Lecture: Ginger Shulick Porcella
Tues., Sept. 22
Ginger Shulick Porcella is a visionary arts leader, curator, and nonprofit executive. Join Ginger in her discussion on The Role of Museums in the Age of AI.
SJSU faculty and staff can experience all-you-care-to-enjoy dining for just $11.45 plus tax at the Dining Commons, featuring global flavors and plant-forward options every Friday.
AI and the Future of Career Readiness
Wed., Sept. 23
This Center for Innovation in Applied Education Policy (IAEP) webinar features Anita Manuel, M.A. and Lisa Trikofski, M.S. who draw upon their expertise in career education and employer engagement to discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence in career readiness.
Center for Literary Arts Presents: Tessa Hulls
Thurs., Sept. 24
The Center for Literary Arts is pleased to present celebrated artist, writer Tessa Hulls in a reading from their Pulitzer Prize winning memoir FEEDING GHOSTS. This reading is made possible thanks to the generous support of the College of Humanities and the Arts' Artist Excellence Programming Grant.
Mission Chamber Orchestra presents Northern Light
Sat., Sept. 26
Mission Chamber Orchestra of San José (MCOSJ) announces “Northern Light” at the Hammer Theatre Center in San Jose. This concert opens the orchestra’s “Season of Light” - celebrating the 30th Anniversary of its founding.
SJSU faculty and staff, your next sub is 20% off! Stop by 7th Street Subs and save on your next sandwich through Wed., Sept. 30.
Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month 2026
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2026
Join us in celebrating Latinx Heritage Month (federally recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month) now until Thurs., Oct. 15 as we honor the histories, cultures, experiences and contributions of Latinx people.
Catch up on all the goings-on with San José State Intercollegiate Athletics.
Faculty and Staff Spotlight
In Memoriam: Jessica Hernandez
Jessica Hernandez was a data specialist for the Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations office in the College of Graduate Studies who passed away this past month. Jessica leaves behind a legacy of being a gentle force, always patient and looking ahead with grace and resilience. San José State University recognizes her 25 years of service and commitment to our students. Our thoughts are with her and her family as her loss extends beyond the GAPE team, the college and our campus.
Faculty Spotlight: Dustin Mulvaney
This professor in the School of Planning, Policy and Environmental Studies published a new book called “Energy, Society, and Environment: A Critical Introduction”.
Staff Spotlight: Student Involvement
The start of each fall is marked by a flurry of activity for Brendan Lorenzana, Kaytlin Abad, and the SI team as they kick off Weeks of Welcome – 60+ events to unite new and returning students into Spartan life. While WoW is well underway through Sept. 30, the team is already preparing for Homecoming! See all events on the Sammy App and join the (WoW) group for updates. Don’t miss a moment!
SJSU NewsCenter Featured Stories
2027 U.S. News and World Report Rankings
U.S. News and World Report announced the 2027 rankings for 1,700 colleges and universities in the United States. For the first time, SJSU is ranked among national universities, at #67 in the nation out of 225 other public schools.
Artur Gafurov Stands Up for Students as SJSU’s Second CSSA President
Artur Gafurov is the second consecutive Spartan to lead the California State Student Association, students’ official voice and representation across all 22 campuses. Find out about how President Gafurov advocates for all CSU students.
Latinx Heritage Month Spotlight
In celebration of LHM 2026, assistant professor of art Esteban Garcia Bravo facilitated and curated new student artwork to adorn CENTRO, SJSU’s Latinx/Chicanx Student Success Center.
Take a midweek break and swing by the Downtown Farmers’ Market! Every Wednesday, stroll through stalls filled with fresh produce, locally made packaged goods, and delicious hot meals prepared by local food vendors. It’s the perfect way to support small businesses and connect with your community.
