May 19, 2026
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
Please join us for the 2026 Economic Summit on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The event will be held at the SJSU Morris Dailey Auditorium (Tower Hall). Registration is now open.
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.
Save the date - Fall Benefits Fair!
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 Drop-In Office Hours
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
RSVP for the 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.
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.
Never Again is Now! Mural Project
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
2026-27 Campus Reading Program
The 2026-27 SJSU 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.
SJSU 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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, New Course Evaluation Platform
SJSU 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.
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 #SJSUFinalsWeek stations. Your help is needed.
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.
Apply to table on Aug. 19, 1- a.m. - 1 p.m.
Free Registration Open for SJSU Departments! Join the Fall '26 Part-Time and On-Campus Job Fair. Reminder: SJSU 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
Faculty Spotlight: Larry Gerston
SJSU professor emeritus of political science Larry Gerston is interviewed on KCBS on the California Governor’s election.
Staff Spotlight: College of Science Staff / Volunteers
For the fifth year in a row, SJSU’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.
SJSU NewsCenter Featured Stories
Countdown to Commencement: 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.
Countdown to Commencement: Samantha Sternstein
Sam Sternstein, ’26 BA, ’28 MA Communication Studies, encourages Spartans to make the most of their time at SJSU.
Final call to enjoy new markdowns in the SJSU 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!
