September 1, 2026
Introducing Spartan Sprint: a focused, time-bound and university-supported way to crowdfund for all students, student groups and clubs, staff, faculty and departments. Choose one of two fall 2026 rounds to support your department or project.
AI Updates at SJSU - A Message from Interim Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Chris Wessells
Action Items
AI Advisory Committee
President Teniente-Matson seeks nominations to advise SJSU leadership on the integration, development and ethical implementation of AI. Five faculty and four staff members are sought.
Classrooms and teaching spaces resources hub are available for faculty and staff. Report classroom issues to aad-classrooms-feedback-group@sjsu.edu
Accessibility Tip of the Month
Use built-in heading styles in Microsoft and Canvas to structure your content. Headings make it easier for students to find what they need. They're essential for students using screen readers.
Learn practical prompting techniques, test them on real work, and leave with better AI outputs you can use immediately.
Our annual Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act notice was sent to students. Take a minute to read it and refamiliarize yourself with federal policies all employees must uphold.
September 2026
Ongoing work by the City of San José related to its Better Bikeways II street safety project on downtown streets will impact students and employee North Garage (65 N 10th St.) access at the start of the semester, plan ahead. Park at South Campus and take the free, frequent shuttle. South Campus permits for students and employees are now half the cost of Main Campus parking.
The start of the semester doesn’t have to start with parking woes. Enjoy our new transportation options from the VTA SmartPass for employees, discounted (by half!) permits for South Garage and enhancements to shuttle frequency and live location tracking in the Spartan Safe app.
Start the semester with confidence. The SJSU ITS checklist highlights simple steps to help you be technology ready for Fall 2026.
Faculty and staff: apply for vacant Senate committee seats! Visit the Senate Committee Vacancies webpage for all the details.
FinanceConnect: Important Policy Update
On Aug. 20, the CSU Chancellor’s Office turned off Level 5 auto-approvals in CSUBUY. Reach out with questions to financeconnect+csubuy@sjsu.edu or call 4-1558.
Curriculum Deadlines/Trainings
Sept. 1 and Oct. 1, 2026
Sept. 1 deadline: Faculty Proposal submissions in Curriculog for fall ‘27 and Oct. 1 College approval for all curriculum proposals. Register for Zoom Training sessions on the Curriculum website.
Employee Affinity Group Breakfast with the President
Sept. 2, 9-10:30 a.m.
Currently a member of an employee affinity group or interested in starting one? Come to our annual EAG Breakfast with the President on Wed., Sept. 2, 9-10:30 a.m. in Student Union Meeting Room 2AB.
Share Student Research Opportunities
Sept. 14, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Seeking submissions for research, scholarship and creative opportunities: open positions, volunteer roles, projects, programs, and even calls for study participants.
2025-2026 MPP Annual Evaluations
Due Sept. 15, 2026
For any process-related questions, we invite you to attend our open lab session Mon., Aug. 17 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Due Sept. 16
If your exam does not conform to the posted schedule, instructors must submit exception requests by Wed., Sept. 16.
Sept. 16, 12-2 p.m.
RSVP to join Affordable Learning $olutions for a drop-in lunch to learn about ways to help our students save costs on class materials.
Sept. 25, 2026
The webinar will explore today's most significant cyber threats facing Higher Ed, share practical strategies to manage interruptions, and discuss how faculty and staff can better prepare for future disruptions.
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). Deadline: Tue., Dec. 15, 2026.
Open Call for Exhibit Proposals in the DiNapoli Gallery
Elevate your vision by exhibiting at the DiNapoli Gallery in the King Library. Viewed by hundreds of visitors a day, submit your proposal to be seen! Learn more at library.sjsu.edu/dinapoli
What's New This Month
As of Aug. 1, SAP Concur is now the university's official system for travel, expense reimbursements, and Payment Card Expense (ProCard and/or Travel Card) management.
People and Culture is Up and Running
Our new, unified division centers service of our employees and strives towards institutional excellence. People and Culture also handles matters related to Title IX.
Aug. 2026
New campus dining options are coming to the Student Union for students and employees this fall!
Events and Announcements
Tues., Sep. 1, 5 p.m.
An acclaimed weekly lecture series brings in artists, designers and critical theorists from around the world, broadening experiential base and complementing local offerings. Open to all.
Sept. 2, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Join the Center for Community Learning and Leadership tomorrow, Sept. 2, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the Fall 2026 Community Connections Fair to learn about local volunteer, service-learning, and internship opportunities!
This new Policy Library is a cloud-based platform that houses all current university policies, Presidential Directives (PDs), Senate Management Resolutions (SMRs) and Sense of the Senate Resolutions (SSs).
Due Fri., Sept. 4
Sign up by this Fri., Sept. 4 for the revival of one of San José State’s most vibrant traditions as Spartan pride takes over the campus for our annual Homecoming Golf Cart Parade, scheduled for Thu., Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. – save the date!
Filipino American History Mural Community Paint Day
Fri., Sept. 4, 10 a.m.
Join us for a special Community Paint Day as San José State University’s new Filipino American History Mural comes to life! Painting spots are full, but the public is invited to come by, hang out and enjoy some snacks!
Employee Benefits and Services
Sept. 17, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Next month’s Benefits Fair is Thu., Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All benefits-eligible faculty and staff are invited to attend, no RSVP needed. Explore your options and select and confirm your health benefits during Open Enrollment, Sept. 14 through Oct. 9.
Annual SJSU Flag Raising at City Hall
Sept. 1, 10 a.m.
Join us at the San Jose City Hall Plaza on Tuesday, September 1st 10AM for our annual San Jose State Flag Raising, which symbolizes the friendship between The City of San Jose and SJSU.
2026 University Scholar Series #1
Wed., Sept. 9, 12-1 p.m.
You are all invited to attend our first University Scholar Series this semester featuring professor Carol Reade to present "Managing Linguistic Diversity in Multinational Companies."
Noontime Concerts at the Beethoven Center Series
All concerts take place at 12:00 and are followed by an informal coffee reception and open-house. These concerts are free to attend. The series is made possible by generous support from the Davis Family Foundation.
Sat., Sept. 12
Special Offer - Enjoy discounted tickets with code FACTSTAFF for Opening Night on Sat., Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at CEFCU Stadium.
Celebrate the connection between SJSU and the heart of the city we call home. From Aug. 20 to Sept. 20, discover free and discounted events hosted by local businesses, artists, and community partners across downtown.
Pictorial Faculty Exhibit Open
The Natalie and James Thompson Art Gallery is pleased to present this periodic exhibition of recent works by current faculty members in Pictorial Art.
2026 Benefits and Services Fair
Thu., Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The 2026 Employee Benefits and Services Fair is Thu., Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom, featuring CalPERS providers, SJSU Benefits representatives, and campus and community vendors.
Need to refer a student? Visit the Student Success Centers directory to find the correct Undergraduate Advising and Success advising location.
AI @ SJSU Academic Affairs Updates
Fri., Aug. 28 newsletter
Updates for faculty and staff from Academic Affairs on AI initiatives at SJSU.
AdobeSign Phased Migration to Begin
ITS will transition SJSU from using DocuSign to AdobeSign for workflows, forms and processes. Further notice on this transition for the full campus to be announced soon. DocuSign will continue to be in operation until IT provides notice. Discussions with heavy DocuSign-using departments are underway.
SJSU employees are invited to shop at the Richmond or Union City Columbia Sportswear Employee Store for their up to 60% off annual summer sales.
Learn about the Writing Center's faculty services to help support your students, including in-class workshop requests, tours, generative AI resources, and course-embedded tutoring.
Starting Aug. 12, 2026
The Zoom website now displays a simpler navigation.
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: Kim Blisniuk
SJSU earthquake geologist interviewed on NBC Bay Area on an SJSU study on the San Andreas Fault slip rate.
Staff Spotlight: Kathryn Blackmer Reyes
Director of the Africana, Asian American, Chicano, and Native American Studies Center and librarian, ’96 MLIS, is retiring after 19 years. Her leadership helped transform the center into a vibrant hub for scholarship, culture and belonging.
SJSU NewsCenter Featured Stories
This fall, approximately 41,000 students are enrolled at San José State, roughly 1,000 more than fall 2025.
SJSU researchers and students will help tackle turbulence as part of a new $30 million National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center, with applications including fusion energy, astrophysics and hypersonic flight.
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.
