September 15, 2026

Employee Benefits and Services
Reminder: the 2026 Employee Benefits and Services Fair is Thurs., Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Select and confirm your benefits between Mon., Sept. 14 and Oct. 9.
Action Items
SpartanMessenger Feedback Survey
after one year in circulation, UMC wants to hear your thoughts on SpartanMessenger. This is primarily intended for college and department communicators, but all are free to share their insights

Create clearer, more brand-aligned webpages, newsletters, social media posts, promotions and more with the SJSU Brand Partner GPT and Gem.

Apply for Senate Committee Seat
Faculty and staff: apply for vacant Senate committee seats! Visit the Senate Committee Vacancies webpage for all the details.

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.

Create a reusable AI prompt that understands your role, priorities, constraints, and output preferences—saving time on recurring administrative work.
CSU Chancellor’s Office Guidance on CPT
Read the latest update on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 international students.
Our auxiliary organizations are unable to use SAP Concur because they do not operate in PeopleSoft HR and the CSU’s Common Financial System (CFS), integration with which the CSU has established as a functional, systemwide requirement for utilizing SAP Concur.

Call for Award Nominations – recognize outstanding faculty
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.

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.

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.
Events and Announcements

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month 2026
Join us in celebrating Latinx Heritage Month (federally recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month) from Tues., Sept. 15 - Thurs., Oct. 15 as we honor the histories, cultures, experiences and contributions of Latinx people.

Special Offer - Enjoy discounted tickets with code FACTSTAFF for Fresno State on Sat., Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. at CEFCU Stadium.

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.

Last chance to submit your proposal to showcase your artwork at the King Library's DiNapoli Gallery, where hundreds of daily guests can see your creative vision. Visit library.sjsu.edu/dinapoli to find out more.
Launching this year, SJSU will host two crowdfunding sprints - 'Rally' in Oct. & 'Surge' in Nov. Hurry! Deadline for Oct. Rally is Sept. 16! Apply now!
Grupo Folklorico Los Laureles presents México la Bella
Audiences are invited on a journey across Mexico’s heritage, honoring both cultural preservation and community connection.
An acclaimed weekly lecture series brings in artists, designers, and critical theorists from around the world, broadening the students’ experiential base and complementing local offerings.

Join us on the 7th St. Paseo Tues., Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. to get information about voter registration and other civic engagement opportunities from 40 campus, community, and government partners.

Now to Sept. 20
An immersive exhibit celebrating the soul of Mexican music and dance. Step into the rich legacies of five decades of folklórico excellence. Now until Sun., Sept. 20 at King Library.

South Asian New Works Festival
Now to Sept. 19
Experience emerging artists sharing original works that celebrate South Asian culture, community, identity, and experiences now through Sept. 19 at the King Library.

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.
Research and Innovation Info Session and Reception
Sept. 17, 2-3:30 p.m.
Join the Division of Research and Innovation for an information session and reception about services, programming, and internal funding opportunities on Sept. 17 , from 2–3:30 p.m.

Aug. 20 to Sept. 20
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.
Updates on AI Initiatives at SJSU
The AI @ SJSU Academic Affairs Update shares highlights of SJSU’s AI-related activities across campus to support knowledge sharing, planning, and collaboration among campus leaders.
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: Sally Ashton and Daniel Rivers
Two new books from San José State faculty take on that question through explorations of environmental justice, space, California history and the possibilities of more just futures.

SJSU Promise Programs are Expanding Access for Prospective Spartans
Partnerships with Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and East Side Union are creating clearer, more attainable pathways to a high-quality, affordable four-year education in the region.
SJSU NewsCenter Featured Stories

Deep Dive in Five with Sendy Tapia, Managing Editor of EASTSIDE Magazine
This fall, EASTSIDE Magazine will be featured in the Jennifer and Philip DiNapoli Gallery at King Library.

New Associated Students President Ma’Kayla Akin Is Focused on Connection, Safety and Spartan Pride
Ma’Kayla Akin, ’28 Political Science, is the first Black woman to serve as president of San José State’s Associated Students Board of Directors.

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.