Spartan Leadership Opportunities Catalog

This Catalog is a collection of various leadership development programs, events, experiences, from all areas of San Jose State University.

Opportunity Categories


Full List of Opportunities

Academic Programs

Global Leadership Advancement Center: Certificate in Advanced Global Leadership

The Certificate in Advanced Global Leadership at SJSU’s Lucas Graduate School of Business is a 9-unit, three-course graduate program designed to prepare professionals and students from any discipline to lead and innovate in international and multicultural settings. Courses are delivered in intensive, eight-week evening and Saturday sessions and cover global leadership & innovation, leadership development, and cross-cultural management. To earn the certificate, students must complete all three courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA and no grade below C. For those later considering the MBA, up to 12 units can transfer into their program.

Please contact glac-group@sjsu.edu if you have any questions.

CHAD 60 - Child Development (Center for Community Learning & Leadership)

This service learning course is a popular lower division General Education course about the physiology of hunger/malnutrition on human development and health,  political, social, cultural and gender factors that contribute to world hunger, scientific/technological foundation to population research, and food production and their effect on the environment. Service involves addressing food insecurity in local communities.

Please contact community.learning@sjsu.edu if you have any questions.

COMM 80 - Communication Workshop (Communication Center)

A flexible, 1-unit, credit/no-credit course designed to strengthen your public speaking skills. You pick your own “Speech Project” which can be in the form of a presentation or a transferable-skills speech, and work on it step by step through weekly self-paced modules. There are no quizzes or exams and no required textbook since everything is done online. As part of the course, you’re paired with a COMM Center Speech Coach (a peer tutor) who guides you through your preparation. You can repeat COMM 80 for up to three semesters.

Please contact comm-studies-center@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Lurie College of Education: Educational Leadership Ed.D.

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a three-year doctoral program that prepares students to become strong, equity-focused leaders in PK–12 or higher education. Students take courses on leadership, educational policy, organizational change, and research, and they complete a dissertation based on a real issue in education. The program is offered in a cohort format with hybrid or online options, and there is an optional international learning experience. It’s designed for educators who want to make a bigger impact in their schools, districts, or colleges and take on leadership roles that drive meaningful change.

Please contact edd-leadership@sjsu.edu if you have any questions.

Lurie College of Education: Emancipatory School Leadership MA

This 30-unit, three-semester online Master’s program is made for future K–12 school leaders who want to lead with social justice in mind. Through “emancipatory leadership,” you’ll learn how to challenge unfair power systems in schools, question policies, and collaborate to uplift diverse communities. The program helps you build more inclusive school cultures by centering historically marginalized students and valuing community knowledge. It’s structured so you can either do just the MA, or combine it with a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC), or mix in transfer credits. There’s no on-campus requirement since everything is run via Zoom and Canvas. 

Please contact edleadership@sjsu.edu with any questions.

ENGR 160SL - Engineering Projects in Community Service (Center for Community Learning & Leadership)

EPICS is a one-unit, service-learning course offered through SJSU’s Center for Community Learning & Leadership. Through the course, upper-division engineering students are placed in multidisciplinary teams to collaborate on real-world engineering projects that address needs identified by community organizations. With this, they gain insight into design and development processes and perform and report upon tasks consistent with their level of discipline expertise. Please contact community.learning@sjsu.edu with any questions.

NUFS 139 - Hunger and Environmental Nutrition (Center for Community Learning & Leadership)

This is a 3-unit, upper-division course that examines the physiological effects of hunger and malnutrition, as well as the political, social, cultural, and gender-based factors that drive global food insecurity. Students also explore the scientific and technological foundations of population research and food-production systems, especially how they intersect with environmental sustainability.

Please contact curriculum@sjsu.edu with any questions.

PADM 281 - Public Administration Internship (Political Science/Public Administration)

This 3-unit internship course is part of SJSU’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program and is required for students who have less than three years of full-time professional administrative experience. Through this experience, students complete 260–280-hour placements in public, higher education, or nonprofit organizations, working on meaningful professional tasks under supervision. The internship allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real world settings, build their professional networks, reflect on their career goals, and refine leadership and management skills in a service-oriented public sector context.

Please contact the Department Office (urbanplanning@sjsu.edu) or the Graduate Advisor (laureen.hom@sjsu.edu) if you have any questions.

 

Department of Political Science: POLS/POLS 181C Political Science Internship Program/ Capstone

POLS (Internships) and POLS 181C (Internship Capstone) provide a hands-on leadership opportunity for Political Science majors at SJSU.

Through the internship, students get the opportunity to work with elected officials, government agencies, nonprofits, and political campaigns, as they complete 135 internship hours and write a final paper reflecting on how their experience connects to political theory. 

POLS 181C is a graded capstone course that can also fulfill the department’s senior seminar (POLS 190) requirement, while POLS 181 is credit/no-credit.

Please contact polisci@sjsu.edu with any questions.

College of Social Science: SSCI 101 - Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator Course

SSCI 101 is a 3-unit elective course at San José State University that is open to students of all majors. Through the Braven course, you’ll work in small peer cohorts with a professional coach, complete weekly online modules, and tackle real-world projects (like career-design assignments and a capstone challenge) to build a professional portfolio.

The course focuses on skills such as: teamwork, self-driven leadership, problem-solving, communication & networking, and operating & management. After completing SSCI 101, you’ll join the Braven National Network for mentoring, professional events, and access to internships or job opportunities.

Please contact mike.garcia@bebraven.org with any questions.


Awards and Recognitions

Student Affairs: Annual Student Leadership Gala

Each spring, SJSU’s Division of Student Affairs hosts the Annual Student Leadership Gala, a campus-wide celebration of student leadership. Organized by Student Involvement, Associated Students, the Solidarity Network, and Student Union, Inc., the event recognizes outstanding students and organizations through awards like the Vice President for Student Affairs Award, A.S. 55 Awards, Student Organization Awards, and more. For more details on award categories and past recipients, visit the Student Leadership Gala page.

Please contact getinvolved@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Black Leadership and Opportunity Center: Celebration of Black Excellence

This event is held to acknowledge and recognize the accomplishments of Black/African American students, both academically and as student leaders at San Jose State University. The program also recognizes the accomplishments of faculty, staff, and individuals in the community who have played an integral part in the success of Black/African American students and the Black Leadership and Opportunity Center (The BLOC).

Please contact thebloc@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Student Involvement: Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards

The FSL Awards is an annual event where the FSL and campus community join to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and chapters from the past year.

Please contact fraternities-sororities@sjsu.edu with any questions.


Career/ Skill Development

Career Center

All students are welcome to attend the Career Center workshops. Learn how to create, update, and tailor your resume, as well as how to make the most of your time during employer connection events, and much more! Please register for these events on the SJSU Handshake app or website. Please contact careerhelp@sjsu.edu if you have any questions.

International Student and Scholar Services

San José State University’s ISSS supports F-1 and J-1 international students with essential services like immigration advising, visa guidance, and work-authorization help (including CPT, OPT, and STEM-OPT). It also offers resources for housing, taxes, Social Security, scholarships, and campus navigation. ISSS also hosts workshops, orientations, and community-building events that help international students develop academic, professional, and networking skills.

Please contact international-office@sjsu.edu if you have any questions.

Communications Center

The Communications Center helps students develop strong communication skills such as writing, public speaking, presentations, multimedia, and more. The center offers free, personalized support through services such as peer tutoring (speech-coaches and writing consultants), workshops, and practice rooms for speech rehearsal or group work. You can also enroll in a low-unit course (COMM 80) to formally improve public speaking skills.

Please contact comm-studies-center@sjsu.edu if you have any questions.

Campus Community Garden

The SJSU Campus Community Garden, launched in 2014 by a student-led initiative, offers students, staff, and community members a quarter-acre organic garden at 372 E. San Salvador Street (across from the Dining Commons). It gives participants hands-on experience, teaching them sustainable gardening practices such as composting, watering, pruning, and planting seeds to harvest fruits and vegetables. Volunteers can also take home produce grown during workdays. The Garden is also a platform for civic engagement, community building, and environmental justice awareness. 

For those interested in deeper involvement, there is the “Next Generation: Garden Leadership Program,” which combines sustainability work with leadership training and community-oriented education.

Please contact ruby.howard@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Student Involvement & Career Center: Leadership and Career Certificate Program

The Leadership and Career Certificate Program (LCCP) at SJSU is a free, self-paced online program open to all SJSU students, designed to build core leadership and career-readiness skills. Through five interactive modules and a capstone experience, students explore leadership fundamentals, personal strengths, communication skills, inclusive leadership, and how to market themselves professionally. Completing the program earns a certificate that enhances résumés, career portfolios, and future opportunities. Please contact student-leadership@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Student Involvement: National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)

The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is known as a great leadership honor society in the United States. As a member, you participate in a semester-long leadership-development program that involves orientation, training, speaker broadcasts, and small-group networking sessions. Benefits include access to scholarships and awards, use of an exclusive job board, letters of recommendations, and opportunities to network through speaker events and peer connections, all of which help build leadership skills and career readiness. Membership requires a one-time fee (with fee-waiver options sometimes available), and membership is by nomination (or self-nomination) based on leadership potential or academic standing.

Please contact student-leadership@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Associated Students: Running for Student Government

The A.S. Board of Directors serves as the official student-governance body representing SJSU students. Each spring, A.S. holds elections for student leadership. With such a position, you’ll contribute to student decision-making, shape campus programs, and gain leadership and governance experience. To be eligible, you need to meet academic and enrollment requirements (be in good standing, maintain required credit load and GPA), and you must review and comply with the A.S. Bylaws and election regulations. For full details on election dates, candidate packets, and how to apply, see the A.S. elections page at SJSU.

Please contact student-elections@sjsu.edu if you have any questions.

Student Involvement: Student Organization Leader Training

Members of our Recognized Student Organizations who hold formal leadership positions such as President or Treasurer will complete an online Canvas course. This training experience also acts as a forum for student leaders to be able to interact with each other. Throughout the academic year, this online platform will house a variety of supplemental workshops designed to promote the success and effectiveness of Recognized Student Organizations and their leaders, such as Conflict Management, Communication Strategies, Event Planning, and many more.

Please contact studentorgs@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Conferences

 

 


Leadership Talks and Series

IPACE: Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement

The Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (IPACE) combines SJSU students with civic life through nonpartisan events, public-policy study, and real-world civic engagement. Each year, IPACE sponsors forums, research talks, voter registration, and mobilization initiatives (via SJSU Votes), and other opportunities to learn about politics, public affairs, and community issues. They also often bring elected leaders, policymakers, or experts to campus for their events and discussions.

Please contact polisci@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Department of Political Science: Don Edwards Lecture Series 

The Don Edwards Lecture series was launched in 1995 by friends and admirers of Congressman Edwards with the goal of enabling students to meet and hear the stories of prominent men and women who have shaped our history through the fields of politics and public service. Previous speakers include Hon. Don Edwards, Hon. Norman Mineta, Hon. Leon Panetta, Senator Barbara Boxer, Representative Zoe Lofgren, Mervin Field, Kevin Starr, Erin Brockovich-Ellis, Gloria Steinem and Dolores Huerta, to name a few.

Please contact polisci@sjsu.edu if you have any questions

Spartan Speaker Series

Since 2016, the Spartan Speaker Series has brought distinguished authors, critics, scientists, activists, and artists to the SJSU campus to explore and discuss critical issues shaping our society and impacting students today. The series highlights a broad range of perspectives and diverse voices, encouraging dialogue, reflection, and learning within the Spartan community. Please contact getinvolved@sjsu.edu with any questions.


Mentorship Experiences

Davidson College of Engineering: ESSC Peer Mentorship Program

The ESSC Peer Mentorship Program is a voluntary program that pairs incoming engineering graduate students (domestic or international) in the College of Engineering with experienced graduate-student mentors to ease their transition and support academic, social, career, and personal success. Mentors and mentees meet regularly (typically bi-weekly), receive guidance on navigating campus resources, time management, career development, course planning, and general adjustment to graduate school life. Mentors commit at least one semester, attend an orientation, and stay in contact with their mentees throughout the semester.

Please contact Graduate-Engineering@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Study Abroad and Away: Global Programs and Service + Ambassador Program

The Global Ambassador Program gives students who have studied abroad or away at SJSU a chance to mentor and support others as they plan their own global experiences. Ambassadors work with the Study Abroad and Away office to share their first-hand experiences, offer guidance, and encourage peers to explore international programs. As part of the program, Global Ambassadors may help with advising sessions, outreach, and study-abroad events, providing thoughtful insights and support to prospective global-education participants. Being an Ambassador also helps you grow as a student leader since you have the opportunity to strengthen communication, mentor, and grow intercultural skills while contributing to a campus culture of global awareness.

Please contact spartansabroad@sjsu.edu with any questions.

International Student & Scholar Services: iSucceed Mentorship Program

The iSucceed program, run by International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS), offers new international and exchange students a chance to be paired with a trained Peer Mentor to help navigate their first year on campus. 

As a mentee, you get a dedicated mentor who helps you with academic and cultural transition, connecting you to campus resources, and introducing you to a welcoming global community.

As a mentor (volunteer), students continue building upon their valuable leadership and intercultural skills as they also help connect friendships across cultures, support new Spartans, and help create a friendly and inclusive campus climate.

Whether you’re a newcomer needing support or someone looking to give back and build leadership experience, iSucceed provides a supportive environment to grow, connect, and succeed at SJSU.

Please contact international-office@sjsu.edu with any questions.

PRIDE Center: Peers in PRIDE

The Peers In PRIDE program pairs LGBTQ+ students, or those who are exploring the LGBTQ+ community, with trained peer mentors to build community, support, and inclusion. As a mentor, you receive training in peer-support, identity and LGBTQ+ history, communication, and campus resources. You will also gain leadership experience, networking opportunities, and in some cases, academic credit. Mentors will also help mentees connect socially through monthly group events, and help  bridge the gap between campus life and the LGBTQ campus community. Joining Peers in PRIDE helps create a more welcoming, affirming campus culture while offering both mentees and mentors meaningful support, community, and personal growth. 

Please contact sjsupride@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Black Leadership and Opportunity Center (BLOC): Black Alliance Mentorship Program

The BLOC is a campus hub dedicated to supporting Black/African‑American students (and welcoming all students) by building community, academic success, and uplifting Black identity at SJSU. 

The BAM Peer Mentorship Program pairs new first‑year or transfer Black Spartans with trained peer mentors based on major and interests, helping mentees get personalized academic support, guidance on campus resources, and a welcoming introduction to campus life. 

Mentors (BAM Peer Mentors) draw on their own lived experiences as they offer advice, build relationships, and help mentees navigate both academic and social aspects of university life. Through BAM and the BLOC community, students can access supportive peer relationships, a dedicated study/social space, and a network that helps them succeed academically and personally.

Please contact thebloc@sjsu.edu with any questions

Lurie College of Education: Student Ambassadors

Student Ambassadors in the College of Education are dedicated to welcoming new and prospective students, creating a strong college community, and exploring pre-professional networking opportunities. Under the guidance of the Lurie College Student Success Center, the volunteer SAs participate in the development and implementation of events that foster a strong community.  If you are enthusiastic about representing Lurie College and creating meaningful experiences for future and current students, apply today. 

Please contact luriecollege-successcenter@sjsu.edu if you have any questions.

Student Outreach and Recruitment: Spartan East Side Promise (SESP)

The SESP Peer Mentor program helps students from eligible East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD) schools transition successfully into SJSU under the Spartan East Side Promise. Mentors check in regularly with their assigned peers, support their journey through the program’s “Growth Pledge,” and help facilitate workshops, campus connections, and continued engagement with SJSU resources By joining SESP as either a mentor or mentee, you gain personal support, campus‑wide connections, and guidance to help with academic success, community integration, and long-term goals.

Please contact outreach@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Career Services and SJSU Alumni Association: SJSU² Quick Connections

SJSU² Mentoring and Meetups connects students with alumni and professionals to provide mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities. Participants can be paired with a mentor for ongoing support or join one-time meetups for quick career advice. The program helps students explore career paths, build professional skills, and expand their network, making it a valuable resource for internships, job searches, and long-term career development. 

Please contact careerhelp@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center: Adelante Mentorship & Leadership Program

The Adelante Mentorship & Leadership Program is a first‑year experience designed to support first-time freshmen as they transition from high school to college. Students accepted into Adelante are paired with peer mentors and receive a range of support including academic advising, faculty mentorship, mental health resources, career prep, academic-skills workshops, community-building events, and leadership development opportunities. Adelante offers a culturally affirming and supportive environment grounded in the values of community, equity, and empowerment championed by Centro, which helps mentees leverage their background and strengths for academic and personal success at SJSU. 

Please contact chicanxlatinxssc@sjsu.edu with any questions.

EOP: I Can/I Will

The I Can/I Will (ICIW) mentoring program at SJSU is part of EOP’s first‑year support services for new, first-time, first-year students. ICIW pairs students with trained peer mentors who meet with them bi‑weekly one-on-one and also host monthly group sessions offering guidance, accountability, campus navigation support, and help developing a “road map” for college success. The goal of ICIW is to build community and improve retention and graduation rates, especially for men of color and other underrepresented students.

Please contact eop@sjsu.edu with any questions.


Professional Focus

College of Social Sciences: Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program

The Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program offers SJSU students a fully funded fall internship in Washington, D.C. After a two-week academic training in Monterey, interns spend 11 weeks working full-time in a congressional office, gaining hands-on experience with legislation, policy research, and constituent services. Participants earn 20 academic units and complete related writing assignments. Open to juniors and seniors from any major, the program seeks students who demonstrate leadership, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service.

Please contact polisci@sjsu.edu with any questions

Department of Political Science: Sacramento Semester Internship Program

The Sacramento Semester Internship Program gives SJSU students the chance to spend a spring semester working in California’s State Legislature, state agencies, or lobbying organizations, gaining direct experience in state-level policymaking. Students earn academic credit for their internship and may also apply for the Tom Truax Scholarship to help with expenses. The program requires an application with transcripts, writing samples, and faculty references. 

Please contact polisci@sjsu.edu with any questions.


Resource Hubs

Recognized Student Organization Fair 

The SJSU Recognized Student Organization Fair is a campus‑wide event where many recognized student organizations (RSO’s) introduce themselves to students. It provides an easy, welcoming way for students to explore clubs (ex. academic, cultural, and special‑interest groups, Greek life, and club sports) and find communities that match their interests. For new or returning students, attending the fair is a great opportunity to connect with peers, discover campus communities, and get involved beyond the classroom.

Please contact studentorgs@sjsu.edu with any questions


Social Experiences

University Housing Services: Business Innovation and Leadership Development

The BUILD community is a residential program for first‑year students at San José State University (SJSU) who are admitted to, or are considering, a business major/minor. Living in BUILD offers leadership‑focused events, access to business‑related resources, and networking opportunities with peers, faculty, and advisors. It’s designed to help new business students transition smoothly to campus life while exploring business‑management careers and building early connections in the SJSU business community. 

Please contact uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Chicanx Latinx Student Success Center: Chicanx Latin Student Leadership Fall Retreat

The Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center at SJSU offers a Student Leadership Retreat (SLR) each fall, designed to bring Latinx students together for community‑building, identity affirmation, and leadership development. The retreat provides an inclusive, culturally grounded space for participating students, helping them build connections with peers, staff, and mentors while exploring their identities and leadership potential. Through Centro’s broader offerings (ex. mentoring, peer support, academic and career advising, and community‑building events), the retreat ties into a wider network aimed at supporting Latinx student success inside and outside the classroom. 

Please contact chicanxlatinxssc@sjsu.edu with any questions

Join a Fraternity or Sorority (Student Involvement)

Joining a fraternity or sorority at SJSU lets you become part of a Greek‑life community of over 30 recognized fraternities and sororities, offering opportunities for friendship, personal growth, leadership development, and community service. Students can enter through formal or informal recruitment, which is held in fall and/or spring depending on the council. Being part of Greek life gives access to social connection, support networks, and campus involvement,  a way to enrich your college experience beyond academics. 

Please contact fraternities-sororities@sjsu.edu with any questions. 

Student Involvement: Join a Recognized Student Organization

Joining a Recognized Student Organization at SJSU gives students access to 350+ clubs and student groups across academics, culture, special interests, hobbies, and more, making it easy to find peer communities and activities that match your interests. Whether you want to join an existing RSO or start your own, the Student Involvement office supports you through the process. Getting involved helps you connect with peers, build leadership and social skills, and expand your campus network outside the classroom. 

Please contact studentorgs@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Mosaic & Student Involvement: Leadership Today Retreat

The Leadership Today Retreat is a 3‑day, 2‑night immersion retreat that focuses on diversity, social justice, and cross‑cultural communication. During the retreat, students take part in interactive workshops, group discussions, and activities centered on identity exploration, intergroup relations, and leadership development — all with a goal of helping participants integrate social justice into their personal, academic, and leadership lives. The retreat is free to attend and welcomes students who want to grow as inclusive leaders and engage deeply with issues around diversity and social equity.

Please contact mosaic@sjsu.edu or studentinvolvement@sjsu.edu with any questions.

SJSU International House: Live at the I-HOUSE

The International House (I-House) gives U.S. and international SJSU students the opportunity to live together in a welcoming, multicultural environment. Residents live in furnished double- or triple‑occupancy rooms and have access to shared common spaces like a dining hall, TV room, study room, kitchen, recreation areas, and a lounge, making it easy to meet people, study, or relax together. Living at I-House can help you build friendships across cultures, connect with a diverse community of students, and enrich your college social experience in a supportive, residential living setting.

Please contact uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu with any question

Black Leadership and Opportunity Center: New Black Spartan Institute

The New Black Spartan Institute is a 2‑day program for incoming Black Spartans that helps you connect with the larger Black community at SJSU and learn about campus resources, support systems, and student life. Through this center and program, you get to meet peer mentors, campus staff, student organizations, and senior leadership building a foundation for belonging, identity, and community engagement at SJSU. 

Please contact thebloc@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Panhellic Council Primary Recruitment

The Panhellenic Council at SJSU oversees six women’s sororities and offers a “Primary 

Recruitment” process each fall for students interested in Greek‑life membership. During recruitment weekend, potential new members meet representatives from each sorority and learn about their values, communities, and philanthropic work. They also may receive a “bid” to join one chapter. Participation begins with completing the online registration through PHC’s recruitment system. Joining PHC sororities can offer friendship, community service opportunities, social connection, and personal growth, making it a meaningful way to expand your campus community beyond academics.

Please contact fraternities-sororities@sjsu.edu or phc.sjsu.recruitment@gmail.com with any questions.

Department of Political Science: SJSU Votes!

SJSU Votes is a nonpartisan voter‑registration, civic‑education, and mobilization initiative at SJSU that is run by students and faculty through the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (IPACE). The initiative works with campus and community partners to organize voter registration drives, debate forums, ballot‑measure education, GOTV (get‑out‑the‑vote) campaigns, and other civic‑engagement events. 

Please contact polisci@sjsu.edu or sjsuvotes@gmail.com with any questions.

Student Involvement: Start a New Organization

Can't find a group that fits your interests? It's easy to start a new organization at SJSU! To become a student organization, all groups must go through the New Organization Recognition process to be officially Recognized at San José State University and be able to take advantage of University resources and facilities. This is a great way to gain valuable leadership experience and training!

Please contact studentorgs@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Center for Community and Learning & Leadership: Veterans Embracing Transition (VET) Project

The VET Project at SJSU is designed to support military veterans as they transition to campus life and civilian‑student life. It offers resources such as a specialized curriculum focused on the veteran-to-student transition, a small lending library on campus, research opportunities, and educational outreach. Through the VET Connect Peer Leaders program, veteran students can also serve as peer mentors/ receiving stipends and helping to educate and support other veteran and military‑connected students on campus. 

Please contact elena.klaw@sjsu.edu or peggy.arana@sjsu.edu with any questions. 

Student Involvement/Campus-Wide: Weeks of Welcome

The Weeks of Welcome program is a campus‑wide kickoff each semester, offering 80+ free events for all students such as orientation activities, socials, resource fairs, workshops, and fun community games. These activities are all designed to help you connect, explore campus life, and start the semester strong. WOW also gives new and returning Spartans a chance to meet peers, discover student clubs and resources, build friendships, and get involved in campus culture early on.

Please contact getinvolved@sjsu.edu with any questions.


Student Employment

Peer Connections: Peer Educator Position

Peer Educators at Peer Connections are SJSU students who provide free tutoring, mentoring, supplemental instruction (SI), and learning-assistance to fellow students. Peer Educators help with course content, lead study sessions or workshops, facilitate class discussions or group work, and support academic and social success for other students. These positions are part-time, require enrollment at SJSU, acceptable GPA and course performance, and completion of training. Working as a Peer Educator also lets students build leadership, communication, and teaching skills while helping peers succeed.

Please contact peerconnections@sjsu.edu with any questions.

New Student and Family Programs: Orientation and Transition Leader

Orientation and Transition Leaders (OATies) are SJSU students hired by The Office of New Student and Family Program (NSFP) to help guide incoming first-year and transfer students (and their families) through campus orientation programs. As an OATie , you lead orientation sessions including “Sparta Camp” (for first-year students) or transfer orientation, welcome new Spartans and families, share information about campus resources and expectations, and facilitate a smooth transition to SJSU’s academic and social life. The role includes mandatory summer training, enrollment in a credit-bearing spring course on orientation leadership, and participation in summer sessions, making it both a job and a leadership-development opportunity. 

Please contact newspartans@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Spartan Recreation: Applying for Jobs

Spartan Recreation offers a variety of part-time jobs for SJSU students throughout the academic year such as: fitness instructor, personal trainer, outdoor adventure leader, climbing-wall attendant or supervisor, outdoor rental attendant, and more. These roles give students the chance to work on campus in recreation facilities or outdoor settings, gain hands-on experience, build leadership and safety-management skills, and help fellow Spartan students stay active and engaged. 

Jobs are posted on the Spartan Recreation website and via the university’s online application system. Availability varies by semester, and students must be matriculated at SJSU to apply.

Please contact spartanrecreation-group@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Student Involvement: Student Leadership Ambassador

Student Leadership Ambassadors (SLAs) at SJSU serve as the student voice within Student Involvement. They support and help coordinate a wide range of campus-life areas including Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), Fraternity/Sorority Life, Campus Programming, and Leadership Development initiatives. As an SLA, you’ll perform tasks such as front-desk work, event planning, outreach, marketing/social media updates, and liaison work between students, staff, and campus organizations. The role offers an opportunity to build leadership, communication, collaboration, and professional-development skills while helping enhance campus connection and community at SJSU. 

Please contact getinvolved@sjsu.edu with any questions

Chicanx Latinx Student Success Center: Peer Support Student Success Leades

Student Success Leaders (SSLs) at Centro are student employees who provide personal and academic support to their peers in a welcoming, culturally affirming space. They help fellow students navigate campus life, access support services, and explore involvement opportunities, drawing on their own experiences as Chicanx/Latinx students to offer meaningful guidance and referrals when needed. Working as an SSL also gives students the chance to build leadership, communication, community-building, and mentoring skills while contributing to retention and success of the Latinx community at SJSU.

Please contact chicanxlatinxssc@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Writing Center: Jobs

The Writing Center hires SJSU students for roles including Front-Desk, Zoom Support Student Assistants, and Writing Tutors.

As a Student Assistant, you help manage front-desk duties (welcoming visitors, handling scheduling, answering questions), support online services (like Zoom tutoring sessions or workshops), and assist with events, working up to 20 hours per week. 

As a Writing Tutor, you provide one-on-one or small-group tutoring (in person or online), help students of all disciplines with assignments ranging from essays to lab reports, run writing workshops, and contributing to resource development (handouts & outreach).

These positions give students paid work (starting at ~$20/hr for tutors, $18.50/hr for assistants) along with opportunities to build communication, tutoring, writing, and organizational skills while supporting peers across campus.

Please contact writingcenter@sjsu.edu with any questions.


Trainings

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Mental Health First Aid Training

CAPS offers a Mental Health First Aid training course for SJSU students. The 8-hour workshop teaches students how to recognize signs of mental health or substance-use crises and provides tools to support peers who may be struggling. Through the training, participants learn risk factors, warning signs, and how to respond, whether someone is in a crisis or showing early signs of mental health challenges, and where to refer them for help. This program is open to currently enrolled SJSU students (as well as staff/faculty) and is offered through the Student Wellness Center under CAPS. 

Please contact the Mental Health Education Coordinator at scheanelle.green@sjsu.edu with any questions.

Volunteer Opportunities

SJSU Cares: Spartan Food Pantry Volunteers

Spartan Food Pantry is a full-service, walk-in food assistance program offering non-perishable goods, fresh produce, and refrigerated items to enrolled SJSU students who may be experiencing food insecurity. Volunteers help staff the pantry where such tasks may include stocking shelves, managing inventory, checking out items for students, and assisting with donations and distribution. This volunteer role supports the campus community by helping fellow Spartans get access to essential resources, while also giving volunteers a meaningful leadership opportunity and practical experience helping peers in need.

Please contact sjsucares@sjsu.edu with any questions.