Updates for the Start of the Semester

Sent: January 27, 2025

From: Vincent J. Del Casino, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Colleagues,

As everyone knows, San José State has an unwavering commitment to provide a safe and caring environment for all our students, staff, and faculty to achieve success. As is customary at the start of a new semester, we are supporting the needs of our campus community, while responding to new expectations at the federal level.

As we continually adapt to a changing world, I ask that, first and foremost, everyone provide our students with the flexibility to manage what may be trying times for some. Just like we did during the pandemic, we have to ensure that all our students, as well as faculty and staff, can thrive here at SJSU. This means being sensitive to students’ classroom needs, as they may have to delay an assignment or need your help navigating their semester.

There are also resources available to which you can direct all students. As you engage with students, you may refer anyone seeking support services to SJSU Cares on the 1st floor of Clark Hall and CAPS in the Wellness Center. The staff in SJSU Cares will coordinate city, county and state resources that may be needed by our student body and their families. Below you will also find a list of other available resources so that you can direct students to them should they need them.

  • SJSU Cares is available at sjsu.edu/sjsucares if you are experiencing housing or food insecurity, need case management, or an unforeseen economic need.
  • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offer a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your feelings, develop coping strategies and foster personal growth. CAPS can support you in navigating life situations with services that include brief individual therapy, couples and group counseling, and referral to additional services. CAPS also provides Same Day Services to address your most immediate concerns on a drop-in basis. Please call (408) 924-5678 or visit us at sjsu.edu/wellness. Finally, if you are facing an emergency after hours, we encourage you to visit this link for important resources.
  • The UndocuSpartan Student Resource Center supports undocumented students at SJSU through resources, advocacy, and a welcoming community.
  • The PRIDE Center is here to support and advocate for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, so that students feel safe, welcomed, and respected on campus.
  • International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) cultivates a supportive and inclusive community by centralizing immigration advising resources and co-curricular support programming for F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars.
  • Learning strategies to cope with stress can be an important way to deal with difficult situations. The Well-being @ SJSU website and the Mindful Steps System offers a range of resources and services to help you build your capacity to manage stress.
  • There is also a systemwide FAQ for Enforcement Actions on University Property [pdf] that helps you understand certain important policies.
  • In the event of enforcement actions: Direct subpoenas to Airleah Sivila, Office of the VP, Administration and Finance / CFO, airleah.sivila@sjsu.edu, 408-924-1747. Direct warrants to University Police at 408-924-2222. 

As President Teniente-Matson said at Wednesday’s Spring Welcome event, we must manage the days ahead with care, transparency and a focus on our mission and values. Supporting every member of our Spartan family—and all who call SJSU home—remains a core tenant of our community.

As always, let’s support each other with kindness and compassion. There will be more to come this semester and we will collectively work to ensure all our students find comfort and support at SJSU.

Sincerely,

Vin