SpartanMessenger - September 2, 2025

SpartanMessenger title card graphic.

Introducing SpartanMessenger

The new, one-stop shop for all employee info and resources at SJSU. Landing in employee inboxes and online every Tuesday morning.

Share Your News for Next Week's Issue

Budget Town Hall

Save the Date: Budget Town Hall

Join President Cynthia Teniente-Matson and others to receive an overview of SJSU’s financial outlook and contribute meaningful discussion about our path forward.

Office Clean Ups

Faculty Office Clean Ups

 Starting in October, Academic Affairs and Facilities Development and Operations will revive annual faculty office clean out days. To help prepare, FD&O provides information on responsible use of university office space and encourages faculty and staff to declutter their own spaces.

Academic Senate

Get Involved with Your Academic Senate

 Join the next Senate meeting on September 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. Visit the Senate website to review topics up for discussion and share questions and input with your Senate representatives. A few observer-only seats are available; book yours by emailing senate@sjsu.edu

News and Announcements

Ice Cream Social

Staff Council Ice Cream Social

Join the Staff Council and President Cynthia Teniente-Matson at the annual Ice Cream Social in the Spartan Rose Garden on Monday, September 22 at 1:30 p.m.

ALO Search

Recruitment: Senior Vice Provost and Accreditation Liaison Officer

Provost Vincent Del Casino, Jr. opened an internal recruitment for this role. Nominations for this post are due by 12 p.m. on Friday, September 5.

Fall Holidays and Observances

As Summer ends and Fall begins, the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ODEI) reminds the campus community about upcoming religious and cultural observances. This Multicultural/Interfaith Calendar, which can be added to your Google Calendar, lists cultural and religious observations during fall. If any holiday or observance is missing, please contact ODEI at diversityoffice@sjsu.edu.

New Campus Construction Impacts

There are construction and renovation projects happening at CCB, Duncan Hall, and the ongoing Tower Lawn landscaping work.

September 24: Benefits and Services Fair

Prepare for open enrollment (Sept. 15 to Oct. 10) by attending the fall Benefits and Services Fair on September 24, 2025 at 10 a.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

Book a Hammer Theater Tour

Touring the Hammer gives you and your students a chance to engage with a creative space that fosters innovation, diversity, and cultural expression. Learn how the Hammer supports community connection, interdisciplinary collaboration and inspires new perspectives for your teaching, research, or work.

Library Exhibition: Spirits in Color: The Magic of Alebrijes

Alebrijes are beloved symbols of Día de los Muertos who embody joy and color as vibrant companions to the souls of the departed. Inspired by the giant alebrijes sculptures currently on display outside Spartan Village on the Paseo, this exhibition features pieces of personal art of folklore creators and vendors from Arrazola, Oaxaca. Explore the artwork on the fifth floor of the King Library.

2024-25 Career Center Outcomes Report

Newly released! 2024-25 was a remarkable year for our Career Center – reflected in a 7% increase in students served and over 40 new engagement events! We are proud to contribute to their success. This Report highlights our significant progress creating impactful career opportunities and supporting our students' professional development.

Toastmasters Open House

Discover Toastmasters can improve your public speaking and communication skills and help you build a professional network and develop your leadership. Join the downtown speechmakers club and try fun, impromptu speaking in a supportive environment.

Fall 2025 General Education Changes

New GE breadth requirements are now in effect across the CSU. Dr. Julie Chisholm, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, is available to support faculty with GE-related questions.

Viva Calle Celebrates 10 Years this Sunday

Ten miles of city streets from Japantown to the Rose Garden and downtown Willow Glen open up for biking, walking and fun in San José. Enjoy this year’s final Viva Calle event and summer weather in a safe, family-friendly environment for outdoor recreation.

Keep Each Other Safe During Hot Weather

Employees should learn how to keep students, colleagues and themselves safe during warm weather.

Zoom Phone: Integrated Communications

For seamless cloud-based communication and collaboration, Zoom Phone bundles video meetings, team chat, phone calls, and SMS into one convenient platform. Learn more at the info session by Zoom on Wednesday, September 10. Join here at 10 a.m.

Faculty and Staff Spotlight

Dave Ebert head shot

David Ebert Recognized with New Species Discovery Award

The “Lost Shark Guy” and Moss Landing Marine Laboratory faculty researcher mentors graduate students and postdocs in shark taxonomy in developing countries. Dr. Ebert’s critical work helps scientists around the globe identify unknown species of fish to better understand the health of their marine ecosystems.

Staff group shot

Student Involvement Hosts Weeks of Welcome 

Staff from Student Affairs, Student Involvement and the Student Union prepare for and organize over 80 engaging events to help new and returning students connect, find resources, and get involved. Special thanks to campus programming coordinator Jess Prudent for promoting WOW. By combining celebration, community and guidance, WOW sets the stage for a positive semester ahead.

SJSU NewsCenter Featured Stories

Katelyn Gambarin at podium

Meet AS President Katelyn Gambarin

Gambarin’s, ‘26 Political Science, rise to lead Associated Students is a journey of leaning into the opportunities afforded to SJSU students who authentically engage with the community we all call home.

Group shot for Rhoda's story

Supporting the Next Generation of Social Workers

SJSU's Title IV-E Program helps aspiring social workers by covering tuition costs while preparing them with specialized training to serve vulnerable children and families in the area of public child welfare.