Provost Updates
Latest Academic Affairs Messages
Ad Astra Scheduling Summit
May 14, 2025
Join us to participate in the Ad Astra Scheduling Summit, an in-person workshop hosted by the Office of the Provost. This summit will bring together department chairs, school directors, college leadership, and advising leads for a strategic roundtable and collaborative exploration of our academic scheduling approach.
Now Hiring for the SJSU College Corps!
May 8, 2025
I am pleased to announce the application for SJSU’s #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is open. The College Corps is a historic state level investment in service that reduces college debt for students who serve the community for an academic year. SJSU undergraduate students who are enrolled full time during the 2025-26 academic year and complete 450 hours of service through the College Corps will receive up to $10,000 to help pay for college.
2025 Final Exams & Culminating Experiences Reminder
May 1, 2025
I am writing to remind you about the upcoming Spring 2025 Final Examinations per the revisions to University Policy S17-1, which was approved in October 2024.
ChatGPT Edu Now Live for SJSU Faculty and Staff
April 18, 2025
We are excited to announce that ChatGPT Edu is now available for all SJSU faculty and staff as part of the CSU-wide OpenAI Initiative. Provided at no cost, ChatGPT Edu supports our ongoing commitment to enhancing teaching, learning, and student success through innovative AI technology.
CSU Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) Data Collection
April 18, 2025
In alignment with CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 and Year of Engagement, the CSU Center for Community Engagement is in its fourth year of a system wide effort to improve data collection and identify the spectrum of community-engaged learning courses being offered across the CSU. The SJSU Center for Community Learning & Leadership (CCLL) leads this information gathering on our campus by utilizing the Chancellor’s Office Community Engaged Learning Tool (CELT).
Guidance for International Employees
April 17, 2025
We are deeply grateful for the many ways our international faculty and staff colleagues enrich our campus community and contribute to student success. Following President Teniente-Matson’s message regarding federal visa actions and support for affected students, many in our campus community have asked about the implications for international faculty and staff members.
Upcoming Updates to Lecture Rooms & Assignment Process
April 15, 2025
I am writing to update you on our division’s classroom utilization and assignment process. For years, SJSU has underperformed other CSU’s when it comes to both using and documenting the use of teaching spaces. In practical terms, SJSU has fallen short of the standard for both hours scheduled and seat fill rates.
ChatGPT-EDU SJSU Campus Launch Date is April 18, 2025
April 8, 2025
The CSU system is currently rolling out ChatGPT-EDU to all 23 CSU campuses. This includes making ChatGPT-EDU, an AI-powered tool, available at no cost to all students, faculty, and staff. ChatGPT-EDU is a CSU-AI initiative that provides access to helpful technology and complement existing efforts to support student success.
University Scholar Series Featuring Dr. Marjan Madadi
March 27, 2025
You are all invited to attend the second University Scholar Series this semester on Wednesday, April 30th from 12 to 1 p.m. Dr. Marjan Madadi will present, “ Quantifying Precancerous Colonic Neoplasia Dynamics and Optimizing Surveillance Policies for Improved Patient Outcomes.” For more information on Dr. Madadi’s work and the University Scholar Series, you can find it here.
Supporting Our Campus Community During VTA Service Disruptions
March 25, 2025
As the Valley Transportation Agency’s (VTA) strike enters its third week, we know this prolonged labor action is impacting our campus—specifically, the ability of our students and colleagues to maintain class and commute routines. Please see below important information related to the disruption.
Invitation to the 63rd Honors Convocation
March 20, 2025
Please join me, President Teniente-Matson, Senate Chair Sasikumar, and the deans in celebrating the outstanding achievements of our undergraduate students at the 63rd Honors Convocation on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Provident Credit Union Event Center.
Supporting Students During VTA Work Stoppage
March 12, 2025, with an updated message sent out on March 14, 2025
As you may be aware, there is an ongoing work stoppage at the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), which is impacting public transit service throughout the region. Many members of our campus community, including students, rely on VTA for transportation to and from campus.
Introducing New Special Advisor to the Provost
March 3, 2025
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Sandy Hirsh has taken on a new role in the Office of the Provost – Special Advisor to the Provost on AI Curricular Initiatives. This position is funded as part of a generous gift from the Adobe Foundation, which has been one of SJSU’s strongest partners. In this capacity, Dr. Hirsh is not building curriculum—that is the purview of faculty, departments, and programs—but creating a space for critical dialogue about the place of AI education in our curriculum. Dr. Hirsh’s role is to bring colleagues together to not simply “embrace” AI but to ask how and in what ways SJSU will critically reflect on what AI means for the future of higher education.
The Critical Work Will Continue
February 18, 2025
It has been a rather intense few weeks, as we have seen rapid change in higher education, a result of shifting federal priorities and actions. There is no doubt that the rapidity of change and the lack of clear communication from the federal government on what is specifically meant by this order or that order has added to the anxiety. Action has taken place in California and across the country that has slowed some of the change but this has done little to address some of the immediate impacts on the country broadly and higher education specifically, as the most significant impact is uncertainty. The irony of reaching R2 status in the same month where grants and contracts may be limited by federal action is not lost on me. But, I believe deeply in the SJSU community and its ability to tackle the challenges ahead. After all, SJSU is one of the best universities in the country for advancing the social mobility of its students and for addressing some of the greatest challenges we face in the world today.
Announcing the Dean for the College of Education Search Committee
February 14, 2025
Thank you for your nominations for the Dean Search Committee. The election process has now concluded, and I am pleased to announce the membership of the Dean Search Committee for the Connie L. Lurie College of Education.
Important Update: New date for the 63rd Honors Convocation
February 13, 2025
San José State University hosts the Honors Convocation each spring to honor its distinguished students who have achieved academic excellence. Undergraduate students who have earned a GPA of 4.0 for the spring 2024 and/or fall 2024 semester are awarded the distinction as President’s Scholars.
Announcing the Interim Dean for the Connie L. Lurie College of Education
February 10, 2025
I am pleased to announce that Dr. David Whitenack has accepted the position of Interim Dean of the Lurie College of Education. He will begin his transition into the role on February 17, 2025, providing him time to work directly with Dean Lattimer over the last several weeks of her appointment, which officially ends on February 28, 2025. I am very thankful to Dr. Whitenack for stepping into the leadership role in the college at this important time and very much look forward to working with him directly as we search for a permanent dean.
Save the Date: 63rd Honors Convocation
February 7, 2025
San José State University hosts the Honors Convocation each spring to honor its distinguished students who have achieved academic excellence. Undergraduate students who have earned a GPA of 4.0 for the spring 2024 and/or fall 2024 semester are awarded the distinction as President’s Scholars.
Our Mission Has Never Been More Important
January 30, 2025
I hope this email finds you well and that you are energized by the return of all the students on campus this spring (more students than ever before in fact!). I am writing today to update you on some of what is going on around the system and on the campus, as I understand that what happens in one part of the CSU can reverberate through conversations on our own campus. Obviously, our institution is also embedded in a context of changes at the federal level and I want to briefly address some of those related issues as well.
Dr. Mehrdad Aliasgari Named Dean of the College of Information, Data, and Society
January 28, 2025
I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Mehrdad Aliasgari will serve as the new Dean for the College of Information, Data, and Society, beginning June 2, 2025. Dr. Aliasgari’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for our campus, as advancements in library science, data science, cybersecurity, and generative AI reshape our world. His leadership, building on the outstanding programs in our internationally recognized iSchool and Department of Applied Data Science, will position the college to address society’s most pressing challenges while fostering innovation and preparing future leaders.
Updates for the Start of the Semester
January 27, 2025
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.
University Scholar Series Featuring Dr. Allison M. Johnson
January 22, 2025
You are all invited to attend the first University Scholar Series this semester on Wednesday, February 19th from 12 to 1 p.m. Dr. Allison M. Johnson will present, “The Post-War Lives of Amputee Civil War Veterans.” For more information on Dr. Johnson’s work and the University Scholar Series, you can find it here.
Call for Nominations: Dean for the College of Education Search Committee
January 21,2025
The Office of the Provost is launching a national search for the next Dean of the Connie L. Lurie College of Education. The position is currently held by Dr. Heather Lattimer, who has accepted the role of Provost at California State University, Los Angeles. To ensure we attract the strongest pool of candidates, an executive search firm will be engaged to assist the search committee throughout the process.
2025-26 RSCA AT Update
January 21,2025
The SJSU RSCA assigned-time program continues to successfully provide time in a faculty member’s official workload to engage in scholarly activity. The program provides time to our most RSCA-active faculty across the university, regardless of discipline.
Seeking Nominations for Interim Dean, Lurie College of Education
January 21,2025
As you know, Dean Lattimer will transition to her new role as Provost CSULA on March 1st. We will need an Interim Dean of the Lurie College of Education to serve from that date onward while we search for a permanent dean. I will follow up with more details on the search process for the permanent dean later today. In the meantime, with this email I ask that colleagues in the college submit names for consideration; I will use this list to speak with prospective candidates and appoint an interim.
Let’s Congratulate and Thank Dean Heather Lattimer
January 6, 2025
I write today with bittersweet news and congratulations to Dr. Heather Lattimer, who has been appointed the next provost at California State University, Los Angeles. Cal State LA is very fortunate to have Dr. Lattimer’s leadership at a time of such major transition in higher education. Her energy, creativity, and commitment to collaboration will be an amazing asset to the campus. I am excited to also have Dr. Lattimer as a provost colleague in the system!
Announcing the Dean for the College of Graduate Studies 5-Year Review Committee
December 6, 2024
I am pleased to announce that we finalized the composition of the Review Committee for the College of Graduate Studies Dean, Dr. Marc d’Alarcao. These members have been appointed in accordance with University Policy S16-8, Section and Review of Administrators.
Join the Conversation: CSU Strategic Plan Updates and Engagement Opportunities
December 4, 2024
I’d like to encourage all of you to engage in dialogue around the system-wide CSU Strategic Plan, which is central to shaping the future of our university system. This collective effort depends on the input, creativity, and collaboration of our CSU faculty.
Maintaining Community During a Tense Week of National Politics
November 4, 2024
As we enter the final phase of the 2024 election cycle, I want to acknowledge that this is an anxious time for many. Students and their families—as well as faculty and staff—may be experiencing high levels of stress. Please be mindful of this anxiety as you interact with students and colleagues over the coming weeks. Given how close this election is expected to be, we may not know the final outcome for some time. It is important to ensure that all votes are counted accurately, and this will take time and patience.
Invitation to the Academic Affairs Town Hall Meeting on November 6th
October 25, 2024
You are cordially invited to attend a town hall meeting on Wednesday, November 6th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM in Student Union meeting rooms 4A and 4B. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation.
Job Announcement: Dean of the College of Information, Data, and Society
October 21, 2024
I am pleased to announce the launch of a nationwide search for the Dean of the College of Information, Data, and Society, assisted by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller. I invite interested candidates to apply through the firm’s platform.
Organizational Changes for Academic and Student Affairs
October 3, 2024
As we celebrate our recent accomplishment of being recognized as the fourth-best public school in the nation, we are excited to share our ongoing commitment to evolving as a university centered on our students. Guided by SJSU’s Transformation 2030 Strategic Plan, our first goal is to Engage and Educate. In this spirit, we are implementing some strategic reorganizations within our divisions to enhance our students' enrollment, retention, and overall success.
University Scholar Series Featuring Associate Professor Walter Adams
September 25, 2024
You are all invited to attend the first University Scholar Series this semester on Wednesday, October 9th from 12 to 1 pm. Walter Adams, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, will present, “The Hole Problem: Understanding How a Pore-Forming Toxin Promotes Respiratory Disease.” For more information on Associate Professor Adam’s work and the University Scholar Series, you can find it here. Hosted by the Office of the Provost in partnership with the Division of Research and Innovation and the SJSU King Library, this VIRTUAL-ONLY event is free and open to the public.
Dean Search Committee for the College of Information, Data, and Society
September 13, 2024
Thank you for all the submitted nominations for the dean search committee. The election process has concluded and I am pleased to announce the membership of the Dean Search Committee for the College of Information, Data, and Society. The search committee is composed of representatives from the faculty, staff, student, and administrator/community, to allow for a diverse perspective. These members have been selected in accordance with university policy S16-8, Selection and Review of Administrators:
Postponing the September University Scholar Series Event
September 4, 2024
The University Scholar Series featuring Associate Professor Allison Johnson, originally scheduled for September 18, will be rescheduled to the Spring 2025 semester. This decision was made to ensure that as many people as possible would have access to this great talk.
We apologize for any inconvenience that may cause and appreciate your understanding. We will provide updated details regarding the new date and time as soon as they are finalized.
Review of Heather Lattimer, Dean of the Connie L. Lurie College of Education
August 29, 2024
Following the review that was required by and conducted in conformance with campus policy, I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Heather Lattimer as Dean of the College of Education.
The review committee conducted their evaluation of Dr. Lattimer and solicited opinions of her performance from faculty, staff, administrators, students, and community.
The review committee was pleased with support from the community members. Dr. Lattimer was also commended for her “collaborative and inclusive” leadership and for the work she has done over the last five years to “work with multiple constituencies” while also maintaining a focus on “community partnerships” and a “visionary” approach to the future of education.”
Welcome to the Fall Semester
August 28, 2024
I hope this email finds you well as you prepare for the first full week of fall classes! We begin the semester with a number of good news items. SJSU’s enrollment—in both our state-support and self-support programs—is up. We are welcoming 37 new tenured/tenure-track faculty to our ranks. And our programs for faculty and staff professional development are in full swing. As we come out of what was a challenging financial year last year, I am pleased that we have been able to maintain our momentum as a division and campus, although I readily acknowledge we have work to do to get back to full strength.
Call for Committee Members: Dean Marc d’Alarcao 5-Year Review
August 27, 2024
Dr. Marc d’Alarcao is serving his fifth year as Dean for the College of Graduate Studies at San José State University. In accordance with university policy, S16-8, Selection and Review of Administrators, a review committee will be appointed to solicit feedback from the campus community.
As such, I am seeking nominations to serve on this very important committee. The review committee shall be composed of faculty, staff, student, administrators or community representatives as outlined below. Please consider this opportunity or nominate a colleague to serve. Nominees must be available to serve on this committee through the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
Call for Programs - Transforming Communities: A Movement to Racial Justice, November 2024
August 19, 2024
I am writing to invite you to submit an idea for a talk, lecture, workshop, entertainment/arts event, panel discussion, or other idea for the Transforming Communities: A Movement to Racial Justice event here at SJSU. This year's event takes place from November 1 - 15. The 2024 theme, "Empowering Democracy: Advancing Racial Justice and Equity in the 21st Century" seeks to highlight the election and the ever-changing socio-political climate nationally. This event welcomes programs in-person, virtual, and in multiple formats that highlight various topics that address the multi-faceted aspects of racial justice and equity. For those of you that are unfamiliar with Transforming Communities, it is an annual event hosted by SJSU designed to foster connection with the broader San Jose community and change throughout our community towards a more racially just, and equitable campus, city, and county.
University Scholar Series Featuring Associate Professor Allison Johnson
August 19, 2024
You are all invited to attend the first University Scholar Series this semester on Wednesday, September 18th from 12 to 1 pm. Associate Professor Allison Johnson will present, “The Post-War Lives of Amputee Civil War Veterans.” For more information on Associate Professor Johnson’s work and the University Scholar Series, you can find it here. Hosted by the Office of the Provost in partnership with the Division of Research and Innovation and the SJSU King Library, this VIRTUAL-ONLY event is free and open to the public.
Call for Nominations: Dean for the College of Information, Data and Society Search Committee
August 19, 2024
The Office of the Provost is launching the search for the Dean, College of Information, Data, and Society (CIDS). Reporting to the Provost, the Dean for CIDS is the senior administrator responsible for setting a forward-looking vision and strategy in information science, data analytics, and librarianship education. They represent the College and University in various community and professional organizations, while also securing resources to advance institutional goals. Additionally, the Dean leads efforts to foster a culture of research and creative activity, supporting both faculty and students in their academic and professional growth.
Changes to Make-Up Exam Proctoring Services
August 6, 2024
We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you of an important change regarding our make-up exam proctoring services, which have been previously supported through our campus Testing Office.
As context, many of the services previously offered through the Testing Office were funded by the Writing Skills Test (WST), which was mandatory for all incoming freshmen until a few years ago. When this exam went away, this self-funded unit began to run at a significant deficit, as there had never been any state-funded positions supporting the office. Despite the rapid financial decline in operating funds, the Testing Office continued to offer services - proctoring makeup exams, for example - that had no financial support and were thus beyond the available funding. When the Testing Office came over to Academic Affairs, we evaluated the operation and its funding and have thus had to reduce staffing and services.
Update to the Office of Undergraduate Education
June 25, 2024
As we continue to review our operations to better align functions with our organizational structure, I am pleased to announce that three units within the Office of Undergraduate Education - Articulation, Transfer Credit, and E-Advising - will be moving to the Office of the Registrar beginning July 1st. The colleagues working in these areas will continue their work but in more direct alignment with our broader Registrar functions on campus. In addition, the Testing Office is moving to the Office of Continuing and Professional Education, which will help us leverage our testing capacity to meet institutional and regional testing needs.
College of Information, Data, and Society
June 21, 2024
Toward the end of the spring semester, the Senate Executive Committee of the Academic Senate recommended that the president rename the College of Professional and Global Education to the College of Information, Data, and Society. This recommendation was based on the review of a proposal presented to a Naming Committee per University Policy S14-4. I want to thank the team in the college for putting forward such a thoughtful proposal for the name change, which they developed through robust consultation with faculty, staff, students, and administrators in the college. It was great to see such collaboration emerge through this process.
Announcing New Dean of Undergraduate Education
June 3, 2024
I am excited to announce that Dr. Melinda Jackson will be the next Dean of Undergraduate Education here at SJSU! Her official start date is July 3, 2024. Dr. Jackson was selected after a highly competitive search across the entire California State University. I want to thank the search committee for their work in bringing such an excellent pool to campus. Dr. Jackson distinguished herself throughout the process, and I look forward to working with her closely in her new role.
GE Transitions: Summer 2024 Funding Opportunities
May 7, 2024
The CSU Chancellor’s Office has authorized one-time funding to support implementation of the new CSU General Education Unified Pathway, which will take effect in Fall 2025. I am pleased to announce the allocation of these funds to support the following opportunities for Summer 2024 as we begin our curriculum revisions to align with the new GE requirements.
62nd Honors Celebration
May 7, 2024
This year, we are honoring 2,590 undergraduate students who were awarded the distinction of President’s Scholar for the Spring or Fall 2023 semester. These undergraduate students represent SJSU’s top 10% in academic performance and all have demonstrated remarkable academic excellence. Read some of the highlights of our 2024 Scholars.
Spring 2024 Commencement Ambassador Sign-up
May 2, 2024
As the University prepares for the Spring 2024 (May 22-24) commencement ceremonies for nearly 8,000 graduating students and more than 30,000 friends and family, we invite the entire Spartan community to volunteer as a Commencement Ambassador. These types of campus-wide events require campus-wide involvement to successfully and safely execute each Commencement Ceremony.
Now Hiring for the SJSU College Corps!
April 26, 2024
I am pleased to announce the application for SJSU’s #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is open. The College Corps is a historic state level investment in service that reduces college debt for students who serve the community for an academic year. SJSU undergraduate students who are enrolled full time during the 2024-25 academic year and complete 450 hours of service through the College Corps will receive up to $10,000 to help pay for college.
FAFSA Webinar with Senator Alex Padilla TOMORROW, THURSDAY APRIL 25th
April 24, 2024
Over the past few weeks, the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office has been sharing information and hosting workshops regarding changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). I am writing to encourage you to attend an important webinar taking place tomorrow, Thursday, April 25 at 10 a.m. This webinar is organized by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, who will be joined by representatives from the U.S. Department of Education and the California Student Aid Commission.
SJSU FAFSA 2024 Update
April 22, 2024
Many of you may be aware of the changes to the financial aid application process beginning in fall 2024. While our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office continues to communicate with our current students and admitted Fall 2024 first-year, transfer and graduate students regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we wanted to provide some context on the issues and where you can direct students, parents or other individuals who ask for assistance.
Announcing New Senior Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management
April 17, 2024
I am pleased to announce that Andrew Wright will be joining San José State University as the new Senior Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management (EM) starting July 8, 2024. Until that time, I will continue direct oversight of our EM team. As you may be aware, Mr. Wright was a candidate who visited campus as part of the search that closed in mid-fall 2023 and he was still available and very interested in the position!
University Scholar Series Featuring Professor Katy Kao
April 8, 2024
You are all invited to attend the third and final University Scholar Series this semester on Wednesday, May 1st from 12 to 1 pm. Professor Katy Kao will present, "Microbial Evolution: Opportunities and Challenges." For more information on Professor Kao's work and the University Scholar Series, you can find it here. Hosted by the Office of the Provost in partnership with the Division of Research and Innovation and the SJSU King Library, this HYBRID event is free and open to the public.
Admitted Spartan Day - Thank You!
April 15, 2024
I want to thank everyone for your work on Admitted Spartan Day. An event like this takes leadership, which we received out of our Student Outreach and Recruitment (SOAR) Team, and hundreds of volunteers that came out from across the university. The energy was amazing despite the rain, as prospective students and their support networks cruised from the resource fair to the workshops to campus and facility tours to the college-based open houses. It may be cliché to say “it takes a village” but in this case it is true.
Provost Message on the Budget
March 28, 2024
As you are all very aware by now, SJSU finds itself in an interesting position. Our CA student enrollments remain strong relative to other CSUs in the northern region of California. However, our international enrollments have declined and our overall enrollment number remains below where we were pre-pandemic. To put a finer point on the enrollment issue, we are still down nearly 1500 FTES since our historic enrollment high in 2021. Much of this enrollment decline has been in international and other non-resident students, leading to a serious decline in our overall revenue as a campus.
University Scholar Series Featuring Assistant Professor Shayan Shams
March 28, 2024
You are all invited to attend the second University Scholar Series this semester on Wednesday, April 10th from 12 to 1 pm. Assistant Professor Shayan Shams will present, "Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Healthcare." For more information on Assistant Professor Shams' work and the University Scholar Series, you can find it here. Hosted by the Office of the Provost in partnership with the Division of Research and Innovation and the SJSU King Library, this is a VIRTUAL ONLY event.
Transition in Enrollment Management
March 20, 2024
I am writing to let you know that Aretha Minor will be stepping down from her role as Senior Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management effective March 28, 2024. I want to thank Ms. Minor for her work here at SJSU and wish her the best. Please thank her for her contributions to SJSU when you have the chance.
Announcing the Dean for Undergraduate Education Search Committee
March 20, 2024
I am pleased to announce the membership of the Dean for Undergraduate Education Search Committee. The committee is composed of representatives from SJSU’s faculty, staff, students, and administrators to allow for diverse perspectives. These members have been selected in accordance with University Policy S16-8, Selection and Review of Administrators:
University Scholar Series Featuring Associate Professor Binh Danh
March 7, 2024
You are all invited to attend the first University Scholar Series this semester on Wednesday, March 27th from 12 to 1 pm. Associate Professor Binh Danh will present, "To Photograph Is to Archive." For more information on Associate Professor Danh's work and the University Scholar Series, you can find it here. Hosted by the Office of the Provost in partnership with the Division of Research and Innovation and the SJSU King Library, this HYBRID event is free and open to the public.
Honors Convocation
March 5, 2024
As we move into our season of celebration leading up to commencement, we also take time to recognize our students who have excelled academically at SJSU. As we have grown as a campus, the number of students who have excelled has continued to rise, a wonderful indication of the outstanding work of students as well as faculty and staff. Indeed, nearly 2,600 students will be rewarded as President’s Scholars this year, having achieved a 4.0 in either the previous fall or spring semesters.
Call for Nominations: Dean for Undergraduate Education Search Committee
March 5, 2024
The Office of the Provost is launching the search for the Dean for Undergraduate Education, a position that is replacing the current Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education role. Moving this to a dean role will bring greater parity with the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and strengthen communication and coordination with the deans of the academic colleges. This will be a system-wide search, and I am seeking nominations for members to serve on this search committee.
Fee Increase for Self-Support PaCE Programs
March 1, 2024
San José State University educates more students than any other campus in the CSU through its Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) programs. These programs meet market demands, while also providing an array of educational opportunities for California’s students. Put another way, they are designed to “meet students where they are” be that online or face-to-face.
Updates on Academic Advising at SJSU
February 28, 2024
We write to update you on the efforts to advance Undergraduate Advising and Success (UAS) at SJSU. As many of you know, in 2019, SJSU underwent a review from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). Since the 2019 NACADA report, SJSU made significant strides in implementation of the recommendations and also established the UAS unit with an inaugural Associate Vice Provost, alongside six managing directors, to lead and direct 10 student success centers. Another review by NACADA, which took place in Fall 2023, notes some of our successes as well as our opportunities for growth.
Welcome to the Spring Semester
January 31, 2024
I hope this message finds you well and gearing up for a fantastic spring semester. There is, as always, a lot happening in California, across the higher education landscape nationally, and on campus. We continue to track the Governor’s budget and legislative response to that budget and many of us will be in Sacramento this month as part of the CSU’s advocacy week to continue to emphasize the amazing value of our work. At the national level, higher education has been challenged by the dramatic shifts that machine learning and generative artificial intelligent systems are bringing into the learning environment.
CPGE Organizational Changes
September 29, 2023
I am writing with an update on the organizational structure of College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE) in the Division of Academic Affairs. As many of you know, over the years, CPGE has grown to encompass both academic departments and professional and global education service departments. Last year, I asked a Working Group to come together to review the overall organizational structure of CPGE and make recommendations about how the college should be organized to optimally serve our students and university.
On the Question of "Rigor" in Higher Education
September 21, 2023
As we move further into the semester, I wanted to reach out and offer some thoughts on the topic of “academic rigor.” The definition of academic rigor is elusive, even as many of us use it with a fair amount of regularity. For some, rigor rests as a core principle of our project as academics and educators. After all, why would we not want students to be challenged by high expectations that demand a certain amount of discipline and focus.
Update from the Provost: Welcome to the Fall Semester
August 30, 2023
I hope this note finds you well and somewhat settled as the second week of the semester commences. I wanted to begin this semester by thanking all the staff, department chairs and directors, and administrators who have worked hard over the summer to make sure we could enroll our largest first-year class ever, 4500 students!
Academic Affairs Division Budget Presentation
May 8, 2023
Last week I had a chance to present the divisional budget in a town hall format. I spent about an hour going through the material and tried to answer as many questions as possible. The slides from that presentation can be found here. There were a lot of slides because our budget is large and it is complicated. This is really just a start. I plan on presenting our new 23-24 budget this fall.
Announcing the New Dean for the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business
April 24, 2023
I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Rangapriya (Priya) Kannan will join San José State University as the next dean of the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business. She will begin her appointment on August 1st. Dr. Kannan joins SJSU at a pivotal time in its history, as we continue to elevate the position of Lucas on the campus and in the wider San José community. Dr. Kannan has a passion for the mission of SJSU and Lucas, and I am incredibly excited to begin our work together.
Announcing New Dean in the College of Social Sciences
April 5, 2023
I am very excited to announce that after a national search Dr. Anne Marie Todd has agreed to take up the post of Dean of the College of Social Sciences. She will begin her new position effective July 1, 2023. As many of you know, Dr. Todd currently serves as Associate Dean in the College of Social Sciences. She will continue in that role for the next several months as Dr. Heather Lattimer continues her interim role as dean. This transition period will allow time to search for other leadership in the college - in particular a new Associate Dean for Academics - to take Dr. Todd’s current role when she steps into this new position.
Announcing the Permanent Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Institutional Effectiveness
April 3, 2023
I am excited to announce that Dr. Ron Rogers will take up the permanent position of Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Institutional Effectiveness effective immediately. This new role combines efforts that Ron has been leading in his interim role, as he has helped to build and launch SJSU Online, with various aspects of our campus’ assessment and institutional evaluation infrastructure, bringing together two diverse but overlapping portfolio’s into one vice provost position. Ron has established himself over the last several years as a valued campus leader and colleague and I know he is excited to bring his creative energy to the work of this new portfolio as we continue to build programs that reach new communities of learners and meet the requirements of our WSCUC Accreditation, among other issues.
Caring for Our Community in Stormy Days
March 15, 2023
I hope this email finds you well. I know that many of you have had your lives disrupted by the most recent winter storm. In some areas, flooding has made travel impossible, while in other regions power outages have disrupted the ability of faculty to teach, students to learn, and staff to deliver services. Some of our community members have also had to evacuate their homes and find shelter elsewhere while they wait for flooding to abate or power to return. If that wasn’t enough, the Internet went down on the main campus for several hours today. It sometimes makes us wonder - are we ever going to catch a break?!
Welcome to Spring Semester and to the Next AI Revolution in Higher Ed
January 26, 2023
I hope this email finds you well and relatively dried out after our very wet January rainy season. I am writing to welcome you to spring and highlight an issue that is animating a lot of conversation on campus and nationally across higher education: the growing presence of “artificial intelligence”¹ (AI) and machine learning systems in the lives of students, faculty, and staff. Read more here.
Continuing Efforts to Meet the Goals of GI 2025
November 14, 2022
In October, we received our most recent report from the Chancellor’s Office outlining our successes related to and ongoing challenges associated with GI 2025. That report shows that we have exceeded our four-year graduation goal of 35% by two percentage points already! We are close to our six-year graduation goal of 71% for first-year students, while also surpassing our marks set out for our transfer graduation goals. We have also continued to close the six-year graduation gap between our Pell Eligible and non-Pell Eligible students. These are marks of distinction for this campus. Read more here.
Reflection on a Very Hot Week
September 12, 2022
Last week was another challenging time for SJSU, as very hot temperatures made it difficult for some of us to work and live here in San José. It is clear, as well, that the faculty, staff, and students of SJSU are very adaptable. We managed to move dozens of classrooms from very warm to cooler rooms last week. Some faculty and staff moved courses and activities online to minimize the impact of the heat. Read more here.
SJSU Online Launches, Opens More Doors for Adult Learners
August 18, 2022
Every day, thousands of Californians enroll in programs at for-profit or other non-profit institutions from outside the state seeking to complete their degrees online. Many of these students are returning adult learners who find it difficult to navigate the traditional schedules of a “bricks-and-mortar” campus experience. Others are mid-career professionals who are balancing full-time work and a family, while also seeking a way to move into the next job at their organization. Others want to seek out life-long learning but need to find a way to engage in that learning that can work at their pace and with their busy schedules. Read more here.
Building and Investing in Student Success and Academic Advising
June 2, 2022
As I prepare to enter my fourth year at SJSU, I am excited to see a number of efforts come to fruition, including our investments in student success through the expansion of academic advising. As you know, we were very lucky to have Dr. Shonda Goward join us in the Fall of 2021. As we go into the summer, we are going to need to come together as a campus to focus on closing equity gaps while improving retention and graduation rates for all our students. We must build on the hard work that each college has put into developing student success centers, developing them from the ground up, and on the exceptional efforts of the leadership in Undergraduate Education, which has not only helped coordinate the transition of academic advising but has also led efforts in the broader discussion of student success in academic affairs. All of this work will, of course, continue as we make sure we maintain the deep connection between academic advising, student success, and the delivery of our degree programs. Read more here.
Elevating the Voices of Faculty and Staff at SJSU
April 12, 2022
Over the past few weeks, we have had the pleasure to recognize and thank our amazing faculty and staff who continue to serve this institution in incredible ways. Not only are our colleagues doing exceptional work in support of the mission of this institution, many of them are doing it by committing decades of service to SJSU! I found both events incredibly inspiring and uplifting. Read more here.
Dean Transition Announcement
April 5, 2022
I want to thank everyone for your input into the process for choosing an Interim Dean of the College of Social Sciences. Through conversations with the department chairs, the college staff as well as a survey that saw a very strong response rate, many comments reflected the need for prior “experience” in administrative leadership as well as someone who is “transparent” and “approachable” and is willing to “walk the halls” and listen to people. In addition, numerous comments reflected the need to have someone in the interim role who can help maintain the forward momentum already present within the college. Read more here.
Piloting New Faculty-Driven Ideas: HonorsX and Interdisciplinary Studies Minor
March 18, 2022
In the Fall of 2020, I asked a group of faculty, staff, and students to come together to think about new ideas related to honors education. Called the (un)Honors Task Force, that group came up with a number of ideas, which were refined over the summer of 2021. Read more here.
Thank You to All Academic Affairs Staff
March 3, 2022
Yesterday’s Spartan Service Celebration was an amazing opportunity to celebrate the many wonderful staff we have on this campus. In our division alone, staff have collectively over 1,000 total years of service to our SJSU community! I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around that fact. Read more here.
Congratulation to Dean Walt Jacobs
February 17, 2022
I write today with news that Walt Jacobs, the dean of the College of Social Sciences, has accepted a position as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at California State University, East Bay. Walt will begin his new job on July 1. On behalf of the entire division, I want to extend Walt congratulations on his new role! I look forward to working with Walt on the system’s council of provosts starting next summer. Read more here.
Academic Continuity and the Return to In-Person Instruction on February 14
January 28, 2022
Spring 2022 is officially underway! I hope this email finds you well and safe. Thanks to everyone for temporarily pivoting from face-to-face to remote teaching following Interim President Perez’s announcement about delaying in-person instruction. I know everyone continues to feel incredibly stretched both on and off campus, as we wait for the latest COVID-19 surge around Omicron to dissipate. I hope this is the last major wave, but we have all learned that our realities can still change week-to-week. Read more here.
Fall 2022 Academic Affairs Town Hall for Staff
August 12, 2022
The Fall 2022 Academic Affairs Town Hall with staff hosted by Provost Del Casino was held as a live, virtual event. Erlinda Yanez, Department Analyst for the College of Social Sciences, moderates the Q&A with pre-submitted questions as well as live questions from the SJSU community.
(un) Honors College Task Force Presentation
May 14, 2021
A presentation by the (un) Honors College Task Force. The charge of this Task Force was not to come up with “the model” of honors but to present multiple possible pathways for programming at SJSU. If you would like to watch the full youtube video that was played during the presentation you can find it at https://youtu.be/Hofw35n2iww
Spring Academic Affairs Town Hall with Provost Del Casino
March 22, 2021
The Spring Academic Affairs town hall of 2021 with Provost Del Casino was held as a live, virtual event. Alison McKee, Vice Chair of the Academic Senate, moderates the Q&A with pre-submitted questions as well as live questions from the SJSU community.
Second Academic Affairs Division Town Hall with Provost Del Casino
September 2, 2020
The second town hall of 2020 with Provost Del Casino was held as a live, virtual event this year. Ravisha Mathur, Chair of the Academic Senate, moderates the Q&A with pre-submitted questions as well as live questions from the SJSU community.
First Virtual Town Hall with Provost Del Casino
May 21, 2020
The 2020 Town Hall with Provost Vin Del Casino was held as a live, virtual event this year. Shaun Fletcher, assistant professor of public relations, moderates the Q&A with nearly 300 pre-submitted questions as well as live questions from the SJSU community.
