June 2026

San José 26 and mini´«Ã½ collaboration

Global soccer festivities are in full swing from June 11 through July 19. Experience watch parties, gatherings, experiences, exhibitions and more fun for the whole family all over San José and the Bay Area including events and art installations by mini´«Ã½ faculty and students!

June Issue

SpartanMessenger is on a once-monthly cadence for the summer months of June and July. Weekly newsletter publication will resume August 11, 2026. All colleges, divisions and departments and their respective communicators and stakeholders are to coordinate directly with University Marketing and Communications to support this change and to ensure strategic outreach to employees during the summer months. This is NOT an excuse to return to spamming employee inboxes with standalone emails. As fewer personnel are work and on-campus during the summer months and there is a reduction in campus events and programming, this pause in regular newsletter cadence supports the calmer campus environment and respects time and space for reflection as all teams prepare for the next academic year.

Contact UMC

Action Items

Volunteers Needed for Move In

Aug. 15-16, 2026

University Housing Services is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with the upcoming Fall 2026 Move In from August 15 to 16, 2026. Benefits include receiving volunteer hours, meeting new people, and gaining valuable experience.

mini´«Ã½ and ACUE

Staff and Faculty Invited to Join Association of College and University Educators Commons

mini´«Ã½ faculty, staff, and administrators are invited to join the ACUE Commons, a vibrant learning community for higher ed professionals who are passionate about transforming student learning.

Administration and Finance

Friendly reminder to all staff who oversee their department’s budgets to review the FY25–26 Fiscal Year End Deadlines to ensure all purchasing, travel, reimbursements, and financial transactions are submitted on time. Please plan ahead and refer to the deadline schedule to help avoid delays in processing.

Employee Benefits and Sevices Fair

Save the date - Fall Benefits Fair!

Sept. 17, 2026

The Employee Benefits and Services Fair will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 in the Student Union Ballroom. Benefits providers, mini´«Ã½ Benefits Representatives and vendors will be in attendance.

Events and Announcements

Become a FSL Advisor

Become an Advisor for FSL

mini´«Ã½ encourages faculty and staff to advise sororities or fraternities, build student relationships, strengthen professional skills, contribute to campus life, and gain recognition opportunities. Contact Amy Prause at amy.prause@sjsu.edu

Explore Your Bookstore

We're excited to officially re-open our doors! Explore the new offerings like Bath & Body Works, U Beauty & official FIFA merchandise. Take advantage of our Summer Sale - 50-75% off in-store items.

Summertime Dining Options

June - Aug, 2026

Food trucks are rolling onto 7th Street this summer on select days! Enjoy a variety of vendors and check our website regularly for the latest schedule and truck lineup.

Nirvana Soul Daily Deals

Now - Aug. 1

Daily deals are brewing at Nirvana Soul! Stop by the King Library location for rotating specials on your favorite drinks and bites, available everyday Monday through Friday until Aug. 1.

mini´«Ã½ Career Center Career Counselor Kelly Masegian

 Students see headlines about economic uncertainty, and we're helping students cut through the noise and demonstrate their Spartan edge. Check out the Career Center + student radio and TV appearances!

Campus Reading Program

The 2026-27 mini´«Ã½ Campus Reading Program selection is I, Robot by Isaac Asimov. Incoming students get a copy. Staff/faculty are invited to join CRP events exploring AI ethics and robotics.

People and Culture

The Division of People and Culture launches July 1, 2026. Employees can visit the dedicated FAQ website and use the division email to access updates and important information.

the upside newsletter

Stay in the loop with the new UPside Newsletter, featuring the latest from University Personnel, upcoming events, important updates, and resources to support and celebrate our faculty and staff community.

Leadership Course

Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

Transform your leadership through an ontological model. Attend a virtual info session (Tuesdays, 12–1 PM) to learn how to lead effectively as your natural self-expression. Open to all experience levels.

FYI: New Academic Scheduling Tool Launch

Explorance Blue

Explorance Blue, New Course Evaluation Platform

mini´«Ã½ will pilot Explorance Blue in spring 2026 as part of a transition to a new course evaluation platform. Courses taught by full professors will support testing ahead of rollout.

Student Assistant Job Example

Apply to table on Aug. 19, 1- a.m. - 1 p.m.

Free Registration Open for mini´«Ã½ Departments! Join the Fall '26 Part-Time and On-Campus Job Fair. Reminder: mini´«Ã½ Handshake is the online hub for posting student job openings in all departments and divisions.

Spartan Wellness and Recovery Meeting

Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.

Spartans take care of Spartans. All employees in need are invited to join weekly confidential and anonymous recovery meetings. All forms of recovery are welcome, including non-abstinence models. Held weekly on Thu. 12-1 p.m. in Clark Hall 412.

Leadership Announcements, Developments and Transitions

June 1, 2026

As the search for the inaugural Vice President for People and Culture continues, Shawn Whalen has been serving as Interim Vice President since June 1, while continuing as Chief of Staff to the President.

July 27, 2026

Crist S. Khachikian will serve as the new Vice President for Research and Innovation and dean of the College of Graduate Studies, effective July 27. 

July 1, 2026

Dr. Shelley Cargill, Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Success will serve as Interim Dean of the College of Science starting July 1.

June 2026

Transition: Shonda Goward, Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success to Join CSU Chancellor’s Office

May 4, 2026

Announcement: Jesse Ramírez assumed the role of Director of New Student and Family Programs, Division of Academic Affairs.

May 25, 2026

Announcement: Lucy Serrato-Lager assumed the role of Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Division of Academic Affairs.

June 1, 2026

Announcement: Jennifer Corgiat assumed the role of Associate Vice President for University Budget and Financial Strategy, Division of Administration and Finance.

June 15, 2026

Announcement: Twinki Mistry assumed the role of Associate Vice President for Enterprise Applications, Division of Information Technology.

July 1, 2026

Announcement: Dr. Randall Fullington will assume the role of Vice Provost for Academic Innovation, Division of Academic Affairs.

Faculty and Staff Spotlight

Saili Kulkarni

Dr. Saili Kulkarni, Associate Professor of Special Education, was selected as a Frontiers of Science Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences. This honor recognizes outstanding emerging scientific leaders.

Athletics Staff

Thanks to the efforts of Athletics staff for their dedicated and ongoing work hosting FIFA and the Paraguay National Team as mini´«Ã½ serves as a basecamp facility during the World Cup.

Jason Laker

Chair of the mini´«Ã½ Department of Counselor Education, has been appointed as a Senior Fellow for Higher Education and Sustainable Development with the International Association of Universities.

A Day in the Life as a Spartan University Personnel Video Series

Staff Spotlight: Simon Tobin and Sonia Curvelo

Go behind the scenes with Men’s Head Coach Simon Tobin and Women’s Head Coach Sonia Curvelo as they share insights, strategy, and what drives success in Spartan Soccer.

Dr. Sandra Zuniga Ruiz, Assistant Professor in Teacher Education, earned the National Academy of Education (NAEd)/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship. This prestigious award supports the advancement of innovative and impactful educational research.

mini´«Ã½ NewsCenter Featured Stories

Women sitting in chairs talking

mini´«Ã½â€™s Women in Leadership League (WILL) Conference connects students with industry experts, often serving as their first professional networking experience.

Black Engineers Week

This year, mini´«Ã½â€™s Black Engineer Week expands its reach with a Juneteenth celebration at the San José Museum of Art, spotlighting Black innovation across art, technology, music, gaming and engineering.

Warm Weather Guidance from EH&S

Spartan Scoop: Stay Safe this Summer

Environmental Health and Safety, a department of the division of Facilities Development and Operations is charged with maintaining workplace, classroom and laboratory safety for all mini´«Ã½ students and employees. As summertime temperatures ramp up, EHS urges everyone to be aware of and respond to signs of heat-related illnesses. Limit your time spent outdoors, drink plenty of water and avoid the hottest time of the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you can avoid it. Persons sensitive to higher temperatures are at greater risk for illnesses like heatstroke and should note the symptoms.