News and Announcements
Faculty and staff can now connect students with two new resources designed to strengthen career readiness and expand global opportunities: GoinGlobal and USA Careers. Offered at no cost through the Alumni Association, these databases provide practical tools for study abroad preparation, internships, and employment searches in the U.S. and worldwide.
Students can explore more than 120 city and country career guides, complete cultural assessments and earn certifications, review a global employer directory and access more than 16 million job and internship postings. They will also find information about Optical Practical Training and H-1B visa pathways. Faculty may find these resources especially valuable for coursework that emphasizes intercultural communication, global business, immigration policy or industry research. Staff can recommend them in advising sessions with students preparing for professional opportunities.
Alumni may access GoinGlobal with USA Careers by logging in to Handshake and clicking the Resources tab.
SFSU received a $2 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities. The funds will expand and revitalize disability-centered academic offerings and student activities at SFSU.
“San Francisco State University has a longstanding history of ensuring its academic offerings reflect and represent its diverse student body, including people with disabilities,” SFSU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Amy Sueyoshi said. “This grant will allow us to uphold our promise to provide inclusive curricula.”
New tenure-track faculty lines in disability studies
The grant will establish two tenure-track faculty positions with specific expertise in disability studies. The new positions will help the University expand its course offerings in disability studies, which will give students a wider range of options to learn about the field.
The first position will be in the School of Design and will specialize in universal and accessible design. The second position will be in the College of Ethnic Studies and will focus on intersectionality and its relevance to disability studies.
“To build a sustainable future for disability studies at SFSU, these positions would be strategically placed in academic units that will allow students to learn about disability-centered topics from different perspectives and angles,” Sueyoshi said.
Partnership with The Arc SF
The grant will also support the creation of a faculty director position at SFSU to deepen collaboration with the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability. The institute is now located at The Arc San Francisco, a nonprofit that partners with adults with developmental disabilities through education, employment and community engagement in San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties.
Founded at SFSU in 1996, the Longmore Institute has been a national leader in disability scholarship and public education. In 2025, the institute transitioned to The Arc SF, where it continues its mission to amplify voices in the disability community and challenge societal perceptions through cultural programming, academic collaboration and community partnerships.
Melissa Crisp-Cooper, associate director of participant experience at The Arc SF, will serve as the primary point of contact for the Longmore Institute, helping coordinate joint programming and community engagement efforts with SFSU.
“People with developmental disabilities are often left out of advocacy movements and disconnected from the history of disability rights and justice,” said Crisp-Cooper. “We want to make landmark moments like the 504 Sit-In and the ADA accessible to our participants; not just through plain language but through mentorship, pride and programs designed with their needs in mind. This partnership is about helping our community see themselves in the fight for an inclusive future.”
The faculty director will work closely with the Longmore Institute to develop public events, workshops and academic initiatives centered on disability studies. The role will also support the growth of disability studies on campus and help create paid internships and fellowship opportunities for SFSU students.
SFSU will begin recruiting in fall 2025 for the new tenure-track faculty positions and the faculty director. All positions are expected to be filled by fall 2026.
Learn more about the Disability Studies minor and the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability.
Stop by the inaugural Lam Family College of Business Research and Innovation Showcase on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., in Library 121. This event is open to everyone.
Students will present projects developed through internships, case competitions, entrepreneurial ventures and research. Some projects highlight how classroom learning is applied in the real world.
Faculty will showcase their latest high-impact research and major initiative activities, offering a close look at the work shaping the future of business and public policy, and enhancing SFSU students’ career readiness.
Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
Per Academic Senate Policy No. S25-177, the Educational Policies Committee must inform the campus community of the following discontinuance proposal two weeks before Senate action. Discontinuance has been proposed for the Master of Science in Nursing: Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist and will be reviewed this semester.
To request more information or file a response, please email Claude Bartholomew at claude@sfsu.edu.
Vote for you colleagues for Staff Council positions. The voting period is open through Friday, Nov. 21.
Vacancies:
- Unit 1: one seat
- Unit 2: one seat
- Unit 5: one seat
- Unit 6: one seat
- Unit 7: one seat
- Unit 8: one seat
- Unit 9 (General technical support): one seat
- Unit 9 (Technical data support): two seats
For questions, please email the Staff Council askstaffcouncil@sfsu.edu.
November is International Education Month, celebrating the importance and benefits of international education in the U.S. and around the world. Originally launched in 2000 as International Education Week — a joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education — this celebration has grown into a global movement, now recognized in over 100 countries.
As the Division of International Education reflects on the importance of international education, they invite all faculty, staff and students to join in recognizing the global ties that enrich our campus.
You are encouraged to:
- Celebrate SFSU international students
- Promote study abroad opportunities to your students
- Share your international events with us to promote during the month of November
- Attend the All-University Committee on International Programs International Coffee Hour, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, noon – 1 p.m., in Library 286, hosted by the Division of International Education in Library. Enjoy coffee, snacks and conversation about all things international.
It is often said that the No. 1 regret of college students is not studying abroad. Many students want to go, but fear that it is not possible. Please encourage your students to go and let them know that it is possible, especially financially and academically.
One concern is cost. SF State Abroad Programs are affordable because they do exchange programs where students pay the same tuition regardless of whether they study abroad or not and have access to all of their financial aid. Then, they go to a partner university, where in the majority of countries the cost of living is cheaper. In most cases, it is so much cheaper that even with the costs of visas, flights, etc., most students will find the cost of studying abroad to be the same or cheaper than remaining in San Francisco. Some have even saved money by going abroad on an SF State Abroad Program.
Another common concern is delaying graduation. Students can make progress toward their major, minor and/or general education requirements while abroad sometimes even faster. Classes abroad are usually not impacted or waitlisted, so students are often able to get the classes they need abroad. The key is looking into study abroad and what classes are available at each location as soon as possible and not waiting until you are about to graduate.
Some departments like Business, Psychology and Kinesiology even have pre-approved classes for students. More information for all fields of study can be found on the SF State Abroad website.
The Study Abroad team is always happy to help students find classes abroad and explain the approval process. Email studyabroad@sfsu.edu or schedule advising in person or via Zoom. The Study Abroad Office is located in building C of the Village, next to U.S. Bank.
The priority deadline is Sunday, Feb. 15, for students to go abroad during 2026 – 2027, fall 2026 and summer 2026.
SFSU invites applications for the Paul K. Longmore Faculty Director of Disability Studies, a new leadership role advancing disability studies scholarship, teaching, and community engagement. Funded by the Mellon Foundation, the position honors Professor Emeritus Paul K. Longmore and anchors SFSU’s longterm commitment to disability justice, access and inclusion. The director will connect campus and the Bay Area disability community, so research and teaching are informed by lived experience and students develop leadership, professional and advocacy skills.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the Disability Studies minor
- Guide curriculum and cross-campus collaboration
- Organize public programs linking scholarship and community advocacy
- Coordinate the Paul K. Longmore Student Fellowship
- Build partnerships (e.g., The Arc San Francisco, Longmore Institute on Disability)
- Provide campus training in disability pedagogy and access; cultivate alumni/community networks
Required qualifications:
- SFSU tenure-line faculty
- Record of access and inclusion in teaching and research
- Experience with interdisciplinary curriculum and community-engaged scholarship
Preferred qualifications:
- Mentoring disabled students or leading community programs
- Evidence of program development or public engagement
Reporting and term:
- Reports to the provost.
- Mellon funding provides 3.0 WTUs of release each term beginning spring 2026.
- One-year appointment, renewable up to two additional years.
The deadline to apply is Monday, Nov. 24. To apply, please email a one- or two-page letter of interest and a curriculum vita to Michael Scott, vice provost for Academic Resources, at mjscott@sfsu.edu. Use “Paul K. Longmore Faculty Director Application” as your subject line.
The SFSU Academic Senate met on Tuesday, Oct. 28, via Zoom.
The Senate:
- Adopted by general consent the following items:
- B.A. in Humanities
- Passed the following items:
- Resolution Recommending Enhancements to the University Budget Committee Charge and Implementation
- Passed the following curricular changes:
- M.A. in Secondary Education and Learning
- M.N. in Human Resource Management
- Graduate certificate in Generative Artificial Intelligence for Computer Science
- Heard in first reading:
- Policy on Requirements for Graduate Students, No. S25-295
- M.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences
- M.N. in Africa and Globalization
- M.N. in Accounting
- Heard presentations from:
- Katie Lynch, Lori Beth Way and Craig Relyea: Strategic Enrollment
- Serkan Hosten, Academic Freedom Committee
The Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CEETL) organizes faculty writing meetups to provide opportunities for faculty to check-in briefly about their writing and ample time to quietly work on individual writing projects.
The meetups are scheduled for 1 – 3 p.m. every first and third Tuesday and every second and fourth Friday. Tuesday sessions are hybrid. Join virtually or come in person to Library 242. Snacks will be provided. Friday sessions are on Zoom.
To RSVP and for the Zoom link, please sign up for faculty writing meetups via Qualtrics.
The “AI Literacy Essentials: Prompting for Practical Applications” course offers a focused exploration of prompting and iteration strategies for generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots like Microsoft Copilot. It will be held Monday, Nov. 3, 2 – 3:30 p.m., via Zoom.
Through collaborative, hands-on activities and interactive exercises, participants will learn to write clear, effective prompts, apply refinement techniques such as prompt chaining, and assess AI-generated outputs for accuracy and relevance to achieve more reliable and useful results in a variety of academic and non-academic contexts.
This course is required to receive a digital badge for the AI Literacy Education Program.
The School of Social Work invites prospective students to join an information session to learn about the Master of Social Work program, admission requirements and the application process. The information session will be held Monday, Nov. 3, 6 – 7 p.m., via Zoom.
Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link for the Master of Social Work information sessions.
Join Student Support Services-TRIO, Student Outreach, Academic Retention-TRIO and the Latinx Student Center for the seventh annual First-Generation College Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., in Village Plaza (between the Student Services building) and Village C) and the Community Inclusion Space (Student Services 206).
This campus-wide celebration honors the resilience and achievements of SFSU’s first-generation students, staff, faculty, alumni and supporters. The day includes:
- Campus partner tabling and resource bingo
- Food and refreshments
- Arts and crafts
- A first-gen community Ssideshow
- A photo booth and wellness space
- “First-Gen Voices Open Mic” (1 – 1:30 p.m.): open to all first-gen community members who wish to share a brief reflection or story
All who identify as first-gen are encouraged to take part, whether by joining the celebration, submitting a photo or sharing your voice.
The San Francisco Disability Business Alliance will host its annual Bay Area Disability Entrepreneurship event on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 5 – 8 p.m., at the San Francisco Elks Lodge No. 3. This event is co-sponsored by SFSU.
In addition to the University’s sponsorship, students from Lecturer Faculty of Special Education Peter DeHass’ American Sign Language classes will volunteer at the event.
The Digital Media Studio and MakerSpace hosts an open house event on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2 – 6 p.m., in Library 260. It is open to all SFSU students, faculty and staff.
Learn about 3D printing, virtual reality, podcasting, audio mixing, internet of things/micro-controllers/robotics and video/audio equipment checkout. The open house will also feature special presentations of student projects with edge computing, artificial intelligence, Apple Vision Pro and more.
Join Associated Students and the General Union of Palestine Students (GUPS) as they celebrate the 18th anniversary of the Edward Said mural on the Cesar Chavez Student Center on Thursday, Nov. 6, 6 – 9 p.m. The celebration is open to the campus community.
This year’s theme is “Our Struggle is One, Liberation is Inevitable.” The celebration will include a keynote by the original muralist, Fayeq Oweis. It will also feature a panel of movement organizers with the Arab Resource and Organizing Center and Palestinian Youth Movement, as well as performances by the Palestinian Youth Movement Ensemble and the GUPS Dabke troupe.
Please RSVP via Google Forms to the Edward Said mural celebration.
The Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CEETL)’s Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) Brown Bags are informal, come-as-you-are gatherings. You can pop in with a question or stay for the conversation. They take place on Fridays, Nov. 7, Nov. 11 and Nov. 21.
The CEETL faculty director/Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum director will provide tips and resources, but in general, the content of the brown bags will be driven by you: What’s working in your classrooms? What are you struggling with? How can everyone work together to improve teaching and support each other?
Join the Lam Family College of Business on Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 – 5 p.m., for TEDx SF State. This event will be held at the SFSU Student Life Events Center (Annex 1), on 1 North State Drive. The event is free and is open to the SFSU community.
Come hear from thought leaders, innovators and change-makers who will share their forward-thinking ideas and actions. Connect with like-minded individuals and be part of a community dedicated to making a positive impact.
This event is sponsored by the Lam-Larsen Student Engagement Initiative and the Lam Family College of Business.
Please visit the Lam Family College of Business website to learn more and register.
SF State Spotlight
Associate Professor of History Felicia Angeja Viator wrote an article for Time on Oct. 30 giving a brief history of the phenomenon of clowns as scary and creepy.
“While the bad clown — a horror staple — might seem like a perversion of a wholesome form of entertainment historically meant for children, the clown in popular culture has always been subversive,” Viator wrote. “Indeed, the history of the American circus reveals that the twisted clown that haunts us today evolved from a similarly debauched type of comedy designed to shock and provoke its adult audiences. ... As with older clowning traditions, the early American circus clowns were adults performing taboo acts to shock and delight other adults. They didn’t supply entertainment for children but instead delivered a smutty good time for mature audiences, much to the dismay of critics.”
Catherine Kudlick, professor emerita of History and director of SFSU’s former Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability, was honored at a large public ceremony and formal banquet on Oct. 18 for her work in disability history and longtime collaboration with researchers at Umeå University.
“Yes, there were trumpets!” Kudlick said.
SFSU psychiatrist and alumnus Ronald Holt was recently recognized and awarded naming rights for his legacy giving and service to his alma mater, Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. Holt has a 25-year history of LGBTQ+ advocacy, civic engagement, community service and social justice volunteerism across the Midwest. Wayne State College recently named its new indoor track and field in his honor.
In addition to his work as a board trustee of the Wayne State Foundation, Holt has created numerous endowed and annual scholarships at the college helping LGBTQ+ students attend school. He began his first annual scholarship in 1989 when he was a senior at Wayne State.
Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Holistic Health Professors Richard Harvey and Erik Peper and alumni Singing Chen and Nicholas Heinz recently published “Practicing diaphragmatic breathing reduces menstrual symptoms both during in-person and synchronous online teaching” in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.