September 29, 2025

When you decide to go to a big city university like San Francisco State, you’re going to need to know how to navigate public transit. SFSU has a class for that. The capstone of the four-day, one-unit “Living in San Francisco” class takes over 200 new Gator students on a Municipal Railway (Muni) adventure throughout this beautiful, one-of-a-kind city.  

Riding public transit is more than an exciting and eco-friendly way for you to explore the San Francisco Bay Area — It’s also the most affordable. All SFSU students receive unlimited rides throughout 22 transit agencies spanning all nine Bay Area counties. It’s a reason why students are choosing SFSU.

“The transit here is accessible. Back at home, there aren’t many trains and it’s not as efficient. Even if I had a car, I wouldn’t want to drive it here,” said April Ulloa, a freshman from Santa Monica, while waiting with her classmates for an inbound M Oceanview train at the SFSU/Parkmerced station.

“If it’s free, you especially have to take advantage,” added her new friend Kenya Velasquez, a freshman from San Leandro.  

For their field trip through the city, student groups were responsible for wayfinding. They had to determine their own routes by public transportation and by foot, leaving from campus in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. No rideshares, robotaxis, pedicabs or hitchhiking.

One group included several San Francisco high school graduates. They were raised on Muni. They helped lead the way, taking the group from the Castro District on a walk to Dolores Park and the Mission District. Rides on the crowded 22 Fillmore and 38 Geary buses on the way to Chinatown — a locals-only route that Google Maps surely wouldn’t recommend — gave students a glimpse into the everyday routines of San Franciscans as they passed through the Fillmore, Japantown, Tenderloin and Financial districts. Those new to the city and to riding public transit received advice on personal safety from their peers.  

Throughout their travels they stopped not just to catch their breaths climbing the city’s famously steep hills, but also to take in views of the skyline, check out the public art, stop for lunch, drink smoothies and browse the shops.  

“My favorite part about exploring San Francisco is in every little spot you find, there’s always going to be something interesting there, whether it’s stores, restaurants or art displays,” said Renee Richardson, a first-year student. “There’s always something cool around.”  

The “Living in San Francisco” syllabus makes it clear: making new friends is one of the main objectives, along with learning the city and its public transit. Taught by First-Year Experience Faculty Director Susanna Jones, the class also helps you navigate the myriad student services on campus.

Now that our students have completed the “Living in San Francisco” class, they are prepared to bring their brightness wherever their studies — and unlimited transit rides — take them.

Learn more about SFSU New Student and Family Programs.

Photo by Tess Stevens

A new national study confirms what SFSU alumni already know: an SFSU degree pays off. Research from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce shows that the University’s 10-year return on investment (ROI) has grown significantly over the past decade, underscoring SFSU’s role as a driver of economic mobility and opportunity in the Bay Area. It’s the latest evidence that the future truly is brighter for students who choose SFSU.  

“San Francisco State University has long been committed to providing high-quality, affordable higher education that changes lives,” said SFSU President Lynn Mahoney. “This new study demonstrates the impact of that commitment. Our graduates go on to launch successful careers, contribute to the vitality of the Bay Area economy and strengthen their families and communities for generations.”  

The Georgetown researchers examined ROI at more than 4,600 colleges nationwide, comparing data from 2012 and 2022. ROI was measured by weighing the cost of attendance — tuition, fees and living expenses — against graduates’ earnings a decade after enrolling. For SFSU students, the results are clear: ROI increased by 31% in just 10 years, rising from $183,000 in 2012 to $239,000 in 2022.  

The study highlights a broader trend: the value of a degree from a California public university continues to rise. At CSU campuses, ROI has climbed steadily, reflecting strong labor market outcomes for graduates. In the Bay Area in particular, the boom in technology and related industries has fueled local demand for college-educated workers. San Francisco now ranks as the seventh-best job market in the nation for recent graduates, according to payroll company ADP.  

For SFSU graduates, that means opportunities in multiple sectors — from education and health care to the arts and public service — where they apply their skills and knowledge to benefit the region. The University’s increasing ROI confirms that an SFSU education remains one of the most prudent investments students can make for their future.  

“My time at SFSU gave me the skills, confidence and hands-on experience that launched my career,” said Nicole Mossman (B.S., ’94; MBA, ’97), chief marketing officer at AssetMark, a Concord-based provider of wealth management and technology solutions for financial advisers. “Having professors who brought real-world expertise into the classroom made all the difference. I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to shape the future of the Bay Area.”

Discover your future as a Gator.

The University introduces mobile credentials for The SFSU OneCard. This new feature allows students, staff and faculty to access many OneCard functions directly from their smartphones. Now, your mobile credential serves as your official University identification.  

To move your campus and transit services from your physical card to your phone or if you have questions, please visit the OneCard mobile credential page or email the SFSU OneCard team at onecard@sfsu.edu. 
 

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 Bachelor of Arts in Comparative and World Literature and will be reviewed this semester. 

To request more information or file a response, please email Claude Bartholomew at claude@sfsu.edu. 

SF Sketchfest brought laughs back to campus with a comedy-filled evening for students and alumni on Sept. 11. The show featured standout performances from headliners like Jessica Makinson (“South Park”) and Brian Huskey (“Bob’s Burgers”), along with a lineup that kept the crowd entertained all night. 

Visit Flickr to check out photos from the event.   

Through Monday, Oct. 6, SFSU students, faculty and staff are invited to provide their input on how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are shaping our campus community. Your participation is critical to the ethical and effective adoption of AI at SFSU and across the CSU system. 

The AI survey is a CSU-wide effort to assess campus perspectives on generative AI. The survey will provide a snapshot of the SFSU community’s generative AI-related needs and desires, supporting a locally responsive campus approach to this technology. Whether or not you use AI tools in your classes, office research or laboratory, your thoughts are welcome.  

The survey is completely anonymous and will help guide SFSU in creating a thoughtful and responsive approach to generative AI. You can choose to enter a CSU-wide prize drawing for a $10 Visa gift card or an iPad Pro.   

Take the CSU AI survey via Qualtrics.   

The Vista Room, the sit-down service training restaurant, is now open Thursdays for lunch at 11:45 a.m. To make your reservation, please email the Vista Room at vista@sfsu.edu.  

Thursday, Nov. 20, is the last day to book a reservation for fall 2025. 

Article 20.37 of the collective bargaining agreement for CSU faculty provides a limited pool of funds to be awarded to faculty engaged in exceptional levels of service that support the CSU’s priorities. Faculty may nominate themselves or others for these Exceptional Assigned Time Awards in a letter no longer than two pages.  

If nominating someone, please include a statement to the effect that the faculty member is not already receiving assigned time for the same general category of supported activity during academic year 2026 – 2027. Academic Senate policy S18-271 is on the senate website and includes details on eligibility, supported activities, review criteria and process.  

Awards for academic year 2026 – 2027 will be announced in March.  

All nominations and supporting documents must be received by the Academic Senate office via Qualtrics  by 5 p.m. Friday Nov. 7. 

Encourage your students to study abroad next semester. Application deadlines for select programs for spring 2026 have been extended: Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 11: 59 p.m. for SF State Exchange, and Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 11:59 p.m. for CSU International Programs.  

On all programs, students enjoy: 

• Same tuition 
• Cheaper cost of living 
• Use financial aid 
• SFSU credit 
• Major, minor, language and general education classes 

Explore options on the SF State Abroad Database. Advising is available on Zoom and in-person in the Study Abroad Office, Village at Centennial Square, Building C. 

For questions, please visit the SF State Abroad website or email studyabroad@sfsu.edu.  

Do you have an interest in incorporating climate change and/or climate justice into your pedagogy? Climate HQ supports climate justice teaching at SFSU through Climate Justice Faculty Learning Communities. Modeled on the Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning’s teaching squares, these communities will meet regularly throughout the semester to support each other and share best practices for teaching and learning focused on climate justice pedagogies. 

The Climate HQ Faculty Learning Communities will take place in spring 2026. Each community should consist of three to six faculty, staff or students. Both interdisciplinary groups and people within departments/disciplines are encouraged to apply. 

The communities should meet to work on their project for 10 hours over the course of the semester, using curated resources to create a proposed pedagogical outcome including: syllabus change, readings list, assignment/exercise, lectures, project-based collaboration between departments, community collaboration and/or organization of a Climate HQ event for campus. 

A $500 honorarium is provided. Apply by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7. View the call for proposals for application instructions and examples of completed projects. 

For questions, please email Climate HQ Faculty Learning Communities coordinator Carolina Prado at carolinaprado@sfsu.edu. 

Are you interested in working on climate change/justice in your research, scholarship or creative activities? SFSU’s Climate HQ aims to strengthen climate justice teaching, research and outreach on campus. Climate HQ supports efforts to mitigate climate change and to address climate impacts through interdisciplinary mini-grants that bring researchers from different fields together to address climate justice goals. 

These one-time mini-grants will seed and support interdisciplinary research, scholarship and creative activities. Three to six grants between $5,000 and $14,000 each will be awarded (award period is January-December 2026). Applications are sought from teams comprised of at least two people who specialize in different disciplines, including at least one tenured/tenure-track faculty. 

The mini-grants’ goals are to: 

• support faculty members incorporating climate change/justice into their research, scholarly and creative activities for the first time 
• deepen their inquiries into climate change/justice in a new way 
• facilitate connections among faculty engaged in climate research, scholarship and creative activities across campus and in the community 

Apply by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. View the call for proposals for application instructions and examples of completed projects.  

For questions, please email Climate HQ Faculty Mini Grants coordinator Carolina Prado at carolinaprado@sfsu.edu. 

SFSU Climate HQ’s new Climate Justice Internship Program offers students a paid semester-long internship where they will be matched with partner organizations committed to climate justice. They will complete a project that advances that organization’s work while giving them the opportunity to learn from seasoned activists and other professionals.  

Undergraduates from any major at SFSU can apply if they are full-time in spring 2026. Applications are due Friday, Oct. 10, for internships that will take place in spring 2026.  

The SFSU Academic Senate will meet Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2 – 5 p.m., via Zoom for its third meeting of the academic year.  

Agenda:   

• Information item about the next step in the Institutional Review process. 
  • Provost’s council prioritization 
• Recommendation from the Executive Committee in first reading: 
  • Revision to Policy on Assigned Time for Exceptional Levels of Service to Students, No. S18-271 
• Recommendations from the Student Affairs Committee in first reading: 
  • In Memoriam Resolution Honoring Dr. David Olsher 
• Recommendations from the Academic Policies Committee in first reading: 
  • Syllabus Policy to Enhance COVID-19 Communications, No. SU21-292, motion to rescind 
  • Policy for Articulation of Upper-Division and Lower-Division Courses, No. F00-149, motion to rescind 
  • Graduate Paired Courses, No. S20-126 
• Recommendations from the Faculty Affairs Committee in first reading: 
  • Policy on By-Laws for Departments, Equivalent Units, and All Other Faculty Units that Offer Academic Degrees, No. F24-306 
• Recommendations from the Campus Curriculum Committee in first reading: 
  • Certificate in Generative Artificial Intelligence Technology, Applications and Ethics: New program 
  • Minor in Artificial Intelligence for Business Applications: New program 
  • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science: Program revision 
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA): Distance education authorization 
  • Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching and Learning: Program revision 
  • Master of Arts Gerontology: Revise to be an MPA concentration 
• Recommendations from the Faculty Affairs Committee in second reading: 
  • Academic Affirmative Action Policy Statement, No. S99-124, motion to rescind 
  • Annual SFSU Retreats, No. S93-185, motion to rescind 
• Recommendations from the Campus Curriculum Committee in second reading: 
  • Bachelor of Arts in Video Game Studies 
  • Specialist in Blood Bank Technology Certificate 
• Presentations: 
  • Vice Chair Arezoo Islami: “Robert’s Rules: Point of Order and Point of Information” 
  • Faculty Trustee Darlene Yee-Melichar: “CSU Board of Trustees Update” (time certain 4 p.m.) 

The “In Progress: Proxies, Prototypes and Maquettes” exhibition is open through Thursday, Oct. 23 in the Fine Arts Gallery (Fine Arts 238). Regular hours are Tuesdays – Thursdays, noon – 4 p.m., and by appointment. Admission is free. 

Models and maquettes are essential in artistic production, often serving as small-scale versions of larger projects for practical reasons. Bypassing real-world constraints like size, cost and safety, these prototypes and mockups enable vivid experimentation and exploration of ideas. This group exhibition forefronts the creativity and beauty of these objects, celebrating the hidden processes of artistic practice. 

Kevin B. Chen is the curator. Featured artists include Michael Arcega, Mark Baugh-Sasaki, Chris Dorosz, Linda Fleming, Elina Frumerman, Dana King, Phoebe Leung, Adrien Segal, Banker White, Anna Fitch, Simon Cheffins and selections from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s model room. 

The Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CEETL)-organized writing meetups 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. 

Please join Associated Students to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cesar Chavez Student Center from Monday, Sept. 29, to Friday, Oct. 3. Events will commemorate the student center's place at the heart of campus.  

Schedule: 

• Tuesday, Sept. 30, noon – 2 p.m., Malcolm X Plaza: 50th anniversary celebration featuring performances, guest speakers and a Taco Tuesday buffet. 
• Tuesday, Sept. 30, 5 – 7 p.m., Cesar Chavez Student Center Art Gallery: Opening reception of the 50th anniversary retrospective exhibit. 
• Wednesday, Oct. 1, noon – 2 p.m., Malcolm X Plaza: A walking tour of all seven of the Cesar Chavez Student Center community murals. Learn how the murals came to be, what went into their composition and why Associated Students continue to celebrate them every year. 
• Thursday, Oct. 2, 6 – 9 p.m., The Depot: A good old-fashioned Throwback Thursday show at SFSU’s historic live music venue. 
• Friday, Oct. 3, 5 – 9 p.m., Rack ‘N’ Cue Games Room: Alumni vs. student pool tournament 

For questions, please email April Joy Nietes-Rudnick at apriljoy@asi.sfsu.edu. 

Encourage your students to learn more about the Boren Scholarship and learn a critical need language abroad. The Boren Scholarship offers up to $25,000 to U.S. undergraduates studying critical languages in regions important to U.S. interests. Join SF State Abroad on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 4 p.m. in the Study Abroad office, Village at Centennial Square, Building C. Learn more about eligibility, the application process and tips for a strong application. 

A Boren Scholarship representative visiting SFSU will lead this session to provide the most up-to-date insights. This event is hosted by the Division of International Education. 

The SFSU Police Department hosts its next “Coffee with a Cop” event on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the plaza level of the Cesar Chavez Student Center. This event provides an opportunity for the campus community to ask questions and share ideas over a free cup of coffee.  

The “AI Literacy Essentials: Critical Analysis of Generative AI” course explores the critical analysis of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to support responsible use of this technology. This course takes place Wednesday, Oct. 1, 10:30 a.m. – noon, via Zoom. 

Learn how AI models are trained and why misinformation and biases may occur in AI-generated content. Develop strategies to analyze AI outputs and assess AI tools for quality and ethical considerations. Engage in the evaluation process through collaborative, hands-on activities and reflective discussions. 

This course is an elective that counts toward receiving a digital badge for the AI Literacy Education Program. 

Please visit the SFSU AI website to learn more and register for the “Critical Analysis of Generative AI” course. 
 

Join students from the Community Building and Support for Current Researchers and Creatives (CREATE) program for a discussion about resources on Wednesday, Oct. 1, noon – 1:30 p.m., in the Digital Media Studio and MakerSpace (Library 260). 

They will talk about the resources available to support the work the campus community all does. Come to voice your needs, share your experience getting started and participating in research and creative work on campus. Learn about what opportunities exist for grants, funds, scholarships and fellowships. Hear from students about why they decided to get involved in research, the benefits they have gained from the process and their advice for getting involved and feeling supported. 

Please visit the Academic Technology website to learn more and RSVP for the CREATE event.  
 

Join international and internationally minded faculty, administrators and staff for a coffee hour on Thursday, Oct. 2, noon – 1 p.m., in the Library Teaching and Learning Commons (Library 286). 

Join for light refreshments, provided by the College of Professional & Global Education, and a chat about all things international. You’ll also learn about the American Language Institute's history on our campus and its work with international students. 

This event occurs twice each semester and is organized by the All-University Committee on International Programs, an Academic Senate committee. 

Please RSVP via Qualtrics for the international coffee hour. An RSVP is not required but strongly encouraged. 

The “Collaboration with Zoom AI Companion” course introduces participants to the Zoom AI Companion and its practical applications within a university setting. It will be held Thursday, Oct. 2, 2 – 3:30 p.m., via Zoom. 

The course covers key features such as meeting summaries, real-time Q&A, interactive smart recordings and whiteboard tools for generating sticky notes, tables, mind maps and flowcharts. Learn how to apply these tools to enhance productivity, collaboration and learning in academic and administrative contexts through guided demonstrations and hands-on activities. 

This course is an elective that counts toward receiving a digital badge for the AI Literacy Education Program. 

Please visit the SFSU AI website to learn more and register for the “Collaboration with Zoom AI Companion” course.  

Join one of the two information sessions to learn about the blended programs that the departments of Child and Adolescent Development and Special Education offer. They will be held Monday, Oct. 6, noon – 1 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 4, 6 – 7 p.m., via Zoom. 

The information sessions will provide information about the new Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies: concentration in Special Education Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) and the SF State Scholars Programs.  

Students completing the ITEP program will graduate with both a B.A. and a preliminary Education Specialist Instruction credential in Early Childhood Special Education in just four years. The program is designed to prepare professional educators to provide quality early intervention and early childhood special education to young children birth through kindergarten. 

Students in SF State Scholars pursue a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and credential simultaneously. For students in this blended program, up to 12 semester units may be double counted for both the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree. 

Please RSVP via Qualtrics for the information sessions. 
 

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. 

RSVP to receive the Zoom link for: 

• Monday, Oct. 6, 6 - 7 p.m. 
• Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6 - 7 p.m. 
• Monday, Nov. 3, 6 - 7 p.m. 

The Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CEETL)’s GWAR Brown Bags are informal, come-as-you-are gatherings. You can pop in with a question or stay for the conversation. The events take place via Zoom at noon on Friday, Oct. 10; Tuesday, Oct .14; Friday, Oct. 24; and Tuesday Oct. 28. 

The CEETL faculty director/Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum director will provide slides with 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 we work together to improve our teaching and support each other? Use the time to consult with the director or find your community.  

Please visit the CEETL website for the Zoom link to the GWAR Brown Bags. 

The Department of Latina/Latino Studies presents “Madres que Luchan: Lorena Gutiérrez’s fight to end femicide in México” on Monday, Oct. 13, at 2:30 p.m. in Library 121. This talk will feature a sneak-preview of an upcoming documentary film about Gutiérrez’s story. 

Gutiérrez will share her story of losing her daughter Fátima, victim of feminicide at age 12. Despite struggling with corruption and many obstacles, she continues to fight for justice in her daughter’s case and to bring about an end to gender violence in Mexico. Over 10 years of work, she has become recognized as an exemplary voice for victims of feminicides in Mexico.  

Collaborating closely with the National Citizen Observatory for Feminicides, Gutiérrez has won significant victories in court. In May, she won a major ruling from the Mexican Supreme Court recognizing the rights of thousands of victims’ families across the country to receive reparations and restitution. This landmark decision expands the human rights of victims in one of the most dangerous countries for women and girls. 

Join us for the Women’s Emerging Leadership Forum on Friday, Nov. 14, at Visa headquarters, 300 Toni Stone Crossing, San Francisco. This event is hosted by the Lam-Larsen Community Engagement Initiative at the Lam Family College of Business in collaboration with Visa. This year’s theme is “Women Driving Finance.” 

Save 50% off the regular faculty and staff ticket price until Friday, Oct. 10. Please visit the Lam Family College of Business website for details to buy tickets.