February 23, 2026

Join the University community as we celebrate a milestone moment for SFSU with the official unveiling of the newly named San Francisco Federal Credit Union Gymnasium. It will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., on the SFSU Gymnasium Plaza.

Enjoy light refreshments and be among the first to witness this exciting new chapter. Registration is required. Please register for the Gymnasium naming celebration via the Alumni Association website by Saturday, Feb. 28.

SFSU and the San Francisco Federal Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative that serves San Francisco and San Mateo counties, have teamed up as part of a strategic collaboration to enhance the programs and services offered to students and campus employees. Through this partnership, the credit union has access to sponsorship opportunities for various SFSU activities, including programming and events organized by Gator Athletics. Funding from the sponsorship bolsters athletic operations, scholarships and other University fundraising priorities. 

The Annual Giving team thanks everyone who signed up for Giving Day. If you registered, you would have received an email from Mike Sullivant and the Annual Giving team on next steps. Didn’t get that message or want to ask if you can still sign up? Please email givingday@sfsu.edu. Giving Day will be held on Wednesday, March 18. 

Vice President for University Advancement Jeff Jackanicz will retire at the end of June after more than six years of leadership at SFSU.

During his tenure, Jackanicz positioned University Advancement for strong momentum and long-term success. Just over halfway through the current fiscal year, the University has raised more than $30 million — already surpassing its annual fundraising goal. This follows the successful $25 million campaign for the Science and Engineering Innovation Center, which also exceeded its target. These achievements reflect deep donor confidence and have enabled the University to enter the quiet phase of its next comprehensive campaign.

Jackanicz also strengthened the visibility and engagement of the SFSU Foundation across campus and the region. Working closely with board members, he recruited a diverse and accomplished group of directors committed to advancing the University’s mission. His leadership in revising the foundation’s investment policy positions SFSU as a national leader in values-based investing. In addition, he helped build a marketing and communications team focused on raising the University’s profile during a challenging period for higher education.

Associate Vice President of University Development and Comprehensive Campaigns Anjali Billa will serve as interim vice president following Jackanicz’s retirement. Jackanicz will focus on ensuring a smooth transition through June.

SFSU’s 125th Commencement ceremony will take place Thursday, May 21, at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Staff and faculty are invited to serve as Commencement ambassadors and help support our graduates and their families during this historic milestone. Your participation plays an important role in creating a meaningful and memorable celebration for the entire SFSU community.

For 2026, the ceremony has been moved up by two hours. As a result, ambassador shifts will end significantly earlier than in previous years. Ambassadors will be scheduled 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., rather than until 9:30 p.m.

All ambassadors are asked to receive approval from their supervisor and attend an informational training on Monday, May 18, 10 – 11 a.m., via Zoom, for their assignment.

Many assignments involve large amounts of walking and standing. If you require accommodations, please indicate your needs on the sign-up form under “Questions or requests.”

The University thanks you for helping make Commencement a special experience for our graduating students and their families.

Please register to become a Commencement ambassador via the Alumni Association website.

For questions, please email Dania Russell at drussell@sfsu.edu.

SFSU’s 125th Commencement ceremony will take place Thursday, May 21, at Oracle Park in San Francisco. This milestone event brings together our graduates their families and friends to celebrate years of dedication and achievement. Faculty members are invited to serve as faculty marshals and play a vital role in supporting our graduates on this important day. Your presence adds warmth, guidance and a strong sense of community to this special day, helping ensure a smooth and meaningful Commencement experience for the Class of 2026.

For 2026, the ceremony has been moved up by two hours. As a result, faculty marshal shifts will end significantly earlier than in previous years. Faculty marshals will be scheduled 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., rather than until 9:30 p.m.

All faculty marshals are asked to attend an informational training on Monday, May 18, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., via Zoom for their assignment.

Many assignments involve large amounts of walking and standing. If you require accommodations, please indicate your needs on the sign-up form under “Questions or requests.”

Please register to become a faculty marshal via the Alumni Association website.

For questions or more information, please email Ken Maeshiro at kmaeshir@sfsu.edu.

All SFSU students with an innovative business idea or startup are invited to compete in the annual SFSU Innovation Pitch Competition on Friday, April 17. The top three pitches will share $7,000 in cash prizes. The application deadline is Saturday, April 4.

The SFSU Innovation Pitch Competition is hosted by the Lam-Larsen Innovation amd Entrepreneurship Programs Initiative at the Lam Family College of Business.

The SFSU Academic Senate will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2 – 5 p.m., via Zoom for its ninth meeting of the academic year.  

Agenda:  

• Informational items:
  • Faculty Affairs Committee: Bylaw template revision
  • Educational Policies Council: College of Professional & Global Education Discontinuation of B.A. in Ethnic Studies
  • Educational Policies Council: Suspension of B.A. in French
• Recommendation from the Academic Policies Committee in second reading:
  • Oral/Written Comprehensive Examinations Policy, No. S85-127: motion to rescind
  • Policy on the Administrative Placement of Interschool Programs, No. S85-129: motion to rescind
  • Policy on Intersegmental Cooperation between SFSU and Community College Programs, No. F91-172: motion to rescind
• Recommendation from the Campus Curriculum Committee in second reading:
  • Certificate in Conflict Transformation
  • Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
  • Graduation Certificate in Digital Learning Design
  • Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences
• Recommendation from the Faculty Affairs Committee in second reading:
  • Faculty Initiated Tenure Line Transfer
• Recommendation from the Student Affairs Committee in second reading:
  • Administration and Processing of Student Course Feedback Forms, No. S22-213
• Recommendation from the Educational Policies Council in first reading:
  • Discontinuation of B.A. in Italian
  • Discontinuation of B.A. in German
• Recommendation from the Academic Policies Committee in first reading:
  • Academic Calendar
    • Summer 2027
    • Academic year 2027 – 2028
  • Policy on restructuring academic units, No. S25-290
  • Open Research by Graduate Students, No. S88-153: motion to rescind
• Recommendation from the Campus Curriculum Committee in first reading:
  • Certificate in AI for Business Technologies
  • M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
  • Certificate in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
• Recommendation from the Faculty Affairs Committee in first reading:
  • Temporary Faculty (Lecturers), No. F15-160
  • Policy on Temporary Faculty Range Elevation, No. S21-211: motion to rescind
  • Library Retention and Tenure Policy, No. S82-95: motion to rescind
  • Periodic Evaluation of Temporary Faculty Policies and Procedures, No. S86-139: motion to rescind
  • Regularity and Frequency of Student Questionnaires on Teaching Effectiveness, No. S82-58: motion to rescind
  • Ad-hoc Committee on Stability of Employment, No. S82-98: motion to rescind
  • All-University Development committee, No. S84-117: motion to rescind
  • Meritorious Performance and Professional Promise Award, No. S88-128: motion to rescind
  • Policy on Qualification for Tenure Track Hire, No. S89-159: motion to rescind
  • SFSU Academic Senate Policy on Service Salay Step Increase, No. S00-209: motion to rescind
  • Policy on Transition to Electronic Working Personnel Action Files, No. s15-272: motion to rescind
  • Policy Resolution on Lecturer (Temporary) Faculty, No. F21-291: motion to rescind
• Recommendation from Strategic Issues Committee in first reading:
  • Resolution Endorsing the SFSU Associated Students “Resolution Opposing the Recent Increase in Compensation for CSU Presidents”
  • Mandatory Review of Academic Senate Policies, No. S08-247
• Recommendation from Student Affairs Committee in first reading
  • Policy on Undergraduate Academic Advising, No. S06-191
  • Faculty Statement of Course Requirements, No. S82-90: motion to rescind
  • Consultative Procedures for Associate Provost for Educational Support Services, No. F83-114: motion to rescind 

National TRIO Celebration Week at SFSU will run Monday, Feb. 23 – Thursday, Feb. 26, to commemorate 40 years of TRIO Day’s inception by Congress, celebrated since 1986. This is a call for attention to the needs, aspirations and extraordinary potential of students from low-income, first-generation backgrounds and/or students with a disability seeking to improve their lives through education. 

The campus community is invited to the National TRIO Day 40th Anniversary Celebration and Resource Fair with campus partners, community resources and TRIO programs on Feb. 23, noon – 2 p.m., in Library 121. Learn more about TRIO and its impact at SFSU, which has a legacy of advocacy, access and student success. Cake and other refreshments will be served.  

TRIO comprises eight federal programs in middle schools through higher education and community service organizations nationally. Its goal is to increase access, retention and graduation of students who are first-generation, low-income and/or students with a disability. TRIO programs began in 1964 and provide opportunities for those with potential who lack resources to prepare for, and succeed in, higher education. 

There are two TRIO programs on campus: Student Support Services TRIO in Educational Opportunity and Pathway Programs and SOAR TRIO in the College of Health & Social Sciences. Student Support Services-TRIO has supported students since 1997, providing holistic academic, personal and professional support throughout their college journey. Similarly, SOAR joined in 2015, expanding TRIO’s reach to support first-year and transfer students in health and social science majors in the college. Together and without duplicating services, both programs serve over 300 SFSU students each academic year. 

Please RSVP via Qualtrics for National TRIO Celebration Week. 

Associated Students (AS) of SFSU invites the campus community to kick off the spring semester at AS Spring Kickoff on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the Quad. Associated Students is the host of this event.  

AS Spring Kickoff is an annual campus celebration featuring food, lawn games, music and opportunities to connect with AS programs and resources. Students can enjoy free BBQ, interactive activities and a lively atmosphere designed to bring the community together as the semester gets underway. 

Student attendees are also encouraged to participate in the AS Bingo Giveaway for a chance to win prizes by engaging with AS programs throughout the event. Bingo cards and details will be available on-site. 

The “Image Creation with Generative AI” course provides participants with a primer on generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for image creation, considerations for using AI and best practices for creating effective and accessible images for various use cases. It will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. – noon, via Zoom. 

Through hands-on activities, participants will develop skills in crafting descriptive prompts and selecting appropriate visual styles to generate unique images with ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Adobe Firefly. 

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

The campus community is invited to “Digital Settler Colonialism,” a book talk with Omar Zahzah on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m., in Coppola Theatre (Fine Arts 101). 

Building from his recently published book, Zahzah will elaborate his concept of “digital settler colonialism,” discussing how Palestinians and their allies continue to resist the colonial weaponization of digital space and how legacy and digital media domination by elite powers relates to the question of Palestinian liberation. Zahzah is an assistant professor of Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diaspora Studies in the Department of Race and Resistance Studies. 
 

Applications for the Panetta Congressional Internship program have opened. Students are invited to information sessions, where SFSU’s 2025 nominee will share his experience with the program and offer advice for prospective applicants. 

A Panetta Congressional Internship information session via Zoom will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, 4 – 5 p.m. An in-person Panetta Congressional information session will be held Friday, March 13, noon – 1 p.m., in HSS 227. 

If you’ve been thinking about how to prepare for future education expenses, you’re not alone. Join the San Francisco Federal Credit Union for a seminar on rising college costs, explaining how planning early can make a meaningful difference. This seminar will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, 5:30 – 7 p.m., at the branch on 770 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco. 

Food and refreshments will be provided. 

Please register via Microsoft Forms for the San Francisco Federal Credit Union seminar.  
 

The University Budget Committee (UBC) invites all employees to its first full meeting of the semester on Thursday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. – noon, via Zoom. 

Agenda items include: updates to Huron/Institutional Review Committee recommendations for administrative, Academic Affairs and student retention; an introduction to pouring rights; and a brief Voluntary Separation Incentive Program update.   

To RSVP, please email the UBC at ubc@sfsu.edu. 

UBC members offer drop-in office hours Friday, Feb. 27, 11 a.m. – noon, via Zoom for faculty and staff for conversations about budget-related concerns. 

Please visit the Administration and Finance website to access slideshows and minutes from past meetings or request the recording from a recent meeting.

The Digital Media Studio and MakerSpace hosts a “Podcasting 101” event on Thursday, Feb. 26, noon – 1 p.m., in Library 260. It is open to all SFSU students, faculty and staff. Learn the basics of podcasting, including recording, editing and publishing. 

An RSVP is required. Please RSVP for “3D Printing 101” via the Academic Technology website. 

“Getting Started with ChatGPT Edu” offers a guided tour of the secure, CSU-licensed version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, available to all active SFSU faculty, staff and students. This session will be held Friday, Feb. 27, 2 – 3 p.m., via Zoom. Registration is required. 

You’ll learn what ChatGPT Edu is, how to access and navigate the platform, and how key features can support productivity and learning in various contexts. By the end of the session, you’ll be ready to explore ChatGPT Edu in your own work. 

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

CalPERS-eligible faculty and staff are invited to attend a CalPERS education class to help plan for retirement and steps needed. It will be held Friday, March 6, 9:30 a.m. – noon, via Zoom. 

Offered directly by CalPERS employees, this webinar will explain retirement types, payment options, beneficiary and power-of-attorney details, online resources and more.  

Please RSVP via Qualtrics for the CalPERS retirement presentation. 

The Department of Women and Gender Studies hosts a Women’s History Month event Wednesday, March, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., in Humanities 408. 

In the wake of Aliya Rahman’s courageous testimony, Women and Gender Studies will be in conversation with Emily Beitiks of the San Francisco Disability Cultural Center. They will talk about how to confront harm and build community. This talk is part of “In Contestation: Feminist Challenges and Change, Kathryn Kenley-Johnson Memorial Lecture Series.” 

To RSVP and request accommodations request by Tuesday, March 3, via e-mail to Diana Rumjahn at drumjahn@sfsu.edu.

The College of Health & Social Sciences is pleased to announce its 2026 De Cecco Lecture Series in LGBTQIA+ studies with Karen Tongson on Monday, March 16, 1:15 – 4 p.m., in the Seven Hills Conference Center. Her lecture is titled “The Rest of Us: The Post-Apocalyptic ‘Family’ on TV.” 

Tongson is the Barbra Streisand Professor of Contemporary Gender Studies and a professor of English, Gender and Sexuality Studies and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California.  

An hors d’oeuvres welcome reception begins at 1:15 p.m. The lecture presentation begins at 2 p.m. This event is open to the SFSU community.  

An RSVP is required. Please RSVP by noon Monday, March 9, via Microsoft Forms. 

For questions, please email Nicole Corrales at nmc@sfsu.edu.