News and Announcements
The Information Technology Services team finds that one of the easiest ways to protect your cybersecurity is by keeping your devices up to date. When you receive that update notification, don’t click “Remind Me Later.”
Software updates may feel inconvenient, but they provide critical benefits such as fixing flaws, adding new security protections and sometimes even introducing helpful tools or new features. Updating usually takes only a few minutes, your browser tabs and apps will reload and you’ll know you’re better protected against new threats. Even if you have automatic updates enabled, it’s worth checking periodically for the latest versions. If a restart is required, go ahead, and you’ll have the latest protection for all your devices.
Gator² is a community of SFSU staff and faculty who are also proud SFSU alumni. On Oct. 14, many members joined together for an afternoon of wellness, connection and fun.
The event began with a refreshing stretch session led by faculty member and Fit Plus Director John Peñacerrada, followed by a guided tour of the Mashouf Wellness Center. Participants then visited the Gator Health Center, where they viewed a presentation about the wide range of programs and services available to the campus community. They wrapped up the afternoon by enjoying lunch together at Yerba Buena Dining Hall.
Please visit the Alumni Association’s Flickr to view photos from the event.
Photo courtesy of the SFSU Alumni Association
Check out the 2026 SFSU Día de los Muertos calendar via Google Docs. Events take place through Monday, Nov. 2, including the campuswide that day at 11:30 a.m. on Malcolm X Plaza.
If you would like to contribute to an altar, please email emmanuelpadilla@sfsu.edu.
Image courtesy of the Latinx Student Center
Looking to refresh your approach to teaching writing? The Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CEETL) invites faculty to explore “Teaching Writing: Meeting the Moment,” a flexible, self-paced online course designed for both new and experienced instructors looking to enhance their writing instruction.
Explore practical teaching strategies at your own pace, including new modules on generative AI, multimodal writing, and digital portfolios to support student learning and engagement.
Earn a $250 stipend and digital badge! Complete the course and attend three “Teaching Writing Friday” sessions by Friday, Dec. 11, to earn a digital badge and a $250 stipend, supported by a CSU Adobe for All grant. Faculty who complete the course will be eligible to apply for a spring Community of Practice.
Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and the Community Inclusion Centers at SFSU have kicked off a new Gator Authors Speakers Series in fall 2026.
The Gator Authors series celebrates recent scholarship, research and creative work of SFSU faculty and staff while providing students opportunities to engage directly with authors from the University community.
Held in the Community Inclusion Center (Student Services 206), each event is formatted as informal and engaging conversation rather than a traditional academic lecture. Speakers discuss their recent publication, what inspired their work, central ideas and how they are relevant to college students today. Each event links the academic and cocurricular experiences of SFSU students, while connecting them with faculty, staff and campus resources.
To learn more about upcoming Gator Author Series events or to pitch an idea for a future event, please email Olympia Pereira at opereira@sfsu.edu and Sydney Jackson Sihombing at sjackson18@sfsu.edu, professional staff at the Community Inclusion Center.
The Presidential Search Advisory Committee voting is open and will close at the end of the business day (5 p.m.) on Friday, Nov. 6. Faculty can vote for Campus Presidential Search Advisory Committee members on the Academic Senate voting page.
Questions? Contact the Senate office at senate@sfsu.edu.
Have you taken steps to reduce the cost of instructional materials for students in your courses? If so, you may be eligible for funding as part of the Affordable Instructional Materials (AIM) program.
AIM awards grants to individual faculty members and full departments to support the adoption of no- or low-cost instructional materials to make quality education accessible for all students. Funding is $250 – $750 for individual faculty and increases for departmental initiatives, depending on the projected impact and savings for students.
Please visit the AIM web page to learn more about the program and apply for a grant, or email Academic Technology at at@sfsu.edu to discuss potential cost-reduction projects.
The SFSU Academic Senate will meet Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2 – 5 p.m., via Zoom for its fifth meeting of the academic year.
- The Academic Policies Committee presents the following consent item:
- Revision to Graduate Paired Course Policy, #F25-126
- Recommendation from the Student Affairs Committee in second reading:
- Course Syllabus Policy, #S25-257
- Recommendation from the Faculty Affairs Committee in second reading:
- Department Chair and Equivalent Unit Directors, #S26-145
- Recommendation from the Campus Curriculum Committee in second reading:
- Minor in Comparative World Literature (program revision)
- Recommendation from the Executive Committee in first reading:
- Resolution on RSCA Accountability for Tenured Faculty
- Recommendation from Faculty Affairs Committee in first reading:
- Faculty Graduation Marshals, #S98-202 (motion to rescind)
- Recommendation from the Student Affairs Committee in first reading:
- Student Health Advisory Committee, #S18-281
- Recommendation from the Campus Curriculum Committee in first reading:
- BA-CJ: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies
- BA-CJ-CEL: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies (CPaGE)
- CT-CL: Certificate in Human Language, Machine Models, and AI Application
- PHD-SPED: Doctor of Philosophy in Education: Concentration in Special Education
- CT-DSML: Certificate in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for Biotechnology
- Recommendation from Academic Policies Committee in first reading:
- Revision to Athletic Advisory Board, #S92-175
Looking for fresh ideas to engage students in writing? Join The Center for Equity and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CEETL) for “Teaching Writing Fridays.” This is a weekly virtual gathering where faculty can connect, share ideas and explore practical strategies for teaching writing across disciplines, from first-year writing through Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement courses.
Explore topics such as artificial intelligence and writing, creative assignment design, multimodal composing, assessment and grading, the writing process, reading and information literacy, and more.
Sessions are supported by resources in CEETL’s “Teaching Writing Canvas” course, offering opportunities to deepen your learning and apply new strategies in your classroom.
Faculty who complete the “Teaching Writing Meeting the Moment” Canvas course and attend three “Teaching Writing Friday” sessions this semester are eligible to receive a $250 stipend.
The “AI Literacy Essentials: Introduction to Generative AI” course introduces generative artificial intelligence (AI) to those with little or no prior experience engaging with this emerging technology. It will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., via Zoom.
Participants obtain a foundational understanding of generative AI, its associated opportunities and implications, and basic strategies for composing and iterating prompts. Participants will engage in hands-on interaction with the Microsoft Copilot chatbot to begin generating practical outputs for personal and professional use cases.
This course is an elective that counts toward receiving a digital badge for the AI Literacy Education Program.
Attend “The Future of Crypto and Finance: A Conversation with Adam Carson” on Wednesday, Oct. 28, noon – 1 p.m., in Library 286. Carson is head of cryptocurrency at JPMorgan Chase. Admission is free.
The discussion will focus on the future of digital assets, blockchain technology and the growing role of cryptocurrency in finance. Carson will share his experience in the industry and discuss career opportunities in financial technology.
This event is designed with SFSU students in mind but is open to the SFSU community. Students will have the chance to ask questions during a Q&A session. The Lam-Larsen Finance and Technology Initiative at the Lam Family College of Business hosts this event.
The Advancing and Expanding Ethnic Studies Program invites you to the second CSU Advancing and Expanding Ethnic Studies Symposium to take place Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the CSU Office of the Chancellor and via Zoom.
The symposium is made possible with a generous $1.5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation and will showcase the research activities of the award recipients. This event is a celebration of innovative Ethnic Studies scholars and their groundbreaking pedagogical and research efforts to aid student understanding of the continued importance of Ethnic Studies and intersections between Ethnic Studies and Women’s Studies, Gender Studies, Sexuality Studies, and Trans Studies.
For questions or to confirm your attendance in-person or by Zoom, please email rkc@sfsu.edu by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, or RSVP via the symposium website.
Art Haus brings the arts to you through a hands-on workshop made for all levels. Just show up ready to create on Thursday, Oct. 29, at noon in Fine Arts 282. This workshop gives a live demonstration of watercolor as well as hands-on practice. Admission is free.
Limited spots are available, and an RSVP is required via the LCA Live website.
Ready to get started with DesignPLUS? Academic Technology is offering a series of onboarding workshops for SFSU faculty, extended through the end of the semester. Each of the three sessions builds upon one another and is best taken in order.
More sessions and topics will be added to meet the campus community’s training needs.
The Digital Media Studio and MakerSpace hosts the “DIY Custom Tote Bags with Cricut” workshop on Friday, Oct. 30, noon – 2 p.m., in Library 260. Create your own custom tote bag using Cricut. Learn how to design, cut and apply iron-on vinyl to make a personalized tote bag to take home, or for Halloween candy. RSVP is required.
The School of Theatre and Dance presents “h*llo k*tty syndrome,” an original play by brian dang. It will be presented Monday, Nov. 2, and Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m. in The Lab (Creative Arts 104).
What happens when the world becomes more interested in identifying you than knowing you? SF State REP breaks the boundaries of theatre and challenges audiences’ expectations with this partially devised production that highlights trans-centric voices. Directed by students Quinn Gilchrist and Grim, “h*llo k*tty syndrome” asks the audience to examine its own expectations and assumptions about visibility and performance.
Photo by Michael Schweikardt
Have questions about the upcoming launch of SFSU’s new website? Join the Strategic Marketing and Communications web team for an informal, drop-in Q&A session on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 1 – 1:30 p.m., via Zoom.
Whether you’re curious about what’s changing, how the transition will work or what to expect on launch day, the team is available to help.
No registration is required — just drop in with your questions via Zoom.
Faculty, staff and administrators are invited to participate in the Interstride “Careers Beyond Borders” Symposium on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at no cost through the SFSU Alumni Association’s partnership with GoinGlobal.
The virtual symposium brings together higher education professionals to explore international career development, global hiring, student mobility and strategies for supporting students pursuing career opportunities across borders.
Sessions will feature higher education leaders and career development professionals sharing practical approaches, institutional experiences and emerging strategies for preparing students for an increasingly global workforce.
To register for the Interstride Symposium, please complete the SFSU Alumni Association’s form. After submitting the form, you will receive instructions and a registration code to complete your symposium registration through Zoom.
The campus community — including students, faculty, staff, alumni, veterans, active-duty service members, military spouses, dependents and other military-connected individuals — is invited to join the SFSU Veterans Services for a Veterans Day Recognition event on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. at the Seven Hills Conference Center.
This event provides an opportunity for our University community to come together to honor the service, sacrifice and contributions of our military veterans. It also recognizes the role that veterans and military-connected individuals play in the SFSU community.
The event includes a catered luncheon. Registration is required. Registration is scheduled to close at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, but may close early if capacity is reached.
Attend Human Resources’ Employee Tuition Reduction/Fee Waiver presentation on Friday, Nov. 13, 2 – 3 p.m., via Zoom.
The Tuition/Fee-Waiver benefit provides opportunity for eligible employees or their dependents to take classes or earn degrees at any CSU campus at a discounted rate. For employees, this helps with career development, undergraduate/graduate degrees and some certifications.
SFSU Spotlight
Marc Stein, the Jamie and Phyllis Pasker Professor of History, wrote an Oct. 8 article for HARPPing on History about a recent House of Representatives hearing where Rep. Nancy Mace criticized LGTBQ+ exhibits in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
He also was interviewed on the “Way of Improvement Leads Home” podcast on Sept. 22 in a discussion on “Remembering America’s Bicentennial.”
Associate Professor of Management Veró Rabelo recently delivered an invited talk at the Harvard Kennedy School titled “Advancing Research on Sexual Harassment: Race, Sexual Orientation and Power.”
Now that it has been nine years since the viral spread of #MeToo and nearly two years since Donald Trump issued the “gender ideology extremism” executive order, how has the collective conversation and research landscape around sexual harassment shifted during this time? Rabelo draws upon their 15 years of research on race, sexuality and power in organizations to help make sense of the sociopolitical context around workplace mistreatment. They spotlight intersectionality and critical whiteness studies as frameworks for advancing our understanding of inequality in organizations.
Works by Assistant Professor of Design Eugune Randolph Young is featured in an exhibition at the City College of San Francisco (CCSF) Art Gallery. It is on display through Thursday, Nov. 19.
The CCSF Art Gallery is open Mondays noon – 3 p.m., Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 5 – 8 p.m. and Thursdays 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. A reception will be held Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The gallery is located in room 103 of the STEAM building at CCSF’s Ocean Campus, 50 Frida Kahlo Way in San Francisco.
Professor and Chair of Marketing Ian Sinapuelas and Professor of Marketing Minu Kumar have co-authored a paper examining how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing entrepreneurship — and the challenges that come with it. The two collaborated with Stanford University Professor Riitta Katila and industry practitioner Jen Gennai on the paper, published Oct. 22 in Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, a leading academic journal in business and management.
Titled “Everything Everywhere All-at-Once? AI, Expertise–Output Decoupling, and New Entrepreneurial Strategy Trade-Offs in the Age of Abundance,” the paper explores how generative AI makes it easier for entrepreneurs to develop ideas and produce work quickly and at scale, while introducing new challenges related to quality, oversight and accountability. The authors argue that as AI reduces the expertise needed to generate work, the ability to evaluate that work becomes increasingly important. Their findings highlight the need for entrepreneurs to balance speed with understanding, growth with oversight, and independence with broader organizational goals.